Skateboarding began in California in the 1950s as an alternative to surfing. The concept of skateboarding was to surf city streets. Skateboarding continued to grow, as did technology of the sport, leading to bigger, better and more dangerous tricks. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons states most skateboard injuries are head related. The American Academy of Pediatrics reported that in 2002, skateboarding caused 50,000 hospital visits, resulting in 1,500 children hospitalized. However, more riders now wear helmets, in part due to local laws and stylish helmet designs.
Bell Faction
The Bell Faction is a dual-sport, old-school style helmet, designed for use by skaters and bicycle motocross riders. The Faction has the Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC, and the American Society for Testing and Materials, or ASTM, certification labels. According to Bell, the Faction is a versatile helmet that sets the standard for skate-inspired helmets with superior style. The helmet uses duel density expanded polystyrene foam for a lower profile fit. With an overall weight of just 15 oz., an ABS hard plastic shell and a variety of colors to choose from, the Bell Faction is a worthy choice. The estimated retail price of this helmet for 2010 is $35.
Kryptonics Kore Series
The design of the Kryptonics Kore helmets is for comfort and protection in the event of a fall. The shell of the helmet and buckles are lightweight, high-impact, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic. The generous padding is high-energy absorption foam with adjustable, low-stretch nylon straps to keep the helmet secure. The Kore series of helmets earns the Consumer Product Safety Commissions seal of approval for users 5 and older. The helmet comes in black, blue or pink, and can be used for in-line skating, bicycle riding and skateboarding. The estimated retail price of this helmet for 2010 is $29.99.
Bern Watts
The Bern Watts helmet has an original bill design, similar to a baseball cap. The Berns Watts helmet is for multiple sports, including winter sports. It has a winter knit liner and a goggle clip that can be snapped into place. The Watts weighs just 550 g, and has 10 vents to keep air flowing over the head. The Watts meets ASTM standards for snow and ski use, and CPSC for bicycle and skateboard or in-line skate use. The helmet is low profile, it sits low on the riders head, thanks to the sink fit design. The estimated retail price of the Watts helmet for 2010 is $60.
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