Skateboard helmets used to be a no go, but fortunately, that is mindset is changing. If Tony Hawk wears a helmet, why can’t you?
Or what about the legend Mike Vallely, he’s actively promoting skaters to wear helmets with his get used to it! campaign.
Sure skateboard helmets may not look cool, but you get used to it and nobody will say you look like a dork. After a while, you won’t even notice you’re wearing one.
It took me some time to feel comfortable wearing a helmet but nowadays I don’t want to ride without one.
So are there any skateboard helmets that actually look cool? Absolutely!
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1. Thousand Heritage Helmet
The Thousand Heritage helmet is both a bike and skateboard helmet and dual certified. Thousand did a great job designing a helmet that looks great and is functional.
They come in many colors so I guess there is something for everyone. Some are low profile and others really draw attention.
The helmet features a unique magnetic buckle, you can lock it (anti-theft system) and a low-profile visor to block sunlight.
I really like the buckle because you can unbuckle it with just two fingers. When buckled it stays locked due to the magnetic system and it’s easy to adjust the tightness.
You can make the fit as tight as you please and if it’s too tight it takes a second to adjust the fit. A skateboard helmet needs proper back head protection and Thousand delivers.
It’s ASTM, CPSC, and EN1078 certified.
This is a cool looking helmet but not very comfortable to skate. Sure, it takes some time to get used to a helmet but the padding really could use some work.
- Stays in place
- Padding could be improved
- The magnetic lock system works like a charm
- Both ASTM & CPSC certified
- Visor to block sunlight
- Can also be used for city bike rides
- Can be locked and will be replaced when it gets stolen
2. Low-Profile Skateboard Helmet – Unhelmet Sport
Image by unequal
Unhelmet has a rather unique design approach and for those who want a low-profile skateboard helmet.
They offer and Exo helmet which can be covered by any hat you like. If you are looking for a skateboard helmet that isn’t bulky this is probably your best bet.
One thing to worry about is the lack of certifications. It doesn’t mean that it’s a bad helmet but when taking a closer look, it doesn’t seem to offer enough protection on the back.
I haven’t tried this helmet, but if you look closely you’ll notice.
It’s better to wear a helmet than none, but I have no idea how comfortable it is, nor how well it fits.
I (and I hope many of you) think safety is more important than looking cool, I don’t want to be a vegetable when I grow up.
Just make sure you do your research before you decide to buy this helmet.
Other than that, this is really a great looking helmet and I love how you can just fit any cap, beanie, teapot, or whatever you like to wear.
They did a great job at designing this product and I think there are tons of skateboarders who would consider wearing one if you can cover up your helmet.
From the reviews, I can see that it doesn’t feel bulky and fits about any cap. They also offer a baseball version without a strap, you need that strap though.
- No ASTM certification
- Style it the way you like
- Flexible and easy to adjust for the right fit
- Lightweight
- Comes with a chinstrap
3. Triple 8 Gotham
Triple 8 is always a good choice when you want reliable and comfortable protective gear.
What I personally like about this helmet is its subtle brim, it makes it a bit more interesting than your standard boring helmet.
It blocks a bit of sunlight but the Thousand Heritage does a better job at this.
Triple 8 helmets are among the best you can get and these guys have decades of experience to make helmets feel comfortable and safe.
This helmet is both ASTM and CSPC certified, comes with Sweatsaver technology, and is lightweight without sacrificing safety.
The adjustable dial fit system and extra padding make it easy to adjust the fit so it won’t move around while your riding.
The Gotham offers lots of ventilation, six on top, two at the back, and two in front to keep your head cool.
Lots of fresh air flowing through and the Sweatsaver technology helps to deal with that salty stuff that appears when you’re exercising.
If you’re in between sizes, pick the bigger one. The padding and dual fit system are easy to adjust to get the perfect fit and it just feels very comfortable.
- Dual certified (ASTM & CPSC)
- Subtle brim
- Absorbs sweat
- Comfortable fit and easy to adjust
4. Protec Black Metal Flake
Image by Protec
Protect is also at the forefront of helmet technology and started manufacturing their first helmets over 40 years ago.
You think a company like this knows what they’re doing and who they’re designing for. They do, many pros use their helmets and are safe, reliable, and comfortable.
To be fair, this is a pretty standard skateboard helmet, and does what it needs to do; keep your skull from cracking.
The reason I selected this board is the disco glitter style finish, I personally really dig the black helmet with glitter sprayed on top. Just don’t wear it when you go bowling.
The helmet offers 11 open vents for maximum airflow and two soft foam layers that are comfy and make it stay in place.
Of course, this helmet offers back protection however it’s not certified. That doesn’t mean much because Protec has built up a good reputation over the years, their helmets are reliable and safe.
- No dial fit
- Lightweight
- 2 layers of foam for extra comfort
- No certifications
5. Protec Sticker bomb
Image by Protec
If glitter isn’t your thing and you want a helmet that stands out, take a look at the Protec Sticker bomb.
This helmet is a collaboration with New Deal and has that old school design from the original 1973 Full-Tec helmet.
This helmet is as safe as it gets (for skateboarding) and has no less than four safety certifications (CPSC 1203, EN 1078, AS/NZS 2063:2008, ASTM 1492).
If you want to know what it means, well CPSC means you can ride it on a bicycle, EN is an EU bike certification, AS/NZS is an Aussie/New Zealand bike certification, and ASTM safety certification for skateboarding.
Anyway, enough about certs. According to Protec, this retro-shape helmet sits low on your head and offers lots of protection.
The inside consists of compression-molded pads and the round-shape should fit many heads. Also comes with 11 vents to keep the air flowing.
This retro-style helmet just looks great and I really dig the sticker print. From now on you don’t have to slap stickers to make your helmet look cool because the print has got you covered.
Truly a unique looking helmet that will make you stand out.
- Rad old school look and feel
- CPSC 1203, EN 1078, AS/NZS 2063:2008, ASTM 1492
- No dial system
- 11 open vents
- Unique sticker print
6. Lumos Matrix/Street (Coolest Looking Helmet)
Let’s finish with something I wouldn’t skate even though it has CPSC, ASTM, EN1078, and AS/NZS 2063:2008 certifications.
I think this one is not for skateboarders but rather people who ride electric boards and longboards, but it looks really rad in a Daft Punk kinda way.
I don’t see any street skater or transition skateboarder riding this helmet, but for cruising or longboarders who like to ride in the dark, it’s perfect.
This helmet has integrated LEDs on both the front and back which light up with the brightness of a thousand suns.
Well, not really but it looks pretty cool and makes you stand out in the dark.
You can even indicate the turn brake lights and somehow it also activates brake lights when you slow down, how about that?
Lots of technology make this helmet heavier and I think 580 grams is a tad too much for (technical) skateboarding, not to mention its price.
It comes with an app to register rides and upload data to Apple Health or Google Fit.
The battery lasts for about 10 hours depending on the model you pick, Lumos offers the Matrix and Street version, the former has a larger LED panel on the back which can be programmed.
Is it safe, yeah! Is it expensive? You betcha! Did I mention it’s awesome?
- Unique customizable LEDs
- Rather heavy at 50 grams
- Lots of technology, and an app to register rides and health data
- Remote control to activate turning lights
- Brake lights
- Rather expensive, not really for skateboarders
- Red Dot design award
I’m an aged skateboarder and still shred responsibly. Started skateboarding 25 years ago, peaked in the 2000’s, and still ride to this day. I am a total geek when it comes to skateboard gear, love test to stuff and share my findings.