The 10 Best Football Helmets to Buy In 2024

Football, ReviewsBy Team Sports Glory

Choosing the right football helmet is very important to know that you’re safe from injury when on the field. You don’t want to get hurt, miss your next football, or even the entire season from injury. Looking for and investing in a top-quality football helmet should be a top priority so you are protected from high impact tackles on the field.

There are a lot of football helmets on the market and thus choosing one can often be challenging and even confusing. With so many choices of football helmets, you have to make sure you consider all of the features to ensure the helmet you choose is the best choice for you.

Football helmets are protective accessories which are worn on the head to protect football player’s head during the game. They have a hard shell with interior padding to give extra protection to the head when the player makes a tackle or falls. There are several features on a football helmet that make them very important for protecting the head. The outer hard shell helps to deflect some of the impact from the head. The inner lining and padding work as a shock absorber. And the facemask protects the face and teeth. Football helmets have been mandatory in the National Football League since 1943.

Protection is the main reason why there is such a big market and need for football helmets. Most football players and teams make a big investment in top quality helmets to ensure they are fully protected on the field. Impact and collisions are some things every football players will experience. By wearing good quality football helmets, you can reduce the risk of getting severely injured from football collisions on the field. Football helmets can also help to minimize the risk of more serious injuries including concussion and brain-skull collisions.

Football helmets are also a great accessory and a way to show off your style and team colors. Many players enjoy wearing their helmet and choose to wear them to show off their personality or team spirit. Players also report that it makes them feel and look good on the field. With so many on the market, players can choose from a wide range of colors, styles, and designs.

Features to consider in Good Football Helmets

With so many football helmets on the market, you must know which features you should consider making sure you get the right helmet for you. There are several important features that a helmet must have to provide the protection a player will need to be safe on the field. These features include if there is a facemask with the football helmet, size, construction, bumper and chin strap. Other features and considerations which can help you make your decision include the color, design, heat vents, age and skill level, brand and price.

The Best Football Helmets 2024

1. Schutt Sports Vengeance VTD II Football Helmet

Why we like it: Perfect for players who aren’t afraid of any contact on the field, the Schutt Sports Vengeance VTD II Football Helmet one of the best on the market. The helmet will give players the ultimate protection in tackles due to the single layer, dual compression technology. These features make the Schutt Sports Vengeance VTD II Football Helmet one of the best for protection. The extra layer of protection and the outer shell keeps players safe from impacts and forces on the field. There are also air vents to keep players cool and dry throughout the game. Plus, there are useful attachments on the helmet for facemasks, with many customers finding that all their facemasks and visors fit onto this particular helmet well. However, the Schutt Sports Vengeance VTD II Football Helmet does not come with a facemask, so you will have to buy one separately.

Editor’s Rating:

Performance

The Schutt Sports Vengeance VTD II Football Helmet is one of the highest quality helmets out there. You can be sure to get the full protection and comfort you need to play your best on the football field. The interior features ‘dual-compression technology’ which offers a dual-layer of durometers which absorb shock and protect the head from impact hits and forces of all measures. The single-layer pads make this football helmet very lightweight and comfortable. The facemask attachment on this helmet is quick and easy for users to attach and remove visors and facemasks.

Price

The Schutt Sports Vengeance VTD II Football Helmet is one of the best on the market and has been voted as the best by many customers. This is because of its ability to absorb all impact whilst still being comfortable and lightweight to wear. The Schutt Sports brand has a unique twist release system which makes it easy for users to attach and remove a faceguard. You will be able to choose from a great selection of colors to suit all players styles or match your team’s colors. The helmet is available on Amazon in a variety of colors, in sizes small to extra large from $184.37 – $299.99. This is a very good value for a football helmet that is of such good quality from a leading brand.

Pros
  • Full protection from impact
  • An extra layer of protection
  • Attachments for a face mask
  • Comfortable
  • Air vents
  • Good value
  • Choice of numerous colors
Cons
  • Facemask not included
  • Non-metallic construction

2. Schutt Sports Varsity AiR XP Pro VTD II Football Helmet

Why we like it: Another high-quality football helmet, the Schutt Sports Varsity AiR XP Pro VTD II Football Helmet is a 5-star helmet and one of the top choices for football players. The helmet uses modern technology to provide lots of protection on the field. The classic shell is lightweight and has TPU cushioning to help absorb shock and impact. Also included on this football helmet is SUREFIT airliners and Inter-Link jaw pads for a very comfortable, custom fit for all players.

Editor’s Rating:

Performance

The AiR XP Pro VTD II from Schutt Sports is a great fit for all players. The VTD TPU cushioning absorbs impact, helping to protect players in strong tackles. The classic helmet features fast curves and is very lightweight. The SUREFIT airliners which add extra support, comfort and provide a perfect fit for players of all sizes. The helmet also has an SC4 hard cup chinstrap and jaw pads which are attached to the shell and provide extra support and customizable sizing. Although there is no faceguard with this football helmet, you can easily purchase one and attach to the helmet which has its twist release system.

Price

Customers can get this helmet in sizes from small to extra-large, in a great selection of colors including gold, dark green, navy, white and black. Choose your favorite color or the color that represents your team. Available on Amazon for $234, this is a good middle of the range price for a football helmet. It is good value in comparison to some other helmets without compromising on features, design or protection levels. If you’re looking for a top-quality football helmet, from one of the leading brands at a reasonable price, this is a great option.

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable
  • Customizable sizing with chin strap
  • Soft feel
  • Absorbs impact well
Cons
  • No faceguard included

3. Riddell SpeedFlex Youth Helmet

Why we like it: The Riddell SpeedFlex Youth Helmet is one of the best football helmets you can get for your child. The helmet has a classic look and design providing everything youth players need to be safe on the field. The SpeedFlex is one of several models available from the brand Riddell. It has been designed with innovative features to provide state-of-the-art protection on the field. A number of these features are also the same as those used in the adult helmet including the dual-pronged approach to safety and flex system in the shell, face mask and face mask attachment system which reduces impact force.

Editor’s Rating:

Performance

This helmet has many excellent features which will help keep parents mind at rest knowing their children are protected on the football field. The Patented Side Impact Protection helps to reduce force and impact from side hits. The helmet has durable pads which absorb energy and reduces impact. The pads adapt well to players head shape for the ultimate comfort and fit.

Price

You can get this youth helmet in several different colors and sizes to suit youth players of all preferences. This means your child’s helmet can also match their favorite color or schools team colors. Available for $304 on Amazon, this is rather pricey however provides parents with the peace of mind they need when their child is playing a contact sport.

Pros
  • Fits well
  • Facemask attached
  • Durable
  • Durable pads absorb energy
  • Flexible
Cons
  • Facemask can be difficult to attach
  • Youth helmet so won’t fit those needing a bigger helmet

4. Schutt NCAA Replica XP Football Helmet

Why we like it: Perfect for NFL fans, the Schutt NCAA football helmet is a replica helmet that is available in over 120 teams designs. The helmet has the same details and features as an authentic helmet other than having the interior padding. They do, however, have a metal faceguard, chinstrap, and jaw pads. This is perfect for those who are looking for a replica to collect and put on display in the home or office. Although replica helmets are not to be worn when playing football, these are still in the top 10 list of best football helmets because most players also want a replica helmet to collect and have on display.

Editor’s Rating:

Performance

You can collect a helmet for all of your favorite teams. Choose from over 120 teams and support your team with a replica football helmet. The helmet includes a faceguard, chin strap, and jaw pads to ensure the helmet looks like a replica. Since it looks exactly like the football helmets worn on the field, the Schutt NCAA Replica XP Football Helmet is a great option for your home football display or office. The helmet has great quality graphics which feature the logo and colors of your favorite team.

Price

Available on Amazon for around $100, this is a little pricey for a replica football helmet. However, if you’re looking for a top-quality replica helmet with the same features as an on-field helmet for your display, this is worth a purchase. It would also make a great gift for a football fan in your life.

Pros
  • Available for over 120 teams
  • Same detail as on-field helmets
  • Includes faceguard, chinstrap and jaw pads
  • Perfect for football displays
Cons
  • Cannot be worn on the field
  • No interior padding

5. Schutt Sports Adult Vengeance DCT Football Helmet

Why we like it: The Schutt Sports Varsity Vengeance DCT football helmet is a great option from this leading brand. The helmet has a patented twist release system which is a quick and easy way for players to attach and un-attach their faceguard. The helmet provides top-quality protection so players can feel safe and comfortable on the field. Although a faceguard is not included, players can pick these up easily. They can be attached to this helmet from Schutt Sports with no problems.

Editor’s Rating:

Performance

This football helmet is a great choice for those looking for a quality helmet from one of the leading brands in the middle of the range price. The helmet has a strong shell and high gloss finish to look good on the field. Inside the helmet, you will find reinforced padding using the airflow technology found in all Schutt helmets including the Dual Compression Technology. The SUREFIT Air Liner adds extra protection and the air vents help to keep your head cool throughout the game.

Price

Although this football helmet doesn’t come with a faceguard, Schutt offers a number of their brand faceguards at great prices and should be used with this helmet for the best results. This particular helmet is available from $250 on Amazin which is a good price for a quality football helmet. You must choose a good quality football helmet to ensure you are safe on the football field.

Pros
  • Chinstrap included
  • Patented twist release
  • SUREFIT Air Liner for protection
  • Air vents to stay cool
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Faceguard not included

6. Rawlings Momentum Plus Youth Football Helmet

Why we like it: As soon as your child starts playing football, they need to be wearing supportive football helmets. The Rawlings Momentum football helmet is a great choice for players of all abilities, from starting or progressing to college football. It offers the comfort and protection that younger players need. The shell design is a smaller version of the helmets worn by professional players and features Rawlings heat exchange technology which helps to remove build-up heat in the helmet to keep players cool and comfortable. Perfect as your child’s first-ever helmet, the Rawlings Momentum football helmet is available in double extra small.

Editor’s Rating:

Performance

This football helmet from Rawlings features a customizable fit linter which is inflatable so it can be adjusted easily. The rear cushion inflates so youth players can get a better fit. The heat exchange technology helps keeps players cool during games by removing any built-up heat. Although there is no facemask with this helmet, you can buy one easily and it can be attached to this helmet quick and hassle-free.

Price

Perfect for little ones getting into football, the Rawlings Momentum Plus Youth Football Helmet is an affordable football helmet. Available from $86 on Amazon, you get a quality football that provides the protection and comfort you need on the field. Parents will be able to relax knowing their child is protected well with this football helmet from Rawlings.

Pros
  • Customizable fit
  • Heat removal system
  • Inflatable adjustor for fit
  • Available in double extra small
Cons
  • Facemask sold separately
  • Youth helmet so won’t fit those needing a bigger helmet

7. Schutt NCAA On-Field Authentic XP Football Helmet

Why we like it: The Schutt NCAA On-Field Authentic XP Football Helmet is another ornamental football helmet, perfect for collectors and fans. With over 120 teams available, in multiple colors, you can be sure to find your favorite and local teams in the Schutt NCAA model. The football helmet has a real metal facemask, high-impact helmet shell and even interior TPU cushioning to be made the same as helmets worn on the field. This is one of the best authentic helmets on the market and is great for showing your support for your favorite football team.

Editor’s Rating:

Performance

Although this football helmet has all the features to be an excellent helmet on the field, this helmet should not be worn when playing. They have been made to be authentic replicas of the real helmets worn by professionals, for fans to have at home on display. If you want a football helmet for your football trophy display, football club collectibles or for your office that replicates what players wear on the field, this is a great choice.

Price

Available for $182 on Amazon, this is a purchase for a passionate football fan. Remember that this football helmet is for decoration only and cannot be worn on the field. If you’re looking for the best addition to your fans merchandise or the best present for a football fan, this is it.

Pros
  • Available for over 120 teams
  • Same detail as on-field helmets
  • Includes faceguard, chinstrap and jaw pads
  • Perfect for football displays
Cons
  • Cannot be worn on the field

8. Riddell SpeedFlex Adult Football Helmet with Facemask

Why we like it: The Riddell SpeedFlex football helmet is another excellent helmet with great reviews and offering full head protection on the football field. This adult football helmet is very comfortable, sturdy and durable due to its polycarbonate shell. The helmet reduces impact well and provides a professional level of protection, perfect for football players of all abilities. This protection is from the Patented Side Impact Protection which helps to reduce the impact from side hits. You can choose from many different colors and sizes so you can find the perfect fit to feel comfortable and supported on the football field.

Editor’s Rating:

Performance

This football helmet from Riddell offers top quality, professional performance. The helmet uses the Patented Side Impact Protection (PISP) to help reduce the impact on side hits. The rest of the helmet uses a ‘flex system’ in the shell, facemask, and clip to reduce impact force. Players can wear this football helmet on the field and feel confident knowing they are supported by a safe helmet. The helmet comes with a facemask so you don’t have to worry about finding and attaching one after purchase. The facemask also features the flex system to help reduce the force of impact in head-on tackles.

Price

Available in a great selection of colors, you won’t have a problem finding your favorite color to suit your style or match your team’s colors. Although it is rather expensive ($530 on Amazon), most customers would agree that it is worth the price for its high-quality protection and safety and comfortable fit. You also get a facemask with this helmet which is why this helmet is more expensive. By getting a facemask with purchase, you will save time on looking for a good quality facemask and attaching it to your new helmet.

Pros
  • Durable
  • Flexible
  • Reduce force on side-impact well
  • Comfortable
  • Easy to put on
Cons
  • Facemask is sometimes hard to attach

9. Riddell Speed Icon Adult Football Helmet

Why we like it: Using the traditional design of the Speed model with some additional SpeedFlex features, the Riddell Speed Icon Adult Football Helmet is an excellent football helmet. The new Speed Icon model from Riddell has a traditional look with lots of comforts, protection, and stability. The helmet is very lightweight even with the inflatable S-Pad jaw pads which add protection to the jaw. This helps reduce the impact from the side of the head and face.

Editor’s Rating:

Performance

The helmet uses Riddell’s Quick Release Face Guard System which allows you to release the facemask with one touch of the button. The liner can be adjusted to fit all sizes and provides excellent comfort and security on the field. The Nubuck over liners is also removable and has a moisture-resistant cover. And for extra breathability and comfort throughout the game, there are ventilation holes to keep you cool.

Price

Buy the Riddell Speed Icon Adult Football Helmet from Amazon for $300. This is a very reasonable price for a superb quality helmet that offers the protection players need on the field. You can choose from several different colors and sizes to suit your preference.

Pros
  • Quick Release Face Guard System for the facemask
  • Comfortable
  • Moisture-resistant cover
  • Extra protection jaw pads
  • Durability
Cons
  • No facemask included

10. Xenith Youth X2E+ Football Helmet with Mask

Why we like it: The Xenith Youth X2E+ football comes with a facemask and has a lightweight plastic ABS shell offering excellent protection. It is one of the few helmets on the market that comes with both a facemask and chin strap. Spend less time looking for a facemask and more time playing by purchasing this football helmet from Xenith. This football helmet is a youth helmet and offers everything youth players (and their parents) need to feel secure and safe on the field.

Editor’s Rating:

Performance

The helmet uses shock absorber technology “adapts to the hit” which gives players optimal response to strong impact and forces. This protects players head and neck from injury. The helmet also has a shock suspension system where the helmet and shell move independently helping to reduce rotational forces. As one of the only football helmets providing both the facemask and chin strap with purchase, players will get a custom fit with no pumps needed. The silicone band helps easily fit different head shapes and sizes, providing a customizable fit for everyone.

Price

You can buy this football helmet from Amazon for $308. This is middle of the range for a football helmet from a top brand. This particular football helmet includes the facemask and chin strap, unlike many others on the market. And so, it is important to remember that this price includes those extras which you won’t have to buy.

Pros
  • Facemask and chin strap provided
  • Adaptive head protection
  • Lightweight
  • Protection from rotational and linear forces
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Youth helmet so won’t fit those needing a bigger helmet

Guide to Buying the Best Football Helmets

Buying a good quality football helmet with all the features needed for safe protection on the football field requires you spend a decent amount of money. Because of this, you must choose the right football helmet for you. A football helmet must have several features that are very important to ensure they will protect your head when making a tackle, or falling when getting tackled. There are also lots of extra features that may suit your playing style which can help you decide which football helmet to purchase.

Facemask

One thing to consider when choosing a facemask to purchase is if it comes with a facemask. A number of the top brands sell football helmets without facemasks. This means you have to make a big purchase on a football helmet and spend extra money on a facemask. There are a couple of deals where you get a football helmet with a facemask included. If you’re looking to get a helmet with no fuss, try to purchase one with a facemask included so you know it will fit the helmet well (since it will be made for that helmet, from the brand).

Size

Choosing the right size is vital. A football helmet will not provide the support and protection you need on the field if it does not fit. When ordering your football helmet online, the brand will provide measurements for the available different sizes. It is advised that you measure your head to ensure you get the right size.

Youth vs. Adult

There are lots of football helmet available on the market. You can get football helmets to fit youths or adults. Youth football helmets are often just a small version of an adult football helmet, providing the same features but in a smaller size. This allows players of all ages to play football safely. Some large youth sizes can also work well for adults who are small and have very small head measurements. You must check whether you’re buying a youth or adult helmet as it is easy to order the wrong one by mistake.

Color

The color of your football helmet is another feature to consider. Choose your favorite color or team colors to look cool and stylish on the field. Many brands and models offer a wide selection of colors so you can find the perfect color for you.

Exterior Material

The exterior material of the football helmet is also very important. This will provide the first point of protection for you on the field and also determine how heavy or light the helmet is on your head.

Interior Pads

Interior pads provide the soft support inside the helmet. These help to absorb shock to decrease impact and force on your head in strong tackles. The pads will also make the helmet more comfortable to wear.

Chin Strap

A chin strap is worn to keep the helmet in place and either has velcro or a buckle to fasten. They an important feature to look out for when you’re choosing a football helmet to buy.

Heat Vents

Several football helmets have heat vents on them to help keep players cool during long training sessions and games as well as in hot conditions. They are a great feature to look for when choosing a football helmet if you know you get hot quickly or will be playing in hot conditions.

Replica

There are lots of replica football helmets on the market. These are duplicates of football helmets that are worn by football players on the field and make for decoration and ornament only. It can sometimes be different to figure out if a football helmet is a replica or not so make sure you read all the information to ensure it is a football helmet that you can wear on the field or not.

Comments

  1. Choosing the right football helmet is very important. Many things should consider while selecting the right helmet. Learning all the ways to select the right helmet from this nice article. My choice is Riddell SpeedFlex Adult Football Helmet with Facemask. Thanks for all the great work.

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