Need more help? We're here for you: 1-800-693-6368
These days in football, there is no such
thing as too much safety, especially when it comes to protecting the head
from injury. To get the job done right, modern football helmets use the
latest technologies and advanced materials to absorb and disperse impact
force around the head, lessening the force transferred to the skull and
brain, in an attempt to reduce the likelihood of concussions. Today, there
are two helmets which utilize the most protective, well-researched,
top-of-the-line technology in the game to create the safest, most
comfortable, highest-performance helmets to date. It is for these reasons,
and many more, that they are the highest selling helmets in the industry,
and also widely used throughout the NFL and college leagues.
The Schutt ION 4D and the Riddell Revolution Speed helmets have been battle
tested by youth and adult players from middle school to the pros, and have
shown to protect the head better than almost anything else on the field.
Both are industry leaders, loaded with space-age safety features and
designed for performance. Below is a breakdown of their features, to help
you in your decision making process this season:
Thermoplastic Urethane (TPU) Cushioning System
Innovative, durable, and strong sponge-like synthetic
material built into the helmet absorbs impacts, manages heat,
holds up to abuse, and resists bacteria, fungus, and mold better
than any traditional padding. TPU doesn't compress or break down
over time, for long-lasting protection.
Large Standoff Polycarbonate Shell
Strong, impact-resistant shell features a larger profile in
order to house more TPU than other Schutt helmets.
Energy Wedge Faceguard
Innovative facemask integration system turns the facemask
into a shock absorber, redirecting up to 15% more impact energy
away from the jaw, face, and head, for safer front hits.
AiR Maxx TPU Jaw Pads
Low profile jaw pads feature protective TPU inside of
comfortable traditional jaw pads for added safety and impact
absorption to protect from concussions.
SUREFIT Air Liner
Soft, durable, anti-microbial helmet liner covers the
lateral, sides, and crown areas of the head. Each section can be
inflated and pumped up to provide the perfect, comfortable fit
around the head.
AiR-LOC
Keeps the dual lock inflation valves in place, for easy and
fast inflation of the liner.
Moisture Management
Removable moisture wicking forehead pad keeps head cool and
dry, and keeps sweat away from the eyes.
Energy Wedge Facegaurd
Attachment completely integrates the facemask to the helmet, for
improved facemask durability and a wider field of vision.
Quarter-Turn Facemask Release System
Makes getting the facemask on and off quick and easy.
Riddell Revolution Concussion Reduction Technology
Impressive cranial protection is proven to decrease the risk of
concussion from football-related activity by up to 31%, as
reported in the February 2006 issues of Neurosurgery.
Exclusive Polycarbonate Shell
Drastically stronger than plastic shell material, this
impact-resistant shell is the first line of protection from
on-field impacts. Shell profile is aggressive, keeping the
player fast and aerodynamic.
Inflatable Jaw Pads
Inflatable S-Pad jaw pads use air cushioning to properly fit
your jaw, and diffuse and absorb impact energy around the jaw.
Overliner
Moisture wicking, anti-microbial, removable overliner improves
comfort and performance.
Inflatable Liner
Wraps around the back, neck, side, crown, and mandible areas,
and can be inflated in each area to deliver the most
comfortable, snug fit possible.
Oversized Ventilation Holes
Improved breathability and ventilation keeps the head cool and
dry throughout the game.
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 and compare our collection of football helmets
to learn how to choose the right helmet for you. You can also read the latest news on football helmet safety!
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:
Find a friend or a parent to take
the measurements - Measuring yourself may lead to inaccurate
readings and ill-fitting helmets
Use a flexible measuring tape for
the most accurate measurements
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
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:
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. Prove 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 difference
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 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.
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
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
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
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
What Our Customers Are Saying
"I was delighted to find this merchant. They had a football helmet I
wanted for my son that was way overpriced everywhere else. Not only did
I find it way cheaper with Sports Unlimited online, I also got free
shipping! And even though it was standard ground (projected to take over
a week to deliver), the hat came in just days. The merchant was in touch
and provided tracking info -- a big plus. So...good price, good
shipping, good delivery time. Good deal!"
