Longboarding covers everything from a mellow boardwalk cruise to bombing a canyon road at 40 mph, and the helmet that suits one is wrong for the other. The good news is that the longboard world has settled on a clear split: a certified half-shell for cruising and commuting, and a full-face for anything fast or downhill. Pick the wrong side of that line and you are either overdressed or underprotected.
For this guide our research desk lined up the helmets longboarders actually run against the standards that matter (ASTM F1492 for skate, CPSC for bike, ASTM F1952 for downhill full-face), sorted the multi-impact foam from the single-impact, and kept only the eight that earn a place across that whole range.
Five are half-shells for cruising and park, three are full-face for downhill and sliding. We are clear below about which is which, and which one to skip. Let's get into it.
Key Takeaways
- The S1 Lifer is the half-shell to beat for cruising: its EPS Fusion foam is certified multi-impact (ASTM) and high-impact (CPSC), which most cheap skate buckets are not.
- For downhill and fast hills you want a full-face. The TSG Pass 2.0 is the premium pick, with two visors and an ASTM F1952 downhill rating.
- Want rotational protection in a half-shell? The Triple Eight Gotham MIPS adds MIPS to a triple-cert shell.
- Certification matters more than looks: ASTM F1492 means the foam survived multiple hits, while a single CPSC bike sticker means one impact and done.
- A Pro-Tec Full Cut adds ear coverage that cruisers and sliders appreciate, while the OutdoorMaster is the value commuter option.
| S1 Lifer Helmet |  |
Best Overall | Type: Half-shell | Certifications: ASTM F1492 (multi-impact) + CPSC | Best for: Cruising and park with real protection | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| TSG Pass 2.0 Full-Face Helmet |  |
Best Full-Face for Downhill | Type: Full-face | Certifications: ASTM F1952 + EN 1078 | Best for: Downhill and fast hill bombing | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Triple Eight Gotham MIPS |  |
Best Half-Shell with MIPS | Type: Half-shell | Rotational: MIPS | Best for: Commuters who want rotational protection | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Demon Podium Full Face Helmet |  |
Best Value Full-Face | Type: Full-face | Shell: Polycarbonate | Best for: Downhill on a budget | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Pro-Tec Classic Certified Skate Helmet |  |
Best Classic Skate Style | Type: Half-shell | Certifications: CPSC + ASTM | Best for: Cruisers who want the classic look | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Triple Eight Certified Sweatsaver |  |
Best Budget Half-Shell | Type: Half-shell | Certifications: CPSC + ASTM F1447 + F1492 | Best for: Cheapest properly certified bucket | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Pro-Tec Full Cut Certified Helmet |  |
Best Full-Cut Coverage | Type: Half-shell (full cut) | Certifications: CPSC + ASTM | Best for: Sliders and cruisers wanting ear coverage | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| OutdoorMaster Skateboard Cycling Helmet |  |
Best Budget Commuter | Type: Half-shell | Certifications: ASTM + CPSC | Best for: Budget commuting and cruising | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
S1 Lifer Helmet
The S1 Lifer is the half-shell the skate and longboard world keeps coming back to, and the reason is the foam. Its EPS Fusion liner is certified both multi-impact (ASTM F1492) and high-impact (CPSC), so it is rated to take more than the single knock a basic bike-certified bucket is built for.
S1 claims the Lifer is several times more protective than a standard skate helmet, and the deep-fit shell sits lower around the head than most. It ships with sizing liners so you can dial the fit a step up or down without buying a second helmet.
It is still a half-shell, so your chin and face are unprotected. For bombing hills or learning slides at speed, this is not the helmet; it shines for cruising, commuting and park laps.
As the certified all-rounder for everyday longboarding, the Lifer is the one to pick over any unrated foam bucket from a big-box store.
- Type:Half-shell
- Certifications:ASTM F1492 (multi-impact) + CPSC
- Foam:EPS Fusion
- Fit:Deep-fit + sizing liners
- Weight:~430 g
- Sizes:XS-XXL
- Best for:Cruising and park with real protection
TSG Pass 2.0 Full-Face Helmet
When the hill gets steep and the speeds climb, downhill longboarders run a full-face, and the TSG Pass line is the one they name first. The Pass 2.0 carries the ASTM F1952 downhill standard plus EN 1078, the pairing that signals it was built for exactly this.
Two spherical visors (clear and mirrored) cover bright and overcast runs, and the fiberglass shell keeps weight reasonable for a hardshell full-face. The sealed design also cuts the wind roar that wears you down on a long descent.
The Double D-ring strap is fussier than a buckle with gloves on, and a sealed full-face runs warm on a slow uphill walk back. It is also the priciest helmet here.
For anyone serious about downhill or fast freeride, the Pass 2.0 is the safe answer. Cruisers do not need this much helmet.
- Type:Full-face
- Certifications:ASTM F1952 + EN 1078
- Shell:Fiberglass
- Visors:2 (clear + mirrored)
- Closure:Double D-ring
- Weight:~1,000 g
- Best for:Downhill and fast hill bombing
Triple Eight Gotham MIPS
Most angled falls twist the head, and that rotation is what MIPS is designed to manage. The Gotham is the easiest way to get it in a half-shell, stacking MIPS on a triple certification (CPSC, ASTM F1447 and F1492).
A dial-fit system and two pad sets make a no-wobble fit simple, which matters because a helmet that shifts on your head is doing half its job. The vented ABS shell keeps it cool on a city commute.
It is chunkier and heavier than a minimalist skate lid, and that bulkier look is not for everyone. You are buying it for the rotational layer, not the profile.
For a cruiser or commuter who wants the most protective half-shell on this list, the Gotham earns it.
- Type:Half-shell
- Rotational:MIPS
- Certifications:CPSC + ASTM F1447 + ASTM F1492
- Fit:Dial adjust + pads
- Shell:Vented ABS
- Weight:~500 g
- Best for:Commuters who want rotational protection
Demon Podium Full Face Helmet
Not everyone learning to bomb hills wants to spend TSG money before they know they will stick with it. The Demon Podium is the budget full-face that covers the basics, with a polycarbonate shell and a chin bar for the protection that actually matters on a fast slide gone wrong.
The pads are removable and washable, and the venting is better than the sealed race helmets, so it does not turn into a sauna on the walk back up. It is a popular crossover from the mountain-bike side for the same reasons.
You do not get fiberglass or a headline downhill certification here, and the finish reflects the price. Check the listing for its current certification before counting on it for high-speed runs.
As an entry point to full-face protection for downhill, the Podium gets your chin covered without a premium outlay. Upgrade later if you get serious.
- Type:Full-face
- Shell:Polycarbonate
- Vents:Multiple
- Visor:Removable
- Padding:Removable, washable
- Weight:~1,000 g
- Best for:Downhill on a budget
Pro-Tec Classic Certified Skate Helmet
The Pro-Tec Classic is the silhouette most people picture when they think skate helmet, and it has earned the longevity. It is certified to CPSC and ASTM, so the retro look is backed by real foam rather than novelty plastic.
The injection-molded ABS shell and dual-density liner handle park and street duty, and the included pad sets let you tune the fit. It is comfortable enough that people actually keep it on.
It is a single-impact-oriented classic rather than a multi-impact specialist like the S1, so replace it after any real hit. The vents are modest, so it runs warmer than a heavily-vented lid.
If you want the timeless skate look with certification behind it, the Classic is the one. For maximum repeat-crash foam, the S1 Lifer edges ahead.
- Type:Half-shell
- Certifications:CPSC + ASTM
- Shell:Injection-molded ABS
- Liner:Dual-density
- Fit:Multiple pad sets
- Weight:~450 g
- Best for:Cruisers who want the classic look
Triple Eight Certified Sweatsaver
The Sweatsaver is the value benchmark that taught a lot of skaters what a comfortable certified helmet feels like. It carries the same triple certification (CPSC, ASTM F1447 and F1492) as the pricier Gotham; what you give up is MIPS.
The plush Sweatsaver liner is the comfort story, and two pad sets let you break it in to your exact head. It fits snug when new and settles in after a few sessions.
There is no rotational layer and no chin bar, so this is a cruiser-and-commuter helmet, not a downhill one. The styling is plain, which some riders prefer.
If you want the cheapest helmet here that still meets real standards, this is it, paired with sensible cruising speeds.
- Type:Half-shell
- Certifications:CPSC + ASTM F1447 + F1492
- Foam:EPS + dual-density
- Liner:Sweatsaver
- Weight:~390 g
- Sizes:XS/S-XL/XXL
- Best for:Cheapest properly certified bucket
Pro-Tec Full Cut Certified Helmet
The Full Cut takes the classic Pro-Tec shape and drops the shell lower over the ears and back of the head. For longboarders practicing slides, where a slide-out can put your head down sideways, that extra coverage is welcome.
It keeps the CPSC and ASTM certification of the Classic, so the coverage is not just cosmetic. The lower cut also blocks more wind noise than an open-ear half-shell.
The trade-off is heat and a slightly muffled feel, since the ears are covered. It is also still a half-shell, so the face is unprotected for true downhill speeds.
For cruisers and slide practice who want more coverage than a standard skate lid without going full-face, the Full Cut is the sweet spot.
- Type:Half-shell (full cut)
- Certifications:CPSC + ASTM
- Coverage:Extended, covers ears
- Shell:ABS
- Liner:Dual-density
- Weight:~480 g
- Best for:Sliders and cruisers wanting ear coverage
OutdoorMaster Skateboard Cycling Helmet
The OutdoorMaster is the value commuter pick, certified to ASTM and CPSC at a price that makes it an easy first helmet. It comes with two removable liners so it works across seasons.
Twelve vents and a dial-fit system keep it cool and snug for daily riding, and the plain shape suits a commute better than a loud graphic. For getting a new rider into a certified helmet, it removes the price excuse.
It is a single-impact-style bucket rather than a multi-impact specialist, so replace it after any crash. The finish is budget-grade, as expected.
If you want a cheap, certified, comfortable helmet for cruising to class or work, the OutdoorMaster does the job without fuss.
- Type:Half-shell
- Certifications:ASTM + CPSC
- Liners:Two removable (all-season)
- Vents:12
- Fit:Dial adjust
- Weight:~400 g
- Best for:Budget commuting and cruising
How to Choose a Longboarding Helmet
Longboarding is really two activities wearing the same shoes, and your helmet choice follows from which one you do.
Cruising vs. Downhill: Pick Your Side First
If you cruise, commute or skate parks at moderate speed, a certified half-shell like the S1 Lifer or Triple Eight Gotham MIPS is the right tool. If you bomb hills or practice fast slides, you want a full-face such as the TSG Pass 2.0, because downhill crashes scrub your face along the pavement. The same logic drives our onewheel helmet and EUC helmet picks, where speed decides everything.
Certifications: F1492 vs. F1952 vs. CPSC
ASTM F1492 is the skateboard standard and, when paired with multi-impact foam, means the helmet is rated to survive more than one hit. CPSC is the US bike standard and is single-impact: one crash and the foam is spent. ASTM F1952 is the downhill standard you want on a full-face. For a side-by-side look at how these two standards differ in practice, see our ASTM F1952 vs. F1492 longboard helmet breakdown. A helmet with only a single CPSC sticker is fine for a casual cruise but is not built for repeat park slams.
Multi-Impact vs. Single-Impact Foam
This is the detail most buyers miss. The S1 Lifer's EPS Fusion foam is certified multi-impact, so it shrugs off the small repeat knocks of learning. A standard EPS bike helmet crushes on the first real impact and must be replaced. If you fall often while progressing, multi-impact foam saves money and hassle.
Coverage and Fit
A full-cut shell like the Pro-Tec Full Cut drops over the ears, which sliders appreciate. For any helmet, measure your head and use the included pad sets to kill wobble; a helmet that slides around in a crash protects far less. If you are buying for a young skater, see our kids skateboard helmet guide for sizing that actually fits growing heads.
Longboarding Helmet Comparison
| Helmet | Type | Certifications | Foam | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1 Lifer Helmet | Half-shell | ASTM F1492 (multi-impact) + CPSC | EPS Fusion | Cruising and park with real protection |
| TSG Pass 2.0 Full-Face Helmet | Full-face | ASTM F1952 + EN 1078 | - | Downhill and fast hill bombing |
| Triple Eight Gotham MIPS | Half-shell | CPSC + ASTM F1447 + ASTM F1492 | - | Commuters who want rotational protection |
| Demon Podium Full Face Helmet | Full-face | - | - | Downhill on a budget |
| Pro-Tec Classic Certified Skate Helmet | Half-shell | CPSC + ASTM | - | Cruisers who want the classic look |
| Triple Eight Certified Sweatsaver | Half-shell | CPSC + ASTM F1447 + F1492 | EPS + dual-density | Cheapest properly certified bucket |
| Pro-Tec Full Cut Certified Helmet | Half-shell (full cut) | CPSC + ASTM | - | Sliders and cruisers wanting ear coverage |
| OutdoorMaster Skateboard Cycling Helmet | Half-shell | ASTM + CPSC | - | Budget commuting and cruising |
DOT vs ECE vs Snell vs MIPS, how to pick the right lid in 60 seconds, and when to replace it. One page, no fluff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a skateboard helmet good enough for longboarding?
For cruising and commuting, yes, as long as it is certified (ASTM F1492 and/or CPSC). For downhill or fast sliding, a half-shell leaves your face exposed and you should move to a full-face rated to ASTM F1952.
What is the difference between a multi-impact and single-impact helmet?
Single-impact foam (standard EPS, CPSC bike helmets) crushes on one hit and must be replaced. Multi-impact foam, like the S1 Lifer's EPS Fusion certified to ASTM F1492, is rated to take repeated smaller impacts, which suits learning.
Do I need a full-face helmet for longboarding?
Only for downhill and fast hill bombing or slides, where face-first slides on pavement are common. For cruising and park, a certified half-shell is the sensible choice.
How do I know my longboard helmet fits?
Measure your head circumference just above the eyebrows and match the brand chart. The helmet should sit level and not shift when you shake your head; use the included pad sets to fine-tune a snug, no-wobble fit.
When should I replace my longboarding helmet?
Replace it immediately after any real impact, even if the shell looks fine, because EPS foam crushes once. Multi-impact helmets tolerate minor knocks, but a hard crash still ends a helmet's life.
