The 10 Best Helmets For Skateboarding

video play icon

This wiki has been updated 23 times since it was first published in February of 2019. Sure, skateboarding is tons of fun, but it can also be dangerous without the proper safety gear. Along with elbow and knee pads, this means wearing a high-quality helmet that meets ATSM and CSPC standards. We've included adult and youth options, models for warm and cool weather riding, and, of course, a large variety of colors and designs to ensure there is something to suit everyone. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Triple 8 Tony Hawk Signature

2. Triple Eight Lil 8

3. Bern Summer Watts

Editor's Notes

September 07, 2020:

Here at wiki.ezvid.com, we never compromise when it comes to safety. That's why we scoured the market to find skateboarding helmets that featured MIPS technology, which has been proven to minimize the rotation forces transferred to the head and neck in certain kinds of impacts. To our dismay though, and unlike with bike helmets, relatively few manufacturers are currently making skate helmets that are MIPS equipped and also conform to ASTM standards. Despite this, we were able to find the Triple Eight Gotham MIPS, which we highly recommend as long as you don't often skateboard on very hot days. While it wins top marks for safety, it is severely lacking in air intake ports and can get quite warm.

Another new edition to the list during this update is the Bern Summer Watts, which, while not MIPS equipped, is a very versatile option. With the addition of the winter kit, which can be purchased separately, it is just as suitable for use when skiing and snowboarding, as it is for skating without it. We also like the integrated visor that helps to keep the sun out of the wearer's eyes.

We also added the Retrospec CM-1 Classic because it has both European and American safety certifications, yet it is still reasonably priced, which is something everyone can appreciate. It is also very lightweight, so if other helmets bother your neck after a while, this one may be a smart choice.

For kids we recommend the Triple Eight Lil 8 and Flybar Unisex, both of which are equipped with pads on the chinstrap that helps prevent pinched skin. Also, the former looks very similar to the one Tony Hawk wears, so youngsters can pretend to be this master skater when practicing their tricks.

February 11, 2019:

We feel that you should never compromise when it comes to safety. When it comes to helmets for skateboarding, this means only buying models that meet ASTM standards. Unfortunately, these days there are many helmets being marketed for skateboarding use that only meet CSPC bicycle standards, or worse, none at all. The main difference between these two is that CSPC helmets are rated as being able to withstand one, high-energy impact, while ASTM helmets can not only withstand one high-energy impact, but also repeated low-force impacts, which are much more likely in skateboarding than in cycling. This means that a CSPC-rated helmet could potentially be compromised after a single impact. Every model on our list is dual certified to meet both ASTM and CSPC standards, ensuring yourself or your child the utmost level of protection. Since helmets tend to have a stigma as being uncool, we made sure to find a bunch of models with stylish graphics that people will be more likely to wear, such as the S-One Lifer, Vokul Sport, and Nutcase Street. Anyone would be proud to be seen wearing the Triple 8 Tony Hawk Signature too, considering it is the same one that that most famous skater of all time wears, and whatever else he may or may not be, the Birdman is definitely cool. If you have a youngster that likes to follow you on your rides, or is learning to skate on his or her own, the Triple Eight Lil 8 comes in some very small sizes that are perfect for little heads.

Special Honors

Nutcase Hi Viz MIPS With multiple reflective accents and MIPS technology, this model from Nutcase should help keep your noggin safe in a variety of situations. Its vents have been redesigned from last year's model for greater air flow, and its magnetic buckle can be conveniently operated with one hand. nutcasehelmets.com

4. Triple Eight Gotham MIPS

5. S-One Lifer

This item has been flagged for editorial review and is not available.

6. Retrospec CM-1 Classic

7. Pro-Tec Classic

8. Flybar Unisex

9. JMB Multi-Sport

10. Punisher Skateboards Pro Series 13


Brett Dvoretz
Last updated by Brett Dvoretz

A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.


Thanks for reading the fine print. About the Wiki: We don't accept sponsorships, free goods, samples, promotional products, or other benefits from any of the product brands featured on this page, except in cases where those brands are manufactured by the retailer to which we are linking. For more information on our rankings, please read about us, linked below. The Wiki is a participant in associate programs from Amazon, Walmart, Ebay, Target, and others, and may earn advertising fees when you use our links to these websites. These fees will not increase your purchase price, which will be the same as any direct visitor to the merchant’s website. If you believe that your product should be included in this review, you may contact us, but we cannot guarantee a response, even if you send us flowers.