Longboarding is an amazing activity. It is good for both physical and mental health. However, it can also lead to serious injuries if the necessary precautions are not taken. So, in case of longboarding the most important precaution is the helmet. Wearing a longboard helmet can protect you from serious injuries. Even if you are an expert, you should not ride without a helmet as sometimes even experts can meet with accidents or falls. In this article you will get to know about longboard helmets, their importance and their standards. Also, you can refer to the below mentioned longboard helmets.
Longboard Helmets And Their Importance
A longboard helmet is a headgear which is intended to provide you with protection in case you fall while cruising. It protects the rider’s head from getting injured.
A longboard helmet is something necessary and their are a lot of advantages of wearing a longboard helmet while riding some of which are as follows:-
- Head protection
- Prevention of fatalities
- Enhances the level of confidence
- Offers comfort
- Encourages a safe and protective behavior
Helps in the fulfillment of legal needs as in some places it is necessary to wear a helmet while riding a longboard.
About Longboard Cruising
Longboard cruising is basically a type of physical activity. It refers to a way of riding a longboard that gives a long, relaxable and enjoyable cruising experience.
The activity includes the use of a longboard which is a type of skateboard that is long and more comfortable than other ones. This type of skateboard is especially intended for comfortable and long journeys.
Cruising on a longboard mainly includes riding on plane surfaces like sidewalks, bike paths, boardwalks, etc.
The main objective of this activity is to relax the mind and make the journey enjoyable. This can help in boosting the overall mood which will enhance both physical and mental health of an individual.
Longboard cruising is not just a physical activity, it is also a type of recreational activity or a cheap or it can be said to be a free mode of transportation. In addition, it is also one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors and have a cheap, soothing and pleasurable journey.
Types of Longboard Helmets
There are a lot of types of longboard helmets which consist of different features, structures and many more. Some of its types are as follows:-
Skateboard Helmets
These helmets are specially designed for skateboarding. These helmets are lightweight and provide protection at a basic level. They mainly protect the top, back and sides of the head. Their outer shell is quite hard which is made up of ABS plastic, while a paddy form is put inside these helmets to make them comfortable.
Full Face Helmets
As named, these helmets cover your face and provide protection to your entire head comprising your face, chin and jaw. These helmets offer more protection than the ones mentioned above. These helmets are perfect for downhill riders as in the downhill longboarding, the chances for falling down are more. And if someone falls while downhill longboarding, their face can be injured. These helmets are preferred a lot by downhill riders.
Multi Sport Helmets
These helmets are versatile. They can be used for various sports such as longboarding, skating, biking, cycling and many more. They provide a good overall protection and are quite comfortable.
Half Shell Helmets
These helmets are like skateboard helmets but the difference is that they provide an enhanced protection to your back head.
Certified Helmets
These are the helmets which are considered the best as they are certified ones. They meet their safety standards and are certified by different well known organizations like ASTM (American Society For Testing and Materials), CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission). These helmets are properly tested and are highly protective and durable.
Customized Helmets
These helmets are offered by various brands. These brands consist of helmets with different designs, colors and patterns. This gives the riders a choice to select the helmet of their choice and preferences.
Single impact Helmets
These helmets are not very durable. They need to be replaced after they get even a single hit.
Multi impact Helmets
These are the helmets which are highly durable. They can bear multiple hits which means they do not need to be replaced after a single hit like single impact helmets.
Certification Marks Of Longboard Helmets
As mentioned above, certified helmets are the best ones as they meet their safety standards. They have certifications from verified marks which make sure that the helmets are safe for use. Now if you want to get helmets with certification marks, you should be aware of the marks, right?
This, below mentioned are some of the main certification marks of longboard helmets:-
ASTM – American Society for Testing and Materials (USA)
It is one of the most important and well known standards development organizations in the world. The organization was launched in 1898 and its headquarters reside in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, USA. The main objective of ASTM is to maintain and publish the standards for various products and their materials. These standards are accepted by the manufacturers and users all over the world.
CPSC US Consumer Product Safety Commission (USA)
This is an independent agency of the federal government of the US. This agency was established in 1972 with the main objective of protecting people from risks and injuries caused due to using low standard consumer products. It ensures the safety of consumer products with the development of product standards. It also conducts research on each product and recalls the unsafe ones. In addition, the agency provides all the relevant information related to safety of products.
CE Certification Mark (EU)
This is a mark which makes sure that a product fulfills all the requirements related to the consumer safety and health and environmental protection. When a product comes with an EU mark, it means that the manufacturer has used all the guidelines and followed all the instructions given by the EU.
Any manufacturer cannot get this mark. To affix this mark on any product, the manufacturer has to follow some steps such as following the guidelines set by the EU and having proof that he has manufactured the product by following the instructions and rules of the EU.
AS/NZS 2063:2008 (Australia)
As the name suggests, this is a Standard set by Australia and New Zealand. This standard is especially for bicycle and longboard helmets. If the product that you are buying has this mark, it means that it fulfills all the requirements of design, construction, materials and performance.
This makes sure that the product (the helmets) are fully safe for use and provide full protection. Wearing a helmet with this certification mark will make sure that you will not get any serious injury in case you meet with an accident while riding.
Additional information
In Australia and New Zealand, this mark is essential. No helmet can be sold without the presence of this certification mark.
Some Best Longboard Helmets
There are various longboard helmets which are highly protective, durable and highly preferred by the riders. Out of those, there are some helmets which I have tried and they are really amazing. These helmets are as follows :-
S – ONE S1 Lifer Helmet
This is an amazing helmet which has been completely certified. It provides protection against both multi low and single high impacts. This helmet is lightweight and very comfortable with an overall weight of 0.8 lbs. There are a total of 14 sizes which are available in this helmet. Its overall rating is 5.
Triple Eight Downhill Racer Full Face Helmet
This is another amazing helmet which I recommend to you. This helmet is a holy grail of comfort and protection. It has been made up of a very high quality EPS foam with a thick density which makes it comfortable. Besides, it can provide a long time protection without the need to get replaced. This helmet weighs under 1 lbs and consists of an ABS outer shell. Its rating is 4.8.
Fox Racing Light Helmets
I think this is the best helmet for downhill and freeriding. It is made up of fiberglass and channeled EPS which makes it comfortable. It is an amazing lightweight and stylish helmet. Its rating is 4.8.
Final words
So, this was all about longboard helmets and their importance. There are also some certification marks which makes sure that a product or a helmet is completely safe for use. In addition, I have recommended a few longboard helmets to you that I have used on my own.
FAQs Of Longboard Helmet
Within how much time you should replace your helmet?
There is no fixed time limit after which you need to replace your helmet. It depends on various factors which are as follows:-
- Signs of damage:- if there are any sign of damage on your helmet, you may need to replace it.
- Comfortable level:- if your helmet is no more comfortable, you should change it.
Recommendations given by the manufacturer:- there are some guidelines and recommendations given by the manufacturer for each product. You can follow it. If a specific life span of your helmet is given, you should replace it after that much time.
Upgradation of technology:- as we know in this growing world, technology is enhancing continuously with time. So, if you find a new model of helmet which offers more protection than your existing one, you should go for the new one.
Can cycling or motorcycling helmets be used as longboard helmets?
Cycling and motorcycling helmets may offer protection at some level but they cannot meet all the requirements of a longboard helmet. Thus, it is recommended to not to depend on cycling or motorcycling helmets for longboarding.
Even if you are an expert, you should make sure that your helmet is fully protective.
Should I purchase a used longboard helmet?
Honestly, it is not recommended to get a used longboard helmet because it may have hidden damages due to which it may not provide you full protection. I will say that you should get a new one.
Matthew Allen is a San Francisco-based blogger and writer with over 5 years of experience in the tech, productivity, and personal development space. His blog, Myreks.com, has over 1000 monthly visitors. He is also the author of the book “The Fit Tech”, which has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes.