Can I wear a football helmet that doesn’t fit right? No, you absolutely cannot wear a football helmet that doesn’t fit right. A properly sized football helmet is crucial for player safety, offering the best protection against concussions and other serious head injuries. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about football helmet fitting, from measuring your head to choosing the right size for different age groups and brands.
The Importance of a Proper Football Helmet Fit
A football helmet is a critical piece of safety equipment. Its primary job is to absorb impact and protect the player’s head from trauma. However, if a helmet is too big or too small, it won’t do its job effectively. A loose helmet can shift during play, leaving parts of the head exposed to impact. A helmet that’s too tight can be uncomfortable, distract the player, and even impede blood flow. The goal of a proper helmet fit is to ensure the helmet stays securely in place, distributing impact forces evenly across the head.
Why Fit Matters More Than Brand
While reputable football helmet brands sizing are generally consistent, focusing solely on a brand name won’t guarantee a good fit. Every player’s head shape is unique. Some heads are rounder, while others are more oval. Different brands and even different models within a brand may accommodate these variations differently. Therefore, the most important factor is how the helmet fits your specific head.
Measuring for a Football Helmet: A Step-by-Step Approach
Knowing how to measure for a football helmet is the first and most vital step in the sizing process. You’ll need a flexible measuring tape.
Step 1: Measure Your Football Helmet Circumference
- Find the Widest Part: Place the flexible measuring tape about one inch (or two finger widths) above your eyebrows.
- Wrap Around: Gently bring the tape measure around the widest part of your head, going across your temples and the back of your head.
- Record the Measurement: Note the measurement in both inches and centimeters. This football helmet circumference is your starting point for finding the right size.
Step 2: Consult a Helmet Size Chart
Once you have your measurement, the next step is to consult a helmet size chart. Most manufacturers provide these charts, often accessible on their websites or packaging. These charts will translate your head circumference into a specific helmet size (e.g., Small, Medium, Large, XL).
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Example of a Typical Helmet Size Chart:
Helmet Size Circumference (inches) Circumference (cm) XS 18 – 19 46 – 48.5 S 19.5 – 20.5 49.5 – 52 M 21 – 22 53 – 56 L 22.5 – 23.5 57 – 60 XL 24 – 25 61 – 63.5 XXL 25.5 – 26.5 65 – 67.5 Note: This is a general example. Always refer to the specific brand’s size chart.
Step 3: Try the Helmet On (Crucial Step!)
While a size chart is a good starting point, it’s not the final word. You must try the helmet on to confirm the fit. This is where the art of football helmet fitting truly comes into play.
How to Put On a Football Helmet Correctly
- Loosen Straps: Ensure all chin straps and any other adjustment mechanisms are loosened.
- Positioning: Place the helmet on your head. It should feel snug but not painfully tight.
- Secure Straps: Buckle the chin strap.
Checking for Proper Fit
Here’s how to assess if the helmet is sized correctly:
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The “No-Wiggle” Test:
- Side-to-Side: With the chin strap securely fastened, try to shake your head from side to side. The helmet should not shift or move more than an inch.
- Front-to-Back: Try to nod your head up and down. The helmet should not move significantly forward to cover your eyes or backward to expose your forehead.
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Forehead Contact: The helmet should sit snugly against your forehead and the sides of your head. There should be no large gaps between your skin and the helmet padding.
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Cheek Pad Contact: The cheek pads should make firm but comfortable contact with your cheeks. They shouldn’t feel like they’re pushing your cheeks in excessively, nor should they be so loose that your face moves independently of the helmet.
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Brow Pad Pressure: You should feel a slight, even pressure around your forehead from the brow pad. It shouldn’t feel like it’s digging into your skin or be so loose that it doesn’t touch your forehead.
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Eye Level: The helmet’s front rim should be about one to two finger widths above your eyebrows, ensuring your vision is not obstructed.
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Jaw Protection: The helmet should cover the back of your head and extend down to protect your jawline.
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Chin Strap Comfort: The chin strap should be snug enough to keep the helmet in place but not so tight that it restricts breathing or is uncomfortable. You should be able to fit one finger comfortably between the strap and your chin.
Sizing Considerations for Youth vs. Adult Football Helmets
There are distinct differences when how to choose football helmet size for youth players compared to adults.
Youth Football Helmet Size
- Growth: Children are still growing, so it’s tempting to buy a helmet a size larger to accommodate future growth. However, this is a dangerous practice. An oversized helmet will not provide adequate protection.
- Frequent Checks: Youth players’ heads can grow quickly. It’s essential to re-measure and check the fit of their helmets frequently, at least at the start of each season.
- Lighter Construction: Youth helmets are often designed to be lighter to reduce strain on developing necks.
- Adjustability: Many youth helmets feature advanced adjustment systems, such as dial-fit or inflatable air pockets, to allow for a more custom fit as the child grows. These can be very helpful, but they don’t replace the need for a proper initial fit.
Adult Football Helmet Size
- Established Head Size: Adult head sizes are generally stable. The primary concern is finding a helmet that fits the current head shape and circumference.
- Weight and Durability: Adult helmets are built for more robust protection and often weigh more than youth models.
- Chin Straps and Jaw Protection: Adult helmets typically offer more substantial chin strap systems and jaw protection.
Navigating Football Helmet Brands Sizing Differences
While most football helmet brands sizing aim for consistency, subtle variations exist.
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Popular Brands and Their Fit Tendencies:
- Schutt: Often considered to have a more oval-friendly fit.
- Riddell: Can be a good option for players with rounder heads.
- Xenith: Known for its innovative suspension systems that can offer a more adaptable fit.
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Model Variations: Even within a single brand, different helmet models can have slightly different internal padding and shell shapes, affecting the fit. For example, a high-end model might offer more customizable padding than a basic one.
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The Importance of Trying On: Because of these variations, trying on helmets from different brands is highly recommended. What fits one player perfectly might not fit another as well, even if their measurements are similar.
Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
Making a mistake in how to size a football helmet can have serious consequences.
Mistake 1: Buying a Helmet Too Big
- Why it’s wrong: A loose helmet can shift during impact, failing to protect the brain properly. It can also obstruct vision, leading to further risk.
- How to avoid: Always prioritize a snug fit. If a helmet wiggles significantly during the “no-wiggle” test, it’s too big, regardless of what the size chart says.
Mistake 2: Relying Solely on the Size Chart
- Why it’s wrong: Size charts are guidelines, not definitive rules. Head shapes vary, and padding compresses differently.
- How to avoid: Always perform the on-field fit tests (the “no-wiggle” test, cheek pad contact, etc.) after consulting the chart.
Mistake 3: Not Checking the Chin Strap Fit
- Why it’s wrong: A loose or improperly adjusted chin strap is a major safety hazard. It can lead to the helmet coming off during play.
- How to avoid: Ensure the chin strap is snug, with only one finger fitting comfortably between the strap and the chin. The cup should sit below the chin.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Cheek Pad Comfort
- Why it’s wrong: Tight cheek pads can be uncomfortable and distracting, while loose ones allow the helmet to move too much.
- How to avoid: Cheek pads should offer firm support without causing pain or restricting breathing.
Mistake 5: Over-Reliance on “Break-In” Period
- Why it’s wrong: While padding can soften slightly, a helmet that is significantly too tight or too loose will never fit perfectly just because it’s “worn in.”
- How to avoid: The helmet should fit well from the start. Minor adjustments might happen with wear, but major fit issues won’t resolve themselves.
Advanced Fit Adjustments and Padding
Many modern football helmets offer ways to fine-tune the fit beyond the basic shell size.
Internal Padding Systems
- Removable/Adjustable Padding: Many helmets come with different thicknesses of foam padding that can be swapped out to achieve a more precise fit. If a helmet is slightly loose, thicker cheek pads or forehead pads might solve the issue. If it’s a bit tight, thinner pads can help.
- Air Pockets: Some helmets feature inflatable air pockets in the jaw pads or crown. These allow players to inflate or deflate them to customize the fit and comfort. This is particularly useful for youth football helmet size as it can accommodate some head growth.
Jaw Pads and Chin Straps
- Jaw Pad Fit: The jaw pads are crucial for both comfort and keeping the helmet stable. They should press firmly but comfortably against the jawbone.
- Chin Strap Adjustments: Most chin straps have multiple adjustment points. Ensure they are threaded correctly and tightened evenly.
Football Helmet Measurement Guide: A Recap
To summarize the football helmet measurement guide:
- Measure: Use a flexible tape to find the football helmet circumference one inch above your eyebrows.
- Consult: Refer to the specific manufacturer’s helmet size chart.
- Try On: This is the most important step.
- Test Fit: Perform the “no-wiggle” test, check cheek pad and forehead contact, and ensure eye-level is correct.
- Adjust: Utilize internal padding or air systems if available to fine-tune the fit.
- Chin Strap: Make sure the chin strap is snug and secure.
By following this football helmet measurement guide, you significantly increase the chances of selecting a helmet that offers optimal protection and comfort.
When to Replace or Re-Evaluate Your Helmet Fit
Helmets don’t last forever. Their protective capabilities degrade over time and with impact.
- Age of the Helmet: Most manufacturers recommend replacing helmets every 5-10 years, even if they appear to be in good condition. The materials degrade over time.
- Visible Damage: Cracks in the shell, significant dents, or worn-out padding are all signs that a helmet needs to be replaced.
- Fit Changes: If a player’s head size has changed, or if the helmet no longer passes the “no-wiggle” test, it needs to be re-sized or replaced.
- After a Major Impact: While modern helmets are designed to withstand impacts, if a helmet has been involved in a significant collision, it’s wise to have it inspected by a professional or consider replacement. The internal foam may have compressed, reducing its protective effectiveness.
Conclusion: Prioritize Safety with Proper Sizing
Choosing the right football helmet size is not a minor detail; it’s a cornerstone of player safety. A correctly fitted helmet is the first line of defense against devastating head injuries. By diligently measuring, consulting size charts, and most importantly, trying on and testing the fit, you can ensure that you or your player is protected on the field. Remember, when it comes to football helmet fitting, there is no substitute for a snug, secure, and comfortable fit. Invest the time and effort to get it right.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if my head measurement falls between two sizes on the helmet size chart?
If your measurement falls between two sizes, it’s generally best to try on the larger size first. You can then use thicker internal padding or adjustable systems (if available) to achieve a snugger fit. However, if the larger size still feels loose even with adjustments, the smaller size might be a better starting point, provided it doesn’t feel too tight or uncomfortable. Always prioritize the on-field fit tests.
Can I use an old helmet that’s been passed down?
It’s strongly discouraged to use old or passed-down helmets unless you are certain of their age and history. The materials in helmets degrade over time, reducing their protective capabilities, even if there’s no visible damage. Furthermore, older helmet designs may not meet current safety standards.
How often should I check the fit of a youth football helmet?
For youth players, it’s recommended to check the helmet fit at least at the beginning of each season and potentially mid-season if you notice any looseness. Children’s heads can grow surprisingly quickly.
What is the difference between a “youth football helmet size” and an “adult football helmet size”?
While the measurement principles are the same, youth helmets are often lighter, may have different internal padding configurations, and frequently incorporate more advanced adjustment features to accommodate growth. Adult helmets are typically built with a focus on maximum durability and protection for fully developed heads.
Are there specific measurement guides for different football helmet brands?
Yes, each of the major football helmet brands sizing will provide their own specific measurement guides and charts. It is crucial to consult the guide that corresponds to the brand and model of the helmet you are considering, as there can be slight variations in sizing between brands.
What does “football helmet circumference” mean?
Football helmet circumference refers to the measurement around the widest part of your head, typically taken about one inch above your eyebrows and temples. This measurement is the primary factor used to determine the correct helmet size from a manufacturer’s helmet size chart.