Buying The Best Football Helmet

Choosing the right football helmet may be your most important decision in building your grip-iron armor. Helmets protect your head, neck, jaw, and brain from injury, abrasion, and the dreaded concussion, caused by on-field impacts. Recently, the spotlight has been cast on helmets for their ability to reduce the risk of concussions, as more and more studies come out on the long-term affects of these injuries. Read our Football Helmet Buyers Guide to learn how to choose the right helmet for you. You can also read the latest news on football helmet safety!

Best Selling Football Helmets

Schutt Air XP Adult Football Helmet
$159.95

Riddell Revolution Youth Football Helmet
$144.99

Schutt ION 4D Adult Football Helmet
$249.95

 
How do I find my helmet size?
No matter which football helmet you choose, it will do you no good if it doesn't fit correctly. A properly fit helmet will cradle your head and protect exactly where and what it is meant to. But to find the best size and fit helmet for you, you're going to need accurate measurements. Follow these instructions to determine your perfect size helmet:
  1. Find a friend or a parent to take the measurements - Measuring yourself may lead to inaccurate readings and ill-fitting helmets
  2. Use a flexible measuring tape for the most accurate measurements
  3. Measure the circumference of the head by wrap this tape around the head, about 1" above the eyebrows - This is where the forehead of the helmet will rest
  4. Find the centimeters or inches of your head, and consult your helmet choice's sizing chart, to determine which size is right for you.

 

Are different helmets sized differently?
The short answer is "Yes." Due to different manufacturing processes, technologies, and features, different football helmets will fit differently. To truly get the most accurate information, it's best to review the sizing chart found on each individual helmet's product page. However, for a general idea of how the most popular helmets and brands are sized, please consult the following charts:
Riddell Adult Football Helmets Riddell Youth Football Helmets
Size Hat Size Cranium   Size Hat Size Cranium
S Up to 6 1/2" Up to 20 3/8"   XS 6 3/8" - 6 1/2" 20 - 20 3/8"
M 6 1/2" - 7" 20 3/8" - 22"   S 6 5/8" - 6 3/4" 20 3/4" - 21 1/4"
L 7" - 7 1/2" 22" - 23 1/2"   M 6 7/8" - 7" 21 5/8" - 22"
XL 7 1/2" and Up 23 1/2" and Up   L 7" - 7 1/2" 22 3/8" - 22 3/4"
    XL 7 1/2" and Up 23 1/8" - 23 1/2"
 
Most Schutt Football Helmets Schutt XP Hybrid / Recruit Hybrid / AiR Standard II
Size Head Size Head Circumference   Size Head Size Head Circumference
Small 6" - 6 1/2" 19" - 20 1/2"   2X-Small 6" - 6 1/4" 19" - 19 1/2"
Medium 6 1/2" - 7" 20 1/2" - 22"   X-Small 6 3/8" - 6 1/2" 20" - 20 1/2"
Large 7" - 7 1/2" 22" - 23 1/2"   Small 6 5/8" - 6 3/4" 20 3/4" - 21 1/4"
X-Large 7 1/2" - 8" 23 1/2" - 25"   Medium 6 7/8" - 7" 21 1/2" - 22"
    Large 7 1/8" - 7 1/4" 22 1/4" - 22 3/4"
X-Large 7 3/8" - 7 1/2" 23" - 23 1/2"
 
How do I know which helmet is right for me?
To help you determine which helmet is right, it's important to consider your age, league, skill level, needs, and budget. Consult the following chart to get a better understanding of which helmets are designed for which players:
League / Age Recommended Helmet
Pop Warner

Please Note: Youth players can wear any youth helmet at a Pop Warner level. Listed helmets above were chosen due to their affordable price.

Middle School

Please Note: Schutt Hybrid helmets are designed to be lighter, and are only designed for players aged 6-10, not Middle School age players.

High School / Semi-Pro

Please Note: No Youth helmet should be worn by high school players and above, due to the inability of the ABS plastic shell to properly protect older players. Only Adult level helmets with polycarbonate alloy shells are approved for this age play.

 
What are the typical safety and comfort features on modern helmets?
Schutt and Riddell are the leaders in safety technology, and have stocked their lines of helmets with the latest and greatest features on the field today. Check out the advanced materials and technologies available in the Schutt and Riddell helmets we offer:
TPU Cushioning
Thermoplastic Urethane (TPU) cushioning is what sets Schutt helmets apart from anything else. Proven superior to any traditional foam padding, TPU excels during in-game conditions, providing better impact absorption, heat management, and hygienics. TPU doesn't break down, and is naturally resistant to bacteria and molds, protecting you from big hits and small infections.

SUREFIT Air Liner
A two-piece system with inflatable ports provides incredible comfort and a customized fit. Made from a soft, yet durable anti-microbial material, this inner liner can be inflated with a Schutt pump to provide air cushioning and a more comfortable fit around the head.
Energy Wedge Faceguard
This unique facemask connector created by Schutt also acts as a shock absorber for compatible helmets. Stronger than traditional faceguards, and wider, for a better field of view, the Energy Wedge also absorbs up to 15% more impact from direct frontal hits!

Quarter Turn Release
A fast and easy method of removing your facemask on the field, produced by Schutt. A quarter turn of the screws easily lock your facemask in place. Another quarter turn releases it for fast removal.
Schutt AiR Maxx TPU Jaw Pads
Using the same TPU cushioning found in the shell of the helmet to protect your jaw, these pads feature a comfortable vinyl covering for a great feel. They also maximize air flow and breathability, keeping your head cool as the game heats up.

SUREFIT Slots
A brand new development exclusive to Schutt, this seemingly simple slot behind the ears of the helmet improves the fit of your chin strap and helmet. The slot allows you to fit the chin strap along the inside of the helmet, for a better feel and proper fit.

Riddell Quick Release Face Guard System
A push-button face mask release system allows you to remove your face mask from your helmet in half the time. Great for athletic trainers!

Inflatable Z-Pads / S-Pads
Inflatable jaw pads provide incredible impact protection with air cushioning, and ensure a proper fit for your jaw. Easy to inflate, and designed to fit snuggly around your jaw, these pads can be found in most Riddell football helmets.

 
What are the differences between the football helmet brands you carry?
Sports Unlimited carries a huge variety of helmets from the top brands in the industry. These days, Schutt, Riddell, and Adams are at the top of the game, and in turn, we only carry helmets from these brands. Each company offers great products with amazing features, all at different prices and meant for different players. To get the right helmet for you it is important to understand what each brand offers:

Schutt Football Helmets:

  • The most technologically advanced helmets on the field today
  • Used by countless NFL and NCAA players
  • Built to protect your head from hits at any angle
  • Mostly known for their use of innovative TPU cushioning instead of traditional foam
  • Priced higher than other football helmets, but the quality is worth the extra expense
  • Popular lines include:
    • ION 4D
    • AiR XP
    • DNA Pro+

Riddell Football Helmets:

  • Household name in football gear
  • Used by youth, high school, college, and pro football players throughout the country
  • Countless innovations in the industry like the inflatable Z-Pad, extended Tru-Curve shell, and Isolator Faceguard System
  • Great for players of any age, from serious to casual players
  • Affordably priced, and highly protective
  • Popular lines include:
    • Revolution
    • Revolution Speed
    • Revolution Edge

Adams Football Helmets:

  • Long history of safe, comfortable, durable, and strong on-field protection
  • Helmet features improve air flow, increase comfort, and properly dissipate and absorb impact energy
  • Specially designed to fit any player
  • Perfect for youth, high school, and organized teams
  • Affordably priced and safe
  • Popular lines include:
    • A2000 Pro-Elite
    • A2010 Grid Elite
    • Y-4 Elite II
 
What are the differences between the types of helmet shells?
The shell of the helmet is the hard outer layer that protects your head from serious injury. It also keeps all of the helmet's features and padding properly placed and in working order, to reduce impact energy from damaging you or causing concussions. There are typically two different designs of helmet shell (Traditional and Oversized), and two different materials used in shell manufacturing (ABS Plastic and Poly Carbonate Alloy):

Shell Design:

Oversized - Larger and more spherical than traditional shells, to provide a larger offset, or area between the head and shell. A larger offset features better impact dispersion, and allows for more cushioning (typically foam or TPU) which has been shown to protect players better during collisions. The drawback is a larger profile, and heavier helmet.

Traditional - The sized shell typically used by players for decades. This shell provides a normal offset with typical amounts of padding and cushioning. A comfortable feel, low profile, and low weight make it popular amongst more seasoned players.

Shell Material:

ABS Plastic - Primarily used in youth helmets, since it is lightweight and protective, without being overly expensive. Since youth games typically do not involve high-speed, high-energy collisions, ABS Plastic is a perfect shell material.

Poly Carbonate Alloy (PCA) - An incredibly strong shell material used in high school, college, and pro-level helmets. PCA is durably enough to pass NOCSAE certifications for adult play, and is made to withstand high-speed, high-energy impacts.

 
How do I find the best face mask for my football helmet?
If your football helmet does not come with a facemask, you'll have to purchase one separately. You can tell whether a helmet comes with a facemask by consulting your helmet's product page. Thankfully though, almost every football helmet brand makes facemasks specially designed for their helmets. For instance, the Schutt DNA helmets have a collection of specially designed Schutt DNA facemasks to go along with them. Once you decide on a helmet, it is easy to find the facemasks that will properly fit that helmet.

The major question to ask yourself when picking out a new facemask is, which metal to go with? Facemasks today are made from three types of metal:

Carbon Steel is the standard, moderately weighted, durable facemask metal, great for younger, or newer players.

Stainless Steel is a bit lighter than Carbon, still strong, but a bit more expensive, so it is typically used by more skilled, or serious players like high school and college players

Titanium is the lightest, strongest facemask metal around. Perfect for the incredibly serious or pro player, titanium facemasks give players the edge they need.

FOOTBALL HELMETS Shop all Football Helmets
Consult this list to immediately see the differences between the football helmets we offer  
Style Age Technology Special Features
Schutt ION 4D Adult / Youth SUREFIT Air Liner - lateral and crown sections
Energy Wedges
Polycarbonate Shell - large standoff
Quarter Turn release hardware
Moisture Management Pad
Air Maxx TPU Jaw Pad
Top of the line Schutt helmet
Large standoff gives it a bold design
Hard cup chin strap included
AiR-LOC inflation ports, for easy inflation/deflation of air liners
Schutt DNA Pro + Adult Adult SUREFIT Air Liner - later and crown section
Polycarbonate shell - large standoff
AiR Maxx TPU Jaw Pads
SUREFIT slots
Highest tested helmet in the NFL's independent study
AiR-LOC inflation ports for easy inflation/deflation of the air liners
Schutt DNA Pro + Youth Youth High Impact ABS Plastic Shell - large standoff
All other features similar to Adult size
Highest tested helmet in the NFL's independent study
AiR-LOC inflation ports for easy inflation/deflation of the air liners
Schutt AiR XP Adult Adult TPU cushioning
SUREFIT Air Liner - later and crown sections
Polycarbonate shell - traditional standoff
AiR Maxx TPU Jaw Pads
SUREFIT Slots
Hard cup chin strap included
AiR-LOC inflation ports for easy inflation/deflation of the air liners
Schutt AiR XP Youth Youth High Impact ABS Plastic Shell - traditional size shell
All other features similar to Adult size
Hard cup chin strap included
AiR-LOC inflation ports for easy inflation/deflation of the air liners
Schutt Recruit Hybrid Youth ABS Plastic Shell - large standoff
AiR Maxx TPU Jaw Pads
TPU Cushioning
SUREFIT Slots
TPU liners on the front and crown
Non-inflatable, anti-microbial comfort liner
Lighter design
Replaced the DNA Recruit
Popular Pop Warner football helmet
Schutt Recruit Hybrid + Youth ABS Plastic Shell - large standoff
SUREFIT Air Liner - lateral and crown
AiR Maxx TPU Jaw Pads
SUREFIT Slots
TPU Liners - front and crown
Lightweight design
AiR-LOC inflation ports for easy inflation/deflation of air liners
Popular Pop Warner football helmet
Schutt XP Hybrid Youth ABS Plastic Shell - traditional standoff
AiR Maxx TPU Jaw Pads
SUREFIT Slots
TPU liners - front and crown
Non-inflatable, anti-microbial comfort liner
Soft cup chin strap included
Lighter hybrid cushioning
Great value
Schutt XP Hybrid + Youth ABS Plastic Shell - traditional offset
SUREFIT Air Liner
AiR Maxx TPU Jaw Pads
SUREFIT Slots
TPU Liner - front and crown
Soft cup chin strap included
Lighter hybrid cushioning
AiR-LOC inflation ports
Riddell Revolution Youth / Adult Aero-Cell Liner - shell vents improve breathability
Tru-Curve Front Pad and Optical Lock - superior front-to-back fit
Tru-Curve Shell - extends forward to protect side of head
Inflatable Z-Pad - jaw pads
Increased shell offset
Official helmet of the NFL
Riddell Revolution Speed Youth / Adult Oversized vent holes improve air circulation
Push-button Quick Release Face Mask Removal
Inflatable back/neck/side and crown liner
Tru-Curve Shell - extends forward for side-of-head protection
Inflatable S-Pad - jaw pads
Increased shell offset
New face mask design with wider range of vision
Removable, moisture-wicking, antibacterial overliner
Riddell Revolution IQ Youth Aero-Cell Liner - shell vents for improved breathability
Tru-Curve Front Pad and Back Pad - front-to-back stability and fit
Tru-Curve Shell - extends forward for side-of-head protection
Inflatable Z-Pad - jaw pads
Increased shell overset
Ideal fit liner system
Handles a broad range of impacts


Be sure to choose your helmet carefully and consult your trainer for additional guidance or advice. If you have further questions be sure to call our resident football expert Jamie at 1-800-693-6368

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