5 Best Protective Helmets For Skateboarding Competition Vetted by Champions

Your child has moved beyond wobbly starts in the driveway and is now confidently dropping into the bowl at the local skatepark. They’re talking about competitions, and you’re realizing their simple "play" helmet might not be up to the task. This is that moment where a small investment in the right gear makes a huge difference, protecting their most valuable asset as they start pushing their skills to new heights.

Why Dual-Certification Matters for Competitors

Your skater’s first helmet was likely CPSC certified, the standard for bicycle helmets. This is great for single, high-impact crashes. But competitive skateboarding is a different world, filled with repeated, lower-impact falls during practice as skaters dial in a new trick.

That’s where the ASTM F1492 certification for skateboarding comes in. Helmets with this rating are designed to withstand multiple impacts. For a competitor, dual-certification (both CPSC and ASTM) is the gold standard. It means the helmet is rated for both the high-impact slam and the series of smaller falls that come with learning a competition run. It’s not just about meeting a requirement; it’s about providing comprehensive protection for the way a serious skater actually trains and competes.

S1 Lifer: Maximum Impact Protection for Vert

If your child is drawn to the high-flying world of vert ramps, mega ramps, or deep concrete bowls, the S1 Lifer is a name you’ll hear from coaches and pro skaters. This helmet was specifically engineered to provide superior protection from the significant falls that are part of this discipline. It’s built with a specially formulated EPS Fusion Foam that protects against both high and low impacts, making it a top choice for skaters who are literally pushing the boundaries of gravity.

While it comes at a premium price point, think of this as an investment aligned with a high level of commitment and risk. This isn’t the helmet for the casual street skater; it’s for the dedicated athlete who is consistently practicing high-amplitude aerial maneuvers. The S1 Lifer’s reputation is built on its performance in the most demanding scenarios, offering peace of mind when your skater is 10 feet in the air.

Pro-Tec Classic: The Iconic, Certified Choice

You’ve seen the Pro-Tec Classic at every skatepark in the world. Its iconic, low-profile shell has defined the look of skateboarding for decades. But for a competitor, it’s crucial to distinguish between their original "Classic Skate" model (which uses a softer, non-certified foam) and the Certified Classic model. Always look for the certified version.

The Certified Classic combines that timeless style with a modern EPS foam liner that meets both CPSC and ASTM safety standards. This makes it an excellent and accessible all-around choice for skaters competing in street, park, or mini-ramp events. It provides the necessary protection for competition-level skating without the higher cost of some specialty helmets, making it a smart, reliable choice for the advancing skater.

Triple 8 Gotham with MIPS for Rotational Safety

As your skater progresses, the falls get more complex. They aren’t just falling down; they’re falling while spinning or flipping. This is where rotational force becomes a major concern. The Triple 8 Gotham with MIPS technology is designed specifically to address this danger. MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System, which is a low-friction layer inside the helmet.

Think of it this way: during an angled impact, the MIPS liner allows the helmet to slide slightly relative to the head, redirecting rotational forces that could otherwise be transferred to the brain. For a technical street or park skater who is learning kickflip variations or 540s, this added layer of technology is a significant safety upgrade. The Gotham also features a durable ABS outer shell and an adjustable dial for a secure, customized fit.

Bern Macon 2.0: Low-Profile Style and MIPS

For some skaters, especially in the 11-14 age range, style is everything. A bulky, uncomfortable helmet is one they’ll "forget" to wear. The Bern Macon 2.0 with MIPS solves this problem by offering top-tier, dual-certified protection in a sleek, low-profile design that looks more like a stylish cap than a piece of safety equipment.

The Macon 2.0 is lightweight and well-ventilated, making it comfortable for long sessions under the sun. It delivers the critical MIPS technology for rotational safety and meets the ASTM multi-impact standard, so you aren’t sacrificing safety for style. This is the perfect choice for the image-conscious competitor who needs a helmet they will actually be excited to wear.

187 Pro Skate: Deep Fit for Secure Coverage

A common point of failure for helmets is a poor fit; a helmet that sits too high on the head or shifts during a run isn’t providing full protection. The 187 Pro Skate helmet is renowned among skaters for its deep, comfortable fit that cradles the head and provides excellent coverage, especially over the back of the skull. This secure feeling can be a huge confidence-booster for a young competitor.

This helmet is a workhorse, designed with input from professional skaters who spend all day in their gear. Its thick, dual-density foam liner is designed for the rigors of competitive training, meeting both CPSC and ASTM certification standards. If your skater has struggled with helmets feeling loose or perched on top of their head, the secure, locked-in feel of the 187 Pro Skate is often the perfect solution.

Matching Helmet Shape to Your Skater’s Head

Before you click "buy" on the most popular helmet, remember that heads are not all the same shape. Some are rounder, while others are more long and oval. A helmet brand that fits one child perfectly might create painful pressure points on another, leading to a helmet that gets left in the bag.

Many brands are known for a particular fit profile. For example, S1 and 187 are often considered great for rounder heads, while brands like Pro-Tec and Bern may better suit more oval-shaped heads. If you can, have your child try on different brands at a local skate shop. If you’re buying online, pay close attention to sizing charts and look at reviews for comments on head shape. Getting the shape right is just as important as getting the size right.

The Final Check: Ensuring a Proper Helmet Fit

Once the helmet arrives, a proper fit check is the final, crucial step. A high-quality helmet is useless if it’s not worn correctly. Use this simple checklist to ensure your skater is protected run after run.

First, the helmet should sit level on the head, with the front rim resting about two finger-widths above the eyebrows. It shouldn’t be tilted back on the head or pulled down over the eyes. Next, the side straps should form a "V" shape that sits just below the earlobes. Finally, buckle the chin strap. You should only be able to fit one finger between the strap and their chin. The helmet should feel snug, but not uncomfortably tight. Ask them to shake their head "yes" and "no"—the helmet should stay securely in place without significant shifting.

Choosing a competition-ready helmet is one of the most direct ways you can support your child’s passion while prioritizing their safety. It’s a piece of gear that builds confidence, allowing them to push their limits and focus on their performance. With the right protection securely in place, you can both breathe a little easier as they drop in for their winning run.