Ever landed a sweet trick, only to have a wobbly moment that ends with a bump on the head? Ouch! Skateboarding is awesome, but sometimes falls happen. That’s why wearing a helmet is super important for keeping your brain safe. But let’s be real, picking a skate helmet can feel like navigating a minefield. Do you go for style? Safety certifications? What even is MIPS?
It can be confusing trying to figure out which helmet actually protects you best without making you look like you’re heading to a construction site. You want something that fits right, feels comfortable, and, let’s be honest, looks cool too. Nobody wants to wear something bulky that messes up their vibe.
Don’t worry! This post cuts through all the confusing jargon. We are going to break down exactly what you need to look for in a skate helmet. By the end of this guide, you will know how to choose the perfect lid that keeps you safe while looking great on your board. Ready to find your perfect match? Let’s dive into the must-knows of skate helmet buying!
Top Skate Helmets Recommendations
- Durable: Built for both comfort and impact resistance with reinforced ABS shell & thickened shock-absorbing EPS core
- Extra Removable Lining: Skateboard helmet with two removable liner for different head sizes and easy to wash the sweat away
- A Helmet for Multi-Sport: Smooth Ventilation System helps to protect and enjoy skating, cycling, BMX, MTB and etc
- Double Adjustment: Well-attached & long-lasting adjustment dial and skin-friendly adjustable chin strap maximize the best fit and comfortable wearing
- How to Measure A Proper Helmet: To find the right size bike helmet, start by measuring your head circumference, wrap a flexible tape measure around the largest portion of your head about one inch above your eyebrows. Or, wrap a string around your head, then measure the length of string with a yardstick. Size Large is recommended if your size is between 21.3-22.8 inch (54 cm-58 cm). The recommended Age Grading: 5 Years and Older
- Reliable Protection and Comfort: High impact-absorbing EPS foam, thick dual-density soft foam, and plush moisture-wicking Sweatsaver fabric
- Custom Fit, Every Time: Includes two different size sets of Sweatsaver pads to customize fit; pads fit very snug when they are brand new, but after a couple of hours of wear, the helmet will break in and start to feel just right
- Fine Tune Your Fit: To determine the proper size, measure around head with a soft tape measure or string; liners should be used to further customize fit
- Versatile Sizing Options: Available in four sizes: XS/S fits 20 – 21.25 in (51 – 54 cm), S/M fits 21 – 22.5 in (53 – 57 cm), L/XL fits 22.5 – 23.5 in (57 – 60 cm), XL/XXL fits 23.5 – 24.5 in (60 – 63 cm)
- Top Notch Safety: Triple-certified to meet U.S. CPSC Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets for Persons Age 5 and Older, ASTM F1447 for Recreational Bicycling or Roller Skating, and ASTM F1492 for Skateboarding and Trick Roller Skating
- Made for Every Kind of Rider: Kids, teen, and adult helmet for biking, skateboarding, rollerblading, inline skating, longboard, hoverboard, scooter, skating and other outdoor sports
- Reliable Gear Built Tough: Classic bike helmet shell shape that is sturdy, stylish, comfortable, and well-ventilated for hours of activity; ABS outer shell for durability and protection; EPS liner with inner foam pads for a comfortable fit
- Designed in NYC, Trusted Worldwide: Designed in New York and made with care from the same team who brought you Triple 8 and 187 Killer Pads
- Ultimate, Expert-Level Safety: Triple-certified to meet U.S. CPSC Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets for Persons Age 5 and Older, ASTM F1447 for Recreational Bicycling or Roller Skating, and ASTM F1492 for Skateboarding and Trick Roller Skating
- Find Your Perfect Fit: Fits ages 5 and older. Available in 5+ (49 – 52 cm), 8+ (52 - 56 cm), 14+ (55 - 58 cm), measure head circumference with a string; adjustable chin strap with side release buckle
- MULTI-SPORT PROTECTION: This versatile adult skate helmet works for BMX, skating, scooters, and bikes - one reliable helmet for all your action sports adventures and thrills
- IMPACT RESISTANT: Durable ABS shell with shock-absorbing EPS foam keeps you safe during spills — a men's bike helmet built to handle whatever you throw at it
- COOL AIRFLOW: Ten strategically placed vents create 360-degree ventilation to keep your head cool and comfortable during intense rides - no more overheating or stuffiness
- EASY MAINTENANCE: Removable, washable interior padding wicks moisture and stays fresh, adult bicycle helmets that are simple to clean and maintain ride after ride
- SIZE RANGE: 3 sizes to fit most adult riders - adjustable design accommodates different head circumferences for secure, comfortable protection. Small (51-54cm), Medium (54-57cm) & Large (57-60cm).
- Reliable Protection and Comfort: High impact-absorbing EPS foam, thick dual-density soft foam, and plush moisture-wicking Sweatsaver fabric
- Custom Fit, Every Time: Includes two different size sets of Sweatsaver pads to customize fit; pads fit very snug when they are brand new, but after a couple of hours of wear, the helmet will break in and start to feel just right
- Fine Tune Your Fit: To determine the proper size, measure around head with a soft tape measure or string; liners should be used to further customize fit
- Versatile Sizing Options: Available in four sizes: XS/S fits 20 – 21.25 in (51 – 54 cm), S/M fits 21 – 22.5 in (53 – 57 cm), L/XL fits 22.5 – 23.5 in (57 – 60 cm), XL/XXL fits 23.5 – 24.5 in (60 – 63 cm)
- Top Notch Safety: Triple-certified to meet U.S. CPSC Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets for Persons Age 5 and Older, ASTM F1447 for Recreational Bicycling or Roller Skating, and ASTM F1492 for Skateboarding and Trick Roller Skating
- Suitable for Age 14+ years old
- The package includes knee pad x 2; elbow pad x 2; wrist guard x 2; helmet x 1
- The skateboard helmet is designed with multiple vent, adjustable dail and adjustable strap for proper fit
- Knee elbow pads and wrist guards are made of durable, soft EVA padded material with tough plastic plates
- Appropriate for inline skating; roller skating; skateboarding; scootering; skating and other outdoor sports
- Reliable Protection and Comfort: High impact-absorbing EPS foam, thick dual-density soft foam, and plush moisture-wicking Sweatsaver fabric
- Custom Fit, Every Time: Includes two different size sets of Sweatsaver pads to customize fit; pads fit very snug when they are brand new, but after a couple of hours of wear, the helmet will break in and start to feel just right
- Fine Tune Your Fit: To determine the proper size, measure around head with a soft tape measure or string; liners should be used to further customize fit
- Versatile Sizing Options: Available in four sizes: XS/S fits 20 – 21.25 in (51 – 54 cm), S/M fits 21 – 22.5 in (53 – 57 cm), L/XL fits 22.5 – 23.5 in (57 – 60 cm), XL/XXL fits 23.5 – 24.5 in (60 – 63 cm)
- Top Notch Safety: Triple-certified to meet U.S. CPSC Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets for Persons Age 5 and Older, ASTM F1447 for Recreational Bicycling or Roller Skating, and ASTM F1492 for Skateboarding and Trick Roller Skating
- HIGH-IMPACT —Built for both comfort and impact resistance with REINFORCED ABS SHELL & THICKENED SHOCK-ABSORBING EPS CORE.
- 11 STRATEGICALLY PLACED VENTS—As designed with multiple vents, special aerodynamic design and breathable foam, the skate helmets help reduce sweating and keep feel cool even during intense body movement
- MEASURE HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE—Pls measure the circumference of your head before placing orders.Size Chart:Small:18.11"-20.04" (46cm-51cm); Medium:20.04"-22.04"(51m-56cm); Large:21.25"-23.62"(54cm-60cm). It is recommended to choose the larger one if your size is in the maximum value.
- GREAT PROTECTION—This Helmet is a lightweight but excellent quality,these helmets would be the essential protective gear
- GET THE PERFECT FIT—Slightly wrap a measuring tape around your head, keeping above ears and 1"above eyebrows, then ensure the max size of your head circumference. Size Medium is suggested for young boys, young girls and small head circumference women & men.
Choosing Your Guardian: The Essential Skate Helmet Buying Guide
Skateboarding is fun, but falls happen. A good helmet keeps your head safe. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a skate helmet, you need to check a few important things. These features keep you protected.
Safety Certifications
This is the most important part. Look for safety stickers or labels on the helmet. The most common standard for skate helmets is the **ASTM F1492** certification. This means the helmet passed tough tests for impact protection during skateboarding.
Fit and Adjustability
A helmet only works if it fits right. A loose helmet slides around and does not protect well. Look for helmets with good adjustment systems. Many use a dial system in the back that you turn to tighten the fit. Make sure the straps fit snugly under your chin, but do not pinch your throat.
Ventilation
Skateboarding makes you sweat! Good airflow keeps your head cool. Look for helmets with several well-placed vents. More vents usually mean better cooling on hot days.
Important Materials in Skate Helmets
Helmets use different materials for the outside shell and the inside padding. These materials decide how strong and comfortable the helmet is.
Outer Shell Materials
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) Plastic: This is very common. It is strong, durable, and resists scratches well. It is great for handling daily bumps and scrapes.
- Fiberglass or Carbon Fiber: These are usually found on higher-end helmets. They are lighter than ABS but offer excellent impact resistance.
Inner Liner Materials
The inside liner absorbs the shock when you fall. Most skate helmets use **EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Foam**, which is like Styrofoam. This foam crushes upon impact, slowing down the force hitting your head. Some newer helmets use multi-density foam for better protection across different impact levels.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all helmets are made equally. A few details separate a great helmet from a poor one.
Quality Boosters
- Multi-Impact Design: Some helmets are designed to handle more than one small hit without needing replacement. Most standard EPS helmets need replacing after one big impact.
- Comfort Padding: Removable and moisture-wicking pads make cleaning easier and improve comfort during long sessions.
- Strong Buckles: A durable plastic or metal buckle stays closed even during a hard fall.
Quality Reducers
Cheap helmets often skip necessary testing. A helmet without a safety sticker might look cool, but it offers little real protection. Also, helmets that are too heavy feel uncomfortable and might make you take them off, which defeats the purpose.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your activity level affects the helmet you should choose.
Casual Cruising
If you just cruise around the neighborhood or use a longboard, a standard, well-ventilated ABS helmet with ASTM certification is perfect. Comfort is key here.
Vert Skating and Aggressive Street Skating
If you are hitting skate parks, dropping into ramps, or trying big tricks, you need maximum protection. Look for helmets labeled as “multi-impact” or those designed for extreme sports. These often have thicker shells and liners.
Remember, the best helmet is the one you actually wear every time you ride!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Skate Helmets
Q: Do I need a specific skate helmet, or can I use a bike helmet?
A: You should use a skate-specific helmet. Bike helmets are often certified for different types of falls and may not protect against the rotational forces common in skateboarding impacts.
Q: How often should I replace my skate helmet?
A: You must replace your helmet immediately after any significant impact, even if you don’t see visible damage. If you never fall, replace it every 3 to 5 years because the foam degrades over time.
Q: How tight should my skate helmet fit?
A: It should fit snugly. When you shake your head side to side, the helmet should not shift more than an inch. It should feel secure but not cause painful pressure points.
Q: What does the ASTM F1492 certification mean?
A: It means the helmet has been tested and approved to protect against impacts that happen during skateboarding, roller skating, and aggressive in-line skating.
Q: Are MIPS helmets better than standard skate helmets?
A: MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) adds a low-friction layer inside that helps reduce rotational forces on the brain during angled impacts. They offer enhanced safety, making them a great upgrade.
Q: Do I need different helmets for BMX and skateboarding?
A: Many helmets carry certifications for both, but skate helmets are usually rounder and thicker. If a helmet is certified for both (often CPSC and ASTM), it works for both activities.
Q: How do I clean the inside pads of my helmet?
A: Remove the pads if possible. Wash them gently by hand using mild soap and cool water. Let them air dry completely before putting them back in the helmet.
Q: Can I paint or modify my helmet?
A: It is best not to paint or modify your helmet. Harsh chemicals in some paints can weaken the plastic shell or the foam liner, reducing its protective ability.
Q: Which helmet style offers the most protection?
A: Full-face helmets offer the most protection because they cover the jaw and face, but standard “hardshell” skate helmets offer excellent cranial protection for general use.
Q: What is the difference between a “hardshell” and a “lid”?
A: “Hardshell” refers to the style with a durable ABS outer cap bolted onto the foam liner. A “lid” is just a casual term for any helmet.