Football Helmet Buying Guide
Football helmets are an important part of your practice and game day gear. Learn more about football helmet components and how to find the right helmet for you:
Football Helmet Components
Shell: The shell is a football helmet's strong outer component. The shell acts as a barrier against harsh impacts and is typically made of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene plastic or polycarbonate alloy. Features to consider: Some helmets may feature ventilation through the shell for increased airflow, heat management and comfort.
Padding: Football helmet padding is used to cushion the inside of the shell. This padding can come as pre-sized or inflatable. Features to consider: Be sure to test out the fit of your helmet before practice or game day. A well-fitting helmet should not move or shift when you are wearing it. Consider the type of foam used in your helmet's padding: Thermoplastic Urethane (TPU Foam) does not require a break-in period or compression time, and absorbs a large amount of shock. Vinyl Nitrile Foam offers efficient shock absorption and offers comfortable protection, but may require a break-in period so that the padding is not too tight.
Facemask: Football helmet facemasks can be purchased with your helmet or separately. Facemasks are typically made of stainless steel or carbon steel. Features to consider: Think about the position you'll be playing when choosing your facemask. Different players may need different layers of protection. For example, quarterbacks and wide receivers need a clear field of vision so they may opt for facemasks with mouth protection only, while linemen who encounter a lot of hard hitting, may need facemasks that provide nose, jaw and mouth protection.
Football Helmet Accessories
Gear up with football helmet accessories like chin straps, eyeshields and visors. Chin straps provide a snug and secure fit for your helmet. Eyeshields and visors fit into facemasks for extra eye protection without obstructing vision.
