FAQs and Details About Football Helmets + Helmet Accessories
Gear up with pro-level protection at Academy. From Riddell SpeedFlex to Schutt F7 helmets, plus visors and chin straps, find top-tier safety for all ages. Enjoy Free Shipping on select gear and our Price Match Guarantee.
Selecting the right football helmet is a critical decision for player well-being and peak performance. Enthusiasts know that informed choices protect investments in their sport. Focus on certifications, fit, and the specific demands of your position. Prioritizing these elements ensures maximum confidence on the field.
NOCSAE Certification: Always confirm the helmet bears the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) seal. This ensures it meets crucial safety standards.
Proper Fit: A snug, comfortable fit is paramount for effective helmet safety. Measure head circumference and follow manufacturer sizing charts precisely.
Player Position: Quarterbacks, linemen, and wide receivers have different impact profiles. Choose a helmet designed for your specific positional needs.
Ventilation Systems: Effective airflow prevents overheating. Advanced ventilation keeps you focused during intense play.
Weight Distribution: Lighter, balanced helmets reduce neck strain. This improves agility and sustained comfort.
Chin Strap System: A robust, adjustable chin strap keeps the helmet secure. It prevents unwanted movement during impacts.
Modern football helmets integrate diverse designs and materials to suit varied play styles. Each type offers distinct advantages, impacting both player agility and crucial head protection. Understanding these differences helps optimize your equipment investment. Evaluate shell construction, internal padding, and overall profile carefully.
Traditional Shell Helmets: Feature a hard outer shell for impact resistance. These are widely used across all levels of play.
Extended Jaw/Facemask Helmets: Offer enhanced side and jaw protection. They are often preferred by linemen for increased coverage.
Position-Specific Helmets: Engineered with targeted features for quarterbacks, defensive backs, or linemen. These maximize protection where it is needed most.
Air-Filled Padding Systems: Utilize inflatable bladders for a custom, secure fit. This system provides superior comfort and shock absorption.
Foam Padding Systems: Employ multi-layered foam densities. They are designed to dissipate forces effectively upon impact.
Hybrid Systems: Combine air and foam elements. These offer a balance of customizable fit and consistent protection.
Fitting Reminders to Consider:
Position: The helmet should sit about 1 to 1.5 inches above the eyebrows.
Movement: It should remain firmly in place when you move your head; if it slides over your eyes when pulled, it's too big.
Gap Check: There should be no space between the temples and the interior padding, nor between the jaw and the jaw pads.
Here are the youth and adult football helmet size charts, and for more details visit
Track Order
myAcademy® Rewards Credit Card
Need Help?
