Every Saturday in the fall, young athletes take to the gridiron, full of energy and dreams. But beneath the excitement lurks a serious concern: concussions. As parents and coaches, we want our kids to love the game, yet we worry constantly about their safety. Choosing the right helmet feels like a high-stakes decision, doesn’t it? The market is flooded with confusing labels and promises, making it tough to know which gear truly offers the best protection against those jarring impacts.
This struggle is real. We need gear that balances safety, comfort, and cost. Finding the helmet that best prevents concussions shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. That’s why we’ve cut through the noise. By the end of this post, you will understand the key safety features that really matter, how to properly fit a helmet, and what the latest research says about head protection for your young player.
Ready to equip your child with confidence? Let’s dive into the essential guide to selecting a youth football helmet built for maximum safety.
Top Youth Football Helmet To Prevent Concussions Recommendations
- 1、Suitable for a Variety of Sports--Soft helmet for rugby, flag football, 7 on 7, scrum cap, soccer or some special needs.
- 2、Excellent Safety Performance. -- The material of flag football helmet is polyester and high density foam. Adjustable chin strap and rear laces insure proper fit.
- 3、Extremely Comfortable. -- Lightweight, soft. This rugby helmet are comfortable to wear. Enjoy the fun of sports.
- 4、Breathable Headgear--This soft helmet for flag football is equipped with multiple air vents to discharge heat and moisture during exercise, which is beneficial to keep the head dry.
- 5. Size Chart--SEE SIZE CHART IN PHOTOS SECTION. Measure completely around your forehead at the fullest part pulling the tape measure snug. The tape should be about ½" above each ear. ：S=17-18"(43-46cm), M=18-21"(46-54cm), L=21-23"(54-58cm), XL=23-24.5"(58-62cm).
- 1. Using high-quality materials, the football helmet material is elastic, soft and comfortable, not easy to break, durable and easy to clean. The rugby helmet snap button on the back rope and the Velcro on the chin make it easier for you to wear this football hood.
- 2. Wide range of application scenarios, suitable for 7v7, rugby, football, hockey, skateboard, roller skating, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other outdoor sports. And the adjustable chinstrap and elastic back rear laces, this football helmet suit for different age like kids, youth, adults to use.
- 3. Comfortable and breathable, this foam padded rugby helmet is designed with multiple ventilation holes, which can allow you to discharge heat during exercise, which is beneficial to keep your head dry and not stuffy; the improved 3D ear design will not hinder your communication with your companions .
- 4. High elastic EVA foam material, light weight and strong shock absorption, can provide you the best head protection when you accidentally fall, or other possible injuries during sports.
- 5. Size of the football helmet, please refer to the size chart in the photo section. L=21-23 inches (54-58cm) suitable for people over 12 years old. It is really easy to put on and take off this football helmet, you just need to fasten the chin to attach the rugby helmet to your head.
- 【Adjustable Chin Strap And Rear Laces】Our soft padded rugby helmet has adjustable chinstrap and elastic back rear laces ensure the proper fit. The chin fastener attaches the rugby helmet to the head and is easy to put on and take off. Special needs helmet can let you feel comfortable not tight. Adjustable chin strap and rear laces insure proper fit.
- 【Brethable High Elasticity EVA】Using high-quality materials. Expanded and thermoformed EVA padded foam. Equipped with multiple thickened EVA pads. Soft helmet have function of abrasion-resistant and dirt-resistant for youth. The football helmet material is soft and comfortable, not easy to break, durable and easy to clean. This soft shell helmet 7v7 provides perfect protection.
- 【Ergonomic Design】Rugby heargear is extremely comfortable. Lightweight, soft, breathable. User-friendly design rugby scrum cap. Sports protective headgear can fit different head curves, giving you protection, soft shell helmet flag football helmet can be used for a long time. Durable stitching and precisely cut, made it comfortable to wear, relax and enjoy sports. This rugby soft helmet are comfortable to wear.
- 【Lightweight & Breathable】This soft shell helmet flag football youth is designed with multiple ventilation holes and multiple vents for ears. The ear area is equipped with multiple vents so that you can hear the external sound clearly, keep you safe and flexible. This rugby headguards is equipped with multiple air vents to discharge heat and moisture during exercise, which is beneficial to keep the dry and breathable .
- 【Wide Range of Application】Rugby game helmets suitable for a variety of sports. Such as rugby, flag football, hockey, baseball, 7 on 7 Passing Leagues, tackle, snowboard, roller-skating, varsity, plate, bicycle，jiujitsu, soccer goalie, brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other outdoor sports. Flag football helmet suits for people which has special needs for youth.
- 1、Suitable for a Variety of Sports--Soft helmet for rugby, flag football, 7 on 7, scrum cap, soccer or some special needs.
- 2、Excellent Safety Performance. -- The material of flag football helmet is polyester and high density foam. Adjustable chin strap and rear laces insure proper fit.
- 3、Extremely Comfortable. -- Lightweight, soft. This rugby helmet are comfortable to wear. Enjoy the fun of sports.
- 4、Breathable Headgear--This soft helmet for flag football is equipped with multiple air vents to discharge heat and moisture during exercise, which is beneficial to keep the head dry.
- 5、 Size Chart--SEE SIZE CHART IN PHOTOS SECTION. Measure completely around your forehead at the fullest part pulling the tape measure snug. The tape should be about ½" above each ear. ：S=17-18"(43-46cm), M=18-21"(46-54cm), L=21-23"(54-58cm), XL=23-24.5"(58-62cm).
- 【Leading Design】 Flag football helmet is made of high-quality polyester fiber and EVA material, which is lightweight and soft. The thick adjustable chin strap is very sturdy, enhancing the comfort of wearing, while the elastic rope on the back expands the adjustable range of the helmet, and is equipped with sports teeth guards to improve your sports safety.
- 【Size Selection】 How to measure dimensions? Place the tape measure tightly against the widest part of your forehead, ensuring it is 3/4 inches above your ear. Soft shell helmet comes in three different sizes, namely S circumference of 18.5-20.5 inches (47-52cm), M circumference of 20.5-22.5 inches (52-57cm), and L circumference of 22.5-24.5 inches (57-62cm).
- 【Excellent Impact Resistance】 High density and high elasticity EVA materials can absorb impact force, disperse pressure, and protect head safety when subjected to impact. Both teenagers, children, and adults can use this protective helmet during exercise to reduce the possibility of head impact and injury.
- 【Super Breathability】 7v7 football helmet is made of moisture absorbing material, with multiple large and small air holes on the top, which has good moisture absorption and sweat wicking function, and good heat dissipation. The three-dimensional perforation design of the ear not only protects the ear, but also improves communication efficiency.
- 【Suitable for Various Sports and Good Service】 Whether you are a rugby player, a football player, a seven on seven flag rugby player, or someone with special needs, a rugby helmet can provide you with protection. If you encounter any problems after purchasing the product, please contact us and we will help you solve the problem.
- ADJUSTABLE SOFT PADDED HELMET➤Our Soft padded rugby helmet has adjustabe chin strap back of helmet,you can freely adjust the size of helmet to fit your head. Soft padded headgear is suitable for all kinds of outdoor sports, such as rugby,flag football,Hockey, skateboarding, roller skating,soccer,baseball, ice hockey,mountain bike racing etc.
- BREATHABLE PADDED HEADGEAR-➤This soft shell rugby helmet is made of high quality polyester fabric,super lightweight, soft shell padded football helmet fits your head more closely, breathable rugby football padded helmet with multiple air hole,which can effectively dissipate heat, breathable and comfortable padded rugby Headguards.
- 3 USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN-➤3D ear thicken pad design with multiple breathable air holes,which can not stuffy ears but also better protect the ears. ➤The string in the back of the soft shell padded football helmet is elastic and durable,not easy to break,and you can adjust the string freely according to the head size ➤Flexible adjustable chin strap,super sticky, and never worry about loosing, you can focus on your sports.
- POWERFUL PROTECTION-➤Elastic and durable football padded rugby helmet is made of impact-resistant EVA foam,which is great for sports buffering, protect you from sports injury better.And the block design of the football helmet is conducive to dispersing the impact and can fit different head curves,giving you powerful protection,durable soft shell padded helmet also can be used for a long time.
- PERFECT GIFTS➤Size:21-23in =53-58cm, thicken durable soft shell 7v7 flag football helmet is a strong protector on your sports, which is for birthday ,graduation, Back-to-school , Thanksgiving , Christmasfor your friends,kids,boys,girls.
- 3D EARS & ENHANCED STICKER CLOSURE - The new version of our Legendfit football soft helmet features an upgraded sticker closure system that ensures an even more secure and reliable fit. Furthermore, Legendfit helmets are designed with a 3D ergonomic shape to ensure proper fit and maximum comfort. The special ear part is carefully designed to minimize friction and provide enhanced hearing.
- EXCELLENT HEAD PROTECTION - Equipped with multiple thickened EVA pads, which have great function of shock absorption and impact resistance, Legendfit soft shell padded helmets provide excellent head protection for players. Designed for maximum safety, our helmets are perfect for contact sports and training uses.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & BREATHABLE - Made from premium quality polyester and high density foam, Legendfit soft caps are extremely lightweight and offer exceptional comfort. The high-quality materials provide great breathability, allowing moisture to be effectively wicked away to keep you fresh and dry.
- WIDE APPLICATIONS - Legendfit soft padded helmets are designed for the best comfort and practicality, making them suitable for a wide range of sports activities. Whether it's 7 on 7 Football, rugby, flag football, soccer, lacrosse, hockey, skateboard, roller-skating, or any other high-impact sports, our helmets provide excellent head protection. Legendfit helmets are versatile and offer the perfect fit for youth boys girls peewee teens men and women players.
- LEGENDFIT SATISFACTION - We stand behind the quality of our products and are dedicated to providing excellent customer service. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Product Include and Size: product include a red rugby helmet shell. The size of our football helmet: large size=23-24 inch(58.4-60.9 cm), suits for youth and adult.
- Ingenious Ear-part Holes Design: There are stamping holes on both sides of the rugby helmet's auricle part, greatly facilitating sound conduction, also being more breathable, helping heat dissipation.
- Adjustable Helmet for Comfort: this protective football headguards features adjustable chin strap and back rear laces, feel free to adjust to a comfortable size, also, it is not easy to loosen during exercise, and it is stable to wear, so that you are more focused on sports.
- High-quality EVA Material: our scrum cap is made of premium EVA foam, lycra and polyester fabrics material, lightweight, wear and dirt resisting, more breathable. Split EVA foam fits different head curves and is more comfortable to wear.
- Widely Applications: this padded football headgear is suitable for many sports occasions, like rugby, soccer, 7v7, flag football, lacrosse, ice hockey, skateboarding, snowboarding, roller skating, baseball, and other outdoor sports.
Choosing the Best Youth Football Helmet to Guard Against Concussions
Buying a youth football helmet is a big decision. Parents want the best protection for their young athletes. Concussions are serious. This guide helps you pick a helmet that offers top safety.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at helmets, check these important things first.
- **Impact Absorption System:** This is the most important part. Good helmets use special padding and liners to soak up the force of a hit. Look for multi-layer padding.
- **Fit and Sizing:** A helmet must fit perfectly. A loose helmet moves around and does not protect the head right. Check for easy-to-use adjustment systems, like inflation pads or dial-fit systems.
- **Face Mask and Chin Strap:** The face mask needs to be strong steel or titanium. The chin strap must be sturdy and lock securely. A four-point strap system usually offers the best hold.
- **Ventilation:** Kids sweat a lot when playing hard. Good airflow keeps the head cool and comfortable. Look for plenty of vent holes.
Important Materials Matter
The materials used decide how strong and safe the helmet is.
The outer shell is usually made from tough polycarbonate plastic. This material handles direct, hard hits well. Inside, the padding is crucial. High-quality helmets often use specialized foams like EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) or advanced materials that compress during impact but spring back quickly. Avoid helmets with just thin, basic foam. Better materials last longer and offer better protection over time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Helmet Quality
What makes one helmet better than another? It often comes down to testing and design.
Improving Quality
- **Certifications:** Always check for safety certifications. Look for labels from organizations like the NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment). This proves the helmet passed strict tests.
- **Advanced Technology:** Some newer helmets use unique cushioning technologies designed specifically to manage rotational forces—the twisting motion that often causes concussions.
- **Durability:** A helmet that holds up season after season without cracking or losing padding effectiveness is a sign of high quality.
Reducing Quality
Cheap materials reduce quality significantly. If a helmet feels too light or the plastic shell seems flimsy, it probably won’t perform well in a real game. Also, older helmet designs that lack modern impact management features offer less protection against concussions.
User Experience and Use Cases
How does the helmet feel when worn? This affects whether a player will wear it correctly.
For youth players, ease of use is key. Can the child easily put the helmet on, adjust the chin strap themselves, and take it off without help? Comfort matters too. If the helmet pinches or is too heavy, kids might try to avoid wearing it or wear it loosely. These helmets are designed for full-contact football practice and games. They are not suitable for casual play like tag football.
Remember, even the best helmet cannot eliminate all concussion risk. Proper technique and coaching are just as important as the gear itself.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Youth Football Helmets
Q: How often should I replace my child’s football helmet?
A: You should replace a youth helmet every 3 to 5 years, or immediately if you see cracks in the shell or if the internal padding seems worn out or compressed.
Q: Can a used helmet still be safe?
A: It is generally safer to buy new. With used helmets, you cannot know how many hard hits it has already absorbed or if the internal foam is damaged. Always choose a new helmet for the best protection.
Q: What does “Rotational Energy Management” mean?
A: Rotational energy is the twisting force on the head during a hit. Many modern helmets have features that allow the head to move slightly inside the helmet to reduce this dangerous twisting force.
Q: How do I know if the helmet fits correctly?
A: The helmet should fit snugly all around the head. The front pad should rest just above the eyebrows. When the chin strap is fastened, the helmet should not shift more than one inch in any direction when the player shakes their head.
Q: Is a more expensive helmet always safer?
A: Usually, yes. Higher-priced helmets incorporate newer, better impact absorption materials and advanced testing standards that entry-level models skip to keep costs down.
Q: Should I buy a helmet with the newest safety rating?
A: Yes. Safety ratings change as science improves. Always look for the most recent NOCSAE standard certification available when you purchase.
Q: Do face masks affect concussion risk?
A: The face mask primarily protects the face and jaw. While it needs to be strong, the mask itself has little direct effect on reducing concussions, which involve internal brain movement.
Q: What is the difference between a youth helmet and an adult helmet?
A: Youth helmets are designed with smaller head sizes and often use slightly different padding densities because younger players experience different impact forces than older, heavier players.
Q: How do I clean the inside of the helmet?
A: Use a mild soap and water solution or a specialized helmet cleaning spray. Wipe down the pads gently. Never soak the helmet or use harsh chemicals, as this can damage the protective foam.
Q: Does adding extra padding make the helmet safer?
A: No. Adding aftermarket padding can actually make the fit worse. If the helmet padding is too thick, it prevents the helmet from sitting correctly on the head, which reduces the effectiveness of the designed safety systems.