Skate Certified vs. Snow Certified Helmets

**Plapper** · 02-24-2010 08:56 AM

Hello Silverfish! First time poster...

Bought my first longboard (EW Superglider!) the other day and realized I don't want to hurt my brain.

Here's my problem: I'm also a snowboarder and would like to get a helmet that works for both while still providing good protection and comfort. If I get a snow certified helmet (ASTM F-2046), does that offer the same or better protection as a skate certified helmet (ASTM F-1492)?

It seems like a snow helmet would provide the same protection since you gotta deal with the possibility of hitting pretty hard/icy snow, hard bails from jumps, and trees, but I realize no concrete is involved.

Oh also, I will not be doing big DH stuff, so I don't want to get a full face helmet like a Remedy.

**Bookworm** · 02-26-2010 08:47 PM

bump for curiosity.

**virtualdude** · 02-27-2010 12:22 AM

I believe the two certifications are different but some are rated for both or more. I know the Bern Hard Hats and Burton RED Trace helmets have cross over potential. Check them out...

**Plapper** · 02-28-2010 12:30 AM

Originally Posted by virtualdude

I believe the two certifications are different but some are rated for both or more. I know the Bern Hard Hats and Burton RED Trace helmets have cross over potential. Check them out...

Yeah, I've seen that they have some that are rated for both. I was just hoping that I could get a snow rated helmet only and still be good to go for skating. The reason being, I mainly want a higher end snow helmet (not certified for skate unfortunately) since they are more comfortable. I was thinking a Giro G10 or Smith Maze.

Still hoping someone knows the difference between snow and skate certified helmets though...

**factorof2** · 02-28-2010 12:47 AM

From what I can tell, both the ASTM 1492 and ASTM 2040 ratings require the material to withstand multiple impacts. The main difference seems to be between these and helmets rated for bicycle riding, which are rated for single impact. Skate helmets, from the standard, are tested by being struck in a single location three times to simulate the types of impacts skateboarders might expect in an accident and snow rated helmets undergo, what I can only assume is a similar testing procedure. My guess is, one of the biggest differences between the helmets isn't in terms of the protection they provide, but rather the warm/cold weather liners.

Here are my sources if you'd like to read over them yourself:

Helmets for Many Activities

SnowShack - Helmet Safety, Standards and Design

**virtualdude** · 02-28-2010 07:35 AM

I think some Giros and Smiths may have the dual certs also. I can't recall though. I remember looking at them but it's been a month or two.
No reason you can't buy 2 different helmets though. Aside from $$, that is...

**Indy77** · 02-28-2010 07:58 AM

Both are relatively the same, main differences are the cold weather add-ins for the snow helmets, equally hard stuff in snow and skate, IMO, anyhow main difference more heat retention in the snow helmet as I understand it. You will probably find the dual certification to be more expensive and could buy 2 for the same price, I've found good helmets in both disciplines for around $30.

**Raoul Duke** · 02-28-2010 08:10 AM

Free helmets!

http://www.theiantilmannfoundation.org/ian.html

**speshlspeclsteak** · 02-28-2010 08:39 AM

bern snowboard helmets are pretty good for both i rock a hard hat for every halfshell aplication

**Plapper** · 02-28-2010 12:58 PM

Originally Posted by factorof2

From what I can tell, both the ASTM 1492 and ASTM 2040 ratings require the material to withstand multiple impacts. The main difference seems to be between these and helmets rated for bicycle riding, which are rated for single impact. Skate helmets, from the standard, are tested by being struck in a single location three times to simulate the types of impacts skateboarders might expect in an accident and snow rated helmets undergo, what I can only assume is a similar testing procedure. My guess is, one of the biggest differences between the helmets isn't in terms of the protection they provide, but rather the warm/cold weather liners.

Here are my sources if you'd like to read over them yourself:

Helmets for Many Activities

SnowShack - Helmet Safety, Standards and Design

Thanks for the info, factorof2. Those sources are great, too. Had no idea what went into the testing of those helmets. I think I'll be getting a Smith Maze and removing the padding for when I go skating. Gives me some reasonable confidence that they should be fine on the concrete.

**jeefbeef** · 03-01-2010 09:37 PM

I skate in a Giro g10. It's a really nice helmet, and I can't see it being any less protective than any other half shell. Just take out the ear pads, open the vents and you're good to go.

**Trevonator** · 03-01-2010 09:54 PM

Originally Posted by Plapper

Thanks for the info, factorof2. Those sources are great, too. Had no idea what went into the testing of those helmets. I think I'll be getting a Smith Maze and removing the padding for when I go skating. Gives me some reasonable confidence that they should be fine on the concrete.

i'd recommend getting a helmet with lots o' vents. i rock my giro (no idea what model) skate and snow and i just close the vents for cold skiing and open them up for skating/warm skiing. i just remove the earflaps for skate and keep the padding in and its pretty comfy. it has also saved my cranium a couple times when i smack my face into pavement.

just my two cents