REF · FB_HELMET_AX3D_C
5/5 VT
Adult football helmets
An adult football helmet is the most technical piece of American football kit you will buy, and the one where fit matters most. This section covers varsity helmets built for teenage and adult players, from school teams to senior clubs. It includes the Riddell SpeedFlex platform (SpeedFlex, SpeedFlex II, SpeedFlex Diamond, SF Echo) and the Schutt F7 family (F7 AiR, F7 AiR Elite, F7 Pro, F7 2.0). Each product page lists the sizes published by the manufacturer, the certification it declares and, where one exists, the model's result in the Virginia Tech laboratory ratings. Prices come from European retailers, in euros, with the date they were checked. Compare shells, liners and compatible facemasks, measure your head, then follow the offer that suits your size.
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REF · 193025002202
5/5 VT
REF · 19302E5006306
5/5 VT
REF · 193004002202
5/5 VT
REF · 19300E4006206
5/5 VT
REF · FB_HELMET_AX_C
5/5 VT
Adult helmets
NOCSAE ✓
5/5 VT
Adult helmets
NOCSAE ✓
5/5 VT
REF · R41184
NOCSAE ✓
5/5 VT
REF · R41175
NOCSAE ✓
5/5 VT
Riddell
SpeedFlex Diamond helmet
Discontinued by the manufacturer
European price to come
See the product
REF · R41125
NOCSAE ✓
4/5 VT
REF · XEHMSHW
3/5 VT
REF · R41195
NOCSAE ✓
3/5 VT
Adult helmets
NOCSAE ✓
Adult helmets
NOCSAE ✓
REF · 2044013006206
REF · 19304E4006106
REF · XEHMSHX
5/5 VT
REF · X2EV-21X-1010-A-S
5/5 VT
What an adult helmet has to do
American football is a full-contact sport played at speed, and the helmet takes hit after hit over a season. Every model combines four elements: a hard shell, an internal liner that absorbs energy and holds the head, a facemask and a chin strap. Adult (varsity) helmets differ from youth models in their size range, weight and the standards they are certified to.
Choosing an adult football helmet
Certification
American football helmets are certified to NOCSAE standards. Our product pages state the certification each manufacturer declares. The Riddell SpeedFlex, for instance, is certified to NOCSAE ND002-17 and declared compliant with the EU personal protective equipment regulation 2016/425.
Virginia Tech ratings
Virginia Tech's helmet lab publishes a star rating for adult helmets based on impact testing. It is a useful independent benchmark when comparing models, but it does not replace a proper fit. Results can differ widely between models on the same platform, so always check the rating of the exact helmet rather than the family name.
Shell, liner and facemask
Each brand takes its own approach. Riddell pairs a polycarbonate shell with its Flex System on the SpeedFlex, while Schutt uses an inflatable AiR-Lock liner on the F7 AiR. Facemasks are model-specific and chosen by position; some European retailers sell the helmet without one, so check what the offer includes.
Getting the size right
Measure your head circumference with a soft tape about 2.5 cm (one inch) above the eyebrows, around the widest part of the back of the head. Then use the maker's chart: Riddell's SpeedFlex runs from S (up to 52 cm) to XL (60 cm and over), while Schutt offers the F7 AiR from S to 2XL.
- With the helmet on, turning your head should not make it slide.
- The chin strap cup should sit centred on the chin.
- Use the inflatable liner, where fitted, to fine-tune the fit.
- Recheck the inflation before every season.
Care and storage
Clean the shell and pads with lukewarm water and mild soap; avoid solvents. Let the helmet air-dry away from radiators and never leave it in a hot car. Do not add paint or stickers the manufacturer has not approved, and follow its guidance on inspection and service life.
Frequently asked questions
How does an adult football helmet differ from a youth one?
Adult (varsity) helmets cover larger head sizes and are certified to the general NOCSAE helmet standard, such as ND002 for the SpeedFlex. Youth helmets have their own sizes, are lighter and some meet a dedicated NOCSAE youth standard. Virginia Tech also ranks them separately.
Where do I measure my head for a helmet?
Wrap a soft tape measure about 2.5 cm above your eyebrows and around the widest part of the back of your head, then compare the figure with the manufacturer's size chart.
Does the helmet come with a facemask?
Not always. Some European retailers sell the shell without a facemask, so check the listing and the list of masks compatible with your model.