Longboarding is an adrenaline-filled adventure and with that comes risks. Moving at fast speeds feels amazing but can be dangerous too that’s why safety gears are needed. The most important of which is a helmet.
One of the most common questions of a beginner longboarder is which helmet is the best to use? Let us help you answer that by looking into the longboard helmets available today.
Types of Longboarding Helmets
Longboarding helmets available today come in two types. The first one is a full-face helmet and the other is a half shell helmet. Full face helmets cover your entire face and they are ideal for longboarders who skate downhill. Usually, they are more expensive than half shell helmets.
Half shell helmets, on the other hand, are more affordable that’s why they are ideal for beginners who just want to try things out. As a longboarder progresses, they can upgrade their helmet to a full-faced one. Half shell helmets are also great for cruising, freestyling, dancing and slalom.
Helmet Specifications
Longboarding helmets may come in a hard shell or a soft shell. Most longboarders will advise to stay away from soft-shelled helmets. It has a soft foam layer and the outer layer is quite flexible. This cannot provide adequate protection against the potential blows you can get while longboarding.
The hard-shelled helmets are best to use because it has a tougher outer layer and a softer but denser foam layer underneath for additional cushion and comfort. This helps minimize the impact of any bumps on the head while longboarding.
Also, helmets can come as a multi-impact one or a single-impact helmet. Due to its efficiency in dispersing the blow, a helmet can crack or get deformed in the process. Some can take multiple impacts while others can only take one and then needs to be replaced.
Longboard Helmet Certifications
Certification marks help make sure you get a high-quality product. In the US, there are two that you should look for. First is the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) certification and the other is the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPS) certification.
Make sure the helmet you choose is really designed for this sport. Some sellers could say a certain helmet can be used for longboarding even if it is not certified for the sport. Don’t risk yourself and choose the certified ones for this sport.
