Great Comfort, Good Protection
First of all, can't say enough good things about SportsUnlimited's customer service. When shopping for a varsity level helmet (polycarbonate shell) consumers are typically limited as the local sporting goods stores typically carry just youth helmets (ABS shell). SportsUnlimited's customer service reps are much more helpful than the manufacturer's reps.
I'm both a football and player safety coach and have had my boys in Schutt Youth Air, Riddell Attack-i, Riddell Victor-i, Riddell Speedflex, and the oldest, going into high school next year, has just tried Riddell Speed and this Schutt Air XP Pro VTD II. His head circumference measures 21.5" and he plays "skilled" positions. The front forehead pad in the Speed was hard and uncomfortable and with no air it was very tight. We then ordered the this particular Schutt and the comfort level out of the box is great. One caution I would suggest to buyers: if your player's head is within 1/4" of the next size up you might want to go with the larger helmet, a medium youth is looser than a medium adult due to different padding inside. My 4-star satisfaction rating of this Schutt helmet is because other helmets have (1) slightly better vision through the facemask and (2) the chinstrap fit for smaller jaws/chins is engineered better in Riddell and Xenith helmets. Aside from those two minor details, this is a fantastic helmet and we're pleased to recommend it.
ProsGreat comfort out of the box. Two air bladders to adjust fit. 5-Star Virginia Tech helmet rating. Ventilation is better than Riddell Speedflex or Speed. Half the price of a Riddell Speedflex. Much lighter weight than a Xenith X2E/Epic and 2/3 the cost.
ConsCompared to similar ROPO facemasks, vision through Schutt isn't as wide as Riddell Speed or Speedflex. Players with smaller jaw/chins have to manage chin-strap fit.
Best UsesThis Schutt Air XP Pro VTD II is a great helmet for skilled players at the high school level.