I’ve been rigorously testing the TSG Pass helmet for a considerable time now, subjecting it to diverse conditions – from rain and dust to intense heat, humidity, and even snow. Throughout, it has consistently provided exceptional safety and performance. This helmet is undoubtedly one of the few gear purchases I have absolutely no regrets about. However, it’s not without its flaws. In this comprehensive review, I’ll delve into both the pros and cons of the TSG Pass to help you determine if it’s the right helmet for your longboarding needs.
This review is part of our series on skateboarding protection. Be sure to check out our other articles:
- Essential Protective Gear for Downhill Skating
- TSG DHP Knee Pads Review
- The Best Skateboarding Helmets
- Understanding Downhill Skateboarding Helmets
Why Consider a Full-Face Helmet?
Full-face helmets represent a significant investment. So, what makes them worthwhile? When should you consider upgrading to a full-face despite the higher cost? Here’s why a full-face helmet, like the TSG Pass, might be the right choice for you:
- High-Speed Skating: Full-face helmets offer superior safety at high speeds (40mph+), enhancing clarity and focus. Imagine the calmness of skating at 2mph – no wind pulling at your face, no bugs hitting you. A full-face provides that same clarity at high speeds, allowing you to focus better on the road and improve your overall riding experience.
- Enhanced Safety: At high speeds, falls can be more severe and less predictable. A half-shell helmet might not provide sufficient protection in such cases. Prioritize your safety with a full-face helmet for maximum head, face, and brain protection.
- Winter Comfort: Skating in winter can be unpleasant due to cold winds and tearing eyes. A full-face helmet keeps your face warm and protected, making winter skating more enjoyable.
- IDF Events: Full-face helmets are mandatory at most International Downhill Federation (IDF) events. If you plan to participate in sanctioned races, a full-face helmet is essential.
TSG full-face helmet: Ty top photography
Do You Really Need a Full-Face Helmet Yet?
Before you jump on the TSG Pass bandwagon, take a moment to evaluate if a full-face helmet is truly necessary for your current skating style. These helmets are a considerable investment, often costing around $200. The TSG Pass is among the more affordable options, but still represents a significant purchase for many.
If you’re a beginner, check out our review of the best helmets for options that might be more suitable.
When a Full-Face Might Not Be the Right Choice:
- Slow Sessions: Full-face helmets are overkill for casual neighborhood skating. Beginners should consider starting with half-shell helmets.
- Speeds Under 40mph: A half-shell helmet can provide adequate protection for speeds below 40mph if used correctly.
- Walking Back Up Hills: Full-face helmets can get very hot, making the walk back up the hill after a run unpleasant. Constantly taking it on and off can also be irritating for your ears.
However, all skaters have unique needs. Assess your personal situation and make an informed decision.
Should E-Skaters Get a Full-Face Helmet?
If you’re an e-skater, a full-face helmet is highly recommended. E-skaters often lack the experience of traditional skaters and may be more prone to falls at higher speeds. While adjusting your trucks and lowering the back truck angle can improve stability, it doesn’t replace skill and experience. E-skaters also tend to reach higher speeds quickly, often exceeding 30mph within a few sessions. Therefore, a full-face helmet is a crucial safety measure for e-skaters to ensure adequate protection. While some full-face helmets can look unconventional, the TSG Pass offers a stylish design that doesn’t compromise on safety.
In short, prioritize safety and get a full-face helmet if you’re an e-skater.
TSG Pass Review
TSG Specifications:
- Sizes:
- S – 54-56 cm / 21.3-22 in
- M – 56-58 cm / 22-22.8 in
- L – 58-60 cm / 22.8-23.6 in
- XL – 60-61 cm / 23.6-24 in
- Certifications: ASTM F1952 & EN 1078
- Visors: Includes two removable visors: clear and silver
- Strap: D-ring strap
- Padding: Removable cheek and head pads
- Mouth Pad: Replaceable mouth pad
Weight and Feel
The TSG Pass is noticeably heavier than a half-shell helmet, as expected, but doesn’t feel excessively heavy. This is due to its fiberglass shell, which is both strong and lightweight, in comparison to the plastic shells often used in half-shell designs. The chin bar has less padding and EPS foam, contributing to its lighter feel and balanced weight distribution towards the back of the head. Initially, my neck felt a bit sore, especially after long tucks. However, my neck strength improved with regular use and the initial soreness subsided.
Visibility
The TSG Pass offers excellent visibility. The helmet’s cutout extends from behind your eye socket to under your cheeks, nose, and forehead, providing almost 180-degree vision. It also offers great peripheral vision. The helmet’s design allows for comfortable tuck positions without obstructing vision. Unlike a half-shell, the TSG Pass allows you to bring your chin down to your knee while maintaining clear visibility, eliminating the need to adjust your tuck.
tsg pass side view
TSG Pass Side View
For more information on downhill skate helmets, see our article here.
Comfort and Fit
I opted for the size S helmet, which was both more affordable and within my head size range. However, my head is slightly larger than average, particularly in height, so my fit experience might vary from yours. The TSG Pass uses a single shell size, with padding adjustments to customize the fit. You can change the cheek pads for a tighter or looser fit. The shell also stretches slightly when worn, and the padding tends to pack in over time. If the helmet initially feels tight, it will likely become more comfortable with use. If you prefer longer hairstyles, consider sizing up or opting for a shorter cut to ensure a comfortable fit.
tsg carbon helmet ty top photo
TSG Carbon Pass – Ty Top Photo
Performance in the Tuck
The TSG Pass feels natural and comfortable in a tuck. The visibility remains excellent, allowing you to lower your head close to your knee while maintaining a clear view of the road. The helmet doesn’t hinder your tuck position. While the initial weight might feel noticeable, it’s something you’ll adapt to with regular use.
Downhill skateboard tuck with tsg knee pads
Removable Visor
The TSG Pass features a removable visor, ideal for warmer days or a cooler skate experience. Although the visor is beneficial for full-face protection, you can lift it to let out trapped hot air. The helmet also includes a silver visor, providing additional sun glare protection and style.
TSG pass helmet and visor
TSG Pass Helmet and Visor
Auditory Experience
The TSG Pass does dampen outside sounds, but you can still hear important noises like car horns, clapping, and pucks. To stay safe, be aware of your surroundings and look around periodically.
Fogging and Ventilation
The helmet utilizes channels in the EPS liner for airflow and small holes on the chin guard for nasal ventilation. A nose guard directs your breath away from the visor, minimizing fogging. While not perfect, occasional fogging can be reduced using anti-fog solutions such as toothpaste, saliva, soap, or baby shampoo.
Safety Certifications
The TSG Pass meets rigorous safety standards, including:
- ASTM F1952: The American Society for Testing and Materials certification for downhill mountain biking helmets, highly relevant for downhill skating. ASTM certifications are highly regarded for their stringent safety standards.
- EN 1078: The European standard for biking helmets, ensuring impact forces are reduced to 250g, well below the threshold for brain damage.
TSG Pass certification
Helmets are designed to prevent brain injuries, not concussions. While a concussion may still occur at 250Gs, the helmet ensures you can walk away and continue with your life.
Drawbacks of the TSG Pass
- Ear Chafing: Frequent removal can cause ear chafing, especially with a tight-fitting helmet.
- Initial Weight: The weight may feel uncomfortable initially but improves with use.
- Heat Build-up: Hot air accumulates easily, but can be remedied by lifting or removing the visor.
- Visor Issues: The visor may fog up or collect water droplets in wet conditions, although it is removable.
Other Sports Suitable for the TSG Pass
- E-Skating: The TSG Pass offers stylish, high-speed protection.
- Cycling: Although less common, it could be beneficial for winter or night cycling.
- Downhill Cycling: Many of the benefits for skating apply to downhill biking.
- Downhill Karting: Great visibility and protection are beneficial for downhill karting.
- Downhill Rollerblading: Similar to skating, making the TSG Pass an appropriate choice.
- Luge: The excellent visibility makes the TSG Pass suitable, though other options like Predator and Vector are more popular.
- Drift Triking: A lightweight helmet with great visibility is ideal for drift triking.
- Racing Pit Crews: Some racing teams use the TSG Pass for its visibility and protection, although it may not offer sufficient protection against high-velocity shrapnel.
TSG Pass used by Nascar Pit crew
TSG Pass Used by NASCAR Pit Crew
Where to Buy the TSG Pass
You can purchase the TSG Pass on Amazon.com, local skate shops, online retailers, and some cycling stores.
Final Thoughts
The TSG Pass is a worthwhile investment. While it may be expensive for some, the protection and performance it provides make it a valuable piece of gear. If budget is a concern, mountain biking helmets can be a cheaper alternative, offering similar safety certifications and protection. However, they aren’t purpose-built for downhill skating and may not perform as well as the TSG Pass.
