What To Consider When Buying A Football Helmet.
If you’re a fan of action-packed, full-contact team sports, there’s nothing better than football. Although the sport has different variations in other countries, the rules are alike in some ways.
Football typically involves two teams that aim to move the ball to their respective side of the field by kicking or throwing it. Playing football requires a combination of speed and strength. Protective gear, especially a football helmet, is necessary for everyone playing organized football. The thing is, not all football helmets are the same.
Thus, here are things to consider when buying a football helmet:
1. The Perfect Fit
It doesn’t matter if you’re buying the most expensive football helmet available in the market; if it doesn’t fit well, don’t buy it. An ill-fitting helmet is not only uncomfortable to wear, but it’ll also not provide the best protection for you. Thus, make sure to try on a football helmet before you buy it.
Here’s how to check whether a football helmet fits you correctly:
The helmet should stay in place even when you move your head
There should be no space between the inner padding of the helmet and your temples
There should be no space between the jaw pads and your jaw
The helmet doesn’t, in any way, interfere with your range of vision
It’s crucial to choose a football helmet that fits comfortably, which you can ensure by trying it on. Avoid buying a football helmet for its brand alone.
2. Safety Features
Safety is a non-negotiable factor in choosing the right football helmet. It’s essential to buy a football helmet certified by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE).
The NOCSAE seal means that the gear is made with high-quality material, ensuring safety. The NOCSAE stamp or seal is typically found at the back of the football helmet.
You should also check that the football helmet has the following features:
Cushioning: Football is a physical sport that requires proper cushioning. The cushioning of a football helmet absorbs impact better than ordinary foam padding.
Shell standoff: The space between the user’s skull and the shell of the helmet is where helmet makers insert the thermoplastic urethane cushioning. Larger football helmets allow manufacturers to put thicker padding.
Inflatable liner: It’s challenging to find a helmet that fits perfectly. Choose a football helmet with an inflatable liner to fill out gaps inside for a better fit or grip.
Inflatable jaw pad: The inflatable jaw pad helps create a more secure fit around the jaw area, just as an inflatable liner creates a more snug fit around the head.
3. Age and Skill Level
Another important consideration in buying the right football helmet is the age of the player and their skill level. Adult helmets are typically larger in size and heavier. Youth football helmets, on the other hand, are lighter and smaller in size.
Avoid purchasing replica helmets for kids since their football gear should protect them from blows even if they’re not professional football players. To help you out, here are the curated best football helmets for youth.
The age of the football player often dictates what type of football helmet should be worn, such as:
10 years old or younger: A youth helmet with or without an inflatable liner is suitable for young children playing football.
11 to 13 years old: Older children should start using bigger youth helmets with inflatable liners and jaw pads to protect them from more competitive plays.
14 years old and up / adults: Teenagers or high school students should start using adult football helmets to protect them from stronger impacts that can cause severe injuries, like concussions.
4. Durability
The primary purpose of wearing a football helmet is to protect the player from getting hurt or avoiding any untoward accident. Football is an aggressive game, so you should seriously consider buying a helmet with a durable outer shell.
Every brand of football helmet has different features to offer and are continuously coming up with sturdier and more durable protective football gear. Look for football helmets made from polycarbonate for the outer shell since the material is sturdy yet lightweight.
Conclusion
A helmet is an essential protective gear to wear if you’re an active football player. The truth is, no football helmet can offer 100% protection from injury. However, buying the right protective gear helps prevent any serious injuries, such as eye injuries, or facial and skull fractures, when playing football.
