There are very few things that can match the exhilaration of bombing a hill on a longboard. Speeding in excess of 35 miles an hour (or 56.3 kilometers per hour) provides a rush that few other non-motorized activities can. In their attempt to get the most out of their riding experience, new and longtime riders are concerned about the types of wheels that will slide the best or a longboard that has the perfect amount of flex.
Unfortunately, in their quest to get the most bang for their buck out of their boards, many riders forget the most important piece of equipment they can have: their helmet.
Related: Introduction into the World of Longboard Racing
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Selecting the Right Longboard Helmet
How can you find which is the best longboard helmet?
Look to the Ratings
Two government agencies, the Department of Transit and the SNELL Memorial Foundation, have created ratings for helmets. They test helmets and set limits for helmet safety. Helmets that are approved by these organizations are considered safe for use with longboards. Helmets that are not accredited by these agencies should be viewed with suspicion.
Get the Right Helmet For Your Activity
Longboard helmets are divided into three categories. Each category offers different levels of comfort, maneuverability, and protection.
The Standard Skateboarding Helmet: Since its introduction in 1994, the standard skateboarding helmet has been a favorite of both professional and amateur skateboarders. It is lightweight, non-intrusive, and provides protection to the head during a fall. It is not designed to protect the face, eyes or jaw. It provides the least amount of protection of all of the helmets we will review. While they are certified by the CPSC, they have not received approval from SNELL or from the Department of Transit.
Full Face Longboard Helmet: While not being Snell or DOT certified, this helmet provides full face protection. It’s full face visor allows the rider to have a clear view of where they are going even when traveling at high speeds. This helmet is approved by the CPSC for use by non-motorized forms of transport. These are great downhill longboard helmets.
DOT or SNELL Helmets: These helmets offer the best protection for riders. They are used by motorcyclists and dirt bike riders. While having a smaller visor that narrows the riders ability to see the road, these helmets provide the highest level of protection.
Best Helmets Reviews
Now that we have talked about some of the general features of longboard helmets, we would like to review a few of the top longboard helmets available on the market today.
Top Three Full Face Helmets
Triple 8 Downhill Longboard Helmet
This popular style of full face helmet provides wearers with exceptional head and face protection. Users comment on its light weight and good visibility. Its velvet lining makes the helmet comfortable to wear. Riders are provided with extra protection by the EPS foam liner and shatter resistant flip up visor. An extra fit pad insert allows wearers to adjust the helmet for a custom fit.
The shell of the helmet is built with hand laid fiberglass, and it’s flip up visor is made from shatter resistant material. Aerodynamic styling minimizes wind resistance, allowing the rider to attain maximum speeds. It is certified to meet the CPSC standards for non-motorized vehicle use. While receiving a rating of 4.5 on Amazon, customers did mention that the visor tends to fog up, and that the helmet would benefit from some type of passive ventilation.
Triple 8 Racer II Full Face Downhill Racer Helmet
Perfect for riders looking for a mix of style and function, the Triple 8 downhill Racer II Full Face racer helmet has been designed for speed. Riders should be prepared to experience uncompromised exhilaration. Designed to meet the CPSC and the ASTM downhill mountain bike racing standards, along with the CE EN 1078, this helmet is guaranteed to provide the rider with unparalleled protection.
It’s shatter resistant visor and aerodynamic styling will allow the rider push themselves and their board to the limit. Additional padding for a customized fit, velvet lining, and the helmet’s lightweight guarantees that the rider will enjoy their boarding experience in comfort.
TRIANGLE Matte Black Full Face Helmet
The TRIANGLE Matte is a beautifully designed full face helmet with high pressure thermoplastic technology. It’s lightweight (only weighs 3.1 lbs). It fits well and is comfortable for long periods.
Its large visibility window and quick-change anti-scratch PC visor allow the rider to clearly see the road in front of them. Multiple styles of cheek pads and a D-ringed chinstrap guarantee that the helmet will be a perfect fit for its wearer. Excessive heating and visor fog are not a problem with this helmet since it comes equipped with a padded chin strap and an internal ventilation system.
Top Two Skateboard Helmets
Triple 8 Brainsaver Rubber Helmet with Sweatsaver Liner
This helmet, which is wildly popular on Amazon, has been heralded as one of the best multi-impact helmets available. It is a multi-use helmet that can be used for rollerblading, scooters, and skateboarding. Molded into the classic skate side cut helmet design, this helmet is equipped with moisture wicking layers that minimize sweat drippage.
It’s antibacterial treatment makes it stink proof, and it’s terrycloth construction guarantees that it is comfortable to wear. Receiving a 4.5 out of five star rating on Amazon, users comment about how comfortable the helmet is, how great it fits, and how well it has protected them and their children from head damage.
Protec Classic Helmet
Renowned for its style and comfortability, the Protec Classic Helmet is an extremely popular choice for riders, no matter if they choose to ride in the park or on the street. The helmets are durable, yet they are equipped with a lightweight ABS shell. It’s soft nylon webbed strap and stainless steel rivets make this CPSC approved helmet both comfortable and stylish.
With more than 170 reviews on Amazon, this product has a 4.3 star rating. Users comment on the helmet’s comfortability, appearance and functionality. Parents who have purchased this helmet for children as young as eight years old comment on how well it fits and how easy it is for them to put on and take it off.
Final Thoughts
The truth about riding a longboard is that at one time or another you are going to fall. It’s not a question of if you will fall, it is a question of when. By taking advantage of some of the above-mentioned helmets, you can protect your head and live to skate another day.
