Protection is very important in soccer, and the helmet is the most important protection of all.
It should not only provide crash protection, but it should also fit comfortably and not obstruct your view or interfere with your gameplay.
That's why I've created this list to help you choose the best youth soccer helmet.
Index
8 Best Youth Football Helmets 2022 Reviewed
1. Schutt Sports Vengeance A3+ Youth Football Helmet
Finding a good youth helmet can be difficult. There are many good helmets out there, of course, but you have to find one that is suitable for a younger player. That means finding something that's not only good for protection, but also relatively comfortable. Fortunately, there's one such helmet at Schutt Sports Vengeance.
The helmet itself is definitely very comfortable. It has an excellent inner lining, which feels as soft as the company claims. However, the real benefit you get here is in the weight. This is a very light helmet, but tough enough to protect you in the field. The player won't forget they're wearing a helmet with this one, but they'll get the next best thing. If you have a player who doesn't like heavy shells, this might be the best option for them.
What worries most parents, of course, is protection. The good news is that this is a football helmet that will keep a kid safe on the field. However, it doesn't have any special safety features and won't be as good at preventing CTE as some of the helmets that older players are starting to wear. Fortunately, it's more than enough to withstand the kind of impact needed during a youth game, and most players will be grateful for the protection this helmet provides.
2. Youth SpeedFlex Helmet
A good helmet is one of the most important tools a young footballer can have. While there is a lot of fancy merchandising that can go into the world of helmets, the truth is that what most kids need is something that fits well and protects them on the course. That's what the SpeedFlex Youth helmet brings, replacing substance with glitter.
Most of what you get when looking at this helmet is protection. It's not because there's anything high-tech here, of course. It's the same type of helmet that gamers have been wearing for years, but it's actually great protection for youngsters. Here you will not have to worry too much about injuries, mainly because of the fit of the helmet. While there are some helmets that protect young players better, they certainly don't do so without sacrificing the other great benefit of this helmet.
The other great feature of this helmet is the comfort level. A lot of that is down to the good fit, but the headset itself is great for those gamers who aren't used to wearing a headset in their games. Eventually, they'll move on to more complex helmets that have to withstand higher levels of impact, but for now, it's good to start with something that gets them used to wearing the proper gear on the course. This is a great helmet for beginners, especially if you have a younger player who needs to be forced into protective gear.
3. Schutt Sports Youth Recruit Hybrid Football Helmet
Schutt Sports has a reputation for building solid youth helmets. They may not always be the most sophisticated, but they always do a great job of keeping younger players safe. However, this hybrid helmet is a step up from what you see from the company most of the time, adopting a few new features to create a much better helmet. If you're looking for something a little more high-tech, you'll like what you'll find here.
The hybrid nature of the helmet can be traced back to the high-tech cushioning used in the equipment. This cushioning helps absorb impact better than traditional padding, which in turn makes it much safer for kids to be out on the course. This is the perfect type of helmet for those parents who are concerned about the possibility of CTE, but still want to give their kids a chance to play football. It doesn't hurt that the design also embraces some traditional concepts that have always gone a long way in making soccer a bit safer for younger players.
The good news is that this helmet is also quite comfortable. It eschews some convenience features in favor of security, but it's still easy to use. That means fewer kids trying to adjust their helmets on the fly, and even fewer injuries in the field. This is absolutely one of the best helmets you will find if you are concerned about your child's safety on the course.
4. Rawlings Youth Quantum Football Helmet
There's something to be said for old-school football helmet design. While we now know it's not necessarily the best protection, it does look great. Rawlings has managed to take that old school design and combine it with some fantastic new technology that allows players to look good on the pitch without having to worry about the after effects of a hard hit. This is a helmet that really can do it all.
Most of what you will like about this helmet comes from how it handles impacts. It uses new technology to soften blows to the head, which in turn can prevent concussions and lessen the chance of traumatic brain injuries. Rawlings managed to do this without actually changing the look of the helmet, so you're still left with something that looks a lot like the helmets of a decade ago. Rawlings is one of the few companies that have managed to blend form and function particularly well without sacrificing either.
The helmet is also quite comfortable, which is a big plus when looking for the best youth football helmet. While older gamers may understand the importance of wearing any helmet correctly, younger gamers are more likely to play with a helmet that isn't comfortable. Fortunately, this is a helmet that not only fits well, but won't suit even the most sensitive gamers. Consider this a great option for anyone in the field.
5. Schutt Sports 798004 Youth Recruit Hybrid Football Helmet
Schutt's hybrid helmets are truly something special. Not only do they provide better impact protection, but they do it without sacrificing aesthetics or comfort. This means that players not only get a great helmet that will look great on the pitch, but they will also be much safer than they otherwise would be. This is a win-win for most gamers and parents.
The hybrid design is really the highlight here, of course. By using an advanced form of cushioning, the helmet becomes more resistant to impacts and players get a little extra protection. While one shouldn't expect big hits in the youth game, the fact that this helmet goes the extra mile should be enough to get most parents excited. Coupled with the good exterior design, the hybrid solution allows players to feel more confident and leave the field with few side effects, even if they take what could be a much more problematic hit.
The helmet is also quite comfortable, which matters a lot in youth football. It's not something that gives players more advantage on the field, of course, but it teaches them to get used to wearing a helmet when they play. This will help most players to wear their headset correctly and thus help them avoid the issues that arise with incorrect headset settings. If you are concerned about player safety, you should consider the comfort of the helmets worn by younger players.
6. Schutt Sports Recruit Football Helmet
At this point, Schutt Sports is one of the biggest names in football helmets. The reason should be obvious: not only does it produce a fairly significant number of helmets used by young players, but it does so in a way that truly puts player safety first. Schutt's Recruit line isn't necessarily the most advanced, but it does a great job of showing exactly how the company built its reputation as one of the best brands in the business.
Much of what makes these helmets work comes down to the basic design. Between a strong exterior and good padding, you get the kind of helmet that will keep a younger player safe. Not only does it reduce the amount of force that comes from an impact, but it helps cushion the blow so that the force of passing is distributed more evenly. That means fewer injuries and fewer long-term consequences for the younger players.
It doesn't hurt that the helmet looks good too. It's a classic design that makes sense at all levels of play. It's also very similar to what players will wear as they grow older, so they'll quickly get used to the type of gear they'll need to use in the future. This is a good all-around helmet for any young player serious about playing the game for years to come.
7. Casco de fútbol americano Schutt Sports Youth AiR Standard V
Schutt Sports is a great brand that often offers high-quality products. While you have the same problem of fancy-naming basic headsets that infects the rest of the market, the truth is that you can generally depend on what you buy from the company. The Youth AiR Standard V may have a marketing-friendly name, but the reality is that it is a very player-friendly football helmet.
You will probably start to look like this, which is normal. This is an attractive helmet, though looks will only take you so far. What you actually get is the same type of helmet players have been wearing for years, with a few little tweaks to make it more competitive. While it's hard to say that this helmet will really give you an edge, it certainly makes many gamers feel like they're wearing something special.
The most important thing about this helmet is the level of protection that players receive. Schutt Sports has clearly invested some time in making their helmets safer and this particular helmet is a good example of how hard work pays off. It offers more protection than you might think in a classic design, all without making players uncomfortable or adding excessive weight. This is honestly one of the best youth football helmets you'll get from the company, as well as one of the best you'll find in youth sizing.
8. Rawlings Momentum Plus Youth Football Helmet
Personalization is key for football helmets. Young players do not always fit their usual sizes, and those who definitely do not fit are more at risk of head injuries than their peers. While there have been many attempts to solve this problem, it seems that Rawlings chose the most logical path. Instead of making it one size fits all, the company made it so that any player can customize their fit.
The customization options are realized here not through special accessories, but through the use of a rear inflation port. By using this new feature, gamers can be sure that the helmet fits the head exactly as it should. This, in turn, means players will have fewer problems with their helmets and are generally safer on the pitch. As a bonus, this also helps the player see more clearly on the pitch and can lead to a slight increase in performance.
It's nice to see that the new technology doesn't really make the helmet feel any different than other models in the field. This is very similar to what you see in higher levels of play, so kids feel like they're wearing the same gear as their heroes. There really is something to be said for aspirational design when it comes to football kits, something Rawlings must consider important when the company has gone to great lengths to create such a great design.
Kids football helmet buying guide
It's absolutely critical that you find the best youth soccer helmet for young players, especially in today's climate where we understand so much how dangerous the game can be.
Today's modern helmets are designed to protect athletes as much as possible, especially at the youth level. With everything we know about concussions and the damage they can cause, both in the short and long term, it's essential that the youth football helmets you invest in are as well made as possible, but are also perfect for young athletes who use them, use them.
Here's how to make sure you're investing in a smart choice now.
safety is everything
It goes without saying that the number one priority and certainly the number one focus you should have when shopping for youth football helmets is to find options that are as safe and protective as possible.
High-quality options will include a certification seal from the National Operating Committee for Sports Equipment Standards. These headsets have been certified to be well-made, safe, use reliable construction materials, and won't fall apart or compromise during normal play.
The different designs can also help minimize the risk of injury and concussion. These options are also worth investigating.
size is key
The second most important thing you can do when shopping for youth football helmets is to make sure they are the perfect size for the individual athlete who will be wearing them.
Traditionally, a track trainer will measure each football player for their helmets. The head circumference (just above the eyebrows) will be measured and from there the coach will work with the athlete to further adjust the padding and overall fit of the helmet.
If you are going to buy the youth football helmet for your athlete, you will want to do the exact same thing. There are some YouTube videos online that show you exactly how to perfectly size a young athlete's head for a football helmet, and you should start there.
Consider the configuration of the face mask
Another important consideration when shopping for youth football helmets should be the configuration of the mask you will go ahead with.
At youth levels, protection is of the utmost importance, but you also need to make sure visibility is high. Different styles of cages will allow you to strike the perfect balance, and as long as you provide enough extra protection, your young athletes will likely be able to choose a cage to suit their preferences.
DO NOT buy used helmets unless they are certified refurbished
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, especially with the price of some youth football helmets, it's important that you understand how dangerous it is to buy ANY used football helmet that has not been fully certified refurbished by the US National Operating Committee. Rules for Equipment. sports
Helmets that have been sent to a licensed reconditioner and run from top to bottom will include a recertification stamp inside the helmet. These helmets can be trusted to be like new (at a cheaper price), but it is vitally important that they have this certification.
Any helmet that has not been recertified may not be safe to play on and you risk injuring your young athlete with a sub-par helmet.
Take advantage of the tips and tricks we've included above and you'll have no problem buying the best youth soccer helmet for young athletes in the future!
Also read:
- best soccer cleats
- best soccer gloves
- The best football shoulder pads
4.9/5 - (9 votes)
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FAQs
What is better a F7 or a SpeedFlex? ›
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.
What is the difference between Riddell youth and varsity 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.
What is the best football helmet to reduce concussions? ›Many believe that the best concussion prevention football helmets are from Xenith. Their options include the Shadow XR Helmet, EPIC+, Xenith X2E+. The Xenith brand truly has the highest quality and the best helmet ratings for athletes.
What QB wears a F7 helmet? ›Since college, Justin Jefferson has been wearing the Schutt F7 helmet. The Schutt F7 is the most popular helmet among starting NFL WRs for several reasons. These helmets are low-profile and lightweight – only weighing just over 4 pounds.
Can you put air in a SpeedFlex? ›SpeedFlex Youth helmets can be upgraded with inflatable Crown Pads, if desired. (Figure 5). 2) Inflate for a snug, comfortable fit, front-to-back and side-to-side.
How tight should a youth football helmet be? ›A football helmet should feel snug with no spaces between the pads and the athlete's head. The helmet should not slide on the head with the chin strap in place. If the helmet can be removed while the chin strap is in place, then the fit is too loose.
How do I choose the right football helmet? ›- The helmet should have a snug fit around the front, sides and crown of the player's head.
- There should not be a gap between the cheek pads and the player's face.
- The chin strap should be snug against the player's chin and prevent the helmet to move from side to side or up and down.
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.
How do you measure yourself for a football helmet? ›Measure your head circumference in centimeters approx. 2.5 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.
Which football helmet is the safest? ›- Riddell Speedflex - Best Adult Helmet All In All. ...
- Schutt F7 VTD - Best Helmet Protection On This List. ...
- Schutt Vengeance Pro LTD - Best Football Helmet For Mobile Players. ...
- Schutt Vengeance VTD II - Best Value For The Dollar In An Adult Football Helmet.
How many years is a youth football helmet good for? ›
Some of the manufacturers of football helmets list a shelf life for their helmets but others don't. Riddell has a 10-year shelf life for their helmets, and once they turn 10 years old they must be reconditioned.
Which type of helmet is 100% concussion proof? ›Do Helmets Prevent Concussions? The simple answer is no. Though there have been significant advances made in the technology and science surrounding football safety, there is no helmet on the market that is 100% concussion proof.
What are the new safer football helmets? ›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 biggest cause of concussions in football? ›Common Causes of Football Concussions. The most common origins of football concussions that we see in our clinic are from helmet-to-helmet contact in blocking and tackling and from head-to-ground impacts. It's important to remember, however, that anyone can suffer a concussion from being hit or jostled hard enough.
What is the green dot on the QB helmet? ›The green dot. The helmet with a green dot on the back indicates the one member of the defense who's in contact with the coaching staff between plays.
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.
Why do quarterbacks touch their helmets? ›Quarterbacks tap their helmets to signal an audible warning to the rest of the team. Yelling alerts can be used in a variety of situations, such as when the defense is blitzing or when there's a potential fumble on offense.
What is the difference between a SpeedFlex and a regular helmet? ›Both helmets include inflation points to allow you to adjust the fit and feel in the crown and lateral portions of the shell. Additionally, the SpeedFlex features inflatable jaw pads to adjust the helmet to your face shape.
How do you travel with a football helmet? ›Helmets are allowed through the security checkpoint, but ask your airline about any size restrictions for carry-on items. Or take a play from the pros and pack it in your checked luggage.
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.
Do helmets get looser over time? ›
Most helmets will loosen up over months of constant use or several months of infrequent use.
How do I know if my 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.
Should I get a visor for my football helmet? ›The primary function of a football visor is protection. While some players wear visors temporarily to prevent damage to an existing injury, other players wear them permanently to prevent new injuries. A football visor protects the player's eyes from getting stricken by fingers or feet when colliding with other players.
Do all football helmets fit the same? ›The actual size of football helmets varies from brand to brand. Just because you wore a “large” in Brand X, doesn't necessarily mean a “large” in Brand Y will fit you the same. This is why it's so important to size yourself first before choosing one that fits properly.
What helmet size should I get? ›The circumference of the head should be measured at a point approximately one inch above the eyebrows in front, and at a point in the back of the head that results in the largest possible measurement. Take several measurements. The largest measurement is the one you want to try on first.
How do you break in a football helmet? ›After you get your helmet fitted, don't toss it in your bag and wait until the first practice. Instead, start wearing it right away. Start with thirty minutes at a time and wear it while you're reading, watching television or getting ready for school. Make sure you buckle your chinstrap and use your mouth piece, too!
How can I make my football helmet more comfortable? ›Adjust the helmet height by inflating the helmet bladder with a proper pump. The helmet should be approximately one inch above the player's eyes when done inflating. Then, you want to inflate the rear and side helmet bladder for a snug and comfortable fit. Next, you want to ensure the jaw pads fit properly.
Why does my football helmet look so big? ›Full-Face helmets are big as they have several layers of shell material, a thick expanded polystyrene liner (EPS), and plush comfort padding in them. All these components, the shell, EPS liner, and padding are needed to cushion and protect your head during an impact. As a result, they look so big.
How do you tell if your head is round or oval? ›Measure from the center of your hairline to the tip of your chin. Next, measure from the left side of your face to the right side. If your face is longer than it is wide, you may have an oval face shape. If your face is wider than it is long, you may have a round or heart face shape.
Is Xenith better than Riddell? ›Both helmets score incredibly high in impact studies and offer top-quality protection. While both deliver similar results, the choice on which helmet is more comfortable and suits your style is up to you.
Are more expensive helmets safer? ›
Our conclusion: when you pay more for a helmet you may get an easier fit, more vents and snazzier graphics. But the basic impact protection of the cheap helmets we tested equaled the expensive ones. Just look for a helmet that fits you well. We are often asked if cheap helmets protect well.
Do new helmets break in? ›Breaking Your New Helmet In
The only way to break in a new helmet is to wear it. Consider wearing it around the house for about 30 minutes a day for several days. Wearing the helmet for a total of about 15 to 20 hours should be a sufficient amount of time for the lining to begin to conform to the shape of your face.
You can use football helmets for your garden. Convert your football helmet into a planter and add some greenery to your sports archives room. Baseball Helmet into Ice Cream Bowl – This can be another unique and fun way to transform your baseball helmet – use it as a bowl for ice cream.
Do football helmets have to be reconditioned every year? ›For Football helmets, as of this writing, the requirements from all football helmet manufacturers for recertification is a minimum of every other year. If you acquired new helmets in 2021 these helmets will need recertification per this standard for 2023 play.
Can you still get a brain injury with a helmet? ›Wearing a helmet is a must to help reduce the risk of a serious brain injury or skull fracture. However, helmets are not designed to prevent concussions. There is no “concussion-proof” helmet.
What are the three types of helmets? ›Different Types of Helmets: Full-face, Half-face, Modular and Off-road Helmets.
Is there a concussion proof helmet? ›Your friend is right: No helmet can prevent concussions. There's no way to keep the brain from moving inside the skull. If you hit your head hard enough, your brain can bang into the hard bone and cause a concussion. Some "special" sports helmets and other new products claim that they can protect you from concussions.
What's the difference between youth and varsity 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.
Which is better F7 or SpeedFlex? ›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.
What is the best football helmet to prevent concussions? ›Many believe that the best concussion prevention football helmets are from Xenith. Their options include the Shadow XR Helmet, EPIC+, Xenith X2E+. The Xenith brand truly has the highest quality and the best helmet ratings for athletes.
What is the 3 concussions rule? ›
The Sports Medicine Literature
More than 60 years ago, in 1945, Dr. Quigley developed the three-strike rule, wherein an athlete who experiences three concussions in a season is out for the season. It was based on experience, not scientific data, and the rule was followed by physicians for many years.
Of 202 former players of the U.S. version of the game whose brains were examined, 87% showed the diagnostic signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease associated with repetitive head trauma.
Is the F7 the best helmet? ›The Schutt F7 is one of the best helmets on the market. The 5-star rated helmet is lightweight and very protective. The F7 has unique panels on the crown of the helmet and their job is to rotate individually from the rest of the shell to disperse impact.
Who wears a Schutt F7 in the NFL? ›Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill is now using a Schutt F7 with a clear Under Armour visor, last season he used a Schutt Air XP Q10, ... stormtrooper.st Hey @helmetstalker the f7 kinda reminds... helmetstalker Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes was named the 2022 NFL Most Valuable Player and Super Bowl LVII MVP....
What does a F7 helmet do? ›The F7 is the first helmet to feature padding on the + The plates move independently of the helmet in multiple directions, helping to manage rotational energy and absorb impacts. The two plates also give the helmet its unique look, which make it easy to spot on the field.
How safe is the Schutt F7? ›The Schutt F7 VTD earned a 5 star rating. Its STAR value score of 2.54 ranked #9 of 28 helmets tested.
What is the safest football helmet? ›- Riddell Speedflex - Best Adult Helmet All In All. ...
- Schutt F7 VTD - Best Helmet Protection On This List. ...
- Schutt Vengeance Pro LTD - Best Football Helmet For Mobile Players. ...
- Schutt Vengeance VTD II - Best Value For The Dollar In An Adult Football Helmet.
The stainless steel facemask offers better field vision for the player while the padding materials inside the helmet help to absorb impact energy while retaining position and purpose over extended durations of play.
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.
Who has the coolest uniform in the NFL? ›The title of the best uniforms in the NFL belongs to the Bengals. They do a masterful job of incorporating stripes, whether it's on the helmet, the side of the pants, or the top of their shoulder pads.
Do football players have speakers in their helmets? ›
The league has had one-way helmet communication since 1994. In 2008, the system expanded to add a defensive player. Nearly three decades since the NFL first put a speaker in a helmet, college football still hasn't followed suit.
Are Schutt helmets good? ›The best helmets are shock-absorbent and scientifically proven to give you superior protection. The Schutt F7 VTD Collegiate Varsity Football Helmet is excellent because it uses advanced technology to provide several layers of defense upon impact.
Does color of helmet matter? ›The color of your bicycle helmet can help improve safety by making you more visible to cars. However, the color of a bike helmet doesn't have much impact on the heat you will feel. The styrofoam inner shell of a helmet is an effective insulator and most of the extra heat from darker colors won't reach your head.
Are leather helmets better? ›For many of the impacts and angles studied in the lab, researchers found that leather helmets offered similar, or even better, protection than modern helmets.