Skate Helmets and Protection 2025 Retail Buyer’s Guide
The Skateboard protection market is experiencing a “strong recovery after the COVID hangover,” according to Protec’s Marketing Manager, Noah Todaro. We take a deeper look into all things helmet and skateboard protection for the 2025 Retail Buyers Guide.
Market
Long gone is the stigma of wearing protection within skateboarding, and thanks to the progression and the competitive standard nowadays, it’s becoming more normalised to pad up. With skateboarding now cemented in the Olympics, its competitors are required to wear a helmet in park events. Protec/Triple8 /187 Killer Pads Marketing Manager, Noah Todaro said, “Nearly all newcomers to the sport are seeing protective gear as an extension of the skateboard itself, instead of an optional accessory.” Price-wise, people are accepting that paying more is worth it, as Dennis Leedom, Founder & CEO at Bern, said, “Value/pricing is finally starting to go up, which is good because a lot goes into skate head protection to make premium helmets that will make a solid difference for skaters.” Marcel Korner, CEO at TSG, added that “Consumer behaviour is shifting a bit – more people are aware of safety, but style and comfort still play a big role in buying decisions.” S1’s Co-Founder Dan McCashin said proudly that “The Skate Helmet Market is at an all-time high, with athletes fully kitted out on the global stage!”
Trump tariff issues
Trump’s potential tariffs look to threaten the protection market, amongst many other markets. S1’s co-founder said, “Unfortunately, it’s going to look like higher prices for wholesale and the consumer at the retail level.” Marcel Komer, CEO at TSG, added, “For the entire sporting goods industry, the high tariffs between the U.S. and China represent a major obstacle. As a result, adjustments may be required across the whole product lifecycle: from sourcing and manufacturing to inventory planning and retail pricing. “
Stories
Stories vary, but a consistency is that the focus remains on getting the younger generation to wear protection, as Dennis from BERN said: “Kids, kids, kids are the trend setters and elevation in technology that provides an awesome balance of Protection, comfort and Style.” S1 will continue their focus on supporting their team as Dan said, “Our riders were represented on the biggest stage of skateboarding by some other skaters at the Olympics on both the men’s and women’s side, including Gavin Bottger, Naia Laso, Tate Carew and Minna Stess.” Protec/Triple8 are putting a lot of focus on how their helmets fit, as Noah announced, “We launched two new market-leading models in 2024 with the Deep Cover from Triple 8 and the Low Pro from Protec. They both focus heavily on fit.” For TSG, Marcel said, “A key highlight in 2025 is our focus on downhill skateboarding.” Helmets rarely change their shapes, as the classics remain the most practical and effective. That being said, the technology can evolve, and the protection capabilities can adapt. Protec, for example, sticks by “The same design that’s been trending since 1973, the Protec Classic”, as Noah from Protec said. Andy King, CEO at REKD Helmets, said, “There is a growing preference for protection that is slimline and discreet, allowing it to be worn comfortably under regular clothing, without compromising safety.”
Colourways/Graphics
Some things stay the same, but colourways and collabs are exciting and new. Triple8 will be “using some new pearlescent style paint on their new lids, whereas family brand Protec will have their big collab with Santa Cruz, as Noah said, “They’re two iconic brands that have stood the test of time.” Bern will be introducing “Graphics for kids like The ‘Nino Shark Bite’ or ‘Nina Sea Shell’ and bright colours like pink & orange for older kids”, as Dennis said. S1 will be pushing their Christian Hosoi, Lance Mountain & Mina Stess collab helmets.
Tech
S1are using ‘Fusion Foam’ in all of their Lifers and RAD Sizing Liners, whereas REKD will continue with their “Energy Foam, which reduces up to 75% more impact energy compared to standard HD foam,” as Andy explained. Triple8 said their main tech story is the “Hidden hinge system on the Deep Cover- a way to incorporate the ability for the shell to separate and retract to create the snug-fit feeling that it provides”, as Noah said. Bern will use Rib Tech EPS liners, and their helmets “come in 3 different size moulds to provide skaters the ultimate balance of profile, weight and fit for every head size,” as Dennis said. It’s an exciting year for skateboard helmets and protection, albeit a nervous one regarding Trump’s tariffs and rising costs. The demand, however, continues to grow, so we look optimistically to the future.
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