GoPro camera mounts allow you to record videos from unique perspectives. Continue reading to learn more about mounting locations and mount types for shooting adventure footage.
My favorite thing about GoPro cameras is their compact size which makes them easy to bring anywhere during traveling. I can also easily mount them on my body using a helmet or vest. Doing so can free my hands to do activities like biking, skiing, or snowboarding.
But with so many mounting possibilities, it can be difficult to choose the right location and angle for shooting.
Fortunately, this article will answer your questions about where to mount GoPro on a helmet.
I will also discuss other mounting locations that allow you to capture as much thrilling footage as possible.
Finally, I will share some of the best practices for shooting video using a helmet mount.
Where to Mount GoPro on Helmet?
The exact location to mount the GoPro camera on your helmet will depend on what type of shot or outcome you are looking for. After all, different mounting locations on your helmet will have contrasting effects to provide you with differing results.
For instance, you might want to simply take a video of the road ahead of you while riding a bike or motorcycle. Or you might want to do the opposite and have the GoPro face you instead of the road and scenery. On the other hand, you may even want to show your body position on the bike or motorcycle for educational purposes.
Maybe you want to mount your kid’s GoPro to capture their early snowboarding days.
Whatever the purpose, you need to know what you want to capture in video before deciding where to attach the camera and which GoPro helmet mounts to buy.
Top Mount
If you want the highest point of view possible, mount your GoPro on top of your helmet. It is the most common mounting location in GoPro helmet mounts.
The top mount in your motorcycle helmet allows you to aim your GoPro Hero camera in front or back. Having the camera facing forward lets other people see from your perspective. On the other hand, pointing the camera backward can record your facial reactions, which is ideal for activities such as bungee jumping.
The main benefit of this top GoPro helmet mount is the ability to provide a personal point of view. It allows you or others to see exactly what you saw while on the road. However, the angle is slightly high because the camera is located several inches above where your eyes actually are. You might want to adjust the location of the strap mount for a more realistic perspective.
Pros:
- This helmet mounting location provides the closest feel to a personal point of view
- It sits far from the vibrations from a motorcycle, which gives you more stabilized shots
Cons:
- The camera attached to the motorcycle helmet, especially a full-face helmet, adds a slight heft, which can pull down your head
- The top-mounted camera might hit various things above your head
Side Mount
Side mounting cameras on a bike helmet or motorcycle helmet are also becoming popular.
Similar to the previous mounting location, a side mount gives viewers a better feel of the surroundings. It also provides a close POV feel.
Furthermore, mounting your GoPro action camera on the side of your helmet can effectively reduce the vibrations during the ride.
However, you will have to get used to the extra weight on one side of your motorcycle helmet. You can also expect the view to be slightly offset to the left or right, depending on which side you mount the camera on. With that said, some viewers will still enjoy this perspective as it simulates the view you’d have if you were seated behind the rider on a bike or motorcycle.
Pros:
- A close and offset perspective from the side mount can help the viewer get the feel of being seated close to you
- Side mounting cameras do not suffer from too many vibrations from riding off-road or doing extreme sports
Cons:
- The helmet weight is not evenly balanced if you use the side mount
- Viewers might notice head motion in the video, especially if you are moving a lot
Chin Mount
The final choice to consider for mounting a GoPro on a helmet is your chin.
The chin mount is becoming a favorite helmet front mount to many new users, and for good reasons.
First, having the camera on your chin instead of the top of the helmet offers the best point of view, in my opinion. The video appears to be filmed from eye level. Hence, it provides a more immersive experience when capturing footage.
Another benefit of the chin mount is it does not create wind drag. Unlike the previous GoPro mounting locations, this one would not pull your helmet around.
Despite these benefits, mounting your GoPro on this front mount position is pretty difficult. It can also make the helmet a little chin heavy.
With that said, the chin mount is still worth trying if you want to achieve more realistic POV footage.
Pros:
- Mounting the GoPro on the chin offers the best POV footage that appears to be filmed from eye level
- It has the least wind resistance for a motorcycle helmet front mount
Cons:
- It might be pretty difficult to mount on some motorcycle helmets
- This mount location can make the helmet a little heavy around the chin
What Are The Other Locations for GoPro Mounts?
Helmet mounts are not the only place where you can attach your GoPro cameras. There are several locations to mount your action camera, depending on what makes you comfortable and what kind of footage you want to capture.
Handlebar Mount
A handlebar mount is another common spot to easily attach your GoPro when riding a bike or motorcycle.
This GoPro mounting location gives you a stabilized shot from a locked angle. Unlike a helmet, this mount type does not allow you to rotate your head to adjust what the camera is seeing. However a benefit is that it doesn’t add helmet weight for the user.
Finally, it is convenient because you can easily access the camera to change recording settings and hit record.
However, mounting GoPro cameras on the handlebar can sometimes result in shaky footage, especially when riding at high speeds.
Nevertheless, the handlebar mount is among the best GoPro mounts to capture great footage.
Pros:
- It is easy to access the camera
- There is no additional weight on the rider’s helmet
- It has a lower profile, which attracts less attention
Cons:
- It can suffer from more vibration especially when moving at high speed
- This mounting position only offers a fixed angle
Chest Mount
Those who want to record footage from unique video angles can consider mounting their GoPro cameras on their chest.
This mounting option also offers quick access to the camera, unlike a helmet front mount. Hence, it is easy to reach to make adjustments and operate the controls, depending on your needs.
It even provides POV-like footage, similar to helmet mount. However, it sits relatively low so that the view might include the handlebars in the frame.
The look of chest straps might also not be for everyone from a fashion point of view.
But if you do not mind it, then the chest mount is one of the best mounts today if you are looking for other helmet mounts.
Pros:
- It provides a really close POV feel by including handlebars in the view frame
- The chest mount is easy to operate and adjust to help you shoot from different angles
Cons:
- Wearing chest straps might be uncomfortable at first
- The view can get blocked depending on exact angle of your bike and your style of riding
- It can be relatively expensive, especially when compared to the best GoPro helmet mounts
Motorcycle Fairing Mount
If you want to achieve incredible low-angle shots, try mounting your GoPro action camera to the motorcycle side fairing.
It allows for maximum adjustability, similar to a helmet front mount. For instance, you can point the camera away from you, which gives you footage of the road ahead. It offers a unique perspective from a different angle. On the other hand, pointing the camera towards you provide interesting shots of your lower legs as you ride the motorcycle. It is ideal for a knee-down shots.
The only downside of this mounting location is the vibration you will get from the motorcycle. Otherwise, it is worth considering this GoPro mount.
Pros:
- The low-angle perspective offers a unique take on your videos
- This semi-permanent mount can secure your camera for multiple uses
Cons:
- Bike vibration can ruin your footage
- It only allows you to capture a view from one side of the bike
Tail Mount
The last option where to mount your GoPro camera is on the tail of your motorcycle.
This mounting location is ideal if you want to record videos that show your riding posture. It allows viewers to see how you are seated, making it suitable for educational purposes.
Moreover, the tail mount is close to the exhaust of the vehicle. That can help it capture the sound of your engine well. However, this could be a double-edged sword.
Pros:
- It is ideal if you want to see the position of your body while riding a motorcycle
- A semi-permanent mounting position
- It can pick up the exhaust well, suitable for ambient sounds
Cons:
- You can cover up a large portion of the camera’s view
- The vibrations of the motorcycle can affect the footage
Is It Safe to Mount a Gopro on a Motorcycle Helmet?
Yes, mounting a GoPro camera on a helmet, whether vented helmets or full-face helmets, is safe. Just make sure to secure the camera and place it away from your eyes or other soft tissues. You can use an adhesive-backed mount, strong double-sided tape, or screws to securely attach the device. Place the mounting hardware at least half an inch away from foam padding.
Doing so can protect your head from the camera in case of an accident. It is actually a safer mounting location than placing your camera on a hat or bare head.
How Do You Record a Video While Riding a Motorcycle?
Now that you figured out how to mount your GoPro to a helmet, you might wonder how to record video or do live streaming while it is mounted.
Fortunately, GoPro offers various motorcycle settings that can best fit your needs. For one, the GoPro App allows you to check the framing of the scene on your phone. Thus, there is no need to look at the GoPro just to see the composition once you have mounted it.
This convenient app also lets you set the appropriate resolution and frame rate for the video. It is best to choose the highest frame rate possible when filming action and adventure scenes. Doing so lets you achieve a more realistic and smoother video.
Is It Illegal To Ride a Motorcycle With a GoPro Camera?
No, it is not illegal to ride with a GoPro mounted on your helmet or anywhere on the vehicle. However, the presence of the camera can possibly draw attention that may not be desired. Depending on where you mount the camera, it can add weight to your head or body. It might also get in the way if you attach it to the wrong place.
It’s also important to make sure that you aren’t trying to operate and adjust the camera while riding (just like you shouldn’t use your cell phone).
With that said, a GoPro mount is a great tool to have. It allows you to secure the camera in a location near your body. Hence, it can record footage and capture accidents while you are on the road. It is helpful in case you are in a crash and you need to review exactly what happened or make an insurance claim.
Conclusion
Mounting your GoPro can free your hands to focus on activities such as biking, driving, skiing, or snowboarding. There are different locations to set your camera on, with the helmet being the most popular option. However, you can also attach the GoPro to your chest or on the motorcycle itself. Regardless of which one you choose, it is best to use more than a single mounting location. Doing so will give you footage from different angles and views to create exciting videos.
