Am I the only one who enjoys watching bike stunt videos from helmet mounts? Probably not. We always get the thrill from watching from the rider’s perspective. Aside from entertainment purposes, you can evaluate your riding skills from the videos and learn from others. The best way to capture these moments is by mounting your action camera on your helmet.
There are a variety of ways you can mount your action camera to your helmet. You can mount an action camera using straps provided with the camera or use GoPro adhesive mounts with industrial-strength adhesion.
This article will discuss how to mount a GoPro camera to your helmet, the benefits of a helmet mount, and our favorite GoPro-ready helmets.
Ways to mount an action camera to a helmet
You can mount your GoPro camera onto your camera about three ways, depending on the mount location and the type of helmet you have.
1. Top mount
The most typical area to mount your action camera is the top of the helmet, but it’s not the most efficient. If you do not angle the camera properly, you may not see everything in your field of view. However, it is excellent for a front or rear view.
The top mount is most efficient for bicycle helmets, though, due to the rugged nature of the surface.
How to mount
Place the mount on the top center of the helmet and look for the vents the mount straps will go through. Open the clips on the sides, thread the straps through the clips and the vents on each side. Pull the straps to tighten them and snap the clips closed.
Once the mount is secure and is not moving around, fit the camera and tighten the thumbscrews to hold it in place.
2. Side mount
The side mount is relatively standard among riders who have a half and open-face helmet, but this position gives an off-center view, and part of the helmet will be showing on the footage. This position is excellent if you want to show the side view or landscape of the area if you face the camera to the side.
How to mount
Choose a flat surface to attach the adhesive mount. Clean the area with a damp cloth and remove oils using a cotton pad and rubbing alcohol. Attach either the straight or curved adhesive mount on the surface and apply pressure.
Give the glue time to hold before attaching the camera. Slide the release buckle into the adhesive mount and close the latch. Insert the camera into the frame, connect it to the release buckle and secure it with the thumbscrew provided.
3. Chin mount
The action cam chin mount is gaining popularity among avid bikers because it has the best point of view with the most realistic experience. You can also attach an external mic mounted within the helmet much easier compared to other mounting locations. Follow the steps below to mount the G0pro cam on your helmet’s chin.
How to mount
- Find the best mount location for your camera. Since the chin area of most helmets has a ridge that the adhesive mount cannot adhere to, you have to mount the adhesive mount on the right or left side of the helmet and then direct the connectors to the center. The mounting location has to be smooth and straight with no ridges or texture.
- Clean the area with a cotton pad and rubbing alcohol to remove dirt and oil from the surface and allow the adhesive glue to adhere.
- Remove the cover, stick the adhesive mount to the helmet, firmly press it onto the surface, and give it an hour to dry and hold securely.
- Insert the camera into the frame and close the latch.
- Attach the camera frame to the mounting buckle and secure it with a thumbscrew.
- Slide the mounting buckle into the adhesive mount until it clicks into place, and then press the latch down to secure it.
- Give the adhesive mount about 24 hours for the bond to be nearly permanents.
Can you attach a GoPro to any helmet?
Yes, you can attach a GoPro camera to any helmet as long as you have a suitable surface mount. The original GoPro surface mounts come in flat and curved styles. Use the proper surface mount for the mounting location to allow strong adhesion to the helmet.
Until recent years, riders would mount their GoPros on the motorcycle’s handlebars. But over time, GoPros have improved when it comes to versatile mounting styles enabling you to attach your action camera to any helmet style.
You can also mount the camera in different locations depending on the video effect you want.
Is it legal to mount a GoPro on a motorcycle helmet?
There is no law in the USA prohibiting attaching anything, including an action camera, to your helmet as long as it does not compromise the helmet’s structural integrity.
If you fit the camera onto the helmet by drilling screws in, you have interfered with the helmet’s structural integrity and are liable for a fine. When you drill through your helmet, it doesn’t qualify as an approved helmet. It puts the rider at risk in case of an accident.
The proper way to attach your GoPro is using a suction cup, adhesive mount, or straps through the open vents on the bicycle helmet.
Unfortunately, it is illegal to mount an action camera on your helmet in New South Wales, and you are likely to pay a traffic fine of about $330 and three demerit points.
The top 3 GoPro-ready bike helmets
Motorcycle helmets with in-built GoPro mounts are not very common; however, you are considering getting one. We have a list reviewing our top three helmets currently market.
1. Giro Disciple MIPS Helmet
The Giro Disciple Helmet is an off-road helmet that is durable but also relatively affordable. It has an intelligent look, clean lines, well-placed vents. The helmet has a fiberglass shell and the expanded Polystyrene insulation on the inside that makes it lightweight and rigid. This helmet also comes with action can chin straps and is also safety certified.
Features
- Weight: 1292 grams (actual)
- Outer material: fiberglass
- Inner material: EPS insulation
- MIPS protection
- POV camera mount
Pros
- Compatible with aftermarket Giro audio systems.
- It is safety certified and offers complete protection.
- Available in many colors
Cons
- Slightly heavy.
- It is a loose fit for a medium size.
2. Tontron Helmet with Camera Mount Plate
Tontron helmets are not very popular among bikers, but it has made it to our list due to its very comfortable fit and its permanent top camera mount. All you need is an action camera that you install into the mount without adhesives. It has an ABS shell that’s protective and also very well ventilated.
Features
- Weight: 480 grams
- Outer material: ABS
- Inner material: EPS insulation
- Vents: 10
- Camera mount adapter
- Magnetic strap
Pros
- It has a great fit compared to other similar helmets.
- Permanent GoPro mount
- Rubber protective paint
Cons
- It is not a popular brand.
- It is less protective than full-face helmets.
3. ILM Adult ATV Motocross Helmet
The ILM Motorcross helmet offers comprehensive protection due to its high-grade ABS material, affordable while also meeting all the necessary DOT standards. It comes in very stylish designs with a built-in top camera mount.
Features
- Weight: 1514 grams
- Outer material: ABS
- Inner material: EPS insulation
- Top camera mount
- Adjustable sun visor
Pros
- Friendly price
- It is highly safe due to its tough ABS shell.
- It has a top GoPro mount.
Cons
- Helmet sizes run larger than the size chart.
- They require biking goggles.
Benefits of having an action camera on your motorcycle helmet
With the growing popularity of helmet cameras, here are a few benefits of riding with a motorcycle helmet camera.
1. The footage is admissible in caught.
In case of an accident or road rage, you can use footage from helmet cam as evidence in court. It can prove fault and negligence, especially in areas where there are no witnesses or traffic cams.
2. Financial benefits
Some insurance companies offer lower premiums if you ride a motorcycle with an action camera mounted. This footage makes it easier to make an insurance claim. In case of an accident, the insurance company can also use the footage to settle disputes over who is responsible.
3. Deters risky or wrong road behavior
There is the assumption that mounting a helmet camera prompts most riders to be more cautious on the road knowing they are recording themselves. Other road users, especially car owners who tend to bully bikers, become less aggressive when they notice that they are on video.
4. Learning tool
If you are an expert or learner regarding motorcycle riding, you can use a helmet cam mount to evaluate your riding skills and performance. Chin mounts have the best point of view and therefore show the rider’s most appropriate view when it comes to the road, weather, and other road users.
5. It makes blogging easier.
Helmet mount cameras are a great way to create video content without interfering with your riding and safety. Videos from helmet mount cameras shared on video-sharing platforms like Youtube are the most thrilling and popular, especially for bikers who perform stunts and dirt biking.
Conclusion
Regardless of how you choose to mount your motorcycle camera, do not drill through your helmet. Utilize the mounting hardware and adhesives that come with your action cameras since there are various mounting locations and angles depending on what you want to capture. There is also enough information on the best camera-ready helmets so that you can choose one most suited to your needs.