If you’re learning how to skateboard, one of the most important pieces of protective gear you can have is a skateboard helmet.
Whether you’re learning your first ollie, cruising around Singapore, or simply getting comfortable on a board, falling is part of skateboarding. Sometimes a fall can happen unexpectedly, including falling backwards and hitting your head.
That’s why wearing a helmet is especially important when you’re learning tricks and progressing your skating.
But once you’ve decided to get a helmet, another question usually comes up:
Why are some skateboard helmets around $30 while others cost $150 or more?
There can be a significant difference in comfort, fit and overall construction. In this guide, we’ll break down some of the different helmet options and explain what you’re paying for.
Why Is Wearing a Skateboard Helmet Important?
Skateboarding involves a certain amount of falling, particularly when you’re learning new tricks.
A backwards fall can be particularly concerning because it can cause your head to hit the ground. A helmet provides a layer of protection between your head and the surface you fall onto.
In our video, we demonstrate this using a watermelon. When the watermelon hits the ground, it becomes visibly damaged. With a helmet placed between the watermelon and the impact, the damage is reduced.
The demonstration is a simple way of showing why wearing a skateboard helmet matters.
You don’t have to be an advanced skater to benefit from wearing one. In fact, beginners who are still learning balance, stopping and basic tricks may be particularly likely to experience unexpected falls.
At the end of the day, a helmet is one of the most important pieces of skateboarding protective gear you can own.
What Is the Difference Between a $30 and $150 Skateboard Helmet?
If you’re shopping for a skateboard helmet, you’ll notice a wide range of prices.
You might find basic helmets around $30, while more premium options can cost $150 or more.
So what exactly are you paying for?
One of the biggest differences is fit and comfort.
A basic helmet can still provide plenty of head protection, making it a practical option if you’re just starting out or have a limited budget. However, more premium helmets can offer improved fitting systems, padding and comfort.
Here are some of the helmet options discussed in our video.
Protec Low Pro Helmets
The Protec Low Pro helmets are positioned as a premium option, particularly when it comes to comfort and fit.
One feature highlighted in the video is the Asian fit on the particular model discussed, which is designed to provide a better fit for Asian head shapes.
Customisable Fit Kit
One of the useful features of the Protec Low Pro is the included fit kit.
Instead of relying solely on a rotating adjustment wheel at the back of the helmet, you can change the thickness of the padding inside the helmet.
This allows you to customise the fit by using different padding thicknesses in different areas.
For example, you can adjust individual sections of padding to create a fit that feels more comfortable and secure around your head.
This can make a noticeable difference if you’re wearing your helmet for extended periods.
Low-Profile Design
The Protec Low Pro also has a low-profile design, meaning the helmet sits relatively close to your head.
This gives it a less bulky appearance while maintaining the protective construction of the helmet.
For skaters who dislike the feeling or appearance of large, bulky helmets, a low-profile helmet can be an appealing option.
Anti-Microbial Padding
Another feature highlighted in the video is the anti-microbial treatment on the padding.
Skateboarding can get sweaty, especially in Singapore’s hot and humid weather. Since the padding sits directly against your head, it can eventually start to develop an unpleasant smell.
The anti-microbial treatment is designed to help reduce this issue and help the padding last longer.
Yepa Helmets
Another helmet option discussed in the video is the Yepa helmet from lengendary skateboarder Tony Hawk.
These helmets have a relatively simple padding design.
Rather than having multiple individual padding sections, the helmet uses a single line of padding, which makes it relatively straightforward to remove and replace.
This can be useful if you want a simple helmet design that is easy to maintain.
Compared with the more customisable padding system found on the Protec Low Pro, the Yepa design takes a simpler approach.
Are $30 Skateboard Helmets Good Enough?
If you’re just starting skateboarding and have a limited budget, you don’t necessarily need to spend $150 on a helmet.
The basic $30 skateboard helmets discussed in the video can still provide plenty of head protection and get the job done.
The main trade-off is that they may not fit as well or feel as comfortable as more premium options such as Protec and Yepa.
Think of it this way:
A basic helmet prioritises affordability, while premium helmets can offer additional comfort, fit and longevity.
If spending $150 on a helmet isn’t realistic for you, getting a basic helmet is still a much more practical option than simply skating without one.
How Much Should You Spend on a Skateboard Helmet?
There isn’t necessarily one correct price for everyone.
If you’re a beginner and have a limited budget, a $30 helmet can be a reasonable starting point based on the options discussed in the video.
If you skate frequently, spend long periods wearing your helmet, or place a higher value on comfort and customisation, you may prefer to spend more on a premium helmet.
The important thing is that you actually wear the helmet.
A helmet sitting at home because you didn’t want to spend money on it isn’t particularly useful when you’re out skating.
Skateboard Helmet Buying Guide
When choosing a skateboard helmet, consider these factors:
1. Fit
Your helmet should fit comfortably and securely on your head.
A helmet that doesn’t fit properly may be uncomfortable enough that you stop wearing it.
2. Comfort
If you’re skating for long periods, comfort becomes increasingly important.
Premium helmets may offer more customisable padding and fitting options.
3. Padding
Look at how the internal padding is designed and whether it can be removed or replaced.
Some helmets have simple padding systems, while others allow you to customise individual sections.
4. Profile
If you dislike bulky-looking helmets, consider a low-profile design such as the Protec Low Pro discussed in the video.
5. Budget
Don’t feel like you have to buy the most expensive helmet available.
A basic helmet can still be a useful option if you’re working with a limited budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skateboard Helmets
Do I need a helmet for skateboarding?
Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended because falls are part of skateboarding, particularly when learning tricks. A helmet provides head protection when you fall.
Is a $30 skateboard helmet enough?
The basic helmets discussed in the video are described as providing plenty of head protection and still getting the job done. Their main disadvantage compared with more expensive helmets is that they may not fit or feel as comfortable.
Why are some skateboard helmets so expensive?
More expensive helmets can offer features such as improved comfort, customisable padding, low-profile designs and more sophisticated fitting options. The video specifically highlights these differences when comparing basic helmets with Protec and Yepa models.
What is a low-profile skateboard helmet?
A low-profile skateboard helmet is designed to sit closer to your head and have a less bulky appearance. The Protec Low Pro is an example discussed in the video.
What is the difference between Protec and basic skateboard helmets?
The Protec Low Pro offers features such as customisable padding, an Asian-fit model, a low-profile design and anti-microbial padding. Basic helmets are more affordable but may not offer the same level of fit and comfort.
Are expensive skateboard helmets more comfortable?
Premium helmets such as the Protec Low Pro and YEPA helmets offer additional comfort through their customisable padding and fitting system.
Can skateboard helmet padding be replaced?
Some helmets allow their internal padding to be removed and replaced. The YEPA helmet discussed in the video uses a simple single-line padding system, while the Protec Low Pro uses multiple padding sections that can be changed to customise the fit.
Should beginners wear skateboard helmets?
Yes, wearing a helmet is particularly important when learning because beginners are still developing their balance, control and trick technique. Unexpected falls can happen at any stage of learning.
Do I need an expensive helmet to start skateboarding?
No. If you have a limited budget, we recommend that a basic $30 helmet can still get the job done. More expensive helmets are an option if you want additional comfort, fit customisation and other features.
Final Thoughts: Just Protect Your Head
You don’t need the most expensive skateboard helmet on the market to start skating.
If your budget is limited, get a basic helmet and wear it. If you have more to spend, premium options like Protec and Yepa can offer additional comfort, better fitting options and other features.
The most important thing is making sure you have something protecting your head before you head out to skate.
So grab your board, put on your helmet, and go have fun.