Protec Skate Helmets & protection 2023 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Skate Helmets & Protection 2023 Retail Buyer‘s Guide
Brand: Protec
Interviewee: R.P Bess V.P. of Brand

What trends are you noticing in boardsport protection for 2023? We’re seeing similar trend to last year?
We’re adding new treatments to the line to give some fresh new looks, but the bulk of the business is still in the top 3-5 colors, Black, Grey, Navy and White. We’re also looking to add new collab and pro helmets to the mix to bring you something refereshing and a point of difference.

How’re you navigating the current hardwoods overstocking issues?
We’re seeing our way through it. Retailers seem to be stocked and buying closer to when they need products. We’re also seeing it start to open up a bit. With Summer here anticipation of hardgoods picking up is happening. We’re happy to see the orders picking up.

What are your main price points for next season in helmets, pads, protectors?
We have the entry level ‘Prime’ helmets coming in at €44.99 and the ‘Classic’ & ‘Old School’ Certified Helmets at €59.99. Combo Pad sets begin at €39.99 for kids and €54.99 for adults. We also have high end Knee pads (€34.99), Elbow pads (€27.99) and Wrist guards (€22.99) all available too.

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How is skate participation developing and how important is protection to new riders?
With this next generation it seems that protection is more important than when we were coming up. With the Olympics requiring under 18 year-old to wear helmets it reinforces safety to the generation coming up and their parents. This generation of parents seem to be more protective too, which helps.

What are your main stories in terms of protective technologies for 2023?
We’re looking to innovate and improve. We launched our Hybrid helmet. Now we’re looking to add MIPS and more technologies to improve comfort, fit and safety.

How are you communicating safety certification and is it a must-have?
Yes safety certifications are a must have. We don’t lead with it as all UK and European helmets have to be certified. We convey the tech features in the helmets that add to the industry standards. Like MIPS. They have call outs on the packaging, hangtags and products. Plus they do a great job of marketing their technology. However as we incorporate it into skate we’ll have to do our own push to help educate the skate consumer so they understand how it’s better.

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How are helmet designs trending (full helmets vs. lighter models)?
Our silhouettes haven’t changed much. And most skate helmets have a version that is similar. We don’t see the design changing too much in the immediate future. Our Classic Certified helmet, now the Classic Hybrid is the quintessential skateboard helmet. If that’s not too bold to say.

What are trending styles in pads and gloves?
We’re working on version 2.0 of the Pro Line Knee pad which is our vert pad. It’s made to be flexible to allow for the most mobility possible. We feel we’ve achieved that in this next version. The Kevlar flex panel gives the skater the movement they need. The materials give the durability needed to stand up to the torture vertical skaters give it.

Which colours and graphics/ collaborations are you looking forward to for next season?
We have some plans to do bright colors. Some collabs with heritage riders as well as young new Olympians. It’s a mix of current rising stars and legends. Something that Protec has had for years.

Which technical features are you the most proud of in your protective gear?
Our collaboration with D3O has been something we’re stoked on. We’re trying to figure out ways to better protect using the latest materials available to us. That and the designs and material choices that our design Stacy Lowery uses. He looks to find high quality materials that handle the abuse they’re put through.

What impact technologies in helmets are you incorporating?
It’s a little too early for us to talk about what we’re doing with impact. However I did mention MIPs. Not really an impact tech, but a rotational impact solution. Allowing for less strain on your brain and neck at those askew impacts.

Are there any crossover technologies from other sports?
We look to our sister company, 661 in the MTB space to see what they’re using in their products. It’s great to have collaborations from outside sports. Again, something that Stacy does a great job of. Looking to other categories to pull ideas or inspiration from. One such area is the Kevlar flex panel in our Pro Line knee. He mentioned that it’s being used in motorcycle suits. I was leery at first as I didn’t see other skate brands doing it. However the riders really liked it. Point to Stacy.

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