The most important aspect of any football helmet is the material that it is made of thanks to protection being its primary attribute. While originally made of leather, materials have improved over the years and the majority of helmets today are made of a polycarbonate material. This gives helmets powerful shock absorption and individual brands are constantly working to improve the specific material.
In conjunction with helmet material, the inner padding will be the main factor in determining the user's comfort. You will want a helmet with TPU cushioning around the dome of the helmet and by the jaw pads as well if possible. Some helmets also have inner linings that help them even more comfortably secure your head.
These elements are purely for protection and you should not buy a helmet without them. Higher quality helmets feature face masks with more shock absorption and sometimes are easier to remove. With chin guards, there isn't much to keep in mind but some helmets offer more options for securing your chin guard.
There is a standard size for football helmets but when purchasing one you will only need to keep your head size in mind. Each brand has different size parameters however so you will want to start by measuring your head. Once you know the circumference of your head you can refer to a sizing chart to match up your helmet brand with the right size. Most football helmets weigh 6 pounds or less with five pounds being the standard average. For younger players seek out a lighter helmet with 6 pounds being the top end for a young athlete.
A helmet can only protect you so much, but proper tackling will keep you safe. Never lead with your helmet if possible. If you can’t see the person you are hitting, you need to fix your form. Make sure your helmet is properly secured as well to make sure you're getting the full benefit of its protection.
Regardless of what brand of football helmet you choose, a helmet must fit properly and provide adequate protection. Your helmet should fit snugly and provide you with the comfort needed for maximum performance. It should not be loose or move around on your head.
Football helmets are expensive because of their durable construction and top-of-the-line safety features. Football helmets must withstand a great amount of force, offer enhanced padding for safety, and be durable enough to last many seasons.
The standard time for replacing a football helmet is 10 years from the date of manufacture. Depending on wear and tear a helmet sustains, it may need to replaced earlier.
To avoid injury, a player's helmet should fit properly and rest approximately 1" above a players eyebrows. It should fit snug but not uncomfortably tight. To check for a proper fit, interlock your hands on top of the helmet and press down on the exterior shell. The helmet should be stable and not move.
Modern football helmets have begun to incorporate new types of foam and stronger composite materials that have significantly reduced the weight of football helmets. As long as a football helmet has abundant padding and safety features, a lighter helmet will offer similar levels of protection.
