10 Best Helmets For Longboarding in 2021 [Buying Guide]

Longboarding is fun but it does carry the chance of injuries and accidents. This requires the longboarder to wear protective gear and a helmet is definitely the most important of all. It protects from head injuries that can lead to serious health concerns.

Remember fixing arms and legs is easy, but the head is not.

It is not only our personal duty to convince our kids to wear a helmet, but most of the states in the US have now made it illegal to longboard without a helmet.

In addition, these laws place the requirement for the helmet to meet the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards for these helmets.

But, finding helmets that meet these legal requirements can be confusing and tiring for a layman.

To help you with this, we present helmets that not only meet these requirements but also are cool to wear. Thus, your kids wear these on their own and you won’t have to run behind them for this. So, let’s get started.

Presenting Our Picks for 10 Best Helmets for Longboarding

1. Triple Eight Gotham Rubber Helmet – Sturdy Helmet By A Reliable Brand

Triple Eight is a popular safety-gear producing brand with experience of over 20 years. The company’s gear complies with several certifications but the most common are CPSC Safety Standards and ASTM F-1492 Skate Safety Standards. The helmet under discussion is one such product and adheres to both mentioned certificates.

Gotham by Triple Eight is a half-shell helmet that is available in all sizes ranging from kids to adults. Like most of the half helmets, it is not suitable for downhill skating but provides maximum protection during cruising, longboard dancing, and street longboarding.

What might put some people off is the fact that it does not have a certification regarding absorbing multiple impacts. However, for half-shell helmets, this particular certification is usually not required. The helmet was designed for freestyle, dancing, and cruising and you would agree that the risk of multiple impacts in all these is almost negligible. Therefore, the lack of particular certifications should not put you off.

Moving on, the design of the helmet is simple and does not have fancy prints on it. However, it comes in several colors ranging from white to blue, so can you choose the one that suits your taste.

However, in case the design is too simple for your liking, you can always customize it yourself. The finish of the helmet is not glossy and allows you to draw on it with simple sharpie type pens. You can have your name written or draw your favorite fictional character on it.

If we talk about the construction, the outer shell has been made from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) with a subtle brim and has EPS liner on the inside. The company has used conehead technology that disperses the force evenly in the helmet.

2. S1 Lifer Helmet – Defines Your Style Statement

A helmet is not just a safety gear for some people, it is a style statement and for people like these, there is no better option than an S1 Lifer.

This half-shell helmet comes in plenty of different color options and designs. Some of them are glossy, some have a matte finish and some even have glitters on them. The point is, it has a piece for everyone and no matter how different your taste is, you would be able to find something from this collection.

If we talk about the certifications, it complies with ASTM and CPSC which means safety is guaranteed. The ASTM certification is regarding the multi-impact absorbing characteristic of this helmet. However, that certification does not mean it is suitable for hardcore downhill skating. No matter how solid the certification is, a half-shell helmet is never suitable for that sport. You would be putting yourself at risk if you go on to downhill skating, so be mindful about that.

Moving on, the design of the helmet is typical with an outer shell made up of ABS. The stand-out feature though is the inner lining. The company has used specially formulated expanded polystyrene (EPS) fusion foam which protects your head from high impacts.

Plus, there is a soft lining of the foam which keeps you comfortable. Basically, the part that makes direct contact with the head is soft to keep you comfortable, and that specially formulated EPS surrounds it. The point is, you get high-level protection but that does not compromise the comfort of the helmet.

Fitting is an area where a lot of good helmets lag behind. However, it is not true in S1 Lifer as it is one of the best fitting helmets that are available in the market. I have used some of the most expensive helmets but the kind of fitting this helmet provided was unmatchable.

3. JBM Longboard Helmet – Inexpensive Helmet That Guarantees Safety

Running low on budget? Do not want to compromise on safety? Confused? No problem. We have come up with just the right helmet that would be your savior. Despite the low price, the company has not compromised on the safety profile of the helmet. This is one of the very reasons this helmet has made it to our list for the best helmets for longboarding.

Let’s get the first concern out of the way straight away. The helmet complies with CPSC and ASTM standards and has certificates to show for it. Although these certificates are only basics for the type of activities this is designed for, just the basics are enough.

The point is as long as you are using this helmet for activities it has been made for, safety should be the least of your concern.

Moving on, the helmet comes in seven different colors ranging from black to yellow. For the girls who want to get a feminine touch, pink color is available among others. The overall design is very simple and does not feature fancy stickers or paintings. The simplicity in its design allows you to wear it with every outfit you have in your wardrobe.

The material used to construct outer shells is Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) but that PVC is not cheap by any means. Yes, it is inferior to the ABS when it comes to withstanding the abuse but not by a huge margin.

In fact, if you compare an ordinary ABS shell with this, chances are you would not notice the difference. The internal lining has been done with EPS foam which has good impact-absorbing properties.

The stand-out feature about this helmet is ventilation which keeps your head dry even in the blazing summers. The vents on the top ensure the constant flow of air which keeps the scalp sweat-free and reduces the temperature of the body caused by intense body movements.

4. OutdoorMaster Longboard Helmet – Comprehensive And Good-looking Design

The next entry on our list is by OutdoorMaster, a company that holds a reputation for delivering comprehensive designs in the market. It was the well-thought-out design and the price of this helmet that compelled me to include this in my top 10 list.

The company has made no compromises on the safety profile of the helmet by using quality materials in construction. It features reinforced ABS as an outer shell coupled with a thickened shock-absorbing EPS core. This design complies with both ASTM and CPSC standards which essentially make your safety guaranteed.

Like safety, the company has not made any compromises on the comfort profile as well. They have fitted it with plenty of padding that ensures your comfort. Plus, the ventilation system of the helmet is also efficient which ensures your skull remains sweat-free.

The padding inside the helmet is very flexible which ensures the helmet fits on the head of everyone. In case, you feel it is too much, you can always remove it but that would make you a bit uncomfortable.

Furthermore, the padding can absorb moisture, so it does not let the sweat drip in your eyes and face. Though there is no smell-controlling feature in this padding, the company has provided an alternative. These pads are removable which means when it becomes too stinky you can remove these and have them washed.

5. Triple Eight Sweatsaver Liner Skateboarding Helmet-Stinky Sweat? Worry No More!

Longboarding is a hectic sport and physically demanding which results in excessive sweating especially from the scalp. This sweat is either absorbed by the lining of the helmet or it drips in your eyes, both of which pose problems. The sweat, when absorbed by the lining, stays in there and starts to produce a smell that can be extremely uncomfortable. To cope with it, Triple Eight has come up with sweat-saver lining.

The smell that originates from sweat is not of the sweat itself, it is of the bacteria that feed on it. So, the use of anti-bacterial coating on the lining can prevent it. Although the company has not mentioned it, from my experience, I can tell they have used a similar method.

In addition, the company has attached this lining with hook and loop tape which is easily removable. Therefore, in case the first system does not work you always have an alternative. You can simply remove the lining and have it washed to remove all the smell from it.

Moving on, if we talk about the construction, the company has used ABS shells which are strong and light-weight materials. On the inside, the helmet relies on the previously mentioned sweat-saver lining. Together, both of these materials make an excellent impact-absorbing unit.

6. Predator Helmets FR7 Certified Helmet – Modern Helmet With Retro Touch

In our next entry, Predator Helmets have produced a helmet that combines the looks of modern and retro style helmets. The overall design is modern but the extended brim gives it a subtle retro touch. Plus, unlike most of the helmets mentioned before, it has been made especially for longboarding/skateboarding.

The outer core of the helmet has ABS while the inner core has EPS foam lining. Both of these materials have excellent impact-absorbing properties which consequently make a great safety profile. Furthermore, the helmet has a dual certification to show for its outstanding safety profile.

Moving on, the helmet comes with a fit kit that comprises mostly pads designed to improve the fitting of the helmet regardless of head size. In case, you have an extra-ordinary small or large head, this kit would ensure that the helmet fits perfectly.

In addition, the fit kit improves the comfort profile as well by providing adequate padding. Plus, the ventilation system ensures constant flow to keep the head dry and allow breathing of the scalp. However, even if the scalp starts to sweat, the pads absorb it and prevent dripping into the eyes. Though it does not have a stick-resistant coating, you can remove the lining and have it washed to remove the smell.

Besides giving it a retro touch, the extended brim has functional benefits as well. If you fall on your face, the extended brim touches the ground before your face and minimizes the damage. However, it does not mean that you take it out for downhill skating. The dimensions of the helmet needed for downhill skating are too different from this.

7. Casulo Dual Certified Helmet – Beat The Scorching Heat Of Arizona and Mexico

Skating is a physically demanding sport and in the blazing heat of Arizona and New Mexico, it can get even tougher. Under these conditions, you need to get a helmet that has adequate ventilation systems to cope. The next entry on our list is one of such helmets that would help you beat the scorching and unbearable temperatures of these states.

The Casulo’s Helmet has about seven ventilation ducts that allow the constant flow of air to keep the scalp breathable. Besides this, the pads are also breathable that keep the environment inside the helmet cool and dry. Even if you start to sweat despite all these, the pads absorb the sweat to prevent the dripping of sweat into the eyes.

Moving on, if we talk about the overall construction quality it is top-notch. The company has used ABS as an outer shell and EPS foam lining on the inside, both of which have good impact-absorbing qualities. The helmet complies with CPSC and ASTM-F standards and has certificates to show for it.

The design of the helmet is simple and plain and lacks fancy prints or stickers. People who are into simple yet elegant designs would find them aesthetically pleasing. Although the helmet comes in three colors only, all of them go well with the design and improves the aesthetics even further.

In addition to providing comfort, the pads also improve the fitting of the helmet. These are customizing fit, flexible that adjust according to the size of individual heads.

The chin-support although padded fails at its intended purpose. The chin-support is a very sleek and narrow strip that essentially works like a regular one. It should have been a little wider to serve the purpose it was intended to.

8. OUWOR Skateboard Helmet – Innovative Design in Affordable Price

OUWOR skateboard is a multipurpose helmet that is suitable for cycling, skateboarding as well as longboarding. It is available in all sizes ranging from kids to adults and suits both males and females alike. Eight color options are available, so you would find something as per your taste.

If we talk about the construction quality, it is pretty much standard with ABS in the outer shell and EPS foam on the inside. The best part of both these materials is that despite being light-weight both of these are sturdy and strong enough to withstand high impacts.

From the comfort point of view, it checks all the boxes. In order to keep the internal environment cool and dry, it features 11 vents. These vents allow constant inflow and outflow of air and keep the scalp dry.

Furthermore, the interior padding system consists of two sets of interchangeable pads with different thicknesses. Besides absorbing the sweat, these pads also play a key role in absorbing the shocks as well. Moreover, these pads are removable and washable to prevent nasty smells.

For size adjustment, the company has used an innovative approach. Instead of an option for a traditional belt, they have provided a wheel that can loosen up or tighten the helmet. This is easy and convenient compared to the traditional approach that many other companies are using.

9. TurboSke Longboard Helmet – Lets Your Scalp Breathe

TurboSke Longboard helmet is a multi-purpose helmet that is good for cycling, longboarding, and skateboarding. What attracts the customers is the glossy designs of some of its variants. Although the helmet is available in matte finish as well, most people tend to like glossy designs more.

If we talk about construction, it has an ABS hard shell that has EPS foam lining glued to it on the inside. For the area that comes in contact with the circumference of the head, there is foam lining as well. The helmet complies with both CPSC and ASTM standards and has an excellent safety profile.

Moving on, the helmet features 11 vents that keep the internal environment cool and dry. The inlets on the front allow the inflow of cool air and the vents on top serve as an escape way for warmer air. The constant flow ensures the breathability of the scalp and prevents excessive sweating.

Furthermore, the internal lining is removable and washable which allows you to wash it when it gets too stinky.

The overall comfort profile is not that great as there is no significant padding to keeping you comfortable. However, it is not that bad to prove a deal-breaker as well. You would find it a bit uncomfortable at first but with the passage of time, one gets used to it.

For the fitting of size, there is an adjustable dial that ensures perfect fitting regardless of your head size. Although there is foam next to it, it can still become quite uncomfortable. However, in this case, you have an option to remove the dial altogether. Therefore, you must measure the head size perfectly and select the size accordingly as you might have to remove the adjustable dial.

10. Monata Longboard Helmet – Light-Weight Helmet That Absorbs High Impacts

Last but not least entry on our list for best helmets for longboarding is the Monata Longboard helmet which is a treat for people who are tired of wearing heavy-weight helmets. The helmet weighs between 360-420 grams which is pretty light-weight compared to the majority of helmets in the market.

The company has done so by using reinforced ABS in the outer shell which is light-weight but solid material. The inside lining was carried out with EPS foam which is again a very light-weight material. The combination of these materials has yielded a light-weight but very sturdy helmet.

The helmet complies with the CPSC standard which essentially means your safety in this helmet is guaranteed. This CPSC certification also means you can use it for other sports like biking, skating, and rollerblading as well.

For the air ventilation system, it has 11 passive ventilation holes. These holes ensure a constant inflow of cold air and outflow of warmer air and keep the environment cool and dry. Plus, it features a microfiber lining that absorbs the sweat and pulls it away from the skin. The lining is removable and washable which means stinking would not be an issue.

Moving on, the comfort profile of the helmet is also good enough. The self-adjusting lifestyle system brings precise adjustment and unlike most of the helmets, this process is pretty simple. All you have to do is to move the wheel at the back of the helmet in order to tighten or loosen the fitting. This innovation of Montana has redefined convenience when it comes to helmets.

Ultimate Buyer’s Guide For Best Helmets For Longboarding

Longboarding is an adventurous and thrilling sport but it has enormous risks attached to it. The most prominent of them is a head injury which can be fatal in some cases. Therefore, selecting the right head safety gear is not an option but a necessity when it comes to longboarding.

Type of Helmet

If you have surveyed the market, you must know two main types of helmets are available, full shell and half-shell helmets. Both of these helmets have different purposes and therefore have been made accordingly. In order to select the right helmet, you need to understand these purposes.

The full-shell helmet is a helmet that covers the entire face while the half shell only covers the head. The former helmets are designed for activities like downhill skating. In this activity, there are high chances of fall on your face, and is considered a more risky type of longboarding. Therefore, one needs as much protection as one can get. So, the people who are into downhill skating tend to go towards full shell helmets.

Half-shell helmets, on the contrary, are designed for less risky activities like cruising, freestyle, and dancing. In these activities, the chances of falling on your face are considerably less than downhill skating. Therefore, these helmets do not provide much protection to the face.

Now one must ask if the full-shell helmets have a better safety profile why not select it right away? This is where it gets tricky, the half-shell helmets are less expensive and those who are not interested in downhill skating have no reason to spend extra money. This is why generally the people who are into slightly less risky activities go for half-shell helmets.

Material of Helmet

Once you have selected the type of helmet you want, you can proceed with selecting the helmet that has the best construction material. Usually, in the budget section, you would find two materials, PVC and ABS. These are the materials that are used to construct the outer shell and first to come in contact with the ground at impact.

PVC is a lightweight material and comes at a much lower price than ABS which is a little bit heavier. However, the ability of ABS to absorb the impact is much greater than PVC. Therefore, when it comes to selecting the material one should always go with ABS instead of PVC.

The second most important component of the helmet is the internal core which also has the function of absorbing the impact. The commonly used material in the inner core is EPS in helmets that come in the budget category. These days, almost every other company is using EPS in the inner core but the thickness of this core is varying.

Ventilation of Helmet

When you have covered the safety profile of the helmet, you have to view its comfort profile as well and the ventilation plays a key role in it. Just like every other part of the body, the scalp also needs constant airflow. If it is not getting proper airflow, it leads to excessive sweating which is potentially dangerous especially if you live in warmer areas.

Therefore, while purchasing the helmet you must look for this feature. There is no objective method to measure the ventilation of a helmet but as a common rule, a helmet that has a great number of vents has better ventilation. The point is, you must look for the number of vents a helmet has and then decide in favor or against it.

The Padding of the Helmet

The padding of the helmet has two benefits, one it keeps you comfortable, second, it pulls the sweat away from the skin. No matter how good the ventilation is, when the mercury rises the sweating is bound to happen. Now, if there is no mechanism to absorb this sweat, it will ultimately drip from the helmet to your eyes which is dangerous.

Therefore, a quality helmet must have adequate padding for both comfort and absorption of sweat. The problem with absorption is, when it gets too much, the pad starts to stink and it can be unpleasant. Some companies are using a stink-resistant coating which essentially kills the smell-producing bacteria and prevents nasty smells. However, this coating is only present in high-end expensive helmets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion:

The importance of wearing a helmet can’t be overemphasized while doing different so-called extreme sports and longboarding is no exception.

Moreover, different states do require most of the users to wear helmets and only those which comply with their set safety standards.

In this piece here, we have listed 10 of the best helmets for longboarding you can find right now. They are durable, cost-effective and above all meet legal requirements.

Do go through them and see if you can find one for your taste and needs.

In the end, we put forward a buyer’s guide that enlists all the different factors you need to consider before buying a helmet for longboarding. This will help you make a better-informed decision.

That’s all from us for now. Keep coming for more up-to-date content and honest product reviews.