Skateboard helmets are often different from bike helmets because they are designed to protect against a much greater range of impacts. Skateboarders are more likely to experience head impacts from the ground, falls onto the street, or collisions with other skateboards and objects such as curbs or stairs.
As a result, skateboard helmets are made with thicker foam that is denser than what’s typically found in bike helmets. Bike riders are less likely to encounter these types of hazards and can usually get away with thinner padding on their helmet, which offers little protection for head-to-head contact and falls.
Is there a difference between skateboard helmets and bike helmets?
The major difference is that skateboarders are more likely to experience falls onto the rough ground or other objects. At the same time, bike riders are less likely to do so because they are traveling at a slower pace with fewer obstacles in their way.
Skateboard helmets typically consist of a thicker layer of foam inside a hard plastic shell that provides greater protection for skateboards who may collide into one another or fall on hard surfaces while riding ramps or performing stunts such as flips and grinds. It also offers better protection against falls from heights and ledges when doing tricks off handrails or similar heights.
Can bike helmets be used for skating?
While a bike helmet is better than nothing, you should really be wearing a skateboarding helmet for skateboarding. Bike helmets are designed to protect against the types of head impacts common when biking. On the other hand, skateboarding involves a variety of high-impact contact with different surfaces and objects that are much more likely to cause injury than bike riding.
You can probably get away with wearing a skateboarding helmet for bike riding if you really wanted to. The added protection of the hard external plastic shell will add an additional layer of protection. Unfortunately, skateboarding helmets don’t “breathe” as easy as bike helmets and are generally heavier. If you’re long-distance biking, you’ll eventually find it uncomfortable.
What should I look for when buying a skateboard helmet?
When buying a skateboard helmet, you’re really looking for the same things as with bike helmets.
- Type of foam (hard or soft)
- Shell material thickness and quality
- How well it fits on your head and how comfortable it is to wear
A good fit is important because if it’s too loose, gaps between your skull and the hard shell can leave you open to injury. A properly fitted skateboarding helmet will feel snug but not tight – like a baseball cap worn backward. It should stay in place when shaking your head from side to side without jostling around while wearing gloves or pads such as elbow/knee pads underneath.
Here are three great skateboarding helmets that meet most needs:
Triple Eight Dual Certified Bike and Skateboard Helmet
Triple Eight Tony Hawk Signature Model
Pro-Tec Classic Certified Skate Helmet
How much should a skateboard helmet cost?
Skateboard helmets are available at a wide range of prices, so you want to make sure that whatever helmet you purchase is both high quality and comfortable.
Low-quality skateboarding helmets are usually made with thin foam or soft foam inside the hard plastic shell, which offers little protection against falls from heights or other impacts.
These are typically found at sporting goods stores for $25-$35 but aren’t recommended because they offer less protection than higher quality ones (which will also be more expensive). If safety isn’t important, these are okay options.
Mid-range skateboarding helmets are priced around $50-$75 and have thicker layers of softer outer padding – similar to what’s used in bike helmets – on the outside of the hard plastic shell. They are made from higher quality materials and are typically safer for more aggressive skateboarders who often perform tricks off of ledges or handrails.
This Triple Eight THE Certified Sweatsaver Helmet is a great example of a high-quality mid-range helmet.
High-end skateboarding helmets are priced around $100-$200, have thicker foam inside the hard outer shell, and offer better protection as well as a wide range of cool color options to choose from. They often incorporate additional features like LED lights or face shields. These are perfect if you’re looking for something that will last a while (and make your friends jealous) without breaking the bank.
The highest possible price is usually determined by how popular it is among skaters – which can sometimes be marketed through endorsements with famous professional skaters like Tony Hawk, Shaun White, Mike Vallely, etc.
This LTJLBHJ Skateboard Helmet offers a unique style and comes with additional goggles.
If you are looking for a skateboard helmet, I would suggest sticking to a mid-range helmet, like this Pro-Tec Classic Certified Skate Helmet, as they are generally better quality and are more protective.
Do you need a certified helmet for skateboarding?
No, to skateboard, you are not required by law to wear a certified helmet, but certified helmets are proven to offer better protection in the case of impact.
There are different recognized standards for helmet protection for both skateboarding and biking. Helmets can be submitted for testing and certification, depending on their intended use.
| Activity | Helmet Type | Applicable Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Skatebording/Longboarding | Skateboard | ASTM F14922; Snell N-942 |
| Bicycling/Scooter | Bicycle | ASTM F1447, F18981; Snell B-90A, B-95, N-942; CPSC |
Conclusion
Helmets are always a good idea because they are useful in protecting the head against injury from falls and collisions with objects like tree branches or concrete surfaces. This can reduce concussions and other brain injuries common among skaters when they fall off of ramps/ledges at high speeds or hit something hard on the way down.
Helmets will also protect you from scrapes and cuts if your face slams into pavement or stone steps too quickly, which happens surprisingly often for those who don’t wear a helmet!
Plenty of brands offer protective headgear for skateboarders, so you’re guaranteed to find something within your price range.
Bike helmets are also sold in a huge variety of colors and styles with many different features like extra padding and ventilation systems, which is great if you are looking for something more than just basic protection while riding around on your bike.
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