How to Mount Your Insta360 on a Helmet

Ready to take your Insta360 videography to the next level? This is our step-by-step instructional guide on how to mount an Insta360 to a helmet. And this guide goes for all helmets, so we've got you covered whether you're hitting the trails, fresh powder, or the wide open road. 

Choosing the Right Insta360 Mount for Your Helmet

Adhesive helmet mounts are the most effective and standard mount for Insta360 cameras. The sticky adhesive base bonds to the helmet's surface, forming a secure attachment. They are usually paired with Insta360 accessories like Swivel connectors, allowing camera angle adjustments to match the specific filming requirements. As such, we will focus on Insta360 adhesive helmet mounts in this guide.

Your Helmet Type

The type of mount you choose to mount your Insta360 on your helmet will vary based on your shape, which will differ between sports. For instance, road cycling helmets are aerodynamic in the shape of vent cutouts, while motorcycle helmets are smooth and sturdy.

Similarly, skiing helmets are drastically different in shape than whitewater kayaking or skateboarding helmets. 

You need to mount the Insta360 camera on a smooth, consistent surface. In the case of the road bike helmet, you would not want to mount the camera directly over the vents, as this would drastically reduce the adhesive's efficacy. You want to mount your action sports camera where every part of the adhesive is in complete contact with the helmet's surface.

In this case, with the road bike, consider mounting your Insta360 on the side of your helmet or the chin if you have a full-face helmet. 

Selecting the Mount Style

There are three primary insta360 mounting solutions:

1. Top mount: By mounting insta360 at the apex of the helmet, you gain the advantage of height, offering panoramic views. However, height increases instability, especially during high-speed activities, due to increased wind resistance.

2. Side mount: A side mount creates a good balance between perspective and stability. In our insta360 mount tutorial, this style gives the view as if someone is glancing over your shoulder. However, shots can be crooked, as everything is skewed in one direction.

3. Chin mount: Positioned on the helmet's chin bar, this type gives the closest experience to a first-person perspective and is often a favored choice in helmet camera installation. It keeps the camera settled, even at high speeds, albeit slightly obscuring the bottom field of view.

The Insta360 helmet setup is not rigid; these are merely guidelines. Now, let's move on to the instructions for mounting an Insta360 on a helmet. 

Step by Step Instructions: Mounting Insta360 to Helmet

1. Choose the correct mount.

Use a helmet chin mount or a compatible adhesive mount for maximum stability or consider using a "narwhal" style mount or extension arm for better camera positioning.

2. Prepare the helmet surface.

Clean the mounting area thoroughly with alcohol wipes to remove dirt and oils. Allow the surface to dry completely before proceeding to the mounting step. 

3. Position the mount

Place the mount towards the front of the helmet for optimal results, not directly on top. If you're using an extension arm, angle it forward so the camera's nadir (bottom stitch line) doesn't touch the helmet.

4. Attach the mount

If you're using an adhesive mount, remove the protective backing. Apply the mount to the cleaned area of the helmet, then press firmly and hold for about 30 seconds.

5. Wait for the adhesive to set

Let the adhesive cure for at least 24 hours before use to ensure a strong bond so your camera does not fall off while riding.

6. Attach the camera

Connect your Insta360 camera to the mount using the appropriate adapter or quick-release mechanism. Ensure the camera is securely fastened within the mount's locking mechanism. 

7. Adjust the camera angle.

Position the camera to capture the desired field of view. If using an extension arm, adjust it so the camera is pitched forward, keeping the stitch line off the helmet. 

8. Secure all connections

Double-check that all screws and attachments are tight. Use a screwdriver to tighten the thumbscrew further if necessary.

9. Test the setup

Gently shake your helmet to ensure the camera doesn't move or shift. Take a short test video to check the camera angle and field of view.

10. Make final adjustments

If needed, fine-tune the camera position based on your test footage. Ensure the mount doesn't obstruct your vision or movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you mount Insta360 to a ski helmet?

To mount an Insta360 to a ski helmet, attach an adhesive ski helmet mount to a flat surface on the front or side of the helmet.

How do you mount a cam on a helmet?

To mount a camera on a helmet, use a compatible adhesive or strap mount designed for your specific camera model, ensuring it's securely fastened to a flat area.

How to mount a GoPro to your helmet?