Best Wakeboard Helmet

By Taylor Jensen

We tested and reviewed the Best Wakeboard Helmets on the market. Don't buy a helmet until after you read this buyers guide.

I never really thought much of helmets for wakeboarding, until my brother in law took a particularly hard slam into the shallow shoreline of Lake Havasu. The accident was partly to do with an inexperience boat operator and sheer happenstance of how he caught the wake. He survived and walk away unharmed, thanks to his helmet which took the force of the blow and CRAKED!

Most of the time wakeboarding is a fairly safe water sport, but like with all sports, there is a risk of injury. The most common wakeboarding injuries occur in the head and neck areas. Ranging from mild lacerations to deadly concussions, wakeboarders are at risk for catching the edge of their board or being thrown hard into the water or, like my brother, into shoreline or other obstructions.

The good news is that most injuries can be avoided by simply wearing a helmet. The best wakeboard helmet is constructed from a durable, protective material and comes with adjustable straps for a personalized fit. The helmet should also be comfortable and even a bit stylish so you’re more likely to wear it.

While price is also a major aspect, it shouldn’t be the deciding factor. When it comes to your health and well-being, don’t settle. Here are some features you should look for in the best wakeboarding helmet.

What to Look for in the Best Wakeboard Helmet:

Fit: The fit of your wakeboard helmet is very important to achieve the best possible protection. To ensure that the helmet you choose fits correctly, measure the circumference of your head and refer to the size chart for each brand.
Safety: While not all helmets must be certified to be deemed effective, those that are have been certified after passing rigorous tests. If you want to help ensure your safety on the water, opt for helmets certified by the WRSI or CEN.
Drainage: As you’ll be surfing in the water, you’re likely be dunked a few times. Quality wakeboard helmets are designed with vent holes to adequately drain water and prevent it from soaking up in the helmet.
Lining: The lining of your helmet can make a drastic difference in its long-term comfort. The best wakeboard helmet features waterproof EVA lining with a padded interior that will resist water while keeping the head well protected.

Bern Watts Matte Water Helmet

TOP PICK Buy It Now

Wakeboarding helmets look similar to standard bicycle helmets with a half-shell body that covers the majority of the head. It tightens around the chin using an adjustable strap, creating a firm fit. If you’re not sure what helmet to get, opt for an all-around high quality wakeboard helmet like the Bern Watts Matte Water Helmet.

Available in several sizes and colors, the stylish helmet has a multi-impact design that uses Brock Foam technology for maximum comfort and protection. Foam drains can be found to promote “breathing” and encourage draining. This popular helmet has also been endorsed by wake athletes like Mike Ennen, Chad Sharpe, and Silas Thurman.

What Users Are Saying:

Fits firm and is comfy
Great construction
Fast shipping
Use it every weekend and it holds up well
Comfortable even after hours in the water
So amazing – great quality

Pro-Tec Ace Wake Helmet

Buy It Now

Wakeboard helmets come in a variety of styles and materials. The Pro-Tec Ace Wake Helmet is an affordable option available in a selection of sizes and colors. What make it the best wakeboard helmet is its plethora of great features that provide the user with style, adjustability, and comfort.

The helmet features a headlock system and adjustable rear fit system to create a personalized fit you can’t find with your average helmet. Its removable, high-impact ABS cupping ear guards minimize the risk of damaging the ear drums while performing tricks in the water.

To help keep the helmet dry and comfortable, users can find 18 open drainage vents. The high-density injected molded shell offers long-term durability and protection. The helmet also features a soft interior lining to prevent irritation to the skin. With the Pro-Tec Ace Wake Helmet, you can spend long hours wakeboarding without issue.

What Users Are Saying:

Built great, comfy
Good lightweight helmet
Strong and sturdy
Very satisfied with my purchase
Excellent fit and function
I love the bright colors

Nutcase Water Helmet

Buy It Now

When it’s amazing safety features you seek, check out the Nutcase Water Helmet. The helmet features easy one-handed operation which makes putting it on and off a cinch. Its magnetic buckle is highly secure and nearly indestructible. Users will also find two front, closeable intake vents that you can close on the colder days to keep warm.

What makes it one of the best wakeboard helmet options is its 360-degree reflectivity and comfortable Ethylene Vinyl Acetate foam liner. The EVA protective foam helps to prevent water absorption and provides a protective barrier in the event of a high-impact hit or fall.

What Users Are Saying:

Fits great
Very comfortable helmet
Just what I was looking for
Highly recommended!
Best helmet out there
The magnetic clasp is absolute genius

Triple Eight Water Halo Helmet

Buy It Now

On a budget? That doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice quality. The Triple Eight Water Halo Helmet offers incredible construction at a price you can afford. This unique helmet mimics the style and comfort associated with classic skateboarding helmets, but with redesigned features that make it exclusively for water sports.

With the Triple Eight helmet, you can take your water performance to a higher level than ever before. The top-rated wakeboard helmet is constructed with closed cell, dual-density EVA foam with a high-density ABS outer shell to protect against falls and head impacts.

What makes the Triple Eight Water Halo Helmet the best wakeboard helmet for both beginner and experienced surfers is its super comfortable halo water liner. With a whopping three layers of plush foam wrapped in fabric, you can rest assure that your head remains safe and comfy.

What Users Are Saying:

Perfect for watersports
Great for mounting a GoPro to
Construction is solid
Excellent multi-impact helmet
Doesn’t hold water and dries quickly
Nice interior lining

Jobe Slam Wake Helmet

Buy It Now

The best wakeboard helmet has a secure, snug fit and thick outer casing that can absorb varying degrees of impact. The Jobe Slam Wake Helmet is available in several sizes and bright colors which allow you to personalize your look. Users will also find great perks like dura flex side divide, detachable ear pads, fit pads, and rear adjuster.

Adjustable nylon straps ensure that the helmet stays put, whether you’re just gliding through the water or performing tricks. The soft brushed nylon fit pads found on the sides and top of the helmet provide the user with even more comfort while providing a better fit overall.