Best Skate Helmets and how to choose the right one for you

I have selected the Triple Eight THE Certified Sweatsaver Helmet as the top helmet of the list of best skate helmets.

As a roller skating instructor, I give my students an exhaustive list of safety gear that they will need for their lessons. I always put skate helmets at the top of this list. However, I have noticed that many students, particularly adults, are usually surprised by this.

Since I have been part of the roller skating world for most of my life, I know how dangerous this sport can be. Furthermore, I am aware of just how common head injuries are. This is why I have done some research to find the best helmets on the market. Now, I have decided to share this knowledge with you, to help you make a more informed choice.

I chose the Triple Eight THE Certified Sweatsaver Helmet because it ticks all the boxes for what I need from a helmet. To start with, the helmet boasts dual certification. That is to say, it meets all the required safety standards. At the same time, the size can be customized to give you a perfect fit. The interior is comfortable enough to allow you to wear it for longer and is also well-ventilated.

Of course, each skate helmet has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. This is why I have offered up a wide selection of helmets for you to choose from. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for durability, comfort, or lightness, you are sure to find a helmet to suit your needs.

Keep reading to find the right fit for you.

Best Skate Helmets

Here is a list of the best and safest skate helmets:

Triple Eight THE Certified Sweatsaver Helmet – Best Overall

Specs:

  • Sizes: 20 – 21.25, 21 – 22.5, 22.5 – 23.5, and 23.5 – 24.5 inches
  • Weight: 0.9lbs
  • Certified: Yes

Dual Certification

The most important element of any skate helmet is safety. This is exactly what you get with the Triple Eight Sweatsaver. It complies with the U.S. CPSC Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets for Persons Age 5 and Older as well as ASTM F-1492 Skate safety standards. This means that you will be protected whenever you put it on.

However, taking a look at the helmet will tell you all you need to know. The interior is lined with EPS foam that has been designed to absorb impact. This means that any impact is greatly softened, minimizing your risk of developing a head injury.

Can Customize Fit

Now, this helmet has sizes from XS/Small to Large/XL, giving you plenty of choice. What’s more, you can also customize the fit with this brand. This is because there are removable liners. Therefore, you can experiment until you come up with the perfect fit.

It should be noted that these helmets tend to run a little small. Due to this, you may need to go up a size in some instances.

Comfortable

The dual density soft foam isn’t just there for safety reasons, but also for comfort. This, combined with the thinner liners means that you have all the padding you need to stay comfortable while skating.

If this isn’t sufficient, you can use the removable thicker liners to add even more padding, ensuring that you find your ideal level of comfort.

Great for Strenuous Activity

If you imagine that all this padding is going to result in a sweaty helmet, think again. This is because the helmet has moisture-wicking plush fabric that helps you stay cool and dry no matter how long you are planning to roller skate. It is especially great during those hotter months too.

Pros

  • Excellent protection
  • Customized sizes
  • Comfortable
  • Stays dry
Cons

  • Runs a bit small

OutdoorMaster Helmet – Best for Kids

Specs:

  • Sizes: 18.1 – 20, 20 – 22.8, and 21.3 – 23.6 inches
  • Weight: 0.87lbs
  • Certified: Yes

Smaller Sizes Available

While a lot of helmet brands do have smaller sizes, few are small enough to fit children. However, the OutdoorMaster helmet does. This makes it a great option for roller skaters who are just starting out and need great protection.

The only thing to be aware of is that the helmet has a high profile design that sits a little higher on your head. As a result, it can look bulkier than other designs.

Excellent Protection

It is also difficult to beat this helmet in terms of protection. It is certified by CPSC and ASTM so you can be certain of its safety features. What’s more, it has been deemed suitable for all kinds of contact sports, and is guaranteed to keep your child safe while roller skating.

Furthermore, the helmet is made with a reinforced ABS shell that is both durable as well as protective. On top of this, it also contains a thickened shock absorbing EPS core.

Double Adjustment Feature

Need your helmet to fit just right? Well, this design comes with a double adjustment feature. To begin with, there is the skin-friendly chin strap that helps to keep your helmet secure. At the same time, you also have a dial that works to tighten or loosen the helmet as necessary.

Great Ventilation

If you have ever worn a helmet for an extended period of time, then you know how important ventilation is. The good news is that this helmet airflow evacuation channel makes it easier for hot and cool air to exchange. In turn, this allows you to stay cool and dry during your entire ride.

Pros

  • Smaller sizes available
  • Excellent protection
  • Double adjustment feature
  • Great ventilation
Cons

  • Has a high profile design

Thousand Heritage Helmet – Best for Style

Specs:

  • Sizes: 21¼ – 22½, 22½ – 23¼, and 23¼ – 24⅜ inches
  • Weight:1.1lbs
  • Certified: Yes

Great Design

There is no denying that skate helmets aren’t the most stylish gear to wear. In fact, they can be bulky and awkward. This is one of the main reasons why most skaters prefer to do without them. With the Thousand Heritage helmet, however, you won’t face this problem.

These helmets have a slim, low profile that make them far less noticeable on your head. At the same time, they have classy colors that look quite sophisticated. Last, but not least, there is a faux leather chin strap to enjoy as well.

The only thing to be aware of is that they can be a pricey investment if safety is your main concern.

Incredibly Safe

Don’t let the design of this helmet fool you; it is incredibly safe. For one thing, it has been certified by CPSC and ASTM. It has even been certified for use in Europe. You can wear it at all times, knowing that it has gone through stringent testing procedures.

The shell is made of durable and high-quality materials that are more than capable of withstanding accidents. The interior padding is thick and can soften any blow that you may experience when you fall.

Dial Fit System

The dial fit system consists of a dial that ensures your helmet fits properly. You can make minute or major adjustments according to your requirements. Thus, when you take off on your skates, you can be sure that the helmet remains secure on your head.

Additional Features

The magnetic buckle on this helmet makes it easy for you to get your strap in place with just one hand. Not only does this make it simpler to fasten your helmet, but also ensures that you don’t have to worry about pinching your fingers in the process.

There is also a secret poplock on the helmet which allows you to secure it in place via a chain. Therefore, you don’t have to worry that someone is going to make off with your investment.

Pros

  • Stylish
  • Great protective features
  • Dial fit system
Cons

  • Can be a pricey investment

JBM Skate Helmet – Best for Value

Specs:

  • Sizes: 18.1 – 19.7, 19.7 – 22.8, 20.9 – 23.2 inches
  • Weight: 1.16lbs
  • Certified: No

Good Value

If you are only just starting out roller skating and are hesitant to invest a lot in your hobby, I would suggest getting this helmet. It has great safety features, but will not break the bank, especially if you can find a smaller size.

Even if you don’t continue with roller skating, you won’t feel like you have thrown away your cash. Due to this, it is a good choice for newbies to the sport.

Designed for Impact Resistance

The drawback is that this helmet isn’t certified. However, the good news is that it is designed to be impact-resistant. Therefore, rest assured that you will be quite safe. If you are into derby or do more aggressive roller skating, only then will I suggest looking for a certified option.

In terms of impact resistance, the shell is made from tough and durable PVC and PC material. This makes it more than suitable to keep your head area safe in most accidents. At the same time, the thick layer of foam helps to dissipate the energy from the impact, taking the pressure off your skull.

Great Ventilation

If you tend to roller skate in warm conditions or for extended periods, then you will love how much ventilation this helmet offers. The multiple vents allow for quick and easy exchange of air, keeping you cool. What’s more, the foam is breathable, ensuring that it doesn’t get clogged up with sweat.

Easy to Adjust

This helmet is quite easy to adjust to your size. Even if you don’t have much experience picking out skate helmets, you will figure it out without any problem. Thus, getting that perfect fit will be easier than ever before.

Pros

  • Great value
  • Good safety features
  • Great ventilation
  • Easy to adjust
Cons

  • Not certified

TurboSke Skate Helmet

Specs:

  • Sizes: 20.5 – 22.5 and 22.8 – 24 inches
  • Weight:0.87lbs
  • Certified: Yes

Safe Design

There is no need to second guess whether or not this helmet works. This is because it has passed several safety tests. It has also been designed to comply with 16 C.F.R. part 1203 and CE EN 1078 safety standards.

You get two reinforced layers to keep you safe. First, there is the tough and durable ABS shell that can withstand most kinds of impact. Then, you have the core foam layer that works to minimize any force from an impact. This also reduces your risk of developing a head or brain injury.

Lightweight

It can take its toll if you have to wear a helmet that’s heavy, particularly if you need to do so for a long time. Although the helmet has been designed for heavy duty use, it is quite lightweight. As such, it is comfortable and easy to wear.

At the same time, this helmet has a rather bulky design. While it doesn’t feel awkward to wear, some people may not like the look of it. So it can be an acquired taste, depending on your likes and dislikes when it comes to skating styles.

Adjustable Fit

There’s no need to worry about getting the right fit with this helmet. This is because it is outfitted with a detachable adjustment system. With just a turn of the dial, this ring can tighten or loosen around your head. In this way, you will be able to figure out the safest and most comfortable fit for you.

Good Ventilation Features

There are vents all around the helmet, ensuring that air exchange can take place easily. This means that your scalp won’t get hot and sweaty as you skate. Instead, you can stay cool and comfortable right throughout your ride.

Pros

  • Safe design
  • Lightweight
  • Adjustable fit
  • Great ventilation
Cons

  • A bit bulky

MONATA Skate Helmet

Specs:

  • Sizes: 21.25 – 22.83 and 22.83 – 24 inches
  • Weight: 1lb
  • Certified: No

Good Protection Features

It should be noted that this helmet doesn’t have any safety certification, which could put some buyers off. It would certainly be great if it did, but it still offers quite a bit of protection for roller skaters.

The high density ABS shell works well to take the brunt of any impact or accident. Adding another layer of protection, there is the EPS foam that ensures the force of the impact is absorbed and dissipated instead of reaching your skull.

Comfortable

The helmet boasts a microfiber lining inside, ensuring an ultimate level of comfort. Even as the helmet sits low on your head, you will get to enjoy a nice, padded feeling. What’s more, the material is breathable, ensuring that you don’t get too hot when you are out and about.

Adjustable Fit

This helmet is equipped with a Lifestyle Fit system that allows you to adjust it according to your specific needs. Best of all, the adjustments can be as small or large as you need. Despite having no safety certification, it is a fairly safe helmet for you to wear.

Great Ventilation

It also boasts eleven different vents! They are placed around and on top of the product, allowing for maximum airflow. This prevents your head from getting too sweaty. It also reduces the risk of sweat trickling down your face while roller skating.

Pros

  • Good protection
  • Adjustable
  • Comfortable
  • Highly ventilated
Cons

  • Not certified

Retrospec CM-1 Helmet

Specs:

  • Sizes: 20 – 21.5, 21.75 – 23.25, and 23.25 – 25 inches
  • Weight: 1.04lbs
  • Certified: Yes

Highly Protective

This helmet meets a number of safety standards. They include CPSC 16 CFR Part 1203, STM F2040-11 / ASTM F1446, EN 1077, and EN 1078. Thus, the design is ultra-safe, ensuring that you will be able to wear it for any kind of roller skating activity, no matter how aggressive.

First, you have the durable and fully formed ABS shell that can withstand most impacts and still remain secure. Underneath is the high-quality EPS foam that redirects the force of accidents. Therefore, if you are accident-prone, this is certainly a good helmet to have.

Comfortable

The helmet comes with two sets of interchangeable pads. This works to give you a better fit, regardless of the circumference of your head. At the same time, it also adds a layer of comfort. This, combined with the foam makes for an extremely comfortable design that you will enjoy wearing for a longer time.

At the same time, you need to be aware that the helmet can be quite bulky. While it isn’t heavy at all, some skaters may tire of bulky feeling after a while.

Stays Cool

The interior padding is designed to be moisture-wicking. Not only does this keep you dry the entire time you skate, it also prevents bacteria or odors from forming inside your helmet. Adding to this is that there are plenty of vents that allow hot air to exchange with the cool air.

Pros

  • Highly protective
  • Comfortable
  • Stays cool
Cons

  • Can feel bulky

A Guide to Selecting a Skate Helmet

Here is everything you need to know when it comes to learning how to choose skate helmets:

Check the Certification

It’s important to note that not all skate helmets meet specific safety standards or are certified. This doesn’t automatically mean that they are bad quality helmets or that they won’t protect you. However, there isn’t as much reassurance as with a certified helmet.

Here is what you need to know about skate helmet certification:

When you’re roller skating, the minimum requirement for a helmet is a CPSC compliant design. These are typically recommended for activities such as roller skating or bicycling. They are meant to withstand minor accidents or impacts, and keep you safe in the process.

If you are part of derby, engage in a more aggressive style of roller skating or are learning tricks, I would recommend a little more protection than usual. In this case, it is a good idea to see if your helmet also meets ASTM standards.

These helmets are known as multi-impact helmets. As such, they are able to withstand several impacts without weakening or leaving you vulnerable to injuries. Due to this, they are well-suited to roller skaters that tend to fall over or collide with others quite frequently.

Keep in mind that even the safest helmet has its limits. If you notice that yours has become damaged even slightly after a fall, it’s time to get a new one, no matter how expensive it might be. Any flaws in your helmet can compromise its impact-resistant qualities and leave you open to serious injury

Consider Proper Coverage

When most people consider why helmets should be worn, they assume these are meant to protect the top and back of your head. In reality, though, helmets also need to protect the upper portion of your forehead to be effective.

This is why it is important to check where a helmet sits on your head. There should be no more than two fingers width of space between your eyebrows and the lower part of the front of the helmet. This ensures that you are properly protected and safe.

At the same time, a helmet that sits too low on your head can be a cause for concern as well. This is because it can interfere with your vision while you’re roller skating. To check that this won’t be an issue, try on a pair of sunglasses while wearing the helmet. If the front doesn’t interfere with the glasses, you are good to go.

Helmet Sizes and Measuring Your Head

One of the biggest issues that people have when it comes to selecting helmets is finding the right size. For the most part, this is because there aren’t any set sizes. Instead, every manufacturer has their own standards when it comes to small, medium, or large. The good news is that the sizes are based on measurements that the manufacturers will share with you.

Therefore, your first order of business is to get someone to help you take measurements. This will cut down on the risk of errors. Use a soft tape measure and wrap it around your head. The tape measure should sit just above your ears and eyebrows.

You can use this measurement to determine which size is best for you. If you are having some trouble finding the perfect size, look for helmets that can be adjusted. These systems may be in the form of detachable padding or dials. Either way, they will work to help you create a better fit.

At the end of the day, if you are shopping online, there is always some trial and error involved. It is a good idea to read the reviews beforehand and check if other buyers have claimed that the helmets run too small or big. This will help you decide whether you should go up or down a size.

Consider Comfort

Comfort is another factor that you can’t afford to overlook when it comes to buying helmets. After all, if you don’t enjoy wearing it, you are unlikely to take it when you go roller skating.

As you can imagine, it is tricky to determine just how comfortable a particular helmet will be by glancing through its features. Still, designs that come with additional padding naturally offer more comfort than those that are more barebones. You should also check if the interior lining comes all the way down to your forehead.

If you are bald or have a shaved head, comfort becomes even more important. In this case, it is a good idea to look for designs that come with different layers of padding. This way, you can choose which one affords you the highest level of comfort.

Strap Placement

You should also take a look at how the straps fit you. The side straps should form a V, with your ears in between. The fit should be just right, neither too tight nor too loose. Just under the V, there should be an adjustable feature on the side.

Then, there is the chin strap. This needs to be centered directly under your chin. The fit should be tight – you shouldn’t be able to fit more than a finger or two here. A good way to check  if a helmet fits as it should is to fasten the chin strap, and let out a yawn. If the helmet stays down on your head, it is a perfect fit. If not, you need to tighten the strap further, if it is as tight as you can get, you will need to consider another helmet.

Think About Ventilation

Most buyers don’t think ventilation is all that significant in helmets, but it certainly is. This is because it doesn’t take much to sweat when wearing a helmet. If it’s the summer, you would feel even worse wearing one for a long time. Having a lot of vents that are strategically positioned can make all the difference.

This ensures that there is a constant influx of air, keeping you cool and dry for longer. As an added precaution, you should look for padding or foam that is made from moisture-wicking material. This allows the lining to dry that much faster.

Another feature to consider is the material that prevents bacteria or odors from taking hold. This can come in rather useful if you roller skate for several hours or in hot weather. You can then ensure that your helmet stays fresh and clean.

How Do You Feel?

Keep in mind that there is no one-helmet-fits-all design. Each person is different and therefore, the best design for them will vary. This is why it’s a good idea to always think about how comfortable and safe you feel wearing a particular type of helmet.

After all, you will be making an investment, so you need to make a smart choice. You will need to check that the helmet isn’t too heavy or bulky and that it offers the kind of protection you are looking for. In short, you need to be sure that you’ll wear helmet every time you get on your roller skates and head out.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about skate helmets:

1.    How Do I Choose a Skate Helmet?

Your skate helmet should have a safety certification or at least meet the necessary standards for proper impact resistance. The helmet should fit you securely and be comfortable to wear. Finally, look for proper ventilation features.

2.   How Do I Know My Helmet Size?

Measure the circumference of your head, placing your tape measure directly above your eyebrows and just above your ears for the best fit. Compare this with manufacturer sizes to choose the right design.

3.   Can You Use a Skate Helmet for Biking?

Yes, roller skating and biking fall under a similar safety category. As such, if your helmet has been certified for roller skating, it will in turn be suitable for bicycling However, you will require more protection if you want to go skateboarding, so a different type of helmet would be required in this case.

The Final Verdict

The Triple Eight THE Certified Sweatsaver helmet is the top candidate for the best skate helmet. To begin with, it is a highly protective helmet that is complete with dual safety certification. I also like the fact that you can customize the size to fit you perfectly. What’s more, this helmet is quite comfortable, making it a joy to wear. Last, but not least, it has excellent ventilation features.

I would suggest going through each of the links on this list. I have made it a point to include helmets that can suit a variety of needs, whether you are thinking of cost or style. Therefore, to find your perfect fit, it is a good idea to consider all the choices available on this list.

You can also read our guide here on what else you should wear when roller skating. Happy Skating!

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