Guide to Choosing a Skate Helmet!

Action sports can be a dangerous but rewarding activity. Unfortunately, there are times where we can slip, trip or fall over, crash into things, collide with other people, even if it’s not our fault, and this happens more regulary than most would realise.

Thankfully, there is protective gear you can buy to help shield yourself from those gnarly slams and unfortunte encounters! The most essential thing you can purchase if you Rollerblade, Skateboard, BMX, Scooter or take part in any other action sport is a good quality helmet. Another thing to note is that most Indoor Skateparks, and almost every competition requires its users to wear a helmet!

Slams and bails are just a part of the process in action sports of learning something new and sick, but if you’re not protected, how well will you bounce back? Serious head injuries or concussions can cause brain damage, which can seriously affect one’s way of life, even outside of riding.

Nothing could be more rewarding than still being able to wake up the next day and go for a ride with your mates at the local skatepark or street spot!

Protect ya head!

Measuring Your Head!

A helmet that fits right is a helmet that sits comfortably and snug on your head, comes with protective padding, and doesn’t move around on your head. If your helmet is too small, or is too big, it’s not going to be very good at protecting you. Make sure you measure your head correctly and double check sizing before ordering anything.

Measure your head size easily with the following steps:

1. Take a soft tape measurer and wrap it around your forehead – just over your ears and eyebrows, as the helmet will rest low on your forehead. Keep the tape measure level from the front to back of your head (you can use a mirror or have a friend help you). Don’t wrap it too tight or too loose. Make a note of the circumference in inches and/or centimeters and choose a helmet that fits this range.

2. If you can’t find a tape measure, you can do the same exact thing above, but using string or a shoelace. Once you have it wrapped properly around your head, mark it and measure it against a ruler.

When to replace your helmet?

The protective foam inside the helmet deteriorates after 3-5 years of regular use, and sweat can help speed this process up. Even if you don’t take a fall to the head this still means you should get a replacement every few years at least to make sure you’re safe.

If you take a serious fall and the helmet helps saves you, it’s probably a good idea to get a new one! All types of Skate, Scoot and BMX helmets should be replaced after a serious blow even if there are no obvious signs of damage. Even though it is not visible to the naked eye, the helmet may well be split inside, which will make the shock absorbing properties of the padding useless.

After any big fall or crash, or after a few years of casual riding. If you ride more regulary you might want to get a new one more often!