Whether you’re a beginner skater looking for some safety while learning or an advanced ripper who needs a little more confidence while going for big tricks, a good skateboard helmet is a must! Actually, regardless of your skill level, a skateboard helmet is practically a necessity for anyone who skates vert, pools, downhill longboards, or even the new electric skateboards.
Of all the skateboard protection equipment that’s available today, a good skateboard helmet is arguably the most important item to have. Your helmet can literally make a difference between life and death, making them a very good investment for your safety. If you’re worried about looking cool while on your board, worry no more! There’s a huge array of different helmet styles, features, and colors out there right now that will fit every skater’s personal taste. Even Andy Anderson, one of Powell-Peralta’s pro street skaters, always wears a helmet while skating and it’s become an iconic part of his style!
Brands like Pro-Tec, Triple 8, and TSG are essentially the industry leaders when it comes to quality skateboard helmets. Each of these brands are rooted in skateboarding in some way and their helmet designs are all used and approved by professional skate teams. This is actually very important because helmets which are not specifically designed for skateboarding (i.e. bicycle helmets) generally do not have proper protection on the sides or back of the helmet.
Skateboard helmets are designed with 360 degrees of head protection which is especially important for falls to the back of the head when “slipping out” while skating. Each of the three brands listed above have a slightly distinctive style with their own groups of colors and designs that appeal to different tastes. What you can be sure of is that the helmets from these brands will keep you safe during every fall, comfortable through sweaty skate sessions, and keep you looking cool at the park.
11 of the best skateboard helmets
Pro-Tec Classic Skate Helmet
It doesn’t get much more classic than this! The Pro-Tec “Classic” helmet has been around for years, and for good reason! The timeless design is clean, simple, and effective for keeping you safe. It features a glossy ABS shell with Pro-Tec decals and a foam liner wrapped in Dri-Lex quick-drying fabric to repel sweat. If you’re looking for a traditional skateboard helmet that doesn’t break the bank, the Pro-Tec Classic Helmet should be at the top of your list.
Triple 8 Standard Skate Helmet
Pro-Tec’s “Classic” helmet isn’t the only option on the market! The Standard skate helmet is Triple 8’s answer to the Classic helmet. The Standard helmet features everything necessary for a stylish and functional skateboard helmet at a competitive price. It features high-impact EPS foam, a durable outer shell with Triple 8 logos, adjustable straps, and the shell has less of a “rounded” look which gives it a cool and modern style. The Triple 8 “Standard” is definitely a great alternative to the Pro-Tec “Classic”.
TSG Evolution Solid Color Helmet
TSG, or, Technical Safety Gear, tends to be known for their slightly “higher standards” when it comes to their protective equipment. While the prices of their equipment may be a touch higher, you generally get what you pay for. The TSG Evolution skateboard helmet is no exception and even as a base model in their lineup, it has some features only found in premium designs from other brands. Most notable is the “hardshell” construction, meaning the inner EPS foam is directly bonded to the entire outer shell. This gives it a super lightweight and highly-protective design. Plus, it has removable inner pads to perfectly adjust the fit to your liking. For a few bucks more, this is the best of the best when it comes to base model skateboard helmets!
Triple 8 Sweatsaver Lined Skate Helmet
For just a few bucks more than the “Standard” Triple 8 skateboard helmet, you can get the same design with their Sweatsaver Technology. This means that all areas where the helmet meets your head feature a soft plush liner made of moisture-wicking material.
Basically, if you’re the type of skater who skates until you’re dripping with sweat, this feature will be more than worth it! Especially in the summer months, riding at the skatepark can be like visiting the sauna. This feature will make the ride just that much more comfortable and it will dry quickly so it doesn’t smell when you throw it in your skateboard backpack after the session.
Pro-Tec Classic Full-Cut Skate Helmet
For all the old-dog shredders out there, the Pro-Tec Classic Full-Cut helmet is sure to send you back to the good old days! According to Pro-Tec, this helmet features the original design of their iconic 1970’s skateboard helmet. You may have seen Mark Gonzales skating this helmet in a recent Pro-Tec advertisement video. Well, retro is making a comeback especially in the skateboarding world.
Honestly, we can’t think of many things more fun than grabbing your old-school board, strapping on the Pro-Tec Full-Cut, and blasting a few frontside slasher grinds in the deep end of your local bowl. In the unfortunate case that you slam, the premium foam liner and dense outer shell will keep you (and your ears) safe.
TSG Meta Solid Color Helmet
The TSG Meta skateboard helmet is a step up from their iconic “Evolution” model helmet. Here, you will find several premium features that not only can make your ride more comfortable and stylish, but also more safe!
As with the Evolution, the inner EPS foam is directly bonded to the whole outer shell, giving it a lightweight and super protective design. In addition, you’ll find an adjustable dial on the back of the helmet, allowing you to quickly tighten or loosen it for a super snug fit.
It also has removable inner pads that you can swap out to your preference and the chin straps feature a reflective strip for safe skating at night. The TSG Meta is designed to meet the demands of their pro team, making it an amazing choice for those searching for premium-quality.
Pro-Tec Ace Helmet
The Ace skateboard Helmet from Pro-Tec features a cool and sleek outer shell design that sets it apart from the traditional skateboard helmet designs on our list. With 16 open ventilation holes, breathability is no issue for the Ace, making it an excellent option for hot weather skating. It has a high-impact shell and multi-impact “SXP” foam liner to keep your head protected at all angles.
A Dri-Lex fabric liner is featured inside for even more sweat-resistant comfort. In total, this helmet will certainly keep your head cool and it stands out from the crowd with a sleek style.
Triple 8 Gotham Skate Helmet
The first thing you might notice about the Triple 8 Gotham skateboard helmet is the stylish visor integrated into the front section of the shell. However, this helmet is way more than good looks as it features some of the most advanced protection on our list.
The Gotham has MIPS technology, which basically means that the inner section of the helmet can rotate freely from the outer shell upon impact. Technically, this rotation will redirect impact forces which could cause a “tearing” motion on the brain from a heavy or high-speed impact.
While this helmet is one of the most expensive options on our list, this premium feature alone makes the helmet a great choice for longboarding or even safety while riding your bike.
Pro-Tec Classic skateboard Helmet “Spitfire Edition”
If the legendary “Classic” helmet from Pro-Tec has caught your attention but you’re looking for something a little “cooler”, look no further than this gnarly Spitfire collabo skateboard helmet!
Pro-Tec is one of the best helmet brands and Spitfire makes some of the best wheels, it just makes sense that these iconic brands have come together!
This helmet features the same traditional design of the Pro-Tec “Classic”, but a large Spitfire logo is featured on the back.
No more plastering stickers on your helmet with ugly fold lines, the logo is applied right on the shell. The “Classic” Spitfire Edition helmet is definitely a stylish alternative to the functional Classic helmet design.
Pro-Tec The Bucky Skate Helmet
There’s not too many pro-model skateboard helmets on the market today, but one of the best is none other than vert legend Bucky Lasek’s “The Bucky”! Bucky’s helmet features a super stylish, minimalistic old-school design. The Bucky has everything you need and nothing you don’t. It has a hard HDPE outer shell with inner foam wrapped in Dri-Lex moisture wicking fabric.
Tighten down the adjustable, vibrant red chin straps and you’re good to blast some insane no-grab flip tricks on vert just like Bucky!
TSG Pass Longboard/High-Speed Helmet
This one goes out to all the downhill longboarders or skaters who ride electric skateboards!
The TSG Pass is the go-to helmet design for high-speed protection with a sleek and lightweight design. The Pass sets the standard for competitive or professional downhill skateboarding. It has a hefty price tag, but honestly, the speeds that downhill skaters can reach means that any slam can be truly life threatening, especially after cleaning your skateboard bearings!
This longboard helmet keeps your head fully protected with the aerodynamic full-face design. It is certified by the “International Downhill Federation” and is fully lined with EPS foam and adjustable inner pads.
The front visor is engineered to never fog while offering a wide viewing angle and 100% UVA/UVB sun protection. Not only does the TSG Pass look awesome, it can really save your life when it counts the most!