Soccer is a popular sport played by thousands: from Pop Warner and youth leagues to the NFL. However, the game is full contact, and no matter how old you play,concussion risksAre real. And the lasting effects that are being understood right now.
The truth is that in a game as tough and unpredictable as soccer, no helmet can completely prevent concussions. But if your child dreams of playing, you don't need to say "no". Choose one of the best youth football helmets instead.
With a state-of-the-art fit and the latest cushioning and shock absorption technology, these helmets will help you and the little ones in your life have a safe, healthy and fun soccer experience.
Our top picks
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The following are detailed reviews of the best football helmets for teens.
1. Casco juvenil Riddell SpeedFlex
The best youth football helmets
Brand:Riddell |protective mask:y |Transatlantic:air adjustment |Chin straps:Nockenschloss |Preis:💰💰💰💰💰
A youth version of what the pros like Tom Brady are known to wear, the Riddell SpeedFlex is the ultimate youth football helmet for any position. Features such as the shock-reducing Flex System and Riddell's patented Side-Impact Protection (PSIP) that helps protect the jaw from side impacts contributed to our choice. There's also an easily adjustable cam-lock chin strap, an Air-Fit liner system, and an occiput closure around the back of the head.
The SpeedFlex is sold with a face mask, and because of the inflatable side pockets, we found it to fit better than traditional helmets. Young players especially like the adjustable chin strap, and while the helmet is pricey, it's well-built, with plenty of padding and sleek styling. But most importantly, it helps support a young player's neck and head while on the field, as protecting the brain is a top priority.
reviewers like it
- Available in different colors, glossy and matt.
- Reduced single player headaches.
- Maßgetreu
Reviewers don't like it
- The chin strap is difficult to adjust for younger players.
- Youth and secondary sizes only
2. Rawlings Momentum Plus Youth Football Helmet
The best cheap football helmets for youth.
Brand:Rawlinge |protective mask:Sold separately |Transatlantic:Heat Exchange Technology / Customizable Fit |Chin straps:Not applicable |Preis:💰
You may not have a lot of money to spend on a football helmet, or you may be a little reluctant to invest in a helmet until you're sure your child will keep playing. In those cases, the Rawlings Momentum Plus is the best youth football helmet for you. But just because Rawlings Momentum Plus is affordable doesn't mean it doesn't offer less concussion protection.
First of all, this basic helmet has an adjustable inner liner with heat exchange technology, which gives players a comfortable feeling when wearing it. The helmet also has a rear inflation port to refine the fit and while some reviews say they tend to run large, we also found them to run pretty true to size. Finally, it is made of an impact resistant ABS shell.
reviewers like it
- From one of the oldest sports equipment brands.
- "Pro" style shell design.
- Affordable
Reviewers don't like it
- No face mask but there is a chin strap.
- XS smaller than most extra small
3. Riddell Victor Youth Football Helmets
The best youth football helmets for runners
Brand:Riddell |protective mask:y |Transatlantic:Equipped |Chin straps:suave |Preis:💰💰💰
For your young men to run without fearon the soccer field, we like Riddell's Victor Youth Football Helmet. With an included face mask and fitted liner, this helmet features Riddell's patented side impact protection and inflatable jaw pads. There is also a removable moisture resistant liner and soft chin strap with face mask attachments with screws and T-nuts to an ABS shell.
It's too small for the average high school student, we've learned. But parents who have tried the helmet on their young and young football players say it fits the bill perfectly, adding that it's comfortable and the pads are actually better than what other brands offer.
For the price, it's also a good option for players who are just getting a taste of soccer and may not be ready to commit to the game long-term.
reviewers like it
- Chin strap good for sensitive skin.
- Easily interchangeable masks
- good ventilation
Reviewers don't like it
- No inflatable lining, except for the jaw pads.
- single color option
4. Debris Air XP Pro VTD II
The best youth football helmets for wide receivers
Brand:debris |protective mask:Sold separately |Transatlantic:SUREFIT air lining reinforced with TPU |Chin straps:SC4 Hard Shell |Preis:💰💰💰💰
Light and fast, the Schutt Air XP is, in our opinion, the best youth football helmet for the wide receiver position. The face mask is sold separately, which is a downside, but otherwise, there's a TPU-enhanced SUREFIT Air liner and a rigid SC4 chin strap. It's also worth noting that the well-reviewed helmet comes standard with interlocking jaw pads and an extended shell.
The helmet is also available in a beautiful range of colors to match your young player's kit. Those who have tried the helmet call it supportive, comfortable, and highly adjustable in terms of size.
In addition, it has received a high rating from theVirginia Tech Helmet Rating System, and TPU cushioning absorbs shock, especially in high-contact gaming scenarios. There is also a rigid rear tray at the rear of the helmet.
reviewers like it
- The removable padding can be washed.
- Good choice for heads that are difficult to mount.
- good color choice
Reviewers don't like it
- Some color/size combinations are hard to find
- Best padding available, say some
5.Casco juvenil Schutt Sports Vengeance A11
The best youth football helmets for quarterbacks
Brand:debris |protective mask:Sold separately |Transatlantic:TPU Front Pad/Middle Jaw Pad |Chin straps:Soft case |Preis:💰💰
For quarterbacks, the best football helmet for concussion protection in our rankings is the Schutt Sports Vengeance A11 youth helmet. One of the things we liked about the quarterback helmet was the raised brow design, which improves visibility while deflecting impact away from the head.
The A11 also features frontal TPU padding with interconnected jaw pads and a soft chin strap. There is flexural strength engineering that improves the overall strength of the shell and the helmet is also available in a variety of color options to match team colors.
Those who have worn the helmet while playing soccer call it comfortable with great padding and fit. Based on feedback, it can take quite a beating and rarely, if ever, lets go or wobbles. And all this in a flat and compact design.
reviewers like it
- Good scores on the Virginia Tech helmet rating system
- Better than expected, some say
- front and rear bumper
Reviewers don't like it
- Soft cup chin straps are not for everyone
- get a little sweaty
6. Schutt Sports F7 LX1 Youth Football Helmets
The best youth football helmets for linemen
Brand:debris |protective mask:Sold separately |Transatlantic:SUREFIT Air Liner |Chin straps:Soft case |Preis:💰💰💰💰💰
When it came time to select the best football helmets for young linemen, the F7 LX1 stood out from the rest. First, there are strategically placed 3-D plates in commonly affected areas, providing additional protection against rotational forces, which is particularly important for the linemen's position. There's also a helmet stabilization system for added support around the jaw, with shock-absorbing TPU cushioning throughout the helmet and at varying temperatures.
Also, players like the different colors the helmet comes in, but some comment that the actual color ended up being quite different than what they thought they ordered online, so be careful. Some comment that it is a bit heavy, but others add that they feel very little contact while wearing the helmet. Overall, the fit is great even without adding air to the cushioning.
reviewers like it
- Detachable chin straps
- Too loose? add air
Reviewers don't like it
- Mixed reviews on major helmet rating services
- expensive but worth it
our process
For this guide to the best youth football helmets, our team spent 5 hours researching the most popular options from over 30 brands and manufacturers big and small. We then read around 150 user reviews (both positive and negative) to find out what buyers think of each football helmet. After comparing these data, we have narrowed our list down to the 6 best kids' football helmets on the market. You can trust this research to guide you to an informed purchase decision.
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FAQs
What helmet should a WR wear? ›
The most popular helmet, just like in the QB article, is the Riddell Speedflex. The 'flex is worn by 39 of the 96 starting WRs, which makes it the most popular helmet model. The Speedflex is the perfect blend of modern styling and top of the line protection.
What is the best QB helmet? ›Best Helmet – Riddell Speedflex
The Riddell Speedflex is the most popular helmet in all of football and the most common among QBs at all levels. The Speedflex is one of the safest lids in football and boasts a 5/5 star rating on the VT Helmet Rating Scale.
Both shells are considered light by traditional football helmet standards, but the F7 has a bit of an edge, checking in at just 3.3 lbs (without a facemask) for a size large shell. A size large SpeedFlex (without a facemask) has a weight of 3.45 lbs, making it slightly heavier, but not by a large number.
How do you tell if a helmet is a good fit? ›A helmet that is too loose will move around or will not sit down completely on your head. A correctly sized helmet will be a little tight, providing even pressure around your head without uncomfortable pressure points. It should not move when you shake your head.
How do you pick the best fitting helmet? ›The helmet should have a snug fit and should not wobble or try to suffocate you by being too tight. The helmet will pop out in case of an accident if it is lose or too big. Wear it at least for 10 – 15 minutes to see how it fares for you. The strap should lock in and open up easily but not vaguely.
What helmets do NFL lineman wear? ›In all 2022 preseason practices up until the second preseason game, all offensive linemen, defensive linemen, tight ends, and linebackers are required to wear the Guardian Cap, providing additional impact protection during the period when the league sees the greatest concentration of helmet impacts.
What is the safest helmet in the NFL? ›That's the NFL's new safety measure and they're called Guardian Caps. The premise is simple. Put extra padding around players' heads to lessen the impact of blows to the helmet, in hopes of further reducing concussions and other negative impacts of on-field collisions.
What is the best helmet for offensive lineman? ›Riddell | Worn by 85% of NFL Starting Offensive Lineman
The Speedflex has been the most popular helmet for the last several years because of it's incredible safety ratings and modern design. The 5-star rated helmet features a hex panel on the front of the helmet.
The Schutt F7, worn by Andy Dalton and Teddy Bridgewater, weighs in at around 4 pounds, while the Speedflex weighs closer to 5 pounds.
Are Xenith helmets good? ›A: The Xenith is one of the best football helmets in today's market, and it's also been supported as the best football helmet to prevent concussions. That said, any player at any time can get a concussion while playing any sport, even if they are equipped with the best helmet for concussion prevention.
What is the heaviest football helmet? ›
Carbon's Diamond technology has tested incredibly well during its very short lifetime; all the perks of the original SpeedFlex with even further improved technology! Cons – The SpeedFlex Diamond is heavy, heavy, heavy. Coming in at 5 pounds or more, the Diamond is undoubtedly the heaviest helmet on this list.
What gear do wide receivers need? ›- Wideout Gloves. Pick the gloves that help you catch better. ...
- WR Cleats. It's easy to equate weight with worth because it's one of the only ways to quantify shoes (other than price – another trap). ...
- Shoulder Pads. ...
- Training Equipment.
Players rely on the LS2 because it allows them to move faster and more efficiently on the field. Traditional football helmets can weigh up to 6 pounds, but at just 3 pounds, the LS2 makes it easier to maintain situational awareness and track the ball and other players on the field.
What is the one helmet rule? ›The one-shell rule was originally put in place due to concern that brand-new helmets worn only occasionally would not be as safe as the usual ones because they would not have been worn in enough to conform to the players' heads, which can be less safe.
Is it better to size up or down in helmets? ›If you're between sizes it is generally recommended to opt for the smaller as it'll be snug and offer a more secure fit.
Is it better to have a tight or loose helmet? ›The helmet should fit snugly around the rider's head without resulting in any pressure points. The helmet should fit as snug as possible while still being comfortable. A full-face helmet should not be able to move around on the head.
What is the 2 2 2 rule when fitting a helmet on your head? ›Two fingers above your eyebrows: The helmet should cover the top of the forehead and should rest about two fingers' width above the eyebrows. Straps form a V under your ears. The side straps should fit snugly around the ears in a "V"shape. The buckles on the side strap should fit right under the ear.
How do you know if a helmet is too big? ›A helmet fits properly if your skin moves along with the helmet when shaking your head firmly from side to side. If the helmet moves but your face does not, the helmet is too big.
How do I know what size helmet I need? ›Wrap a tape measure around the circumference of your head roughly one inch above your eyebrows. Take the measurement in both centimetres and inches as different size guides will use different measurements. Compare this measurement to the size guide – if you're in-between sizes, always try the smallest helmet first.
How should a youth helmet fit? ›The helmet should sit LOW on your forehead. There should only be one or two finger-widths above your eyebrow. Your child should be able to look upward and see the front rim of your bicycle helmet on your own head. The left and right side straps should form a "Y" and meet right below your ear.
Do linemen wear cups? ›
Players Do Not Wear Cups - The New York Times. N.F.L.
Should lineman wear cups? ›A cup is not required as an item of equipment in football. It's optional, just like rib guards or knee stockings. Every player is solely responsible for determining whether or not they require a cup; the referee will not check whether or not a player is wearing one before a match.
What team has the best helmet in the NFL? ›1. Las Vegas Raiders. Just win the helmet rankings, baby!
Do any NFL players wear Xenith helmets? ›The only player wearing Xenith is Browns' powerback, Nick Chubb. Xenith helmets are very uncommon in the NFL, but Chubb has stayed loyal to his Xenith Epic+ since 2017.
What is the lightest American football helmet? ›The X2E+ Varsity is the lightest "Top-Performing" helmet on the NFL Helmet Test and 5-star rated by Virginia Tech Testing. Adaptive Fit Technology means the Internal Shock Matrix inside X2E+ conforms to the head for a unique and comfortable fit every time you tighten the chinstrap.
What helmet did Tom Brady used to wear? ›His choice was the Riddell Speedflex.
How do I know what size football helmet to buy? ›Measure your head circumference in centimeters approx. 1-2 cm above the eyebrows. Divide the measured value in "cm" by a factor of 2.54 and find the obtained value in "inches" in the table of the appropriate helmet sizes. If you are between two sizes, choose a smaller rather than a larger helmet size.
What is the difference between youth and varsity football helmets? ›Youth helmets are intended for players under the age of 14, and varsity helmets are meant for players age 14 and older. Youth helmets are typically similar to their varsity counterparts in both design and liner materials.
How do you size a youth riding helmet? ›How to size your head for a riding helmet. Using a soft fabric measuring tape, wrap it around the widest part of your head (over your hair). It should follow a line about 3/4 inch above your eyebrows, just above the ear line and around the bump at the back of your head.