REKD SKATE HELMETS & PROTECTION 2024 PREVIEW

Retail Buyers Guide: Skate Helmets & Protection 2024 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: REKD
Interviewee: Andy King – Brand Manager/Product Designer

What trends are you noticing in boardsport protection for 2024?
There is a growing preference for boardsport protection that is streamlined and discreet, allowing it to be worn seamlessly under regular clothing. This non-intrusive approach caters to the desire for safety without sacrificing comfort or aesthetics.

What are your main price points for next season in helmets, pads, protectors?
In today’s economic environment, consumers are becoming more discerning in their purchasing decisions. They are increasingly seeking products that offer long-term quality and durability, ensuring that their investment provides substantial value over time.

How is skate participation developing and how important is protection to new riders?
The skateboarding scene continues to diversify, with increasing participation from female riders and a notable rise in LGBTQIA+ riders. Many of these groups are forming strong local associations and skate schools, fostering inclusive and supportive communities. Skate schools and similar initiatives that cater to diverse groups help individuals feel safer and more confident as they learn. Additionally, many former skateboarders are returning to the sport, reigniting their passion. For new riders, protection is crucial. Encouraging the next generation to consistently wear protective gear can prevent serious injuries and help make safety a standard practice. As new skaters continuously improve their skills and experiment with new techniques, they are bound to fall frequently, which is an inherent part of skateboarding. The more protected they are, the less time they will need to spend recovering from injuries, allowing them to progress faster and enjoy the sport more fully.

What are your main stories in terms of protective technologies for 2024?
For 2024, key advancements in protective technologies include slim-fit protection, impact shock foam (REKD Energy foam), and innovative helmet designs. Slim-fit protection allows riders to wear gear discreetly under clothing without compromising movement. REKD Energy foam offers superior shock absorption, reducing injury risk during falls.

How are you communicating safety certification and is it a must-have?
Yes, safety certification is crucial for us. As brands committed to safety, we understand the importance of adhering to rigorous testing standards. Communicating these certifications assures our customers of the quality and reliability of our products. It also helps deter the market from being flooded with cheap, unverified items from sources like Temu.

Do your protection products cross over into other sports?
Yes, we pride ourselves on being a multi-sport brand, with many of our protection products and designs being applicable across various sports. For example, the skate-style helmet remains the most popular shape for multiple activities, including skateboarding, BMX, inline skating, and scooter. In fact, we don’t have a single product limited to just one sport—even our soon to launch footies are being used in BMX, originally coming from inline.

What helmet designs are trending (full helmets/ lighter models)? Skate style helmets; the lighter the better!

What are trending styles in pads and gloves?
Trending styles in pads include low-profile designs that fit easily under clothing and stay close to the body. Classic shapes continue to be popular as well, with traditional knee pads, such as ramp and chunky vert knee pads, maintaining their appeal.

Which technical features are you the most proud of in your protective gear?
We are extremely proud of our Energy Foam, which we are incorporating into more products. It is a formulated impact foam designed to reduce up to 75% more impact energy compared to standard high-density foam and is certified to EN14120:2003 + A1:2007 Level 2.

Key Products:

REKD Energy Freedom Wrist Guards:
The REKD Energy Freedom Wrist Guard provides unmatched mobility with safety. Equipped with a slim strip of REKD Energy Foam, this wrist brace still provides the benefits of a supportive wrist brace, but with the safety benefits of a more traditional wrist guard. Simply wrap the brace around the hook and loop closure which offers unlimited placement options for a comfortable fit.

RKD505 REKD Energy Freedom Wrist Guards Front Angle Pair Main

REKD Energy Sole Mates:
Designed as an easy to install, simple stock insole, they specialise in providing exceptional impact protection and are suitable for a wide range of action sports. Suitable for all foot types but recommended for mid to high arches. To use, simply trace your existing insoles and trim to fit.

RKD815 REKD Energy Sole Mates Main

REKD Elite 2.0 Helmet:
Elite 2.0 is one of the highest rated certified helmets on the market, and one of the best looking thanks to the exclusive mould shape and air vent designs. It is a premium, lightweight helmet designed for a huge range of action sports and is perfect for all abilities. Elite 2.0 leads the way in helmet protection, for a very competitive price point!

RKD159 REKD Elite 2.0 Helmet All Colours