Are you looking for the best way to keep your head safe while skating? Look no further!
In this article, we’ll show you the importance of skate helmets, and the various types available to you. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about skate helmets and safety!
Skateboarding is an exciting, fast-paced sport that is popular among people of all ages. While a lot of fun, skateboarding can also be dangerous if not done safely, and one important way of ensuring your safety is by wearing a helmet when skating.
In this guide, we’ll look at why it’s important to wear a helmet for skateboarding and how to choose the right one for you. We will discuss the examples of different types of helmets available on the market that offer protection from impacts and information about the fittings required to ensure an adequate fit.
We will also provide advice on making sure the helmet you choose meets with applicable safety standards and basic maintenance tips to keep your helmet in good condition over time.
Importance of wearing skate helmets
It is important to wear a skate helmet for the simple fact that it may save your life. As with almost any activity, there are risks of injury, no matter how experienced you are. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated nearly three million people were treated in US emergency rooms for concussions and head injuries sustained while participating in recreational activities.
Skateboarding is a sport that has an increased risk of head injury due to its extreme nature. A helmet when skateboarding can be the difference between a serious life-altering head trauma and minor bumps and bruises – or even just a great story to share with friends. The impact your helmet will make on your safety is huge; It should be part of every skater’s basic equipment.
Having the right protective gear in place before you venture out onto the board can help reduce the risk of serious injury tremendously. The foam inside a skateboard helmet absorbs shock caused by blows to the head which gives you more protection against severe injuries caused from falls, collisions or even landings off ramps and rails. Wearing a skateboard helmet also provides piece of mind knowing that if something does go wrong that your most vulnerable area is at least somewhat protected from harm.
Types of Skate Helmets
There are a variety of helmets on the market tailored to different applications. When selecting a helmet, it’s important to consider the type of skateboarding and stunts you’ll be doing as well as your budget.
-Shortboard Helmets: These are ideal for skating parks, ramps and street, offering lightweight protection with extra venting. The Shell profile is low profile versus longboards and Cruisers, so they offer less coverage but improved air flow.
-Longboard Helmets: For downhill riders and long distance cruisers, this style offers lower back coverage than shortboard helmets with added protection around the sides.
-Painted Helmets: These have all the features of modern skate helmets but in trendier colors and designs and will look great while keeping you safe!
-Half Shell Helmets: Lightweight yet providing great head protection, these are ideal for street skaters who also want good ventilation as well as impact protection should an accident occur.
-Full Face BMX/Skate Cross Helmet: If you’ll be doing more aggressive tricks or racing cups where impacts can be high then these are a must to protect your full face along with chin guard for extra cushioning in case of a hard fall or head first impact.
Hard Shell Helmets
- Hard Shell Helmets: Hard shell skateboard helmets are constructed from tough injection-molded plastic, and they offer the highest level of protection due to their impact-resistant nature and hard exterior. Generally designed with a ventilation system that helps cool the head, some hard shell models feature additional venting ports to provide further temperature regulation. Most of these helmets come with adjustable straps to help secure a comfortable fit and have pads inside that make them even more comfortable to wear. However, they tend to be much heavier than other types of helmets and can cause the rider’s head to feel somewhat restricted due to their closed aspect.
In-Mold Helmets
In-Mold helmets include a tough outer shell and a foam inner liner, which is fused together producing a lightweight but strong construction. Known for the durability and strength, In-Mold helmets are great for keeping your head cool even during hard hitting skate sessions. The sleek design also allows air to flow through the helmet more effectively, providing additional ventilation.
Although In-Mold helmets can weigh less than other skate helmets, some riders may find that they are slightly heavier than ABS shells due to their reinforced construction. This type of helmet is ideal for those who need extra protection in their activities such as roller derby or mountain boarding. With an impact resistant design, this type of helmet offers improved performance in both comfort and across all levels of skating skill sets.
Skate Helmet Features to Consider
Before choosing a skate helmet, it is important to consider all of the available features and options. Skate helmets come in many sizes and styles, with varying levels of protection from varying types of impacts at different speeds. Here are some notable features to look for before buying a helmet:
- Impact Test Level: The helmet’s impact test level reflects the amount of shock absorption it can provide. Helmets certified according to safety standards have specific minimum standards for shock absorption. Most helmets have testing ratings that measure the performance in various head-on impacts and collisions. Look for helmets rated CPSC 1203 or ASTM F1492, as these standards provide advanced levels of head protection in addition to coverage of rotational energy which results from oblique impacts.
- Focus on Fit: Aside from the basic considerations such as size and weight, check out whether your desired helmet has an adjustable fitment system that can help you secure it comfortably over your head using straps that clasp at your chin or nape area – this should help ensure a snug and comfortable fit every time you put it on, reducing potential loss or movement during high-risk activities such as skateboarding, rollerblading etc.
- Weight: Skate helmets come with different weight ranges – review them closely before making a purchase decision, ensuring that the chosen model is lightweight enough not to make you uncomfortable when worn for extended periods (here an adjustable fitment system could also prove helpful). Helmets weighing around 400g offer good impact protection without being too cumbersome or overbearing on your shoulders/back/head(s).
- Ventilation System: Various manufacturers incorporate air vents into their designs in order to keep skaters cool during hot summer days; fiberglass composites featuring integrated air vents are ideal here due to their low-density design which allows maximum airflow while maintaining optimum protective qualities under impact forces; In addition, if you intend to ride during rainy days look for water-resistant finishes which can help extend the life span of your helmet further by providing enhanced defensive properties against water infiltration issues etc.
Fit and Size
A good fit is essential for protecting you properly. Helmets should fit snugly, leaving no gaps between your head and the helmet. To get the correct size, measure around your head with a tape measure an inch above your eyebrows. A correctly sized helmet should not be too loose or too tight, but sit firmly on your head without causing any discomfort.
If you feel uncomfortable or experience any pain when wearing a helmet, it may be the wrong size and it is important to purchase one of the right fit. Some helmets come with adjustable sizing straps or pads that can be used to ensure an optimal fit.
When buying a new bike helmet, always check its safety certification label to make sure it meets safety standards set by organizations such as ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials).
Ventilation
Making sure you have adequate ventilation when wearing a skate helmet is essential to keeping your head cool. Many helmets feature adjustable vents that allow the wearer to control the flow of air through their helmet. Additionally, vents at the back of the helmet will keep you cool and ensure top overheat doesn’t occur when skating.
These vents vary in size and number depending on style and brand, so it’s important to consider this when choosing a skate helmet. Vents should be large enough to allow proper airflow but small enough that they don’t compromise on protection or become uncomfortable by pressing against your head or scalp. You may even want to try out a variety of models and find one with the best balance for you personally. Make sure you pay attention to any warranties that assure good ventilation as some manufacturers offer them.
Chin Strap
Having a secure chin strap is an important feature of a good quality skate helmet. The chin strap should be adjustable to fit securely and comfortably around your chin, and should feature strong foam padding for extra comfort. When fastened correctly, the helmet should sit level on your head, covering all parts of your forehead and back of your head.
Make sure to double-check the size when purchasing a skate helmet to ensure that it fits properly and does not slip off when moving. Additionally, most helmets come with an “emergency release” system that allows you to quickly undo the buckle if necessary in case of an emergency. This can be helpful in situations where you need to quickly remove the helmet without disturbing or endangering yourself further.
Skate Helmet Maintenance and Care
To ensure an effective level of protection, it’s imperative that your skate helmet is regularly maintained, cleaned and replaced on time.
Cleaning and storing your helmet correctly can help prolong its life and ensure it provides you with optimal safety while skating. Here are some steps to follow to extend the life of your helmet:
- Cleaning – Use a damp cloth with gentle detergent to clean the helmet after each use. Don’t submerge it in water or use any harsh chemicals or solvents. Allow the helmet to air dry before storing.
- Storing – Store your skate helmet away from direct sunlight and humidity so that the material does not become brittle or weakened over time. Also, be sure that there are no sharp objects around when you store it in order to avoid any damage to the helmet itself.
- Replacement – According to ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials), all helmets should be replaced every 3-5 years due to their gradual wear and tear, regardless of whether they have suffered major damage or not. If you have had a major impact which has caused enough damage to require replacing the liner and/or shell of your helmet, then this too should be done immediately as these components play an important role in providing protection against both head injury and brain trauma while skating.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Proper care and maintenance of your skate helmet is extremely important in order to maximize its protective capabilities. Cleaning and disinfecting your helmet can not only ensure its effectiveness, but can also make it last longer.
When you are cleaning your helmet you should use a soft cloth dampened with water and a mild soap to remove surface dirt, debris and sweat. After washing off the dirt and debris it is important to disinfect the inside of the helmet using either a designated cleaning spray or an antibacterial wipe. It is recommended that this should be done after every few uses.
When you are finished drying off the helmet it is a good idea to inspect for any signs of wear-and-tear or damage that could be compromising its protective capabilities. This includes checking for any potential cracks, tears or loosened components in both the outer shell and the inner foam padding. If either component needs replacing refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on how best to do so as doing so improperly can reduce the effectiveness of your helmet.
Storage and Handling
It is important to store and handle your skate helmets in order to keep them in the best possible condition, ready to protect you when you’re skating. This guide will help you understand how to store and handle skate helmets properly.
Storage. When storing your skate helmet, make sure it is not exposed to excess humidity, extreme temperatures or direct sunlight as this may cause damage. Additionally, avoid storing a helmet in a bag or any other container other than the original packaging that it came with as this could interfere with ventilation holes or protective foam inside of the helmet.
Handling. When handling your helmet, do not drop it as this could permanently damage the integrity of its protective material and weaken its effectiveness against impacts. It is also important to check for any loose parts before each use and make sure to tighten them if necessary — however over-tightening should be avoided as it could cause damage. Furthermore, avoid scratching or marking helmets as this will reduce their durability over time and diminish their ability to protect during an impact.
Helmet Replacement
When a helmet has had any degree of impact, it is important to replace the helmet immediately. No matter how small the impact may have been, helmets can suffer from unseen damage that over time can reduce its protective capabilities. Helmets provide protection from a single intense impact and are not designed to prevent multiple impacts or impacts occurring over a period of time. Even if the helmet looks undamaged on the surface, always replace it following any kind of impact to ensure you have adequate protection for your next ride. Additionally, always make sure your approved certified helmet conforms to current standards and complies with any applicable national laws.
It is also important to note that most helmets should be replaced every three years regardless of whether or not they were involved in an incident or crash. Over time the structural integrity of helmets scade as they are exposed to heat, cold, harsh solvents like hairspray, and UV energy from the sun. It’s best to follow manufacturer’s guidelines which include suggestions on when you should replace your helmet based on age and usage as well as other signs like visual wear/tear inside and outside the shell that signal that it needs replacement soon!
Conclusion
The importance of using a helmet while skating cannot be understated and this guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to choose the best skate helmet for your needs.
The most important factors to consider when purchasing a skate helmet are protection, fit, comfort and style. It’s also important to remember that no matter how securely fitted your helmet is, it won’t provide 100% protection in case of an accident. However, any level of protection is better than no protection at all, making it essential that you put safety first and always wear a properly fitted skate helmet when you go out skating.
FAQ’S
Why is it important to wear a helmet when skating?
It is important to wear a helmet when skating because it protects the head from impact in the event of a fall or collision, reducing the risk of head injury.
Can you wear skateboard helmet for skating?
Yes, a skateboard helmet can be worn for skating, as long as it meets the appropriate safety standards and fits comfortably.
How do you use a skating helmet?
To use a skating helmet, adjust the helmet to fit snugly on the head, making sure the chin strap is fastened securely.
What are the benefits of wearing helmet while skating?
The benefits of wearing a helmet while skating include protection from head injury, increased confidence, and reduced risk of permanent disability or death.
What is the importance of helmet use?
The importance of helmet use is to protect the head from injury in activities that involve the risk of falls or collisions, reducing the risk of serious injury or death.
Should I wear protection when skating?
Yes, it is recommended to wear protection when skating, including a helmet, wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads, to reduce the risk of injury.
Do skaters wear protective gear?
Many skaters wear protective gear, such as helmets, wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads, to reduce the risk of injury while skating.
What do you wear under a skating helmet?
Under a skating helmet, it is recommended to wear a thin skull cap or beanie to keep the head warm and absorb sweat.
Why do skaters wear hats?
Skaters may wear hats for a variety of reasons, including fashion, sun protection, or to keep hair out of their face.
Do people wear helmets when skating?
Yes, many people wear helmets when skating to protect their heads from injury.
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