If you’re a skateboarder like me, safety should always come first. And one of the most important pieces of safety equipment you can invest in is a high-quality skateboard helmet. Your head is precious cargo, so protecting it from falls and impacts on pavement or concrete is a must. To eliminate your confusion on how to pick up the best skateboard helmets, we have highlighted the best ones along with a section on how to choose them.
What is a Skateboard Helmet?
A skateboard helmet is specifically designed to protect your skull and brain from the kinds of falls and collisions that are common in skateboarding. It typically covers just the top portion of your head, with a hard outer shell and impact-absorbing inner lining. The best helmets are certified for both bicycle and skateboard use, ensuring they meet strict safety standards for impact protection.
Wearing a skateboard helmet should be as much a part of your routine as grabbing your board. It only takes a few seconds to put on, but those few seconds could save you from a life-changing head injury. Think of your helmet as insurance for all the rad skate adventures you have ahead of you. Your future self will thank you for it.
With so many helmets on the market, it can be tough to choose the right one for your style and needs. As an avid skateboarder, I’ve gone through my fair share of helmets over the years. So I decided to review and round up some of the best skateboard helmets currently available, to help you make the most informed choice.
1. TSG – Pass Pro Full-face Helmet
TSG is a German company that has been engineering high-performance protective gear for extreme sports since 1996. Their helmets are meticulously designed in coordination with professional athletes to meet the demanding needs of downhill skateboarding, longboarding, e-skating, and other high-speed disciplines. The TSG – Pass Pro Full-face Helmet is their flagship product.
The TSG Pass Pro full-face helmet delivers an advanced level of protection and comfort for high-speed skateboarding. Manufactured through a progressive vacuum bag molding process, the compact fiberglass shell weighs only 2.16 lbs yet meets the rigorous ASTM F1952 and EN 1078 safety standards.
2. S1 Lifer Helmet for Skateboarding, BMX, and Roller Skating
S1 Helmet Co. is an industry leader in action sports protective gear. Their S1 Lifer Helmet provides premium protection and performance for skateboarding and roller sports. Featuring S1’s Fusion Foam EPS liner certified to absorb high-impact forces, the Lifer Helmet is over 5 times more protective than standard skate helmets.
Its durable ABS outer shell and 11x7x9-inch form factor weigh only 1.99 lbs, maximizing comfort and maneuverability. To ensure a customized fit for ages 5 and up, S1 lifer helmet includes sizing pads to size up or down from the base size. Once fitted, the deep fit design and certified multi-impact ASTM and CPSC ratings by S1 provide peace of mind to riders and parents alike.
3. Triple Eight Skateboard Helmet Dual Certified MIPS
Compliant with both U.S. CPSC bicycle and ASTM F-1492 skateboard standards, the Triple Eight Dual Certified MIPS Bike and Skateboard Helmet features patented MIPS technology that reduces rotational forces on the brain during impact. Its ABS shell and impact-absorbing EPS foam liner are engineered to conform closely to the head for a low-profile fit, ideal for cycling, skateboarding, rollerblading, and beyond.
4. S1 Lifer Visor Helmet Gen 2 for Skateboarding, BMX, and Roller Skating
Constructed with a specially formulated EPS Fusion Foam and a Deep Fit Design, the S1 Lifer Visor Helmet Gen 2 is 5 times more impact-resistant than standard skate helmets according to industry safety standards (ASTM, CPSC certified). The strategic foam placement and 13 aerodynamic vents provide maximum protection and temperature regulation.
With a sleek, glossy black design and clear visor, the S1 Lifer Visor Helmet Gen 2 makes a stylish safety statement. For extreme sports enthusiasts looking for a high-performance, protective helmet, the S1 Lifer Visor Helmet Gen 2 is an ideal choice.
5. S1 Retro Lifer Helmet for Skateboarding, BMX, and Roller Skating
The S1 Retro Lifer Helmet features a specially formulated EPS Fusion Foam interior that absorbs multiple low to high-impact collisions. Certified as both an ASTM multi-impact and CPSC high-impact helmet, the Retro Lifer helmet offers up to five times the protection of standard soft foam helmets.
With its durable ABS outer shell and plush inner padding, the Retro Lifer Helmet weighs just 1.6 lbs and ensures a comfortable fit for wearers age 5 and up. Ten interior sizing pads allow for customized sizing in small increments. The deep fit design and full coverage offers secure protection for the sides and back of the head.
6. Pro-Tec Classic Certified Skateboard Helmet
For over 40 years, Pro-Tec has pioneered high-performance protective gear for action sports athletes. The Pro-Tec Classic Certified Skate Helmet continues this legacy, providing premium impact protection and comfort for skateboarding and BMX.
With an Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene(ABS) hard-shell and an expanded polystyrene (EPS) liner, the Pro-Tec Classic Certified Skate Helmet meets ASTM safety standards for high speed impacts. Weighing just 1.1 lbs, the low-profile design is suitable for both street and park skating. 11 open vents and a plush moisture-wicking liner provide ventilation and comfort for extended wear.
7. Pro-Tec Full Cut Certified Skateboard Helmet
The Pro-Tec Full Cut Certified Skate Helmet has a sturdy ABS plastic outer surface and EPS foam inner lining that meets official safety certifications for enduring multiple impacts. Its molded foam pads are designed for comfort during long-term wear.
Although lightweight at only 0.95 lbs, this helmet is built to last. It has 17 ventilation holes and a sweat-absorbing inner lining to keep the user feeling cool and focused. Straps that can be adjusted to different lengths and a sturdy buckle allow it to fit heads with a circumference between 21.3 and 22 inches.
8. Bern, Macon 2.0 Multisport Helmet
Bern Helmets is an industry leader designing premium protective gear for action sports. Founded in 2004, Bern pioneered the use of lightweight, stylish helmets for cycling, snowsports, skateboarding, and water sports. Bern’s signature low-profile helmets offer full-service protection and comfort in versatile, affordable packages.
Weighing only 0.85 lbs, the Macon 2.0 multisport helmet 2.0 is 15% lighter than the original Macon but retains its durability and safety certifications for impacts. Eleven vents provide airflow to keep riders cool while the Compass Fit System uses a rear dial for a customized fit. The Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) integrated into select models deflects rotational forces from angled impacts.
9. TSG Meta Skate & Bike Helmet
With an ultra-lightweight 0.7 lbs In-mold construction directly bonding the impact-absorbing EPS foam to the polycarbonate shell, the TSG Meta Skate & Bike helmet delivers maximum protection at minimum weight.
Well-ventilated with 11 vents to reduce heat and moisture buildup, the TSG Meta Skate & Bike helmet keeps riders cool and focused. Used by professional skateboarders and cyclists, the TSG Meta Skate & Bike helmet provides trusted impact protection for the inherent risks of riding in an urban environment.
10. TSG Superlight Bike & Skate Helmet
At only 0.7 lbs, the TSG Superlight Bike & Skate Helmet features an innovative In-Mold Construction that bonds the impact-absorbing EPS foam directly to the polycarbonate shell for enhanced durability without added weight.
The Superlight helmet exceeds both EN 1078 European and CPSC U.S. safety standards. Its Low Fit design and Snug Fit system provide full coverage and a customized, wobble-free fit for most head shapes. The Tuned Fit System includes removable comfort pads in two thicknesses so riders can fine-tune the fit.
11. Triple Eight Skateboard Helmet Gotham MIPS
The Gotham Helmet with MIPS technology from Triple Eight provides superior protection and comfort for action sports enthusiasts. This dual-certified helmet complies with both U.S. CPSC and ASTM safety standards for biking and skating. Its urban-style ABS shell with subtle brim offers an updated take on traditional helmets.
The patented Conehead EPS liner works with the MIPS layer to absorb and redirect energy from crashes, decreasing impact g-forces by up to 30% compared to standard EPS. This innovative system allows the Gotham to provide exceptional protection from injury.
12. Triple Eight Skateboard Helmet Gotham
Triple Eight, an innovative protective gear company founded over 20 years ago, engineered the Gotham Helmet to provide superior protection and comfort for action sports riders. The Triple Eight Skateboard Gotham helmet provides maximum protection and comfort for avid cyclists and skateboarders in the United States.
Through innovative cone-shaped collapsing cones, the Conehead liner technology effectively distributes impact energy sideways to reduce force to the head. The dual certification complies with the strict U.S. CPSC bicycle helmet standards for all ages as well as ASTM skateboarding requirements to instill confidence in riders.
How To Choose The Best Skateboard Helmets?
A high-quality skateboard helmet can save you from life-threatening head injuries in the event of a nasty fall or collision. But with so many options out there, how do you choose a skateboard helmet that fits your needs and budget? As an experienced skateboarder, I will walk you through the key factors to consider to select the perfect skateboard helmet.
Protection is Paramount
The most important thing in a skateboard helmet is that it adequately protects your skull and brain. Look for a helmet that specifically says it meets safety standards for skateboarding or action sports, such as ASTM. Some dual-certified helmets meet both skateboarding and bicycling standards. More expensive helmets are not necessarily safer, they just tend to be more comfortable and stylish. For maximum protection, look for a helmet with a hard outer shell and thick inner padding.
Finding the Right Fit
A helmet that doesn’t fit properly won’t protect you well and won’t be comfortable to wear. Your skateboard helmet should fit snugly but still be comfortable. It should sit about an inch above your eyebrows, not tilt back or slide around. The chin strap should be securely buckled so the helmet doesn’t move, but still allow you to open your mouth fully. For the best fit, measure your head and compare it to the helmet sizing chart.
Ventilation and Comfort
Skateboarding helmets come with different ventilation systems to help keep your head cool and prevent sweat buildup. More vents mean more airflow but less warmth. Choose a helmet with vents that match the climate you’ll be skating in. Padding thickness also impacts comfort—thicker pads feel cushier but may be too warm for some.
Style and Extras
Once you’ve found options that meet safety, fit and comfort needs, consider style and extra features. These include visors, liners, padding for ear protection and built-in audio systems. While not necessary for safety, extras can enhance your skating experience. Choose helmet colors and patterns that match your personal style or skateboard design.
With the right knowledge, you can choose a skateboard helmet that offers maximum protection and comfort. Follow this guide to find the perfect skateboard helmet for your needs and enjoy hitting the skatepark with confidence.
FAQs When Picking The Best Skateboard Helmets
1. Do I need to wear a helmet when skateboarding?
Yes, it is highly recommended to wear a properly fitted helmet when skateboarding to prevent head injuries in case of falls or collisions.
2. What kind of helmet should I get for skateboarding?
For skateboarding, you want to get a helmet that is specifically designed for skateboarding or aggressive sports. Look for a helmet that is certified by a recognized safety standard like U.S. CPSC, ASTM or MIPS. Popular skate helmet brands include S1, Pro-Tec, Triple 8, TSG and Bern.
3. How do I know if a skateboard helmet fits properly?
A properly fitted skateboard helmet should sit level on your head and feel snug but not too tight. It should not move around when shaking your head. The helmet straps should form a “V” under each ear, and you should be able to fit two fingers under the side straps. Your forehead should not hurt from the helmet.
4. How often should I replace my skateboard helmet?
It is recommended to replace your skateboard helmet every 2 years at minimum, even if there are no visible signs of damage. The protective foam and materials in helmets can break down over time. Also replace your helmet immediately if it sustains any hard impacts.
5. Can I wear a bike helmet for skateboarding?
It is not recommended to wear a standard bike helmet for skateboarding. Bike helmets and skateboard helmets are designed differently to protect against the impacts typical for each sport. Skateboard helmets typically provide more back-of-the-head coverage and more impact-absorbing liner for the skatepark. Stick with a helmet specifically made for skateboarding or aggressive sports.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while there are many skateboard helmet options out there at various price points, the most important thing is to find a helmet that fits properly and offers maximum protection for your needs. For most casual skateboarders, a helmet that meets general safety certifications like CPSC, ASTM should work great. But for those doing more aggressive skating, especially vert skating or tricks, a helmet specifically with MIPS technology is recommended. No matter which helmet you choose, be sure to wear it each and every time you get on your skateboard.
Enjoyed this guide of the best skateboard helmets? Then be sure to check out our other outdoor gears guides.
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