What is the most important piece of gear on a football field? It’s the helmet, without a doubt! Every player relies on their helmet to protect their head during hard hits and fast plays. But choosing the right one feels like a huge task. You see so many brands and models, and you worry about getting the best protection for your young athlete. It’s tough to know which features truly matter and which ones are just fancy marketing.
Parents and coaches often feel the pressure to pick a helmet that offers top-tier safety without breaking the bank. We all want peace of mind knowing our players are safe while they enjoy the game they love. This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down what makes a great football helmet.
By the end of this guide, you will understand helmet safety ratings, sizing secrets, and the latest technology that keeps heads protected. Get ready to learn exactly what you need to look for so you can confidently select the perfect helmet for the upcoming season!
Top Helmets For Football Recommendations
- All 32 NFL teams in novelty size helmets
- Each helmet is approximately 1.5 inch tall
- Trifold backing board to hold and display 32 teams
- Patented side impact protection PSIP research based mandible protection helps reduce the forces from side impacts
- Flex system flexibility engineered into the helmet's shell, face mask, and face mask attachment system with hinge clips reduces impact force transfer to the athlete
- Ratchet-Loc chin strap attachment system allows for easy adjustments
- Varsity Helmet - Utilizes a shell constructed of a polycarbonate material.Do not machine dry
- Department Name: Unisex-Teen. Occipital Lock
- KANSAS CITY CHIEFS UNIFORM SET: This Kansas City Chiefs kids uniform set is the perfect gift for any young fan to dress up like their favorite NFL pros.
- SET INCLUDES: Set comes complete with helmet, jersey, uniform pants, chinstrap, and iron-on numbers for a head-to-toe official look that kids will love
- GREAT COSTUME FOR ANY OCCASION: Kids will love dressing up like their favorite players whether they are playing on gameday, dressing up for Halloween, or just hanging around the house
- NFL OFFICIAL: These sets are licensed by the NFL with official team logos and colors for an authentic look and feel. NOTE: Helmet is for costume use only and is not intended for contact play
- YOUTH SIZE: This youth small uniform set is designed for kids ages 4-6. Please see size chart for measurements
- KANSAS CITY CHIEFS UNIFORM SET: This Kansas City Chiefs kids uniform set is the perfect gift for any young fan to dress up like their favorite NFL pros!
- SET INCLUDES: Set comes complete with helmet, jersey and chinstrap for an official NFL look that kids will love
- GREAT COSTUME FOR ANY OCCASION: Kids will love dressing up like their favorite players whether they are playing on gameday, dressing up for Halloween, or just hanging around the house
- NFL OFFICIAL: These sets are licensed by the NFL with official team logos and colors for an authentic look and feel! NOTE: Helmet is for costume use only and is not intended for contact play
- YOUTH SIZE: This youth medium uniform set is designed for kids ages 7-9. Please see size chart for measurements
- Department Name: Unisex-Teen
- Included Components: On Field Helmet
- Material Type: Plastic
- Pad Type: Foam
- Earned a 5-star safety rating in the Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings
- Equipped with a carbon steel facemask, football's most popular facemask material
- TPU cushioning, the most advanced impact absorption system in football, absorbs more impact across a wider variety of temperatures than any other helmet on the field
- Non-inflatable liners throughout the entire helmet provide secure and comfortable fit; inter-link jaw pads with TPU cushioning are mechanically attached securely to football helmet to eliminate pads from falling out or moving
- Flexural resistance engineering improves the overall strength and durability of the shell in a critical location and improves impact absorption
- Earned a 5-star safety rating in the Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings
- Equipped with a carbon steel facemask, football's most popular facemask material
- TPU cushioning, the most advanced impact absorption system in football, absorbs more impact across a wider variety of temperatures than any other helmet on the field
- Non-inflatable liners throughout the entire helmet provide secure and comfortable fit; inter-link jaw pads with TPU cushioning are mechanically attached securely to football helmet to eliminate pads from falling out or moving
- Flexural resistance engineering improves the overall strength and durability of the shell in a critical location and improves impact absorption
- Ideal for autographs.
- The Speed Mini Helmet is a half-scale replica of one of the most popular new helmet introductions in Riddell's history.
- The most popular collectible in history is now available in the New Speed Helmet design.
- Official colors and decals. Includes interior padding and a 4-point chin strap.
Choosing the Best Football Helmet: A Parent’s Guide
Football is a fast and exciting sport. Helmets keep players safe. Buying the right helmet is very important. This guide helps you pick the best one for your young athlete.
Key Features to Look For
Safety Ratings and Certifications
Always check the helmet’s safety rating. Look for certifications like NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment). This label means the helmet meets important safety standards. A good rating shows the helmet offers strong protection against hard hits.
Fit and Adjustability
A helmet must fit perfectly. A loose helmet moves around. This makes it less safe. Look for helmets with good padding systems. Adjustable jaw pads and inflation systems help you get a snug fit. The helmet should not cover the eyes or slip down when the player moves their head.
Faceguard Options
The faceguard protects the face and jaw. Different positions need different faceguards. Linemen often use a sturdier, more open faceguard. Quarterbacks might prefer a guard that offers a clearer view. Make sure the faceguard attaches securely to the helmet shell.
Important Materials in Football Helmets
Football helmets use strong materials. These materials work together to absorb impact.
- Outer Shell: Most modern shells are made from tough polycarbonate plastic. This hard plastic takes the first hit. It spreads the force around the helmet.
- Impact Liner: This is inside the shell. It uses foam materials like expanded polystyrene (EPS). The liner crushes slightly during a hit. This crushing action slows down the force reaching the head.
- Padding: Soft padding sits against the head. It makes the helmet comfortable. Good padding also helps fine-tune the fit.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Helmet Quality
What Makes a Helmet Better
High-quality helmets often feature advanced impact absorption technology. Some use specialized materials that manage rotational forces better. Better ventilation systems keep the player cool. Cooler players stay more focused. Helmets with advanced fitting systems, like inflatable air bladders, usually offer superior protection because they fit better.
What Lowers Helmet Quality
Old or damaged helmets offer less protection. Scratches or cracks on the outer shell mean the helmet integrity is compromised. Reusing a helmet that has already sustained major impacts is risky. Also, helmets that are too heavy or too light might not have the right balance of protection and comfort.
User Experience and Use Cases
Comfort During Play
A player will not wear a helmet they find uncomfortable. Look for lightweight designs, especially for younger players. Good airflow prevents excessive sweating. If a helmet feels heavy or pinches, the player might try to avoid wearing it correctly, which reduces safety.
Different Levels of Play
The required protection changes with the level of play. Youth leagues often use lighter helmets focused on proper fit for growing heads. High school and college players face harder impacts. These players need helmets with the newest impact-reducing technologies. Always buy a helmet appropriate for the player’s age and the intensity of their league.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Football Helmets
Q: How often should I replace my football helmet?
A: You should replace a helmet every three to five years, even if it looks fine. The internal protective materials break down over time. If the helmet sustains a major visible impact, replace it immediately.
Q: How do I know if the helmet fits correctly?
A: The helmet should sit low and level on the head. It should not rock side-to-side or front-to-back when shaken gently. The padding should touch the head evenly all around. The chin strap must be snug so that when the player opens their mouth wide, the helmet pulls down slightly on the cheeks.
Q: Can I buy a used helmet?
A: It is generally not recommended. You cannot know the history of damage to a used helmet. The internal safety features may already be weakened. Safety is worth buying new.
Q: What is the difference between a youth and adult helmet?
A: Youth helmets are usually lighter and designed for smaller head circumferences. Adult helmets are built to handle higher impact speeds typical of older players.
Q: Do all helmets protect against concussions equally?
A: No helmet can prevent all concussions. Helmets are designed to reduce the *risk* of severe brain injury by managing impact force. Different models manage forces differently.
Q: How do I clean the inside of the helmet?
A: Remove the inner padding if possible. Wipe the padding with a mild soap and water solution. Let all parts air dry completely before reassembling. Do not use harsh chemicals.
Q: Should I buy a helmet with an integrated communication system?
A: These systems are usually only necessary for high school or college teams for coaching communication. For youth players, they are not needed and add extra cost and weight.
Q: What is rotational force protection?
A: Rotational forces happen when the head twists quickly during a hit. This twisting motion can cause serious injury. Modern helmets use special liners to allow slight movement between the shell and the head, which reduces this dangerous twisting force.
Q: Does the color or brand matter for safety?
A: No. The brand name or the color of the helmet does not affect its safety rating. Focus on the safety certifications and the fit.
Q: My child plays multiple positions. What faceguard should I choose?
A: If your child plays a variety of roles, choose a versatile faceguard. A standard “skill position” guard offers a good balance of protection and visibility for running and throwing.