Cracking pads, soaring spirals, and the satisfying thud of helmet-to-helmet contact – football season is upon us. But before you hit the field, prioritize your safety with the best helmet for your game.
Choosing a football helmet isn’t just about team colors – it’s about prioritizing safety, comfort, and performance. But with a dizzying array of options, finding the perfect lid can be a fumble.
Dive in to discover the helmets that dominate the market, but don’t forget – weight, comfort, and Virginia Tech STAR ratings are your ultimate teammates in choosing the crown that protects your crown.
Vicis Zero2 Trench
Brand: Vicis
Virginia Tech score: 0.52
Weight: 4.7 pounds
Outer material: Polycarbonate
Specialty: Customizable
Price:
- Official site: $749.99
- Amazon: $833.33 – $933.15
Features:
- Designed specifically for linemen’s repetitive hits, reducing the cumulative impact of every snap.
- Earned 5-star ratings from Virginia Tech and dominated NFL/NFLPA lab tests, making it the safest helmet on the field.
- RFLX 2.0 tech keeps you protected without weighing you down, while the DLTA pod system is a customized fit for a pressure-free game.
- Titanium facemask and Oakley visor come standard, ensuring clear vision and maximum durability.
Riddell Axiom
Brand: Riddell
Virginia Tech score: 0.85
Weight: 4.3 pounds
Outer material: Polycarbonate
Specialty: Impact monitoring and custom-fitting scans
Price:
- Official site: $750
Features:
- Tru-Fit™ System utilizes Riddell’s Verifyt™ to ensure a customizable, perfect fit for optimal impact absorption.
- The surround flex system absorbs and redirects energy away from the head, maximizing protection against rotational forces.
- TRU-VIEW™ frontal protection system enhances peripheral vision while offering an impact-resistant facemask design.
- InSite Smart helmet technology tracks vital metrics like impact force and head acceleration, empowering informed injury prevention and performance insights.
Xenith Shadow XR Youth
Brand: Xenith
Virginia Tech score: 0.62
Weight: 4.5 pounds
Outer material: Polymer
Specialty: Compact and lightweight
Price:
- Official site: $359.99
- Amazon: $349.99 – $382.70
- Dick’s Sporting Goods: $399.99
Features:
- Revolutionary RHEON™ Impact Management System absorbs and disperses energy on impact, reducing the force transmitted to your head.
- Multi-density EVA foam provides cushioning and support for different impact scenarios.
- Adjustable liner and chinstrap ensure a secure, comfortable fit.
- Advanced ventilation channels keep you cool and comfortable on the field.
Schutt F7 2.0
Brand: Schutt
Virginia Tech score: 1.35
Weight: 4.7 pounds
Outer material: Polycarbonate
Specialty: Tektonic plates
Price:
- Official site: $499.99
- Amazon: $599.99
- Walmart: $599.99
Features:
- RFLX-S Impact Layer, inspired by VICIS technology, absorbs and deflects impact forces before reaching your head.
- Tektonic Plates (interior and exterior) distribute impact across the helmet, reducing localized pressure.
- Uses carbon steel facemask, the industry standard for strength and durability, standing firm against the toughest tackles.
- Easily adjust the fit for optimal comfort and protection, thanks to fast-access inflation point.
Riddell Speedflex Diamond Youth
Brand: Riddell
Virginia Tech score: 1.24
Weight: 4.3 pounds
Outer material: High strength spring stainless steel
Specialty: Carbon® Digital Light Synthesis™
Price:
- Official site: $500
- Amazon: $439.99
- Walmart: $439.99
Features:
- Carbon® 3D-printed lattice liner absorbs impact and disperses energy, setting a new standard in youth helmet safety.
- Cam-Loc™ Retention System provides secure, comfortable fit with a simple twist.
- 3D Printed Lattice Liner conforms perfectly to your head, providing a personalized and comfortable fit.
- Quick-Change Liner Attachment System makes cleaning and replacing the liner a breeze.
LIGHT Gladiator ATK
Brand: LIGHT
Virginia Tech score: 0.71
Weight: 4.2 pounds
Outer material: Polymer
Specialty: Adjustability, second-best ratings from Virginia Tech
Price:
- Official site: $995
Features:
- Cutting-edge materials keep you light on your feet and focused on the play, without sacrificing impact absorption.
- Multi-density foam and a reinforced shell create a fortress for your head, deflecting hits confidently.
- Strategically placed vents channel cool air through the helmet, keeping you fresh and focused throughout the game.
- A dial-fit system and adjustable padding ensure a snug, comfortable fit that stays put during the most intense plays.
Riddell Speedflex Youth
Brand: Riddell
Virginia Tech score: 3.98
Weight: 4 pounds
Outer material: Polycarbonate
Specialty: Impact force transfer reduction
Price:
- Official site: $439.99
- Amazon: $399.99 – $549.99
- Dick’s Sporting Goods: $439.99
Features:
- A hinged facemask and flexible shell absorb impact, reducing forces that reach the head.
- Patented Side Impact Protection (PSIP) adds extra padding shields against lateral hits, a common youth football injury.
- Cam-Loc™ Chinstrap secures one-handed adjustments for a perfect fit every time.
- Tru-Curve Liner System conforms to head shapes for a personalized, comfortable fit.
LIGHT Gladiator
Brand: LIGHT
Virginia Tech score: 1.53
Weight: 3.9 pounds
Outer material: Nylon shell
Specialty: Flexibility with 3D padding
Price:
- Official site: $995
Features:
- The D30® impact protection material hardens on impact, providing an extra layer of defense where it matters most.
- The 360° ventilation helps you stay cool under pressure with a revolutionary airflow system that keeps you focused on the play.
- Built to withstand the toughest competition, the Gladiator’s unique nylon shell and reinforced facemask offer superior protection without weighing you down.
- The adjustable liner and chinstrap ensure a snug, secure fit that won’t budge during intense plays.
Riddell Youth Victor
Brand: Riddell
Virginia Tech score: 3.23
Weight: 4.8 pounds
Outer material: Polycarbonate
Specialty: Ventilation
Price:
- Official site: $164.99
- Amazon: $149.99 – $199
- Walmart: $174
Features:
- Patented Side Impact Protection (PSIP) absorbs force from sideline hits, reducing the risk of head and neck injuries.
- Fitted Liner System offers a snug, comfortable fit that stays put during intense play.
- HS4 Face Mask provides exceptional visibility and breathability while offering crucial face protection.
- Moisture-Resistant Liner Cover keeps sweat at bay, preventing bacteria growth and maintaining helmet hygiene.
Xenith Shadow
Brand: Xenith
Virginia Tech score: 3.35
Weight: 4.3 pounds
Outer material: Polymer
Specialty: Lightweight and ventilation
Price:
- Official site: $449.99
- Amazon: $349.99 – $382.70
- Dick’s Sporting Goods: $469.99
Features:
- Engineered with advanced materials for superior agility without sacrificing protection.
- Multi-density foam layers and patented ShockBead™ technology absorb and disperse hits, minimizing trauma.
- Strategically placed vents and moisture-wicking liners keep you cool and focused throughout the game.
- The 360° Comfort Dial and adjustable chin strap ensure a snug, customized fit for optimal helmet performance.
LIGHT LS2-CV
Brand: LIGHT
Virginia Tech score: 2.38
Weight: 3.5 pounds
Outer material: Composite shell
Specialty: Customizable, Impact Tech, Lightweight, Durable, Adjustable
Price:
- Official site: $495
- Amazon: $495
- Dick’s Sporting Goods: $595
Features:
- 5-star Virginia Tech helmet rating, built with military-grade materials for ultimate impact absorption.
- Built to last with a scratch-resistant polycarbonate shell and extended warranty.
- Perfect fit thanks to adjustable liners and inflatable cheek pads.
- Pound lighter than traditional helmets, boosting agility and reducing fatigue.
Schutt Vengeance A11+
Brand: Schutt
Virginia Tech score: 3.02
Weight: 3.8 pounds
Outer material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
Specialty: Inflatable air liner
Price:
- Amazon: $174.07 – $181.51
- Walmart: $179.99
Features:
- Carbon steel facemask deflects brutal hits, while HSS jaw pads cushion and stabilize.
- Non-inflatable liners offer a snug, personalized fit you can trust.
- Flexural resistance engineering reinforces key areas for unmatched durability.
- TPU cushioning throughout absorbs impact like a champ, keeping you game-ready.
X2E+ Youth
Brand: Xenith
Virginia Tech score: 3.13
Weight: 4.1 pounds
Outer material: Polymer
Specialty: Linear impact reduction
Price:
- Official site: $249.99
- Amazon: $249.99 – $259.98
- Dick’s Sporting Goods: $239.99
Features:
- Revolutionary ShockCell™ cushioning absorbs hits like a champ, reducing impact forces by 50%.
- The Adaptive Fit System™ cradles every head shape like a glove, eliminating pressure points and helmet wobble.
- The X2E+ is engineered for optimal airflow and comfort, minimizing fatigue and keeping players focused on the game.
- The X2E+’s innovative facemask attaches seamlessly, offering exceptional coverage without sacrificing visibility.