In both biking and skating, falls are more or less inevitable. Hence, head protection is an absolute necessity, and that’s why we wear helmets.

But are skateboard helmets and bike helmets the same?

Besides the apparent discrepancy in their looks, skate helmets and cycling helmets are pretty different in terms of safety and functionality. Manufacturers design them differently based upon their intended use.

Some of these differences are visible in their shapes, ventilation system, visors, and style, while others are internal. And those internal factors play a more crucial role in their protection system. As the level of effectiveness of each helmet varies, consumers must select the appropriate helmet according to their purpose.

So, consequently, the ‘skateboard helmet vs bike helmet’ dispute gradually arises when choosing one over the other. Keep reading to find a detailed explanation of the differences between bike helmets and skateboard helmets and whether you can use them interchangeably.

Skateboard Helmet Vs Bike Helmet

Impact Resistance System

The comparison between skateboarding helmets and bike helmets has most to do with their resistance system. While skateboard and longboard helmets can be both single and multi-impact, their biking counterparts are typically single-impact headgears.

A multi-impact helmet might seem great on its face, but it’s hardly the whole story. You may always spot damages to the outer shell, but it can be difficult to tell whether the protective foam is still intact. Also, if you already suffered a few soft blows to the head, you can’t be sure if the helmet can withstand another hard impact. Nevertheless, it’s always better than not wearing a helmet at all.

That’s why choosing a single-impact skateboard helmet or bike helmet is your best bet, although it’s not very popular with skateboarders. The foam on single-impact helmets is more rigid and doesn’t reinstate after a severe blow. What happens is the foam gets crushed on one powerful impact. However, a few soft knocks won’t require you to get a new helmet. Unless the inner foam gets cracked, you’re good to continue with it.

Safety Standards

Secondly, you’ll want to know how skate helmet vs bike helmet compares based on safety standards. Helmets fall under different regulations depending on their type.

Concerning the safety of products, the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) have established several sets of standards. The standards can either be mandatory or voluntary. You can determine which regulations apply to your helmet by looking at its label.

Because skating is a sport that can sustain more than one impact, skate helmets are often designed to withstand multiple impacts. Falling several times is common for skaters who perform increasing amounts of complex maneuvers. However, skate helmets aren’t always certified, and neither the law requires them to be. These helmets provide a certain degree of protection, but it isn’t always guaranteed.

Cycling, on the other hand, is relatively accident-free once one masters the fundamentals. Therefore, bicycle helmets are most likely to survive one severe crash. Bicycling helmets sold in the US must comply with the CPSC standard. Hence, you must always check whether yours does or not.

Read: How to Look Cool Wearing a Skateboard Helmet?

Inner Materials

The two types of helmets mentioned above are intended to protect from different kinds of accidents. Their materials inside explain how they serve the protection.

Ideally, helmets for skateboarding use a rubbery foam that gently bends back into shape after an impact. Typically, they use Expanded Polypropylene foams (EPP).

On the other hand, bike helmets often feature an inner lining made of Expanded PolyStyrene (EPS). Perhaps you were familiar with it as Styrofoam. However, Styrofoam is merely one of many of this material’s brands.

In contrast to EPP, EPS is crumbly and cannot regain its natural form following a hard blow. In other words, you’ll have to replace your bike helmet if it has suffered a significant impact.

The Outer Shell

A skate helmet’s outer shell is typically sturdier than a bicycle helmet. Often, they are made up of carbon fibers or fiberglass that is reinforced by para-aramid fibers. In addition to their high tensile strength, these fibers are stiff and lightweight. Meaning, skate headwear is less likely to crack even throughout repeated collisions.

In bicycle headgears, the exterior is considerably lighter, with their shell merely being a thin plastic enclosure. The EPS foam performs most of the protective work in these single-impact helmets. It’s because cycling emphasizes speed more than anything else. Bicyclists can go faster when their gear is lighter.

Read: How to clean a white helmet?

Design and Head Coverage

No matter what skating sport you are involved in, helmet shapes are pretty similar, whether you’re riding a skateboard or a longboard. They are round and smooth in shape, covering the dome of users’ heads from their forehead to all the way down to their nape. The lower back part of these headwears has a unique design for protecting the wearers against frequent backward falls.

In contrast, bike helmets differ depending on the variety of cycling sports.

The elongated shape of road cycling helmets does not extend down to cover the rider’s neck. Track cycling helmets have a further streamlined, ventless design with a smooth surface, while mountain biking helmets resemble full-face motorcycle helmets having a spacious ventilation system.

And although BMX involves riding a bike, it shares cultural and technical similarities with skateboarding. While laying dirt jump on BMX bikes requires wearing a mountain bike helmet, skate helmets are the go-to choice for BMX freestyling.

Read: What size skate helmet do I need?

Visor or No Visor?

A skateboard headwear doesn’t feature a visor. It’s because skaters rarely deal with conditions that would require any. Usually, skateboarding venues are controlled environments and are not hostile.

The same is true for road-cycling helmets; a pair of sunglasses usually suffices for their eye protection.

Mountain biking helmets often include a visor, however, since they’re full-face helmets. It protects against the sun, rain, wind, bugs, and dirt from the track. The headgear of track cyclists also has an integrated visor, even though they compete indoors. Here, the visor serves as an aerodynamic optimization device.

Ventilation

Except for track cycling helmets, bike helmets have more ventilation holes than skate helmets. This is because road cruising and mountain biking are both physically more demanding than skateboarding.

Speed doesn’t matter so much to skaters as it does to cyclists. They also rarely perform for as long a stretch as cyclists. That’s why bike helmets feature an aerodynamic dome that provides superior ventilation, whereas skate helmets typically only have six to eight vents.

Read: Why Adults Are Choosing Kick Scooters Over Bikes for Commuting?

Style

The term skatewear often describes an entire daily fashion style. Helmets may not be a prominent style element, but the skate culture places a great deal of importance on clothing and accessories. Consequently, there are many patterns and colors on helmets nowadays. Skate helmets with rounded vents and smooth surfaces have become popular for decorating and customizing.

Cycling fashion, meanwhile, places a high value on efficiency and performance. Although bike helmets don’t have a smooth surface, their excessive venting scheme makes them an excellent medium for creating exciting optical effects. Also, skate style bike helmets are becoming increasingly popular with kids and teens.

Durability

Is there a difference between a bike helmet and a skateboard helmet in terms of durability?

Well, trying to compare plain durability between single-impact and multiple-impact headgears seems rather unfair.

A skateboard helmet can handle more blows than a bike helmet, of course. But it’s so wrong to condemn the latter just because of that since their purposes are different, and so are their constructions accordingly. A comparison of durability only makes sense from the standpoint of their interchangeability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a bike helmet ok for skateboarding?

Ans. All bike helmets are suitable for cycling, but they must also comply with the ASTM F1492 standard for use on skateboards. It ensures that the helmet is dual-certified, offering superior protection to wearers than those with only one certification.

However, wearing a bike helmet while skateboarding brings about several concerns. Firstly, it isn’t quite adaptable to skateboarding needs. It’s utterly ridiculous to wear a track cycling helmet anywhere outside the track. A full-face mountain bike helmet is kind of silly and surplus to requirements. While road cycling helmets may not obscure your vision, they often won’t cover your head’s lower back.

Are skateboard helmets safe for biking?

Ans. As we’ve addressed earlier, skateboard helmets mostly have the build to absorb multiple knocks that aren’t too severe, whereas bike helmets aim to thwart one harsh impact. So you can’t be sure if your skateboard helmet can absorb a significant hit. We do not recommend using a skateboard helmet for safe biking unless it has both CPSC and ASTM F1492 certification.

Still, there’s one downside that might be irksome when making this replacement. That is, skate helmets are not very streamlined and do not have sufficient ventilation. So, if at all, they can only be suitable for lowly, leisure rides. Taking an hour’s ride would make your head feel like an oven.

Is there a difference between skateboard helmets and bike helmets?

Ans. Sure there is. Our entire article highlights their key differences and functions, so you can easily distinguish them.

Do skateboarders need helmets?

Ans. Yes, absolutely! Every time you skateboard, you should wear a helmet for your safety. Using a helmet is solely for the purpose of protecting your head from the potential injuries you may receive when falling. Many head injuries can happen to novices, particularly if you’re trying to improve your skill.

According to American law, all skateboarders must wear helmets. The skateparks have all been instructed to require that helmets be worn on their skating rinks. The Law of California mandates that skateboarders aged under eighteen years who skate in public places or streets wear a helmet.

You should always wear a helmet, even if you’re a professional, and don’t get hurt too often since it will significantly shorten your recovery time after falling.

Do skating helmets work?

Ans. Yes, resoundingly. Let’s now look at “Why?”.

• Hardshell plastic and foam make up skate helmets. They protect your head top-to-bottom. In other words, if you lose balance, trip, or collide, your head will not hit the pavement directly. You may be able to avoid severe injury with this small layer of protection.
• As one of the most sensitive and delicate parts of the body, the skate helmet protects your head at all costs since it is too prone to falling when you skate. Skate helmets are designed to survive not only one but several falls. Therefore, the helmet can deal with your needs, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider.
• Most safety studies suggest that an individual who wears a helmet has a significantly lower chance of getting hurt than one who does not.

Read: How Much Does A Skateboard Helmet Cost?

What’s the difference between a skateboard helmet and a bicycle helmet?

Ans. Skate and bike helmets function differently in many ways, in addition to their obvious differences in looks. The dissimilarities between the two become more apparent as you go through this write-up.

What is Low profile skateboard helmet?

Ans. Low-profile helmets are single-impact helmets having either a thinly padded inner foam or a thin-plastic outer shell. They are often exclusively for professionals who know their game and the tricks to avoid severe head injuries. However, wearing a low-profile helmet doesn’t always mean it’s dangerous; you can safely wear it as long as it has ASTM certification.

Scooter helmet vs bike helmet; is there a difference?

Ans. Unlike skateboard helmets, scooter helmets are not much different from bike helmets. If you’re riding a kick scooter, a bike helmet is perfectly appropriate. Often, kick-scooters are advised to wear bike helmets.

However, the same may not be applicable if you want to use a road bike helmet with your electric scooter, which demands more protective measures. In that case, you may want to wear a full-face mountain bike or BMX helmet. Also, manufacturers make mountain bike helmets keeping electric scooter riders in mind.

Final Say

Undoubtedly, no person in the entire universe would enjoy having their brain crushed when they fall off their ride. Besides wrist guards and knee pads, helmets are a must for specific sports, whether cricket, cycling, or a MotoGP race.

A helmet is essential to protect your precious head from impacts that could cause severe damages, including hemorrhage and memory loss. So, whether or not you’re torn between skateboarding helmet vs bike helmet, always remember that either one is better than not wearing one at all.

Read More:

• How to Clean your helmets easily?
• Can wrist guard protect fractures?
• Choose the best wrist guards for your safety

Longboarding is always fun and exciting, but at the same time, it’s risky too. That’s why longboarders are obliged to wear safety gear, and helmets are an absolute must. It can help you avoid severe head injuries and the nasty consequences that follow.

Most states in the US have now made it illegal to longboard without wearing a helmet, so it barely remains just a duty to encourage our youngsters to wear them. The law also demands these helmets to meet particular safety standards to ensure they are safe to use.

But finding the best longboard helmets complying with these legal requirements can be somewhat of a hassle for a layperson. And when you want to mix and match it with your personal preference and comfort, it becomes even more troublesome.

With this in mind, we have put together this article to answer all the questions you may have about longboard helmets. Also, we present reviews of helmets that provide uncompromised safety and are cool to wear. So, let’s begin.

We’ve reviewed the following helmets:

Do You Really Need a Longboard Helmet?

The answer is unambiguously a ‘BIG YES.’

Longboarders, whether they’re beginners or pros, often find themselves asking this question at some point. They’re rarely fans of wearing helmets, thinking it takes their freedom away.

Even though many of them agree that a helmet is necessary for downhill racing, full route cruising, skatepark riding, or similar disciplines, which involve substantial injury risks, they strongly disagree on the occasions of low-speed pushing on flats.

Read: How to Look Cool Wearing a Skateboard Helmet?

In case you need some convincing, here’s what we’d like you to know.

1. First of all, it’s illegal to longboard without a helmet in many states.
2. Once you have fallen on your head, you realize how essential helmets are.
3. Some longboarders suffer from severe concussions that even get them into intensive care, including those with two-plus years’ experience. Injuryjournal.com finds longboarders are twice as likely to suffer severe head injuries and neck injuries, as well as neurological trauma.
4. An accident can occur when the board has a poor setup, leading to wheel bite, stopping the riders in their tracks, resulting in a headlong fall.
5. Cruisers usually ride relaxedly with their guards down, leaning heavily and not bending their knees very often, increasing the risk of a sudden fall.
6. A miss of a weight transfer can cause you to hit the ground with a sudden impact even when dancing on your longboard at a slow speed on a flat.
7. Even when riding on a familiar flat surface, you will occasionally run into some deep crack or debris, causing you to fall off your board and hit your head on the sidewalk or road.
8. You may experience a car suddenly pulling out on you even when you’re slowing down on a flat.
9. A kid or an unmindful pedestrian can always pop out of nowhere and push you hard without you even realizing it.
10. Older longboarders should be role models for younger ones by wearing helmets.

When Should You Replace Your Longboard Helmet?

Most helmets have the designs to endure and survive a great deal of abuse, but changing a helmet should never be put off until it wears out completely. Helmet manufacturers usually suggest replacing them after about three to five years of use or roughly seven years after production.

However, it’s incredibly challenging to maintain a bike, skateboard, or longboard helmet integrity through multiple impacts, as it shakes under pressure any impact a skull might have otherwise sustained. Consequently, the damaged area of a helmet can barely withstand another hard blow.

So, we recommend replacing your helmet soon after it has taken one severe blow.

How Often Should You Change Your Longboard Helmet?

Helmets have one steadfast rule: if you crash wearing one, replace it. They are primarily single-use safety equipment. You can no longer protect yourself with a helmet that has had its foam compressed. No matter if you bought the helmet yesterday or twenty years ago, this holds.

Even multi-impact certified helmets that have taken multiple hits will not provide the same level of protection as they did at their time of purchase. Their lifespan decreases near to zero with each slam. It’s best to replace the helmet if you’re not sure if it’s still protecting you.

You might also want to consider replacing your helmet even if you haven’t suffered any injuries in the past few years. Sweat and heat can age and destroy the helmet’s protective properties, reducing its defense mechanism radically. That’s why we recommend replacing yours every 3-years, even if you never fell or crashed while wearing it.

Types of Helmets for Longboarding

The following two main longboard helmet variants are to consider based on the kind of skateboarding discipline you wish to pursue:

• Full-Face Helmets
• Half-Shell Helmets

Full-Face Helmets

A full-face longboard helmet provides more enhanced protection than its half-shell counterparts as they cover your entire head, protect the eyes, ears, jaw, and face.

Almost every full-face helmet comes with a tinted, removable visor that protects your eyes from dirt or insects, as well as the radiant sunlight blinding you when skating. Essentially, they share the same construction as all other hardshell helmets, consisting of an ABS exterior, EPS foam liner interior, and additional padding for a snug fit.

Downhill or challengingly high-speed longboarding calls for a helmet of this type. The rule for professional longboarding and skateboarding contests is that the riders must wear a full-face helmet. As an aerodynamic helmet, full-face helmets do not have that many vents, but ultimately it comes down to your utmost safety and performance.

Unfortunately, full-face helmet makers provide little information about the amount of impact their helmets can handle. So it’s essential to check the helmet’s certification marks to ensure you’re getting the best protection (see below to learn more).

Half-Shell Helmets

Half-shell helmets are also called ‘buckets’ because of their shape. These ABS foam-filled lightweight helmets do not cover most parts of your face. For longboarders, the half-shell helmet only provides ‘basic’ protection for cruising, freestyle, dancing, slalom, and street skating, as well as activities similar to roller skating and cycling.

However, a half-shell helmet is not an ideal option for downhill longboarding. The classic bucket shape only shields the top and the back of your head and the forehead; it doesn’t guard your eyes, ears, jaw, and face.

Half-shell helmets come in two types:

The Classic Half-Shell

It’s the most commonly found half-shell helmet. As we’ve mentioned earlier, it only goes above your hairline and down the back, covering less than half of your face.

The “Full-Cut” Half-Shell

This helmet’s ear covers are borrowed from snowboard helmets of the same style. They don’t have any performance boost over their classic counterparts, but they sure do look cool.

Comparisons between Different Longboard Helmet Constructions

You can find the above two types of helmets in a variety of constructions. It’s always a good idea to compare them to determine which is most suitable for you according to your needs.

Hard-shell vs Soft-Shell Helmets

Longboard skateboard helmets typically have a “hard shell,” meaning a rigid ABS outer shell that sits on top of an inner layer of lightweight EPS foam that disperses and absorbs impacts.

In particular, you should steer clear of “soft-shell” helmets, as they have a thinner outer shell and less stiff multi-density foam lining, which are not as protective as a hard shell helmet with EPS.

Hard-Shell Construction vs In-mold Construction

In terms of the bond between the EPS liner and the helmet’s outer shell, there are two construction types: a hard shell and an in-mold shell.

The Hardshell Construction refers to how the outer shell and the interior EPS shell are not directly joined but are glued at several contact points. It is the reason why some skateboard helmets have come apart after long-term wear.

In contrast, an In-Mold construction means that the outer shell has the EPS foamed directly into it. As a result, the components have a very stable bond between them, as they do not depend on the glue strength used to construct hard shells.

Multi-Impact vs Single-Impact Helmets

In case of an impact on a helmet, the EPS foam liner cracks or deforms, dispersing the energy of the hit while compromising its structural stability. It depends on the helmet. Some can handle more than others.

From this point of view, helmets fall into two categories- multi-impact and single impact, indicating the number of blows they can endure before one should replace them. As the names suggest, single-impact helmets need a replacement after going through a single massive hit, while multi-impact helmets can survive multiple impacts.

But, also keep in mind that multi-impact helmets intend to withstand a single high-impact strike or several low-impact strikes before needing to be replaced. Therefore, if you have been wearing your helmet for an extended period, it is more likely it has encountered multiple minor impacts from transport and handling, potentially causing its protective properties to deteriorate.

Read: Choose the right wrist guards for your safety

Other Varieties of Longboard Helmets

Apart from the main two types, you may often come across several other variants, such as:

LED Helmets

As you can guess from the name, LED helmets are more for electric longboarders than regular riders. In other words, it has more to do with looks than rides. Nevertheless, they can provide some additional security. While their front lights allow you to cruise at night, the backlight notifies nearby cars and pedestrians of your presence.

Foldable Longboard Helmets

These helmets indeed can fold! At the end of a ride, you can tuck them away easily without storing hassles. Folding helmets are typically lighter than other types. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re too flimsy; they can offer the protection like the rest so long as they boast a certified, quality build.

The Aero Helmet

An aero helmet is just a full-face helmet with a fairing that enhances its ‘aerodynamic’ characteristics. These fairings can be a tail at the helmet’s base that extends behind or shoulder fairings covering the shoulders. The aim is to smooth out the air movement over the head and the body.

Benefits of Full-Face Helmets

Check out the following reasons why you should consider using a full face helmet for longboarding:

• Face, neck, and head protection- You can never be sure which part of the head will take the hit during a crash or impact. Even if you don’t hit your head, a fall can still injure your neck or even cause you to fall onto your face. But when you wear a full-face helmet, you will be protected from every angle.

• It keeps out dust, flying objects, and insects. A flying insect or dust particle can distract you while riding at full speed, causing an accident. But as long as you keep the face screen down, no problems will arise.

• You stay warm when it’s cold outside. During cold weather or early winter morning rides, a full-face helmet can provide you with ample warmth so that your ride is never compromised.

• It ensures protection without obstructing ventilation. Well-made longboarding full face helmets will be breathable and comfortable even if you wear one on a hot day. Despite covering the head, face, and neck areas, it will still keep you safe and secure. ​

Benefits of Half-Shell Helmets

As evident as it is, a half-shell helmet won’t offer the same level of protection as a full-face helmet. Still, you shouldn’t ignore the following advantages it can provide.

• Safety, more or less. Wearing a helmet will always protect your head in case of an accident. While half helmets don’t provide as much protection as full-face helmets, they’re still better than wearing nothing at all.

• Enhanced airflow. The best half-shell helmet for longboarding lets you enjoy the wind on your face while keeping cool. A helmet with an open face does not have chin bars, so your cheeks and chin are more exposed to fresh airflows.

• Lightweight. It is much lighter to wear a half helmet than a full-face or a 3/4 helmet. Good longboard helmets with a half-shell aren’t too bulky or cumbersome, yet they are still pretty sturdy and protective.

Review of the 4 Best Full Face Longboard Helmets

The following reviews feature five of the best full face longboard helmets and what makes them the best on the market.

Review of the 4 Best Half Shell Helmets for Longboarding

The following reviews of five of the best half-shell longboard helmets are worth looking for freedom-longboarders who find the above full-face helmets too bulky.

Longboard Helmet Certification Marks

Helmet certifications assure you that they won’t fail you when the time comes. The jargon may sound complicated and gibberish, only it isn’t. Other than the odd number and letter names, certifications are pretty simple to comprehend. Skate and longboard helmets are most commonly certified by ASTM, CPSC, and CE. With just three to know, there is no reason you wouldn’t.

ASTM Standards

Thousands of skilled volunteers serve on ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) International Organization, including doctors, physicists, and engineers. The ASTM sets safety standards for a variety of safety equipment. Most protective sports gear on the market in the US is designed to follow ASTM standards. Certifications to look for include:

• ASTM F1492 – skateboard and longboard helmets
• ASTM F1447 – bicycle helmets
• ASTM F1952 – downhill mountain biking helmets

CPSC Standards

The Consumer Product Safety Commission of the United States sets bicycling helmet safety standards. In the US, bike helmets sold exclusively for bicycles must comply with the CPSC’s safety standards (CPSC 1203).

At present, the CSPS doesn’t have any standard for skateboard helmets. However, it does set the safety standards of the EPS foam inside the helmets. And when a helmet comes with both ASTM CPSC inner liner certification, it’s labeled dual-certified, guaranteeing exceptional durability of the model.

CE Certification (EU)

In Europe, you should ensure that a helmet has a CE certification, assuring its compliance with all safety, health, and environmental standards of the European Economic Area (EEA).

The most common certification for longboard and skateboard helmets is CE EN 1078.

As part of this standard, items must endure a single high impact and a few puncture scrapes, such as those incurred during cycling, skateboarding, or roller-skating.

Are Other Helmets Like Cycling or Motorcycling Helmets Also Good for Longboarding?

It’s better to wear a helmet than not at all, but wearing a certified sport-specific helmet is always the best practice to ensure maximum safety. You can use any type of helmet if you cannot buy one dedicated for longboarding, but you should be aware of these drawbacks.

Cycling helmets don’t provide the necessary protection, motorcycling helmets can be too bulky, and paragliding helmets (like the Icaro SkyRunner) don’t have the build to get scuffed up against the asphalt; they don’t meet skating safety certifications either.

So instead, a mountain biking helmet would be the best substitute for a longboard full face helmet. And it must include all the necessary certifications we’ve discussed above.

However, the disadvantage of these helmets is that they are bulkier and have so many vents, causing them to be less aerodynamic than you would hope. Additionally, they won’t have visors, so you may have to craft one yourself.

Read: Is there a difference between a bike helmet and a skateboard helmet?

Things to Consider when Choosing the Best Longboard Helmets (Buying Guide)

While longboarding, choosing the proper head protection is a necessity and not an option, so it’s crucial to think carefully before making a choice.

We have already addressed the helmets’ safety standards and types in the previous sections, which you must go over carefully. Here, we’ll go over a few more essential factors to consider when you shop for longboarding helmets.

Material

Typically, skateboard helmets have two kinds of build materials, ABS and PVC. These materials are used in the outer shell’s construction and are the first to contact the ground upon impact.

In contrast to ABS, which is a bit heavier, PVC is lightweight and costs much less. ABS, however, is more impact-resistant than PVC. For this reason, one should always choose ABS over PVC when choosing the material.

Second in importance is the internal core, which also absorbs impacts. Helmet inner cores usually consist of EPS or expanded polystyrene material. A fall will most likely result in EPS absorbing most of the impact force, so it’s critical to ensure it’s durable and not just a cheap imitation. A CPSC-certified EPS inner core is always the best option.

Another way to ensure an impact-enduring EPS material is by checking the thickness. In general, one can go for a minimum of ¾-inch. However, we recommend opting for an inch-wide liner so that you can be on the safest side.

Ventilation

You must also consider the helmet’s comfort profile after covering the safety concerns. And ventilation is a crucial factor here.

Your scalp requires constant airflow, just like every other body part. A lack of proper airflow can cause excessive sweating, especially if you reside in a warm area. A helmet’s ventilation cannot be measured objectively, but a helmet with multiple vents generally has better ventilation.

Essentially, you need to check how many vents the helmet has before deciding whether or not to go for it. For people living in moderately warm areas, seven vents are usually sufficient. However, seven may not be enough for longboarding in hotter climates; ten or anything over could be better.

Read: How Much Does A Skateboard Helmet Cost?

Padding

In addition to making the helmet more comfortable, a helmet’s padding also helps to prevent sweat from building up on your skin. If the mercury is rising, sweating is sure to occur regardless of ventilation. As a result, if you do not have a way of absorbing the sweat, the sweat will eventually drip from the helmet into your eyes, which can be dangerous.

For this reason, a quality helmet should have appropriate padding that both provides comfort and absorbs sweat. The trouble with absorption is that the pad starts to stink unpleasantly when too much gets in there. Some manufacturers use coatings that make their products stink-resistant. These coatings kill bacteria that produce foul odors.

However, this feature is only present in expensive, high-end helmets. So, what should you do if you have to go for budget helmets?

It is simple. Just go for a helmet that has a lining you can remove and wash.

Fit

Fit has more to do with maximizing your protection than just providing comfort. There is no way that a loose helmet will be able to protect you from an impact if it wobbles on your head.

If you want to make sure you have the perfect fit, measure your head’s circumference and go by the size chart of the company you are buying from. The best way to measure is with a measuring tape. And whenever you’re unsure, or your head falls in between two standard sizes, you should strongly consider buying the larger size.

Straps and Retention System

The straps on a helmet keep it tightly in place while enabling you to easily open your mouth to speak, drink, or eat.

There is nothing better than a strap that creates a v-shape beneath the ear lobe. And how do you keep the helmet secured to your head? You need to be able to adjust the fit to make sure you’re comfortable and secure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes a helmet downhill certified?

ASTM F1952 is the standard certification for downhill helmets. There is no requirement for a chin bar in the standard, but chin bars are tested if a helmet has them (even if they are removable). A helmet with a removable chin bar is tested both with and without it.

How can I pick the right size if I order online?

Here’s a chart that might help you size your helmet. Compare the readings after you’ve measured your head circumference with a measuring tape.

Size	Head Circumference
XS/S	20–21.25 inches (51–54 cm)
S/M	21–22.5 inches (53–57 cm)
L/XL	22.5–23.5 inches (57–60 cm)
XL/XXL	23.5–24.5 inches (60–63 cm)

What certification is best for skateboard helmets?

As we’ve addressed above, skateboard or longboard helmets are certified by ASTM in the USA, while CSPC certifies only the helmets’ EPS lining. So, it’ll be best if you buy a dual-certified helmet to be on the safe side.

Should I replace a helmet after a crash?

Mostly, yes. When you have a single-impact helmet, it’s always best to replace it after receiving a blow. However, if you have a multi-impact helmet and it has only endured a minor crash without any visible cracks, you can keep wearing it. The general rule is to replace your helmet as soon as you’ve survived a severe knock.

Will motorcycle helmets work?

As we’ve previously said, any helmet is better than none at all. So long as the motorcycle helmet’s bulk doesn’t bother you, you can wear it for longboarding.

Should you buy cheap helmets?

Never. Invest in helmets from reputable brands. It’s a huge mistake to try to cut corners on helmets. You should protect your head as best you can.

What’s the best longboard helmet of all time?

It’s hard to label one particular helmet as an all-time best. Yet, some renowned brand names have become trusted over time among longboarders, such as Triple-Eight, ProTec, Giro, and TSG.

Wrapping Up…

There you have it. Hopefully, our comprehensive guide and reviews have given you all the information you need to pick the best longboarding helmet.

Every rider needs to put safety first, and a helmet can provide you with the protection you need when riding outdoors. While longboarding may appear to be a sport without many risks, a simple fall while riding at high speed can be deadly enough to cost your life.

So, what are you waiting for? Choose one from the above longboard helmets best fits your game and style, and venture out to enjoy the thrill with your buddies.

It does not matter whether you’re a professional or a beginner-level skateboard rider. Safety gears are a must, especially helmets.

And like every other gear, regularly using a helmet can build up dirt and sweat, which can cause discomfort and bad odor. Wearing a dirty or smelly helmet can hamper your riding experience.

This is why it is recommended to clean your skateboard helmet from time to time or at least when it’s needed. Now you might be wondering, “But how do I do it?”

Don’t worry; we are here to show you how to clean skateboard helmet. The cleaning process is fairly simple if you follow the steps mentioned below properly. So, let’s jump right in.

How to Clean Skateboard Helmets? Explained…

Cost: you probably have all the things we will be using here, but if you don’t have them, the whole process can cost around 5 to 10 dollars. Yes, it is that cheap.

Read: How Much Does A Skateboard Helmet Cost?

Time: depending on your cleaning speed, you can easily put a shine on your skateboard helmet in approximately 5 minutes.

Read: How to Look Cool Wearing a Skateboard Helmet?

Cleaning skateboard helmets do not require too many tools or materials. So, let’s look at what we need to get rid of those nasty smells and dirty outlook.

• Any ordinary dish detergent liquid.
• A brand new toothbrush.
• A face towel.
• A kitchen sink.

Read: Skateboard helmet or bike helmet?

Now that we got everything needed let’s begin the process.

Step 1 – Preparing The Water.

To start the process, you need to block the kitchen sink to not drain the detergent water we will be using.

After blocking the sink, turn on the tap and let the sink fill up about 20 to 30 percent. Remember not to fill up the whole sink as it will only be wastewater.

After filling up the kitchen sink, put 5 or 6 drops of dish detergent liquid. You can put more drops if you want. Just make sure the water gets soapy. Stir the water for 30 seconds, and you are done preparing.

Read: Skateboard Helmet Laws

Step 2 – Beginning The Cleaning Process.

After your kitchen sink water is all bubbly and soapy, you have to gently put the helmet under the sink water.

Don’t worry about the foam pads inside the helmet getting damaged, but you can take them out and clean them separately if you are worried.

After putting the helmet under water, shake it multiple times so that the water reaches every corner of the helmet. Soaking the whole helmet is necessary, and you should not skip it.

Read: What size skate helmet do you need?

Step 3 – Brushing

Once your helmet is all soaked and wet, bring out the brush. Start with the exterior of the helmet. Dip the toothbrush in the detergent water and aggressively rub it on the helmet.

Dip the toothbrush once again after every 4 or 5 rubs. Continue doing this until you are satisfied with the outlook.

Now move into the interior. Start with the helmet straps. Follow the previous step and dip your brush in the water.

But this time, you have to be gentle. Don’t put too much force, or else it might ruin the fabric. Once you are done with the straps, move deeper.

Read: Choose the right wrist guards for your safety

Step 4 – Finishing Off The Cleaning.

After scrubbing off the dirt with the toothbrush, put the helmet under the tap and wash it thoroughly. Now take the face towel and start wiping the helmet. Make sure there is no soap left.

Now all you gotta do is let the helmet dry, and you are finished. Yes, Cleaning longboard helmet is that easy.

Read: How to clean a white helmet?

Final Words…

Regularly cleaning your skateboarding gears is as important as wearing them. And the helmet is the most important one because it sits right on top of your head. If it looks dirty or smells bad, it can cause discomfort, which will eventually affect your experience.

Some people are too nervous about cleaning their helmets because they think they might damage them. As we have shown you here, cleaning helmets is fairly easy, simple, and effective.

So, if your skateboard helmet starts to show signs of wearing out, just take out your detergent and brush, and breathe new life into it. Hope our article helps you accomplish that.