Helmet side mount
Also known as: side helmet mount, lateral helmet mount
A mount on the side of a helmet that holds the camera next to the head, giving a POV view with part of the helmet edge or shoulder in frame.
Updated
What it means
A side mount attaches the camera to the left or right side of a helmet, usually with an adhesive base or a strap. The camera points forward, slightly offset from the center, so the view shows the path ahead along with a bit of helmet edge or shoulder. Motorcyclists, skiers and paragliders use it often.
Compared with a top helmet mount, a side mount sits lower and closer to the head, which reduces leverage and the chance of snagging. It also looks less like a periscope, which some riders prefer.
Because it is off-center, it creates a slightly different perspective that can feel more cinematic than a perfectly centered POV.
How it works in practice
Position the mount as far forward as possible on the side so the lens sees past the helmet. Level it carefully, since a side position makes tilts more noticeable. A wide lens mode shows more of the road or slope ahead.
For motorcycles, a side mount on the open side of the road shows more scenery and less of the oncoming traffic. Some riders mount on the clutch side so the mount does not interfere with checking traffic over the other shoulder.
Pair it with a chin mount or a handlebar mount for a second angle in the edit.
What to watch out for
Side mounts catch wind at speed, adding wind noise to the audio and sometimes buffeting the head. Smaller cameras and lower profiles help.
The helmet edge or visor can intrude into the frame. Check the preview after mounting and adjust the angle until it shows only a sliver or nothing at all.
As with other helmet mounts, check the helmet manufacturer guidance about attaching accessories, and remove the camera if it interferes with safety equipment or vision. A side camera also makes the helmet slightly asymmetrical, which some riders notice on long days.
How RawClip handles it
Side-mounted helmet clips work well alongside handlebar and chin angles, giving the edit a slightly different perspective. Upload footage from all your cameras, and RawClip picks the best moments across them for one highlight.