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What Kind of Helmet Do You Need for Skating?

What Kind of Helmet Do You Need for Skating?

When it comes to skating, safety should always be your top priority. Whether you're cruising down the sidewalk, shredding at the skatepark, or enjoying a longboard ride, wearing the right helmet can protect you from serious injuries. But with so many helmet types out there, it can be challenging to know which one suits your needs best. In this post, we’ll explore the different types of skate helmets available and how to choose the best one for your style of skating.

Top Features to Consider When Choosing a Skateboard Helmet

When choosing a skateboard helmet, there are several factors to keep in mind to ensure you're getting the best protection and comfort:

  • Fit and Comfort: A helmet that doesn’t fit right won’t provide the best protection. Be sure to measure your head and choose a helmet that adjusts to fit securely. Many helmets come with adjustable straps or a dial-fit system, ensuring that your helmet stays snug and safe even during intense activity. The right fit also helps to distribute impact more evenly in the event of a fall, preventing injury.

  • Ventilation: Skateboarding can get sweaty, especially in warmer weather. Helmets with good ventilation help keep your head cool, which can be especially important for long sessions. Look for helmets with strategically placed vents to maximize airflow, helping to keep you comfortable and focused while skating.

  • Material: Look for helmets made from high-quality materials like EPS foam, which offers excellent shock absorption. EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam is designed to crush upon impact, absorbing the force and reducing the risk of head injury. Additionally, many helmets feature durable outer shells made from hard plastic or polycarbonate for added strength.

  • Certification: Always check if the helmet meets the safety standards of your region. Helmets that are CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) certified are generally the most reliable for skateboarding. This certification ensures that the helmet has been tested for safety and meets strict impact resistance requirements. Be sure to choose a helmet that is specifically approved for skateboarding and meets the necessary safety standards.

Now that we've covered some important features to consider, let's explore the various types of helmets designed for skating.

Types of Skate Helmets

When shopping for a skateboard helmet, it's essential to choose one that fits your riding style and safety needs. 

The best helmet for skating depends on your riding style — choose a CPSC-certified skateboard helmet with EPS foam for shock absorption and proper head coverage. For high-speed or electric skating, go with a full-face helmet; for kids, look for adjustable youth-specific models like the Triple 8 Sweatsaver.

Here are some common helmet types and factors to consider:

Skateboard Helmet vs. Bike Helmet

A common question is whether a bike helmet can be used for skateboarding. The answer is no, skateboard helmets are designed to handle multiple smaller impacts, while bike helmets are made to withstand a single, large impact. 

  • Skateboard helmets offer more coverage on the sides and are designed to handle glancing impacts, which are common in skateboarding.

  • Conclusion: Always choose a skateboard-specific helmet for the best protection.

Full Face Skateboard Helmet

For skaters who need extra protection, especially when riding high-speed electric skateboards or tackling downhill runs, a full face skateboard helmet is the way to go. These helmets offer complete face protection, which is crucial for preventing serious injuries during high-impact falls. They are also popular among skaters pushing their limits with tricks or speed. 

Full-face helmets cover the chin and jaw area, providing an added layer of security in case of falls where the head hits the ground in an angled or direct manner.

Helmets for Kids

Whether you're looking for a toddler skateboard helmet or a youth skateboard helmet, it's essential to select one that's designed specifically for children. Kids need helmets that fit their smaller heads and provide adequate protection. Many helmets for kids feature adjustable straps to grow with your child. 

MIPS Skateboard Helmet

If you're looking for cutting-edge technology, the MIPS skateboard helmet is an excellent choice. The Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) helps reduce the rotational forces during a fall, offering better brain protection. This technology is becoming more common in higher-end helmets and provides added safety for aggressive or frequent riders. 

  • MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) reduces rotational forces during a fall.

  • Ideal for aggressive riders and those frequently performing high-speed tricks.

Adult Skateboard Helmet

Adult skaters should look for a helmet that offers the right combination of protection, comfort, and style. Whether you're just getting into skating or you're a seasoned pro, you need a helmet that fits well and withstands impacts.

Electric Skateboard Helmet

Riders of electric skateboards should opt for a helmet that offers robust protection at higher speeds. These helmets need to be durable and designed to handle fast-moving falls. 

  • Look for helmets with extra neck and chin protection, such as full-face helmets or S1 Lifer Helmets.

Helmet and Pads for Skateboarders

  • Don't forget additional protection: pads for elbows, knees, and wrists are vital, as well as a good pair of gloves.

  • Combining helmet, pads and gloves provides full-body protection, essential for skaters of all levels.

Conclusion

Choosing the right skateboard helmet is crucial for ensuring your safety while enjoying the ride. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skater, finding a helmet that fits well, provides adequate protection, and suits your style will make all the difference. From kids’ helmets to full-face options for electric skateboard riders, SkatesUSA offers a variety of high-quality helmets to meet every skater's needs. Don't compromise on safety, make sure you pick the right helmet for your next adventure!

FAQ

Can I use a skateboard helmet for biking?


While skateboard helmets and bike helmets may seem similar, they are designed for different types of impacts. Skateboard helmets are meant to absorb multiple smaller impacts, while bike helmets are designed to handle a single, large impact. It is generally not recommended to use a skateboard helmet for biking, as a bike helmet offers more protection for cycling-specific risks.

How should a skateboard helmet fit?


 A skateboard helmet should fit snugly around your head without being too tight or too loose. It should sit level on your head, covering the forehead and not tipping backward or forward. The chin strap should be adjusted so that it fits securely, and you should not be able to move the helmet easily. Make sure there is no gap between your forehead and the helmet, and the padding inside should feel comfortable without causing pressure.

Can you use a skateboard helmet for snowboarding?

 While a skateboard helmet provides good protection for skating, it is not designed specifically for snowboarding. Snowboard helmets are often built to withstand colder temperatures and feature additional insulation or ventilation for warmth. While a skateboard helmet may offer some protection for snowboarding, it’s better to use a snowboard-specific helmet for proper safety in the snow.

How to choose a skateboard helmet size?

 To choose the right size for your skateboard helmet, measure the circumference of your head, just above your eyebrows. Compare this measurement to the size chart provided by the helmet manufacturer. Helmets typically come in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes, and some have adjustable features like a dial-fit system to provide a customizable fit. Always ensure the helmet is snug but comfortable, and don’t forget to check for certification labels that meet safety standards.

When choosing the best skateboard helmet for your needs, consider the style, fit, comfort, and protection level. Whether you're looking for a helmet for your child or yourself, SkatesUSA offers a wide variety of helmets to suit every skater. Browse our collection today to find the perfect helmet for your next ride. For more options, visit our full selection of helmets: SkatesUSA Helmet Collection.

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FAQs

Why is quality grip tape important for skateboarding?
Quality grip tape is essential as it provides the necessary traction between your shoes and the skateboard, ensuring better control, stability, and safety while performing tricks and riding.
What are the benefits of adding lights to my skateboard?
Board lights enhance visibility during low-light conditions, making it safer to ride at night. They also add a personalized touch to your skateboard's aesthetic.
How do I choose the right skateboard bearings?
Choose bearings based on their ABEC rating for smoothness and speed, material durability, and whether they are sealed or serviceable for maintenance purposes.
What should I look for when selecting a skateboard helmet?
When choosing a helmet, prioritize a proper fit, safety standards certification, good ventilation, durable construction, and a style that you like.
How important are skate shoes in skateboarding?
Skate shoes are crucial for skateboarding as they provide the grip, cushioning, and durability needed to perform tricks comfortably and reduce the risk of injury.
What should be included in a skateboard maintenance kit?
A skateboard maintenance kit should include a skate tool, lubricants, cleaners, and patches or kits for quick fixes to keep your skateboard in top condition.

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