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11 Types Of Helmets: From Recreational To Professional

11 Types Of Helmets: From Recreational To Professional

When it comes to protecting your head, there are many options to choose from. Helmets come in different shapes, styles, and sizes, each designed to provide protection for specific activities and head shapes. The wide range of helmet options can make it difficult to choose the right one.

In this article, I have explored the different types of helmets available and the features that make them unique. Whether you’re a skateboarder, a cyclist, a professional motocross rider, or a horse rider, understanding the different options available can help you make an informed decision when purchasing a helmet.

How many types of helmets are there?

Let’s Get Down Understanding the Types of Helmets


From the short/half helmet, designed for only covering the top part of the head, to the full-face helmet that provides full protection for your head and face, I’ve covered a wide range of helmets. I also discussed the wiggle helmets, which are the safest for kids and youth, and the time trial helmets, designed for time-sensitive racing.

1. Short/half helmet

This helmet is designed to only cover the top part of the head, including the forehead, and halfway down to the backside of your head.

As this is one of the most inexpensive helmets for skateboarding purposes, this is one of the most commonly used ones.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Affordable
  • Good ventilation
  • Easy to wear and remove
  • Stylish
  • Good for short-distance rides

Cons

  • Limited protection
  • Not suitable for high-speed activities
  • Limited adjustability

2. Open-face/BMX helmet

As the name goes, when you wear this type of helmet, it keeps your face open.

Apart from the front side, the rest of the three sides of the helmet is durably made with enough cushioning foam inside it to protect the rider’s head from impacts.

3. Leisure helmet

People mostly use leisure helmets for casual riding. Although the helmet is excellent at providing ventilation, when it comes to protection against impacts, the helmet doesn’t seem to hold that well.

It’s more for the style than proper head protection.

Pros

  • Good ventilation
  • Affordable
  • Stylish
  • Comfortable
  • Good for casual riding and hot weather
  • Easy to wear and remove

Cons

  1. Limited protection
  2. Not suitable for high-speed activities, off-road, and long-distance rides
  3. Limited adjustability

4. Full-face helmet (street bike)

As the title goes, a full-face helmet provides full protection to your head as well as the entire face.

There is a shatter-proof glass shield to protect the face from impacts to enhance overall protection. This is for those who spend a lot of time on the road.

Pros

  • Maximum protection
  • Good for high-speed activities, off-road activities, and long-distance rides
  • Adjustable
  • Durable
  • Good aerodynamics
  • Shatter-proof visor.

Cons

  • Bulky, Expensive, and Heat build-up
  • Limited ventilation, hearing/communication
  • Difficult to put on and remove
  • heavier than other types of helmets.

5. Wiggle helmets (for kids and youth)

This is the type of safest helmet that you see bicyclists wearing. Wiggle helmets look mechanical due to the unique exposed construction.

These helmets are also available for both kids and youth, apart from regular adult sizes.

6. Road helmets

Both skateboarders and longboarders can use road helmets for long-time rides.

Even though wiggle and road helmets look similar to each other, construction-wise, road helmets are sturdier and more well-built.

Pros

  • Aerodynamics
  • Lightweight
  • Good ventilation
  • Adjustable
  • Durable
  • Good for long-distance rides
  • Suitable for multiple activities (skateboarding and longboarding)

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Limited protection and adjustability
  • Not suitable for high-speed activities and off-road
  • Limited coverage on the sides and back of the head.

7. Time trial helmets

People who participate in time-sensitive racing require time-trial helmets. Apart from providing some excellent aerodynamic benefits, the helmet also notifies you about the clock.

8. Motocross helmet (off-road)

Also known as off-road helmets, these are specially designed to withstand bumpy tracks and the impacts of dirt roads. The helmet doesn’t include any eye protection, so the rider has to wear eye-protective gear separately.

Pros

  • Maximum protection
  • Durable
  • Good ventilation
  • Adjustable
  • Good fit
  • Lightweight
  • Impact resistance

Cons

  • No Eye protection
  • Limited coverage, visibility, and hearing/communication
  • More expensive than other types of helmets.

9. Modular helmet

Sportspeople also address this helmet as a modular helmet. It’s a combination between a full-face helmet and a ¾ helmet. The chin bar and visor can be flipped up from the front part of the helmet.

Some modular helmets include a secondary internal visor to protect the eyes from the sunlight.

10. Snocross helmet (snowmobile)

Similar to a motocross helmet, snocross helmets are much lighter than full-face headgear. The helmet allows plenty of space for you to wear snow goggles while riding in low-temperature areas.

Pros:

  • Designed for snowmobiling
  • Visor protects the face from sun and snow
  • Chin guard for extra jaw and chin protection
  • Durable materials for cold and harsh weather
  • The ventilation system keeps the head cool and dry
  • Good visibility and peripheral vision
  • Secure fit with retention system

Cons:

  • More expensive but has less ventilation
  • Heavier than other helmets
  • Not as lightweight as other types.

11. Jockey helmet

Horse riders wear jockey helmets while racing, galloping, or for leisure riding. This particular helmet is the easiest one to wear and remove for its convenient shape and design.

Conclusion

It is important to understand the different types of helmets available and the features that make them unique. With the proper helmet, you can enjoy your favorite activities with confidence, knowing that your head is protected.

Safety should always come first, and wearing the right helmet can make all the difference in an emergency situation. It is crucial to choose the helmet that best fits your needs and wear it properly.

So, whether you’re a recreational cyclist, a professional motocross rider, or a horse rider, there is a helmet for you. Make an informed decision and enjoy your activities with peace of mind knowing that your head is protected.

What Are The Important Factors While Purchasing the Best Longboard Bearings?

01. Size

8 mm bearings are commonly used. This size is perfect for the longboard bearing. You can choose the other sizes if they give you more comfort. But I will recommend you choose the 8mm bearing.

02. Type

You can get both the ball bearing and roller bearing around you. Most of the bearings are ball bearings. Ball bearings run faster and more smoothly than roller bearings. But ball bearings can not handle the load. In that case, the roller bearing performs well.

03. Durability

The bearing should be durable that can last a minimum of one year. You can increase its durability by cleaning regularly and running in dry places. Water and mud decrease their longevity quickly.

04. Performance

The performance of the bearings is the most important fact. If your longboard bearings are rough and run with less spin that will not satisfy you. Also, a smooth and fast bearing with noise will annoy you. So, check before buying if there is any defect in performance.

05. Precision

Precision is the exactness or correctness of the tolerance. The American manufacturers association uses ABEC to define precision. When the precision increases, the permissible range decreases. Precision is independent of bearing clearance. The higher the ABEC number, the tighter the bearing will be. Higher precision helps to move more smoothly and increase efficiency.

06. Lubrication Compatibility

Lubrication is a must before riding on your longboard. To convert your slow bearings into fast longboard bearings you have to clean them regularly and lubricate them. It will give a fast spinning movement.

07. ABEC rating

While buying bearings, you need to check whether it is ABEC-rated longboard bearings or not. ABEC rating stands for dimension. It only rates tolerances. Some ABEC classes are 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. ABEC rating 9 is tighter than ABEC rating 1. The more the ABEC rating, the more the precision will be.

08. Engraved seals

Engraved seals prevent entering dust and other material inside. It also holds the lubricant inside and prevents friction. Most of the brands use rubber material for easy cleaning and to prevent the entry of water inside. While buying, check all the seals properly.

09. Price

Price is a big factor when buying anything. If you get a bearing with better quality at less price, then that will attract you the most. People mainly buy this type of bearings the most. Also, you should not follow the misconception that more expensive things mean better. Most of the famous brands are budget-friendly and careful about quality.

10. Brand reputation

While buying high-quality longboard bearings, people follow reputed brands. If the reputation is good then people do not hesitate to buy from the brand.

11. Warranty/Guarantee

If the brand provides you with a warranty or guarantee, that will be a plus point for you. You can repair the bearings if any problem arises at no cost within the given time. Also, the refund policy is beneficial for the buyers. You can change the defective set or can return the set with a full refund.

FAQs About Longboard Bearings

These are some commonly asked questions by people about the best bearings for longboards.

Is it worth it to invest in more expensive longboard bearings?

No, it is not worth it to invest in more expensive longboard bearings. More expensive is not equal to best quality. You can get a high-quality bearing within a suitable budget.

How do I know if my longboard bearings need to be replaced?

If the bearings start producing noise and are rough to run after cleaning, then you need to replace your longboard bearings. Also, the bearing will not spin if it is worn out.

What is the difference between ceramic and steel bearings for longboards?

The difference between ceramic and steel bearings for Longboards is durability. Ceramic bearings are more durable, smooth, and corrosion-resistant. At the same time, steel bearings are easily damaged by corrosive substances and are less durable than ceramic ones.

Can I lubricate my longboard bearings myself, or do I need to take them to a professional?

You can lubricate your longboard bearings yourself. )r if you have no previous experience, then you need to take them to a professional. But choose the right lubricant for the bearings.

Can I mix and match different brands of bearings on my longboard?

You should not mix and match different brands of bearings on your longboard as they are different from each other in size, shape, durability, and performance. Mixing different brands is unable to balance your movement.

Can I use the same bearings for both my longboard and my skateboard?

Yes, you can use the same bearing for both your longboard and your skateboard. The only difference appears in the case of wheel size. Otherwise, there is no difference between the bearings. But you should be careful about the dimension of the spacer.

Conclusion

Now it will be easy for you to choose the best Bearings for Longboards. You can compare the bearings and choose according to your comfort. I will recommend you choose the bearings which are performing well and have good customer service. If you still can not choose a perfect one then you can select it by brand reputation.

Also, choosing the brands which are giving warranty is the safest to pick. You can get these ten best bearings within an affordable range. Do not choose the bearings which are rated below ABEC 3. Below 3 ABEC-rated bearings have less tolerance.

About the author

This is Kyle Spinks from Butte MT, USA. A skateboarding expert and lover since 2019. skateupdates.com is my blog where I share my skateboarding life experience daily or weekly. If you're a beginner skater, I'll advise you to follow my blog daily.

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