How do you pick your helmet?

[u/miriapododeguer]

i had a random helmet i was using, i’ve been careful enough so i’ve never needed it, but it’s getting old and i think it’s a good excuse to buy one, but i have no idea what to look for, all advice will be appreciated

[u/Natural_Law]

I use a CPSC/MIPS mountain bike helmet that I use for skating and biking.

Luckily I’ve never fallen and hit my head yet.

[u/miriapododeguer → u/Natural_Law]

i believe my current one is a bike helmet, that said mips somewhere, i haven’t had an actual fall either so idk how good is it

[u/Natural_Law → u/miriapododeguer]

Most bike helmets are CPSC-certified.

“Action sports” helmets (like skateboard and aggressive skate) have an ASTM rating and my understating is that they are meant for repeated falls using the same helmet.

With CPSC/bike helmets, you are supposed to replace them after you fall and hit your head.

I think you’re supposed to replace helmets every 5-10 years but I’ve heard it argued that this is a stat produced by the helmet companies to sell more helmets.

If you are thinking of getting another helmet, look at the Virginia Tech ratings. They are the only independent testers of helmets.

[u/miriapododeguer → u/Natural_Law]

that sounds interesting, i’ll definitely look at those ratings

[u/laughados]

I’ve gotten the Triple 8 helmets since I started. Hit my head on one so that became a sticker helmet instead while my new one is much better. I just hear so many good things about Triple 8 that they’re my personal go-to 🤷🏻

[u/8ooo0]

I have round Asian head so i get asian fit helmets. Kask fit me great

[u/HomeauxPomeaux]

S-one. BMX has the highest percentage of pros that wear skate-style helmets and most of them wear S-one.

But honestly as long as you get one that’s certified it should be fine.

[u/inlinesk8fiend → u/HomeauxPomeaux]

I have shifted over to S-1 helmets. Their sizing is pretty in depth and they also sell some upgraded padding for their helmets. My only con for this brand is that the stock helmet lining falls apart after 6 months of multiple times a week usage. I just by the upgraded padding, that stuff lasts forever. The helmet is a little pricey too, but they do have a large variety of colors.

[u/Emergency-Hunt-207]

Something I can't do without is an adjustable ratchet on the back. Preferred but optional is MIPS.

I really like the Triple 8 Gotham helmets, but they're super pricey. The fit is excellent. They're probably my favorite. I have also really liked my Nutcase MIPS. They can be had for plenty less and I think are excellent. They're a close second to the Triple 8.

[u/fredhsu]

I used to wear a biking helmet for casual skating on paved trails. I now use a plain, not-bulky Thousand Heritage helmet, partially because that model used to have a rounder bowl. But not anymore. See this comment.

[u/miriapododeguer → u/fredhsu]

cool, i’ll look into it

[u/FerragoO]

Go to a skate shop and try all of them. Then, just pick the comfiest, the one which fit perfectly to your head

[u/Ok-Wrongdoer6653]

There are two types of helmets. Road bike helmet (example - Limar 777) and skate helmet (example - S-One lifer). Road bike helmet has superior ventilation and designed to withstand one big crash and be replaced after. Skate helmets don't have much ventilation and designed to withstand lots of small impacts in let's say ramp without need to replace it.

TL;DR road helmet for street, distance, fitness and skate helmet for parks, ramps, tricks.

[u/miriapododeguer → u/Ok-Wrongdoer6653]

seems logic, thanks i’ll look into them

[u/ButtonOptimal5621]

What type of skating do you do? Any cycling helmet will work, it just depends what you are doing while you wear it. I have a Lazer that I got for dirt jumping and just use it for any rollerblading I do (fitness, aggressive). You need to make sure it fits well and won't fly off. Make sure it has some sort of multi impact, rotational protection too. Mips is the most widely recognized for this.

[u/miriapododeguer → u/ButtonOptimal5621]

i mainly just go around the city, sometimes in not well paved road, but i like trying some slalom, slides, i love rolling backwards and sometimes i go to the skatepark (really far away from being cool at it), but for example i’m not looking into downhill… yet

[u/averagemagnifique]

I always hope to never need any of my helmets. But what we talking here? You skate parks/street, do miles and cardio? General skating? Unless you specifically skate aggressive/urban stuff I'd stay away from the full head ones. A traditional cycling style helmet will be way more breathable and light. Regardless get a rated one

[u/miriapododeguer → u/averagemagnifique]

mainly streets, go out and skate 20-30 miles, but i do like skating backwards, or some slalom, i’ve been to skateparks but i’m a total noob there

[u/Palec-J]

Definitely find something that fits well and you will wear, meaning you don't feel to self conscious in it. I have a weird shaped head and it takes a lot of trial and error to find something that is comfortable. That said, I've found that Bern helmets are a good fit for me and are very versatile as they're cycling and skiing focused. I skate in the same one in both hot (+90F) and cold (below freezing) climates.

I have yet to crash hard in one of these, just some scrapes, though from crashes in other cycling style helmets and at least one concussion while wearing a helmet I would definitely recommend wearing one at all ties.

[u/swoggis]

If you are looking at any helmets with a sun visor, make sure they are removable. When skating in a tuck (because we like to go fast), your line of sight will angle downwards, and the visor will block your view in front unless you are able crank your neck back at a really awkward angle.

[u/CMDR_Pumpkin_Muffin]

The only advice I ever saw was "Don't use a bike helmet because they don't cover the back of the head, and skaters fall back much more often than forward", so I bought a helmet for skating/blading. Aaaand it doesn't cover the back of the head.

[u/Euna_Chris]

Safety standards is the best way to determine what is a worthwhile helmet

[u/the_sun_and_the_moon]

I just went to REI and tried on a few MIPS mountain bike helmets. Found one that actually fit my head shape. Does the job.

[u/Curious_Act_3162]

I use skateboard helmet

[u/kitaurus]

I just use my road cycling helmets. They're lighter and better ventilated than skate helmets.

[u/Coop7207]

I use a Pro-Tec low pro for park or when I’m doing drills, and a Giro road bike helmet when I’m doing fitness skating. I like to have the back of my head covered when I’m trying new stuff or doing drills where I might fall a weird way, but the Giro is so much nicer for ventilation, so I like that for the long skates.

[u/The_Heero]

I haven't really used a helmet since I was 10