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Football helmets
A football helmet is the most technical piece of kit an American football player will buy, and the one that matters most for safety. This page brings together adult and youth models from Riddell and Schutt, each with the data published by the manufacturer: sizes, padding and fit systems, compatible facemasks, certification and, where one exists, the Virginia Tech rating. You will also find the facemasks, visors and chin straps that complete a helmet. Every price comes from a European retailer, shown in euros and dated, so you can compare offers with no surprises. Before you buy, measure your head carefully and read the advice below: a badly fitted helmet protects less well, however much it costs.
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REF · 01-19828
REF · 145012890
REF · 23315006
REF · 23315206
REF · 23315606
REF · 23315706
REF · 23315806
REF · 23316106
REF · 23315506
REF · 23315906
REF · 14-20311-06-4
REF · 01-20732-02
REF · 01-21184-06
REF · 14-21791
REF · 144003890
REF · 144005490
REF · 144015290
REF · 75301206
REF · 2044013006206
REF · 14-20217
REF · 75301506
Schutt
Vengeance ROPO-DW-TRAD-NB facemask
DB · DL · LB · OL · RB · TE
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REF · 75301706
REF · 01-19828-1
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What to look for in a football helmet
Fit comes first. A premium shell that sits badly on your head will not perform as intended, so treat the points below as a checklist rather than a ranking.
Certification
American football helmets are certified to NOCSAE standards, the benchmark manufacturers cite on their product pages. Check that the model you are considering is certified and that the certification label on the shell is intact. Steer clear of second-hand helmets with an unknown reconditioning history.
Virginia Tech helmet ratings
Virginia Tech's independent lab tests adult (varsity) and youth helmets and publishes a score and a star rating from one to five for each model. The lower the score, the better the helmet performed in their tests. Ratings apply to one specific model rather than a whole range, so two helmets from the same family can score very differently. Our product pages always show the rating of the exact model.
Adult or youth football helmet
A youth helmet is not simply a smaller adult one: shell, padding and weight are designed for lighter players, and Virginia Tech rates youth helmets separately. When to move up to an adult helmet depends on head size and playing level, so follow the manufacturer's guidance rather than age alone.
Sizing and fit
Measure your head circumference with a soft tape roughly an inch (2.5 cm) above the eyebrows, then check the manufacturer's size chart, as ranges vary between brands and models. A well-fitted helmet feels snug without pressure points, sits about two fingers' width above the eyebrows and does not twist when you rotate it by the facemask. On helmets with inflatable liners, the final fit is fine-tuned with a pump.
Facemasks, visors and chin straps
- Facemask: open designs suit receivers and defensive backs, while linemen generally prefer more bars. Always check compatibility with your shell.
- Visor: clear or tinted, it shields the eyes. Some rulebooks restrict tinted visors, so check your league's rules first.
- Chin strap: it keeps the helmet in place. Make sure it suits your helmet and replace it as soon as it shows wear.
Care and maintenance
Clean the shell and pads with products approved by the manufacturer, let everything air-dry and inspect screws, clips and pads regularly. Avoid solvents and non-approved stickers. Follow the manufacturer's guidance on reconditioning and recertification, and take any cracked or deformed helmet out of use straight away.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure my head for a football helmet?
Wrap a soft tape measure around your head about an inch (2.5 cm) above the eyebrows and compare the figure with the size chart for the model you want. Ranges differ between brands.
What does a Virginia Tech star rating mean?
Each tested helmet receives a score and a rating from one to five stars; the lower the score, the better the result. The rating applies to one specific model, not the whole range.
Is a youth football helmet just a smaller adult helmet?
No. Youth helmets have their own shells, padding and size ranges, and Virginia Tech rates them in a separate list.
Do football helmets come with a facemask?
Not always: some helmets are sold without one. Read the retailer's product description and check that the facemask is compatible with your shell.