Imagine cruising down a scenic path, the wind in your hair, feeling the smooth glide of your longboard beneath you. It’s an amazing feeling, right? But what happens if you take a tumble? That’s where a good longboard helmet comes in. It’s not just a piece of gear; it’s your best friend for staying safe while you shred.
Choosing the perfect longboard helmet can feel like a puzzle. There are so many different styles, brands, and safety features to consider. Do you need a full-face helmet for downhill speed, or will a skate-style helmet work for cruising? It’s easy to get confused and feel overwhelmed by all the choices. You want to protect your head, but you also want a helmet that looks cool and feels comfortable.
Don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for. We’ll break down the important features, explain different types of helmets, and give you tips to find the one that fits your head and your style perfectly. Get ready to ride with confidence because we’re about to dive into the world of longboard helmets and make your decision super simple.
Our Top 5 Longboard Helmet Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Longboard Helmet Detailed Reviews
1. 80SIX Triple Certified Multisport Helmet – Ideal for Bike
Rating: 8.6/10
The 80SIX Triple Certified Multisport Helmet is your go-to for safe and fun adventures. This helmet is designed for everyone, from kids to adults, and works for biking, scootering, skateboarding, rollerblading, and more. It’s built tough to keep you protected while you play.
What We Like:
- This helmet is super versatile. It’s great for biking, scootering, skateboarding, rollerblading, and even hoverboarding.
- It’s built for all riders: kids, teens, and adults.
- The helmet is sturdy and comfortable. It has a classic shape that looks good and feels great.
- Good airflow keeps your head cool during long activities.
- The ABS outer shell provides excellent durability and protection.
- The EPS liner and inner foam pads make for a really comfortable fit.
- It’s designed in NYC by a team you can trust.
- This helmet is triple-certified for ultimate safety. It meets U.S. CPSC, ASTM F1447, and ASTM F1492 standards. This means it’s proven safe for biking, skating, and skateboarding.
- Finding the right fit is easy. It comes in multiple sizes for ages 5 and up.
- You can adjust the chin strap for a secure fit.
What Could Be Improved:
- The helmet’s design is classic, but some riders might prefer more modern or flashy styles.
- While designed for many sports, extremely aggressive or professional-level extreme sports might require specialized helmets.
The 80SIX helmet offers fantastic safety and comfort for all your outdoor fun. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for reliable protection across many activities.
2. Triple Eight Certified Sweatsaver Helmet for Skateboarding
Rating: 8.9/10
When you’re hitting the streets on your skateboard, BMX bike, or roller skates, safety is super important. The Triple Eight Certified Sweatsaver Helmet is designed to protect your head during all your favorite activities, from skateboarding and roller derby to biking and scootering. It’s built to be tough and comfortable, so you can focus on having fun and mastering your moves without worrying about bumps and bruises.
What We Like:
- It offers great protection with strong EPS foam that absorbs hard hits.
- The helmet feels comfy thanks to its dual-density foam and soft, sweat-wicking fabric.
- You get two sets of pads to make sure the helmet fits perfectly, no matter your head shape.
- It’s triple-certified to meet strict safety standards for biking, skating, and skateboarding.
- It comes in a good range of sizes, so most people can find a fit.
- The helmet breaks in nicely after a few wears, becoming even more comfortable.
What Could Be Improved:
- The pads can feel a little tight when the helmet is brand new.
This helmet provides excellent safety and a custom fit for any adventure. You can ride with confidence knowing your head is well-protected.
3. Retrospec Dakota Bicycle / Skateboard Helmet for Adults – Commuter
Rating: 9.3/10
The Retrospec Dakota helmet is your go-to for safe and stylish rides. This helmet works for biking, skateboarding, scootering, and more. It’s built tough to keep you protected on all your adventures. The cool design and comfortable fit make it a winner for any adult rider.
What We Like:
- It’s a multi-sport helmet, perfect for bikes, skates, and scooters.
- The strong ABS shell and EPS foam protect you from impacts.
- Ten vents keep your head cool with great airflow.
- The inside padding is removable and washable for easy cleaning.
- It comes in three sizes and adjusts for a secure fit.
- The matte black finish looks sleek and modern.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it fits most adults, some might find the size range a bit limited for very small or very large heads.
- More color options could be nice for those who want to stand out.
This helmet offers excellent protection and comfort for a variety of activities. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile helmet.
4. OutdoorMaster Skateboard Cycling Helmet-Beetles Snug
Rating: 8.9/10
The OutdoorMaster Skateboard Cycling Helmet-Beetles Snug is a versatile helmet designed for a wide range of activities. Whether you’re biking, skateboarding, scootering, or rollerblading, this helmet offers serious protection. It’s built for both adults and youth, ensuring everyone can ride safely. Plus, it comes in cool colors to match your style.
What We Like:
- Maximum protection with a hard ABS shell and EPS foam to absorb impacts.
- Adjustable straps and two sets of removable pads ensure a snug, customized fit for comfort and safety.
- Twelve vents keep your head cool and comfortable during rides.
- Available in a variety of attractive matte colors to personalize your look.
- Suitable for a broad age range, from 5 years old and up, fitting head circumferences from 20.86 to 24.41 inches.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “Beetles Snug” name might not appeal to everyone.
- While it’s multi-sport, specific features for extreme sports might be absent.
This helmet provides excellent safety and comfort for everyday adventures. It’s a reliable choice for anyone looking to protect their head while having fun outdoors.
5. Retrospec Dakota Bicycle / Skateboard Helmet for Adults – Commuter
Rating: 9.2/10
The Retrospec Dakota Helmet is your go-to for safe and stylish rides. Whether you’re cruising on your bike, hitting the skate park, or zipping around on a scooter, this helmet offers top-notch protection. Its classic skate look comes in a cool matte black, and it’s designed to keep you comfortable and looking good.
What We Like:
- Premium Protection: The strong ABS outer shell and high-quality EPS foam work together to absorb impacts, keeping your head safe.
- Great Ventilation: With 10 vents, this helmet keeps you cool. The special Dewcollector padding also wicks away sweat and odors, so you stay dry and fresh.
- Adjustable Fit: It comes with two sets of pads and adjustable straps, making it easy to get a snug and comfortable fit for maximum safety.
- Stylish Look: Available in various matte colors, you can pick one that matches your gear and shows off your personality.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for biking, skateboarding, scootering, longboarding, and roller skating.
What Could Be Improved:
- Sizing Specificity: While clear sizing charts are provided, always double-check your measurements to ensure the best fit.
The Retrospec Dakota Helmet is a smart choice for anyone who wants reliable protection and comfort. It’s a well-rounded helmet that handles all your adventures with ease.
Your Essential Guide to Finding the Best Longboard Helmet
Longboarding is a blast! You feel the wind, cruise down hills, and explore new places. But safety is super important. A good helmet protects your head. This guide helps you pick the perfect longboard helmet.
Why You Need a Longboard Helmet
Falls happen when longboarding. A helmet can stop serious head injuries. It’s like wearing a seatbelt in a car. It’s a must-have for every longboarder.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a helmet, check these things.
1. Fit and Comfort
A helmet must fit well. It should feel snug but not too tight. It shouldn’t move around when you shake your head. A good fit means better protection. Look for helmets with adjustable straps and padding. Some helmets have a dial at the back to tighten them. This makes the fit perfect.
2. Ventilation
Longboarding can make you warm. You want a helmet that lets air flow. Good ventilation keeps your head cool. Look for helmets with vents. More vents usually mean better airflow.
3. Style and Coverage
Longboard helmets come in many styles. Some look like bike helmets. Others are full-face helmets, like skate helmets. Full-face helmets offer more protection for your chin and jaw. Think about how you ride. If you do downhill longboarding, a full-face helmet is a smart choice.
4. Durability
You want a helmet that lasts. It should be strong enough to protect you. Check reviews to see how well helmets hold up.
Important Materials
Helmets use different materials.
Outer Shell
The outer shell is the hard part you see. It’s often made of plastic. ABS plastic is common and strong. Polycarbonate is another good option. It’s lightweight and tough. The shell spreads the force of an impact.
Inner Liner
Inside the helmet, there’s a softer liner. This is usually made of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam. EPS foam crushes when it hits something. This absorbs the shock. It protects your brain from hard impacts.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good helmets have features that make them better.
Improvements:
- Multi-impact protection: Some helmets can handle more than one hit. Most helmets are designed for one big impact.
- MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System): This is a special layer inside the helmet. It helps reduce rotational forces on your brain. Rotational forces can cause serious brain injuries.
- Removable padding: You can wash or replace padding. This keeps the helmet fresh.
Reductions in Quality:
- Poor fit: A helmet that doesn’t fit right won’t protect you well.
- Cheap materials: Very cheap helmets might use weaker plastics or less dense foam. This means less protection.
- Damage: If a helmet has cracks or dents, it’s not safe anymore.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your longboard matters.
Cruising and Commuting
If you cruise around town or use your longboard to get places, a comfortable helmet with good ventilation is key. A stylish helmet that doesn’t feel bulky is great.
Downhill Longboarding
For downhill speed, full-face helmets are the best. They protect your entire face. They often have better aerodynamics too.
Freestyle and Tricks
If you do tricks, you need a helmet that stays put. It should be tough and offer good coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I know if a longboard helmet fits correctly?
A: A good fit means the helmet sits level on your head. It should be about two finger-widths above your eyebrows. The straps should be snug. When you shake your head, the helmet should not move much.
Q: Do I need a full-face helmet for longboarding?
A: It depends on how you ride. If you go fast downhill or do tricks, a full-face helmet offers the most protection. For casual cruising, a half-shell helmet might be enough.
Q: How often should I replace my longboard helmet?
A: You should replace your helmet after any significant impact. Even if there’s no visible damage, the foam inside can be compromised. It’s also a good idea to replace it every 3-5 years, as materials can degrade over time.
Q: Can I use a bike helmet for longboarding?
A: While a bike helmet offers some protection, longboard helmets are often designed for different types of impacts. Longboard helmets, especially skate-style ones, are built to withstand impacts from multiple angles common in skateboarding and longboarding. It’s best to use a helmet specifically designed for your activity.
Q: What does MIPS mean?
A: MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. It’s a special layer inside the helmet that helps reduce the rotational forces that can be transferred to your brain during an angled impact. This can help prevent serious brain injuries.
Q: How do I clean my longboard helmet?
A: You can usually clean the outer shell with mild soap and water. For the padding, check if it’s removable. If it is, you can hand wash it with soap and water and let it air dry completely. Never use harsh chemicals.
Q: Are more vents always better?
A: More vents generally mean better airflow and cooling. However, too many large vents could potentially weaken the helmet’s structure. Good helmets balance ventilation with structural integrity.
Q: What is the difference between ABS and polycarbonate helmets?
A: ABS plastic is known for its toughness and impact resistance. Polycarbonate is often lighter and can offer a good balance of strength and weight. Both are good materials for helmet shells.
Q: Should I buy a helmet that’s too big so I can wear a hat underneath?
A: No, this is a bad idea. A helmet must fit snugly to be effective. Wearing a helmet that’s too big will reduce its protective ability significantly. Some helmets are designed with extra space for thin beanies, but never buy a helmet that’s too loose.
Q: Where can I find reviews for longboard helmets?
A: You can find reviews on online retail websites, in longboarding magazines, and on dedicated action sports review blogs. Look for reviews that discuss fit, durability, and protection.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.