When skateboarding, falls are a given, which is why you might want to consider wearing protective gear. We'd like to talk to you about new technologies and give you some tips on how to choose the right helmet. This way, you can rest easy knowing that everyone is riding their skateboard with their head well protected.
Photo: Max Lampron
HOW TO CHOOSE A HELMET?
When it comes to choosing your helmet, there are several factors to consider. Size, certification, comfort, and technology are all aspects you should consider to ensure your safety.
THE SIZE
The size of your helmet is the most important factor. For optimal protection, your helmet should be neither too small nor too large. A helmet that's too small will automatically be uncomfortable. Conversely, if it's too big, it will shift on your head during an impact. In either case, it's useless.
A properly sized helmet covers the top of your forehead and the back of your head. Before coming to see us, you can also measure the circumference of your head in centimeters. Place your measuring tape about 2.5 centimeters above your eyebrows and on the most rounded part of the back of your head for the most accurate measurement.
SIZES IN CENTIMETERS
To give you an idea of the sizes, here is a table that will tell you, to within a few centimeters, the size of helmet you will need:
- XS- S: 51-54 cm
- SM: 53-57 cm
- L-XL: 57-60 cm
- XL - XXL: 60-63 cm
CERTIFIED OR NOT CERTIFIED?
A safe helmet is a certified helmet. You should look for the following information:
- SO
- ASTM
- CAN/CSA
- CPSC
- Snell B90/B95
If these certifications are present, it means that the helmet meets the safety standards of a recognized organization and you can wear it with peace of mind.
NEW TECHNOLOGIES
In almost every sphere of our favorite sports, things are moving fast: new stuff, innovations, new technologies... With that in mind, we wanted to introduce you to two new helmet technologies that make a HUGE difference. Because protecting your head while you're playing your sport is important, here's MIPS technology!
MIPS TECHNOLOGY
Developed by Swedish scientists, MIPS technology is a true revolution in safety. You can start to find it everywhere with the most popular brands.
CONCRETE IMPACTS
MIPS technology is the result of 20 years of study and research: no need to tell you it's ultra-safe. The principle is simple: mimic and play the role of the cerebrospinal fluid in which your brain "floats." When you suffer an impact, the technology absorbs the impact energy by sliding the skull along the crown. The force is therefore better distributed and the brain will not hit against the cranium. In this way, your brain is protected against oblique impacts.
WHY CHOOSE A MIPS HELMET?
The developers of this technology, originally designed for high-performance cyclists, ensured that the safety system would be reliable and would not compromise the helmet's comfort. Moreover, the technology is virtually invisible, adding only 25 to 45 grams to the helmet.
SWEATSAVER TECHNOLOGY
SWEATSAVER technology doesn't add anything to the safety of your helmet, but it does change everything in terms of comfort! This innovation, from Triple Eight, will ensure that not a single drop of sweat beads on your forehead.
Check out our skate helmet section
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Triple Eight helmets are the first and only to feature this technology. The SWEATSAVER is a foam liner that traps your sweat. The absorbent plush fabric gives you maximum comfort and certified double protection.
DOES IT WASH?
Don't panic! You don't have to put your sweaty helmet back on every time! The foam liner is removable and machine washable. You practice your sport, remove the liner, throw everything in the washing machine, and start again. If you don't want to wash every time, you can buy another set of liners to swap them out when one gets dirty.
Don't hesitate to come see us for more advice when it comes time to choose your helmet! You can also check out our entire section on protection online right here.
