You don’t know just how important it is to have a good helmet until you’re in an accident. I began skateboarding as soon as I could pick up a skateboard. I was about three years old when I found my dad’s disused skateboard in the garage. I used to sit on it and scoot around or tie a skipping rope around it to pull my toys around the yard.
One day, my older cousin came to stay and he showed me how to use it properly. I’ve been hooked ever since! As soon as I started to use it, my parents made sure I had adequate protection, including a helmet. As I grew up, I began to get better at boarding and took more risks.
One day when I was 14, I had a huge fall and really hit my head on the sidewalk. I fell so hard that my helmet sustained a crack! At the emergency room, the doctor told me that I would have sustained a really serious head injury if I hadn’t have been wearing a decent helmet.
This guide will help you choose the best skateboard helmet so that you can enjoy hours of safe fun and keep your head protected in case you fall into an accident as I did.
Table of Contents
Best Skateboard Helmet – Top 10 Reviews
01 Triple Eight Dual Certified Bike & Skateboard Helmet (Editor’s Choice)
Our Editor’s Choice and number one in our best skateboard helmet reviews, is the Triple Eight Dual Certified Bike and Skateboard Helmet. This is a helmet that complies with both the bike helmet certifications (CPSC) and the skateboard helmet safety standards (ASTM F-1492).
What I liked most about this helmet was that it was ideal for all of the other activities that I like to do. I’m not just into skateboarding (although this is my first love!), but I like scooters and BMX too so this helmet is great for all of my interests.
There are two sets of moisture-wicking Sweatsaver Fit Pads, these are removable and allow you to customize the fit of your helmet. The chin strap is comfortable and adjusts well. It has an easy-to-use side release buckle.
Our reviewers found the helmets to be true to size. The XS/S fits a head circumference of 18.9 to 21.25 inches (48cm-54cm), the S/M fits a head circumference of 21.5 to 22.75 inches (55cm-58cm), the L/XL fits a head circumference of 23.25 to 24 inches (59cm-61cm). There is also a warranty from the manufacturer that lasts 180 days.
Pros
- Straps are really adjustable and are easy to use
- Comes with extra spacers so you can get a custom fit
- Has great value for money
- Has quality craftsmanship
- Highly comfortable
- Comes in a graphics
Cons
- It is a little heavy
There is not a lot of airflow
Our Verdict
This helmet has unparalleled protection and fit. It fits close and has a low profile. It’s a real challenge to find a helmet that is dual-certified as well as being good looking and comfortable. My head circumference is 23.5 inches and so I went for the L/XL and used the extra spacers for it to be a safe and snug fit. In terms of reviews, this Triple Eight helmet had 736 at the time of writing, with an average of 4.7 stars out of 5 on Amazon, which is fantastic. Only one other helmet in our top ten rates this highly but it has half the number of reviews.
02 Schwinn Thrasher Lightweight Microshell Helmet (Great for Adults)
The Schwinn Thrasher Lightweight Microshell helmet is designed for adults and has an adjustment system that operates through 360 degrees, which is great for adjusting on the go. You simply adjust it with a dial. To improve airflow, there are 21 flow vents. There is also a visor that snaps on and off to protect you from the elements and reducing glare.
To ensure a proper fit, there are integrated moisture-wicking pads that are very comfortable and durable. There are also strap adjusters on the side. This helmet protects you really well as it has full-shell coverage. It is really lightweight and is made from three-piece micro-shell, which makes it really durable but not heavy.
It’s equally suitable for longboards. The suggested age for this product is 14 years upwards with the suggested head circumferences being between 22.88 inches and 24.5 inches. When trying this helmet, I found it really comfortable and I tried it during the summer so used the visor too. It’s one of the best-rated models on our list.
Pros
- It’s a great looking helmet
- One of the lightest on our list
- Comfortable with no chafing or sweating issues
- The visor is great for keeping the sun out of your eyes
- Good value and price ratio
Cons
- The adjusters for the chip straps aren’t the strongest or most grippy that exist
Our Verdict
Overall, this is a great helmet for adults, and it’s also one of the cheapest on our list. It looks good and fits well, even for people who have larger than average heads! It is easy to adjust the straps and isn’t uncomfortable to wear even in the hottest of weather.
03 Razor V-17 Youth Multi-Sport Helmet (Great for Youth)
The perfect helmet for young people, this Razor V-17 multi-sport helmet is great for skating as well as biking and other sports. The padding inside is both secure and comfortable and the helmet has 17 side and top vents to help keep the head cool when it’s hot out.
The side-release buckles are great as they fasten and unfasten quickly and you can alter them quickly too. This helmet is ideal for skateboarders aged between 8 and 14, with head circumferences of 22 inches to 23.5 inches. There is also an extra set of padding so that you can adjust the helmet to be snugger.
This helmet has CPSC certification and so is great for both the half-pipe and on the street.
Pros
- Has good head coverage
- Straps are adjusted with easy, allowing for growing room
- Looks good and is a nice color
- Comes with an extra set of inserts, which is great for sweaty young people in hot climates
- Construction is solid and the materials are good
- Has a great price
Cons
- Doesn’t have a dial adjuster
Our Verdict
This is a great model for young people aged between 8 and 14 years old. It can be a cheap skateboard helmet, but it’s solid, looks good, and offers great ventilation and comfortable pads. The reviews for this helmet are really good. So, for all those young skateboarders out there, this is the perfect choice of helmet.
04 Razor V-17 Child Multi-Sport Helmet (Great for Kids)
The Razor V-17 is a great skating helmet for children. It is a multi-sport helmet so if your child enjoys lots of other outdoor activities like bike riding, BMX, rollerblading etc. then this is a great choice. Our reviewers found this helmet to be really easy to use. The side release buckles were easy and quick to adjust and the children were able to put on and take off their own helmets without much difficulty.
The interior of the helmet comes with ergonomic interior padding, which makes for a secure and comfortable fit. What’s more, there are 17 side and top vents to help the young riders stay cool, even in hotter weather.
This helmet fits head circumferences between 21.5 inches and 22 inches, which roughly equates to children aged between 5 years old and 8 years old.
Parents can rest assured that their children are kept safe as this helmet meets CPSC safety requirements.
Pros
- Has a comfortable fit
- Ventilation is good
- Also usable for cycling
- The side release buckle is easy to use
Cons
- There is no interior adjustment strap
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a great kids’ helmet, this is a great option. At the time of writing, this helmet had a fantastic score for online reviews. One of the most frequent comments on the reviews was that children love wearing this helmet. We’d say, it’s an amazing model for sale, and you can’t really go wrong with this.
05 Raskullz Kitty Cat Bike Helmets (Great for Girls)
Now of course, in this day and age, like the boys, girls can and do use all sorts of skateboard helmets. However, if your daughter, granddaughter, or niece is looking for something particularly cute, then this Raskullz Kitty Cat helmet is perfect!
Your child will love wearing this toy-inspired helmet and parents will love the fact that this helmet has both ASTM and CPSC certifications. The shell is made from shock-absorbing expanded polystyrene (EPS) which means it will absorb impacts. So, not only does the head stay well protected but it looks great at the same time.
In terms of adjustments, this helmet has adjustable straps for the best comfort and fit. This is suitable for children aged 3 and above. It is suitable for heads with circumferences between 48 cm and 52 cm.
Our reviewers said that their little girls loved the 3D effects on this helmet. These aspects don’t add any weight to the helmet and are made from thermoplastic rubber, which is non-toxic and soft as well as durable.
Pros
- Has a fun design that children love
- Has comfortable adjustable straps
Cons
- There is not much room for growth
Our Verdict
Overall, this is a cute and fun helmet that both parents and children will love. It meets the highest safety requirements but still maintains a fun element. Our reviewers really liked this helmet, particularly the little girls out there who tried it out!
06 Krash Black Gator Youth Mohawk Helmet
The Krash Black Gator Youth Mohawk helmet is one that will really turn heads! Not only is this a cool-looking helmet but it is one of the safest there is. It has both CPSC and ASTM certifications and has a shock-absorbent expanded polystyrene inner shell, which means it will absorb impacts and protect your head.
Our reviewers said that this helmet was really cool to wear when it was hot out thanks to the aerodynamic cooling vents. As well as being cool to wear, it was also extremely comfortable thanks to the nylon straps with adjustable sliders that made the fit really great as well as the soft pads inside the shell.
The fun-element, the 3D Mohawk, is made from high-quality thermoplastic rubber, which is soft, yet durable.
Pros
- Excellent design that kids (and kids at heart) love to wear
- Dually certified, and so offers the best protection from impacts
- This is a cool helmet that will also keep you cool!
Cons
- There are sizing pads inside the helmet but not thicker or thinner ones to get a great fit
Our Verdict
Overall, this is one of the best skate helmets for those who want to look unique. In terms of comfort, it stands in parallel with our top choice. In terms of safety, we’ve no complaints at all. You can use it with your roller skates with no worries.
07 Bell Marvel Avengers Character Bike Helmets
This helmet comes in a variety of sizes that are suitable for toddlers and children as well as adults. It has a hard shell outer with 12 ventilation slots to keep you cool. It is also dual safety certified, meaning that it complies with both ASTM and CPSC regulations. For comfort and safety, it has adjustable nylon straps and a side buckle for adjustments.
When trying out this helmet, our reviewers found it to be really comfortable and it felt really safe. The inner of this helmet is made of materials that last and offer great protection. What’s more, it looked really good too and match perfectly with our Boosted board! For such a safe helmet, this has a really great price tag.
Bell helmets have a fit system so you can be sure that the helmet always has the best fit and sits in the perfect position on your head. Our reviewers said that this helmet seems to run small and so it would be a good idea to measure your head circumference carefully. If you’re concerned about sizing, you could always choose to go one size up.
Marvel is always popular and their popularity seems to be rising further so you can look really great while staying safe with the Bell Marvel Avengers helmet.
Pros
- Has dual certification and so it’s super safe other outdoor sports too
- Adequately comfortable
- Looks great
Cons
- It can come up on the small size, so measure your head circumference carefully
Our Verdict
The Bell Marvel Avengers is a great helmet that kids and young people will love. It is safe, stylish, and has a great price tag too. The only thing is that you need to be careful of sizing as many reviews say that this helmet runs small, though never experienced it ourselves.
08 JBM Skateboard Helmet
If you’re into multi-sports, you can’t go wrong with the JBM helmet. It has a tough and durable shell but also is really comfortable inside. Its durable PVC, PC and EPS foam can withstand impacts well and so you’ll feel extra safe when trying new things on your board.
During hot weather, you can rest assured your head will be cool as the helmet has multiple vents, breathable foam, and special aerodynamic design. Even during strenuous activity, you can feel cool.
In terms of fit, there are straps that have flexible adjustment and the material is lightweight so you won’t feel weighed down.
Size-wise, a small helmet fits a head circumference of 18.1 inches to 19.3 inches, a medium fits a head circumference of 19.7 inches to 21.7 inches and a large fits a head circumference of 20.9 inches to 23.2 inches.
When reviewing this item, we loved the range of sizes and colors available. It meant that the whole family could have the same helmet!
Pros
- Comes in a good range of sizes
- Has a great range of colors
- Comfortable and cool in hot weather
- Suitable for skateboarding as well as other sports
- Comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Some reviews say that the straps don’t tighten as well as they’d like
Our Verdict
A great helmet for e-skating! This has lots of different colors and is available in three sizes. It is comfortable in all weather and feels safe and snug. For the money, it’s a good helmet that won’t let you down.
09 Retrospec CM-1 Classic Commuter Multi-Sport Helmet
The Retrospec CM-1 helmet looks the part and acts the part. It offers the best head protection for skateboarders and is also recognizable above all as a boarding helmet. The outer is a fully formed, ABS surround that incorporates high-quality EPS foam inside as a shock and impact absorber.
There are 8 ventilation holes so you can keep cool whatever the weather. This helmet also comes with 2 sets of pads that have different thicknesses so you can customize the fit and optimize the helmet’s comfort. This is a CPSC certified helmet and so you can guarantee that it meets safety requirements and standards.
In testing, this Retro model felt really cool and looked great. We loved the fact that there are lots of different colors to choose from. What’s more, the helmet didn’t feel heavy at all. The padding inside, as well as being comfortable, was great at wicking away sweat too.
Pros
- It’s a great looking helmet
- Complies with CPSC regulations
- Cool to wear
- Has great ventilation and replaceable pads of different thicknesses
Cons
- On a bit bulky side
Our Verdict
This is one of the best rated helmets out there. But this is a bulky helmet so if this isn’t something that bothers you then I’m sure you’ll love the Retrospec CM-1. The color choice is great and the pricing is reasonable too and offers a good value for what it costs. So, for that classic skateboarder look, the CM-1 is the one to go for.
10 ProRider BMX Bike & Skate Helmet
The ProRider BMX Bike and Skate Helmet was a hit with our reviewers. It looked the part and felt the part. It has a hard outer shell for protection against impacts and complies with CPSC regulations for helmet safety.
In terms of comfort, the ventilation is great at keeping the head cool during exertion or hot weather. The padded inserts serve as an additional comfort, making a snug fit. The straps are made from durable polyester and have a quick-release buckle.
This helmet comes in a range of sizes and so is suitable for toddlers, children and adults. The Extra-Small fits a head circumference of 20 inches to 21.25 inches, which is approximately ages 3 to 6. The Small/Medium fits a head circumference of 21.5 inches to 22.5 inches, which is approximately a child between the ages of 6 and 10 years old. The Large/Extra-Large fits a head circumference of 22.75 inches to 24.5 inches, which is approximately adolescents and adults.
Pros
- Fits well and is easily adjustable
- Made of high-quality materials
- Easy to use
Cons
- The instructions for the first use could be better
Our Verdict
We were really happy with the ProRider BMX & Skate helmet. It was a great fit, felt really lightweight and almost felt like you weren’t wearing a helmet. The aerodynamics were great too and the strap felt comfortable and soft making it ideal for all types of longboards. Even though this takes our number 10 spot, it definitely comes highly recommended!
How to Measure Your Head for a Skateboard Helmet?
It’s simply not enough to have the best skateboard helmet – it has to fit correctly too. The size of your skateboard helmet will depend on the size of your head. Different brands and their sizes vary, but knowing your head circumference will help you to use sizing charts that brands provide. Measuring your head also means that you can buy a helmet online too.
To measure your head circumference:
- Use a flexible tape measure and place it around your forehead, resting over your eyebrows and ears. Make sure the tape is level from the back to the front of your head. Ask someone to help, or use a mirror. Make sure the tape is not too loose or too tight. Write down your head circumference in inches (US) or CM (for Europe).
- If you don’t have a flexible tape measure you can still measure your head using string! After wrapping it around your head in the same way, make a mark and then measure it against a measure or ruler.
- If all else fails, you can go by your hat size. If you check the tag on one of your hats, you will get a rough idea of your head circumference. Make sure the hat fits well though.
Why Are Helmet Certifications so Important?
Having certifications on your helmet gives you the guarantee that you will be protected if you hit your head hard on the occasion of high speed. If there were no regulations or certifications, anyone could make a helmet and declare it fit for purpose when it won’t be. Certifications give you the peace of mind that you’re protected and safe.
There are different regulatory bodies that have varying helmet requirements. The best certification a helmet can have is ASTM certification. This offers maximum safety. Other certifications like CSPC and EN 1078 do offer great protection too. However, ASTM certification is much more strict and requires your helmet to be able to protect you from much higher forces of impact as well as subsequence forces for smaller impacts, for example, if you fall and hit your head and it rebounds and strikes the ground again.
Therefore, for maximum safety, having ASTM certification is the best there is.
Best Skateboard Helmet: Buying Guide
1. Fitting & Design
You could have the safest helmet in the world but it’s not going to do much good if it doesn’t fit you properly. You need to make sure you’re buying a helmet that is the correct size. Make sure that the model you are picking has an xxl size available if you are a plus size rider. Read our sizing section for help with this.
Design and color play an important role when it comes to style and preference. Most common colors include: white, black, blue, gold, rainbow, green, red, pink, yellow, orange and cyan.
2. Protective Shell Material
Nowadays, the majority of skateboard helmets are manufactured using ABS plastic, fiberglass or carbon fiber. Sometimes, you even see helmets made from Kevlar. In terms of material Vs protection, there isn’t a lot in it as long as the helmet has certifications. Prices do vary material-dependent but the vast majority of people won’t be able to notice any differences in helmet materials.
3. Safety Certifications
Unlike bike helmets, for many years skateboard helmets were unregulated. Bike helmets were regulated by the CSPC bike standard (16 CFR part 120). The purpose of guidelines is to minimize skull fracture risk when wearing a helmet. Skateboard helmets now have their own certification – the ASTM 1492. To be given this certification, a helmet has to withstand multiple-angle impacts and have good head coverage. So, even if it’s a baby helmet, you should get a certified model.
4. Straps & Retention System
Another important aspect of your helmet is the retention system and straps. The straps hold the helmet tightly but also allow you to open your mouth so you can talk or eat and drink without removing it.
When choosing a helmet, you must choose one with straps that form a v-shape under your ear lobe. In terms of the retention system, you need to be able to adjust the helmet so that it is stable and well-fitting.
5. Ventilation/Breathability
This is one aspect that is more for comfort than safety. Many people dislike feeling hot and sweaty in a helmet and so look for one with good ventilation and breathability.
There is some unavoidable heat due to the materials used that are necessary for adequate protection but lots of brands now use a 2nd layer in the helmet’s padding to limit the problem.
Types of Helmets
1. Aero Road Helmets
Aero Road Helmets are a new type of helmet that is in between a vented helmet and a trial helmet. It is designed to be lightweight, compact and aerodynamic that gives ease of movement. They go very well with the electric boards.
2. BMX
BMX helmets come as open-face or full-face helmets. Full-face helmets offer lots of protection whereas open face options are for less extreme BMX and ripstick riding.
3. Full Face
Full face helmets offer the highest safety level because your whole face is protected. They are ideal for those who like to take risks when riding on a skateboard or inline skates as every part of the head is protected in case of impact.
4. Kids & Youth
There are a lot of helmets available and designed for children. The brand that has the best safety standards is Wiggle.
5. Leisure
Leisure helmets are great looking helmets. They’re lightweight, well vented but expensive.
6. Mountain Bike Helmets
Mountain bike helmets are great for downhill skating because they have extra coverage and great ventilation.
7. Road Helmets
Road helmets have multiple uses. They can also be used for bike riding and other sports aside from skateboarding.
8. Time Trial
If you want to race, a time trial helmet is ideal as it is really aerodynamic whilst offering great protection.
What Other Gear Might You Need?
Obviously, it’s really important to keep your head safe when skateboarding, but what about other parts of your body? If you fail to stop a skateboard correctly, you might hurt your limbs badly. Take a look at the following protection items you might want to consider alongside your helmet. These are particularly important if you’re a beginner or you want to try a new trick!
1. Elbow Pads
If you’re going to fall, it’s quite likely that your elbows will take some of the force of your fall as they’re pretty vulnerable. Elbow pads will help to protect you from elbow scrapes. While they’re not entirely necessary (unlike a helmet), you will appreciate not having scraped elbows should you fall.
2. Hip Pads
Hip pads are really underrated in terms of popularity. However, they’re actually really great! You can get hip pads in the form of padded shorts that protect your hips as well as your bum. Having an injury or a bruise to this area is really quite painful!
3. Knee Pads
Beginners will really appreciate protecting their knees with knee pads since beginners tend to fall a lot. Falling on your knees is actually one of the safest ways to fall so having knee pads will stop any injuries to this vulnerable part of your body.
4. Wrist Guards
A sprained wrist or injured palm is going to stop you doing a lot of things for a while. That’s why we recommended wrist guards. They will protect your palms from injuries and stop you from spraining your wrists too.
Final Words
In our skateboard helmet review, we’ve covered a list of the best skateboard helmets out there and there really is something for everyone in our top ten and we’re sure that you’ll be happy with each and every one of the helmets we’ve reviewed.
If standing out from the crowd is your first priority you can’t beat the cool 3D mohawk helmet or the cute cat kids’ helmet. However, safety is clearly paramount as far as skateboard helmets go. Our Editor’s Choice is by far the safest helmet in our top ten as it has both CPSC and ASTM certifications. What’s more, this helmet has such fantastic online reviews that really do speak for themselves.
Whichever helmet you decide to choose, make sure you measure your head properly and check how it fits. After all, even the safest helmet will be redundant if it doesn’t fit properly.
FAQ
Q. 1: How can I pick the right size if I order online?
Ans: Choosing the right size helmet is paramount. Each brand will have its own sizings and instructions on how to measure your head. Also, it is a good idea to read online reviews as some helmets have a smaller fitting or larger fitting than you would expect. It is important that you fit your helmet well and use any additional padding provided so that the helmet has a snug fit.
Q. 2: When do I need to replace my helmet?
Ans: With skateboard helmets, there are two situations where you will need to stop using your helmet and replace it immediately.
- If you have a major fall and your helmet strikes the ground pretty hard. If this occurs, and particularly if it lands on the ground with a bang, it is important to check the internal liners. If you notice any cracks then you will need to replace.
- If you have lots of minor accidents and falls within a few months. There might not be any cracks inside but there could be lots of scratches on the outside. In this scenario, it’s probably a good idea to replace your helmet so that you’re ensuring your safety.
Q. 3: What certification is best for skateboard helmets?
Ans: Skateboard helmet safety standards are under the name ASTM F-1492 and bike helmets come under CPSC safety standards. It’s important to research these well as some helmets don’t have the ASTM certification and therefore might not be as safe as others that do.
Q. 4: Can I use a bike helmet for skateboarding?
Ans: You are allowed to wear only those bike helmets that cover the back of your head completely. Unlike skateboard helmets, bike helmets do not often focus on the back of the head.
Q. 5: Should I wear a helmet while skateboarding?
Ans: You are legally obliged to put on a helmet while skateboarding in some states. However, for safety reasons, skateboarders must wear helmets and encourage other riders to do it as well.
Q. 6: Why are BMX helmets different?
Ans: The difference of helmets mainly depends on the type of risks involved for a certain activity. BMX and downhill longboard helmets usually provide full-face coverage due to the risk involved in such extreme sports.
Q. 7: How do I choose a skateboard helmet?
Ans: We’ve done an elaborate discussion on this in our article. In short, focus on the build quality, certification, comfort, and style before choosing a helmet. When it’s about helmets, you should put more priority on safety than price.
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