When you arrive at a downhill skateboarding event, the variety in helmet choices is immediately apparent. Riders sport diverse shapes, colors, designs, and sizes, reflecting their individual styles, riding preferences, and color coordination. This guide will explore the various designs and shapes of downhill skateboarding helmets, providing insights to help you appreciate these unique pieces of safety gear.
This article is part of a series on skateboarding protection. Be sure to check out our other articles on essential protective gear for downhill skating.
Understanding the Different Types of Downhill Skate Helmets
The Half-Shell Helmet
Half-shell helmets are the most commonly seen type. They are basic, covering the head and hairline, and secured with a strap and buckle under the chin.
A half-shell helmet worn by a downhill skateboarder
Riders favor these helmets for their ease of wear, lightweight feel, and non-intrusive design. Their open nature makes them ideal for warmer weather. Half-shell helmets are suitable for speeds under 30 mph and are often used in freeride events, slide jams, or casual downhill riding. However, they’re not typically seen at races or on roads where speeds exceed 30-40 mph.
For safety, look for these certifications:
- ASTM F1492
- CE (European)
- CSPC
You can find more information about half-shell helmets in our dedicated article here.
Types of Half-Shell Helmets
The Classic Half-Shell
The classic half-shell helmet simply covers the hairline and the top of the head.
A classic half-shell helmet on a skateboarder
The “Full-Cut” Half-Shell
Inspired by snowboard helmets, full-cut half-shell helmets include ear coverings. While they don’t offer a performance advantage over classic half-shells, they provide a unique look.
A full-cut half-shell helmet with ear coverings
Another full-cut half-shell helmet
Cost and Where to Buy
Half-shell helmets typically range from $20 to $50. Models with advanced features like MIPS technology can exceed $100. A quality helmet with adequate protection usually costs around $40, with full-cut options being slightly more expensive. You can find these helmets at local skate shops or online retailers. Popular brands include S1, Triple 8, TSG, Protect, and POC. For beginners, the Triple 8 dual-certified Brainsaver is a good option, available on Amazon.com. It’s affordable, easy to use, and offers adequate protection.
The Basic Full-Face Helmet
A full-face helmet provides complete coverage of the head and face, including a chin bar and visor.
A downhill skateboarder wearing a full-face helmet
These helmets are essential when regularly exceeding 40 mph (70 kph). At these speeds, falls can happen quickly, making it crucial to protect your face. Full-face helmets have more EPS foam to handle higher impact forces. The visors also protect against wind, dust, cold, and bugs. These visors are typically removable but may vary by model. These helmets are often mandatory at race events.
Typical certifications include:
- CPSC
- EN 1078
- ASTM F1952
- CE
You can find a list of helmets and their certifications at freerides.org.
Types of Full-Face Helmets
Mountain Bike Helmets: The Budget-Friendly Option
Many beginners opt for mountain bike helmets due to their lower cost while still offering similar protection – CPSC, EN 1078 and ASTM F1952 certifications. These helmets typically cost around $60, compared to the $150+ of downhill-specific models.
A mountain bike style full-face helmet used for downhill skateboarding
Another example of a mountain bike helmet
However, they aren’t specifically built for downhill skateboarding. They have visor shaders instead of visors, and they may not offer the same visibility or protection against wind and bugs. Still, a mountain biking helmet like the Bell Sanction can provide adequate protection for downhill skateboarding. You can find the Bell Sanction on Amazon.com.
The Dedicated Full-Face Helmet
Dedicated full-face helmets come in various shapes, sizes, and designs and are used in various downhill activities like luge, rollerblading, and gravity biking.
A luge rider wearing a Predator full-face helmet
Brands like Predator, S1, Triple 8, and TSG are popular choices. Riders often customize these helmets.
A customized TSG Pass full-face helmet
A custom designed Predator DH-6 helmet
Cost and Where to Buy
Full-face helmets typically cost around $200. While this may seem expensive, they are durable enough to withstand multiple impacts before needing replacement of the EPS foam. Some full-face helmet options include:
- TSG Pass (Amazon.com)
- Triple 8 Racer
- S1 Lifer Full face
- Predator DH6
- New Olders helmets
- Risch helmets
It’s advisable to get a full-face helmet when regularly skating at high speeds. Electric skateboarders should consider them from the start due to their quick acceleration.
The Aero Helmet: Where Style Meets Aerodynamics
Aero helmets are full-face helmets with fairings designed to provide an aerodynamic advantage.
An aero downhill helmet with a tail fairing
These fairings can include a tail extension or shoulder coverings. Inspired by downhill skiing, these helmets are often customized, allowing riders to showcase their style. The performance advantage they offer is negligible, but they remain popular for their aesthetic appeal.
Two downhill skateboarders wearing New Olders aero helmets
The Purpose of Aero Helmets
Aero helmets aim to reduce drag by creating a seamless transition between the head and body, promoting laminar airflow. However, wind tunnel studies have shown that the aerodynamic advantage is minimal, especially when riders move their heads.
While aero helmets may provide a slight edge in races like the L’Utime Descent top-speed challenge, their primary appeal is their unique look.
Instagram Post showing Nick Broms and Chase Hiller in aero helmets
Construction of Aero Helmets
Aero helmets are typically made from fiberglass or carbon fiber. The process involves laying strips of material against a mold, curing it, cutting out the visor area, sanding, painting, and fitting EPS foam.
A custom aero helmet by Zak Maytum
Where to Buy Aero Helmets
Pre-made aero helmets can be purchased from brands like:
- Risch
- New Olders
- Boardyard
- Vultur helmets
- Team Mids
Most of these helmets are hand-made and made to order. You can also find second-hand options in groups like the AeroLid and Fullface Porn on Facebook.
Chase Hiller wearing a custom painted New Olders Blackbird
Tristan Cardillo wearing a custom painted New Olders Blackbird
Many riders customize their helmets to create unique pieces.
Aaron Hampshire wearing a custom helmet by Zak Maytum
Custom Aero-Helmets
Custom aero helmets are often made by riders like Zak Maytum, Aaron Skippings, and others. These helmets are typically one-off or produced in small batches, reflecting the artistry and craftsmanship involved.
Daina Banks wearing a custom Zak Maytum helmet
Cost of Aero-Helmets
Commercial aero helmets range from $200 to $400, while custom options can vary from $300 to $1000. Second-hand helmets can often be found for $150 to $300.
Oliver Moor wearing a custom painted Risch rosemary helmet
Safety Concerns with Aero Helmets
There is an ongoing debate in the downhill skateboarding community about the safety of aero helmets. Some believe the fairings could catch on the ground during a fall, causing unnatural head twisting. While there have been no reported serious injuries, this risk remains a concern, especially for beginners.
Final Thoughts
Downhill skateboarding is full of personal preferences, from board types to wheel choices. The wide variety of helmet options can be overwhelming, but it also provides an opportunity to choose gear that best suits your style and needs. With the information in this guide, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision about the type of helmet that’s right for you.
