BMX, skateboarding, freestyle scooters, aggressive inline skating… All Action Sports disciplines give us unforgettable experiences, the joy of landing tricks and conquering new heights, the pride of being part of a community and subculture, but they also carry high risks of injury. There's a reason why all these disciplines are classified as extreme sports.
In this article, we'll break down how to protect what is arguably the most valuable part of your body — your head.
WHY DO YOU NEED A HELMET?
Let's answer the question "Do I need a helmet when riding?" right away — YES, YOU DO! Nowadays, riders most often spend their time at concrete skateparks and plazas. Concrete surfaces provide an excellent balance between grip and slide coefficient, their durability allows features to last for a very long time without deteriorating, and they deliver that "street" feeling even when real street spots aren't accessible.
And riders must always remember that hitting unprotected head against concrete can lead to catastrophic consequences. No matter how experienced and advanced a rider you are, falls are inevitable both when learning new tricks and as a result of unforeseen accidents. Take care of yourself!!
ProScooter.Shop recommendation – wear your helmet every session!
HOW IS AN ACTION SPORTS HELMET DIFFERENT FROM REGULAR URBAN OR ROAD HELMETS?
Whatever extreme sport you practice, the main requirement for a helmet remains unchanged: in a critical moment, it must preserve your health or even save your life!
All leading brands have been developing and improving their products for decades, applying new materials, modernizing mounting and cushioning systems, optimizing ventilation and ergonomics. Many companies take their own path, different from the mainstream, but as a result, helmets for extreme sports have the following characteristics:
- Enhanced impact resistance
- Maximum shock absorption
- Good ventilation
- Minimum possible weight
- Convenient fastening system
- IMPORTANT! Note that all helmets for scooters, skateboards, or BMX pay special attention to protecting the back of the head!
HOW DOES A HELMET PROTECT?
The outer "shell" is a hard shell made of impact-resistant plastic that takes the first hit. The main function of this layer is to prevent direct contact of the head with the hard surface itself, and in case of an extremely hard impact, this hard layer should crack, partially absorbing the kinetic energy of the impact.
Next, in most cases, there is a layer of EPS foam plastic, which has excellent impact toughness characteristics. This is the next protective barrier. It's hard enough to prevent direct contact of the head with concrete and other surfaces even when the outer plastic layer has cracked, but soft enough to excellently absorb the impact energy.
And the final layer of protection is the one that contacts your head. Most often it's made of special foam and similar soft materials. It provides the last stage of cushioning and also ensures comfort during daily helmet use. Often this layer is removable, which allows you to wash it (sweat and other secretions and dirt don't add comfort). In addition, some models come with a whole set of different-sized parts of this layer for the most precise fit of the helmet to a specific head.
PROTECTIVE HELMET MANUFACTURERS
There are many protective equipment manufacturers in the world: both industry giants covering the widest possible spectrum up to, for example, professional motorsports, and narrowly specialized companies focused on the action sports world.
ProScooter.Shop recommends using helmets from brands that specialize in protection for extreme sports. These companies understand the specifics, know the nuances, perfectly understand riders' needs and the required protection standards.
Speaking of standards: helmets from leading manufacturers with world-renowned names undergo voluntary certification, which guarantees full compliance with high EU and US standards and provides maximum protection (that is — your safety!).
We strongly advise against going for low prices on questionable "buckets." Yes, no-name helmets often look very similar to products from reputable brands, but in fact they don't provide the necessary protection. And you only have one head for your entire life. Take care of yourself!
BEST HELMETS FOR FREESTYLE SCOOTERS, SKATEBOARDS, AND BMX?
Our answer: TSG, Fuse, Pro-Tec, Triple8, S-One
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT HELMET SIZE?
The helmet should fit snugly on your head. It shouldn't squeeze, but it shouldn't wobble either: with a sharp movement, the helmet shouldn't slide forward, backward, or sideways. The straps securing the helmet under the chin shouldn't cut into the skin or chafe it. You should be comfortable: this will allow you to focus on riding without being distracted by discomfort, which will minimize the possibility of error and a situation where the helmet's protective systems will have to come into play.
The ideal option is to try on the helmet before buying. You'll be able to evaluate the quality of the inner material, shape, ergonomics, buckle convenience, and other details that can't be assessed from a picture on the internet.
If you don't have the opportunity to visit a physical store, refer to the size chart of the specific brand (below we provide size tables for the main extreme sports helmet manufacturers).
Ride smart and remember safety!
TSG HELMETS SIZE CHART
FUSE HELMETS SIZE CHART
S-ONE HELMETS SIZE CHART
New to the sport? Read our complete guide on how to choose a pro scooter for beginners.
