Whether or not you should wear a helmet when longboarding is a controversial one. Sure, wearing it while skateboarding may make you feel not comfortable.
Skaters who do not use protective gear are still relatively frequent, although the number of skaters who do wear protective gear is gradually increasing.
Having this product protects your skull and minimizes your chance of hurt. So, Do you need a helmet for longboarding? Scroll down for details!
Do You Need A Helmet For Longboarding?
You will need a helmet if you are a beginner or riding on the street because you won’t prepare for the prospect of getting hit by a car or an accident.
If you encounter a car accident while driving, a helmet can save your life.
Wearing it is always a good idea, even on the sidewalk, because there can be unpredictable pedestrians or animals.
Most skaters feel that it is necessary for sports with a high risk of injuries, such as downhill racing and longboarding.
Its goal is to keep your head safe from major injury if you fall.
For more information about how it saves you from injuries, watch this video:
Pros and Cons Of Wearing Helmets?
Helmet usage was formerly a heated issue in the skateboarding world. Some people believe that all you need to know is how to fall and have quick reactions.
However, even though skaters had two or more years of skating experience, they may have experienced serious head traumas requiring hospitalization while riding without one.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages so you may assess the situation objectively and make an informed decision.
Pros
- Have more visibility of the vehicle when skating on the road.
- A deadly head injury is less likely.
- Reduction in the time it takes to recover after a major fall.
- There is no need to stay in the hospital, and you can return to work.
Cons
- Obstruct your driving experience.
- It makes you sweat around your head and is uncomfortable.
What Are Common Types Of Helmets For Longboarding?
There are different types of helmets available to skaters, but they mainly include the following:
Full-face Helmets
Since they cover the complete head, ears, eyes, jaw, and face, full-face helmets provide superior protection than half-face ones.
Most full-face covers include tints and removable visors to keep dirt and insects out of your eyes.
Professional skateboarding contests demand that competitors use this style of helmet.
Despite the lack of vents, it will improve your safety and performance.
Half-shell Helmets
As the name implies, this sort of helmet covers half of your face. This hat only provides basic protection for longboarders when cruising, freeriding, slalom or dancing, etc.
However, this bucket style is not ideal for downhill because they cannot cover the eyes, mouth, ears, or face like a full face.
Led Helmets
They are used by those who ride electric longboards. When you are driving at night, the light will be able to warn pedestrians and other cars of your presence.
Foldable Longboard Helmets
These practical helmets fold up when not in use. This does not mean they are too soft. A good quality helmet provides the same level of protection as others.
The Aero Helmets
Aerodynamic helmets are full-face ones with a windscreen that provides ‘aerodynamic’ benefits.
The tail at the base of it extending over the back, or the shoulder guards covering the shoulders, can be used as sunshades.
This is all done to limit the volume of air passing over the head and body.
Top 4 Best Helmets For Longboarding
When purchasing a helmet, pay close attention to the quality. Here are four ASTM and CPSC-certified helmets that are quite popular among serious long-distance cyclists.
Triple Eight Downhill Racer
This model is well-thought-out, attractive, and has a clean, quiet design.
Furthermore, it is comfortable, fits well, and allows you to move your head freely without restriction.
It also provides good visibility and a wide field of view during downhill rides.
This is a smart choice for those looking for a low-cost brain protector with excellent protection and safety credentials.
TSG Pass
The TSG Pass provides additional protection above a standard one.
While it isn’t as light as some of the best traditional skate helmets on the market, it is suitable for e-skating and other types of riding.
This is more expensive than most, but its reputation for preventing brain injuries speaks for itself.
S-One S1 Lifer
One of the most acceptable certified helmets is the S1 Lifer. This model’s lining effectively absorbs sweat at a low cost. It’s also quite light, so you won’t even notice wearing a helmet.
Triple Eight with Sweatsaver Liner
This helmet’s innovative multi-impact design is highly promising, and it’s popular for its brain-protecting rubber.
Its hygroscopic lining is appreciated for its ability to absorb sweat. This, along with the TSG Pass, is the best and cheapest helmet available.
What To Consider When Choosing A Helmet For Longboarding?
There are many different types of helmets available. Visiting your local skate shop is the greatest approach to finding the best fits your needs.
Make sure you keep the following in mind:
Fit
This is the first significant factor because a helmet too big for your head can cause a concussion, while a too-small one can induce headaches.
You must measure your head circumference to select the optimal size. Measure the diameter of your head with a tape measure placed approximately an inch above your brows.
Type
If you prefer to wear something different or have additional coverage, there are various options on the market.
Skateboarding helmets are, in theory, more impact resistant than other forms of helmets.
Open-face helmets are widespread, whereas long-distance downhill cyclists prefer full-face models.
Material
Longboard helmets are often fiberglass, carbon fiber, Kevlar, and ABS plastic. These items will have a minor impact on your purchasing decision.
ABS is a bulky and expensive material, but PVC is lighter and less expensive. ABS, on the other hand, is more impact resistant. So, many people prefer ABS to PVC.
The cost of a helmet varies based on the type of material utilized.
Safety Standard
The fundamental reason for wearing a helmet is to keep yourself safe. When purchasing yours, one factor to consider is certification.
You may be confident that this is the best product if the makers can meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) criteria.
Ventilation
As previously indicated, some helmets are uncomfortable, overheat, and induce excessive sweating.
Because heat gain for long helmets is unavoidable, many manufacturers have devised a solution in the form of a second layer of padding.
If you’re worried about sweating too much, go for long helmets that prioritize airflow and low sweat.
Before buying a helmet, make sure you examine how many vents it has. Seven vents should suffice for people who live in a moderately warm climate, but ten or more vents will be preferable for those who live in hotter climates.
Retention System and Straps
These two items are responsible for keeping your helmet in place.
It is available in a variety of designs, but the most important feature is that you can fasten and adjust it to your comfort.
You can pick between a quick-release locking mechanism and a standard locking system. As long as you can keep the helmet on your head, you should be fine.
Conclusion
We believe you now know the answer to the main question: do you need a helmet for longboarding?
Longboarding provides a sense of delight and peace of mind that few other activities can match. Accidents are common when riding for fun, transportation, or competition. That’s why it’s so crucial to wear a long helmet.
