Football is a fun sport that requires plenty of action, but it’s quite dangerous too. In fact, defending the football field and keeping the other team from reaching the end can be violent. That’s why every player must equip himself with the best protective helmet. If you have a kid that has an interest in football and loves to practice on the field, you should provide him the best helmet for youth football. This helmet will protect him from having major injuries or even concussions while playing this rough sport. However, with the number of football helmets available on the market today, it might be hard to pick the right one. But since you’re here, there’s no need to scratch your head anymore! To that end, let us show you all of them!
If your kid also loves to swim, make sure to check out the 13 best swim bags for kids and the 13 best swimming pool floats for babies too! But if you need a football helmet for yourself, you should take a look at the 13 best helmets for football!
How To Choose The Best Helmets for Youth Football
To ensure that the helmet that you’re eyeing is of high-quality, you should consider the following factors during the selection process:
Safety standard
The best helmet for youth football must be verified by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment. The verification sticker can be found on the outside part of the helmet. If you can’t find it, it’s better to find another helmet.
Shell quality
One of the most important things to consider is the durability of the shell. You should remember that football is an aggressive sport and can cause your children to experience head-to-head collisions. But with a hard and durable outer shell, it’s possible to lessen the impact while allowing children to stand up again and continue to play even after a collision.
Comfort
Remember, no matter how stunning or cheap the helmet is, always prioritize comfort. It shouldn’t be too big nor too small. Note that some of the helmets also have padding that needs to be inflated to offer the highest level of protection. In case you want to choose such a helmet, make sure that you check the cushioning thoroughly.
Weight
Another key feature you shouldn’t forget is the helmet’s weight. Avoid heavy helmets as they’re not just uncomfortable to wear but also strenuous to carry. Besides, they have the tendency of adding to fatigue as well. Instead, choose the lightweight ones as they’re more secure while also ensuring that they won’t affect your kid’s performance. If anything, they can help your kid move faster on the field.
Schutt XP Hybrid Youth Football Helmet
13
The second helmet on this list is Schutt XP Hybrid Youth Football Helmet. If you’re looking for the best helmet for youth football that’s small in size, then you should consider this helmet. It’s capable of fitting kids’ small heads perfectly while providing the highest level of protection. One thing that we genuinely find amazing is its high-quality chin straps. The chin straps are extremely useful in securing the helmet in place, preventing it from getting knocked off or falling down.
With its small size, rest assured that it’s lightweight too. That also means that your children won’t be slowed down while they’re playing on the field. Meanwhile, the inner cushioning also does a really good job in providing protection consistently. Another thing that you’ll love is that it has adequate airflow so that the wearer’s head will stay cool and dry even when they’re practicing competitively.
What We Love
An ideal pick for kids with small heads.
Pros:
- Offers amazing protection
- High-quality chin straps
- Very lightweight
- Soft and comfortable cushioning
- Features proper ventilation
Cons:
- Some people find this helmet way too small
LIGHT Youth Football Helmet
12
Haven’t heard of LIGHT Youth Football Helmet before? No worries, as we’re here to introduce you to this impressive yet criminally underrated helmet. Basically, this football helmet is the new kid on the block that’s packed with many awesome features. First of all, it offers children amazing protection. Instead of simply redirecting the impact, it absorbs the impact so that the skull will remain safe.
This helmet is also made from the lightest yet strongest materials available, which means children can improve their speed on the field. When we say it’s light, we mean it’s really, really light. Weighing only 2.5lbs, it’s around 2lbs lighter than most helmets out there. On top of that, this helmet also boasts high-tech features like the Armor Foam lining. That lining, which can be found on the inside of the helmet, is licensed by NASA and is used in space travel! Pretty impressive, right?
What We Love
Although it’s new, it can stand toe to toe with other great helmets on this list.
Pros:
- Absorbs impacts really well
- Very lightweight
- Strong and sturdy
- Available in 8 different colors
- Soft and comfortable liner
Cons:
- Quite expensive
Schutt Sports Youth Vengeance DCT Football Helmet
11
Schutt Sports Youth Vengeance DCT Football Helmet is one of the top helmets that has been used by some players coming up from the youth leagues. Considered by many people as the best helmet for youth football, it has all the traditional Schutt features that include a TPU outer shell for protection as well as the D30 cushioning that’s ready to absorb all impacts from shots to the head. Even better, this helmet feels very lightweight and comfortable.
One of our favorite features that this helmet offers is the twist and release system. This system is specifically designed for making adjustments to the helmet and it works to add any type of facemask you want. Speaking of which, it’s compatible with a wide selection of Schutt facemask. Like other helmets for youth from this brand, it’s also reasonably priced. With all these features, this helmet is perfect for any player of any position on the field.
What We Love
It’s a very versatile football helmet and can cater to the needs of any player of any position.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Absorbs impact pretty well
- Reasonably priced
- Durable outer shell
- Compatible with various facemasks
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a facemask
Schutt Youth DNA Pro+ Football Helmet
10
Perfect for beginners, Schutt Youth DNA Pro+ Football Helmet is a can’t-miss. Specially designed for enthusiastic beginners, it comes with TPU cushioning and some additional foam for better protection. The foam also does a really great job in wicking away moisture especially on hot days. Thanks to its high-impact ABS material, this helmet is also very lightweight. We also like that the shell features a large, contoured front opening for increased field of vision.
One of the common issues that many players have to deal with is having their helmet deflating during the game. However, that’s not the case for this helmet, as it boasts an Air-Loc technology that will ensure none of the air escapes as your children are playing. Yes, like many football helmets for youth out there, it doesn’t come with a facemask, but you can easily find one that suits this helmet.
What We Love
An ideal choice for beginners who don’t want to spend too much on a helmet.
Pros:
- Great for beginners
- Offers great protection
- Stylish gloss design
- High-impact ABS shell
- Air-Loc technology
Cons:
- Facemask not included
Schutt Sports Vengeance A3+ Youth Football Helmet
9
For those who are looking for the best helmet for youth football that offers amazing protection, Schutt Sports Vengeance A3+ Youth Football Helmet shouldn’t be ignored. Engineered with a TPU cushioning, it can absorb a wide range of knocks, making it a great skull protector. The liner also has SureFit technology, which allows players to make a custom fit. Meanwhile, the interlinking jaw pads will provide support and an assured locked-in fit at the lower part of the face when strapped on.
The last thing your children need to worry about when wearing this helmet is its weight, as it’s not heavy at all. In fact, it’s so comfortable and soft that it feels like a pillow. However, you should note that it doesn’t come with a facemask. But it’s compatible with most facemasks on the market.
What We Love
It’s an affordable helmet that’s comfortable to wear, sturdy, and has great longevity.
Pros:
- Great shock absorption
- SureFit liner for a custom fit
- Ergonomic feel
- Very durable
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a facemask
Schutt Sports Vengeance A3 Youth Football Helmet
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If you love the Vengeance A3+, you’ll also definitely fancy this helmet. Like its larger version, Schutt Sports Vengeance A3 Youth Football Helmet is made to make sure that it can offer kids the protection and comfort they need. Meanwhile, the TPU outer skin is what makes all the difference and once they start taking shots to the head, they’ll immediately feel how much protection and comfort it offers.
We’re not joking when we say that this helmet feels like a pillow in the head when you have massive hits. Moreover, the inner lining comes with a moisture-wicking capability. Aside from being affordable, it’s also available in 9 different colors to choose from!
What We Love
The perfect alternative for those who are looking for Vengeance A3+ but find it too big.
Pros:
- Ergonomic feel
- Lightweight design
- Strong TPU shell
- Reasonably priced
- Available in 9 different colors
Cons:
- Facemask not included
Schutt Sports Vengeance A11 Youth Football Helmet
7
Get ready to take on your league in style by wearing Schutt Sports Vengeance A11 Youth Football Helmet. This helmet comes with non-inflatable liners throughout the entire helmet that provides a secure and comfortable fit. Available in black and white, it’s also very lightweight that it won’t give any unnecessary pressure to the neck.
Built with a TPU frontal liner that contains Poron inside the frontal pods, this helmet offers amazing stability and support. Best of all, unlike most of the helmets on this list, this helmet does come with a facemask! As such, you don’t need to look for a suitable facemask anymore. Considering its mid-range price, we’re quite satisfied with this helmet.
What We Love
It’s not overly done with all the bells and whistles but also well constructed in a quality helmet.
Pros:
- Provides a snug fit
- Very lightweight
- Durable
- Absorbs impact really well
- Comes with a facemask
Cons:
- Some people have complained that they never receive any facemask
Schutt Sports Youth AiR Standard V Football Helmet
6
There’s a reason why there are so many Schutt helmets on this list, and that’s because it produces plenty of premium football helmets that are just hard to not like. Next on our list is the Schutt Sports Youth AiR Standard V Football Helmet. Like its siblings, it comes with an extremely comfortable interior, which makes it an excellent buy. It can guarantee the utmost comfort to children no matter how long they’re going to play on the field because of the DNA jaw pads that come along with this helmet. Aside from being super comfy, we’re also awed by the durability of the jaw pads that are constructed from vinyl material.
Another plus that you’ll get from purchasing this helmet is that it features a space in between your head and the shell, which aids in ensuring that you have enough room to breathe. Furthermore, because it has a snug fit, it’ll be able to perfectly protect your children’s heads while ensuring that it stays in place. Since it’s also available in many different sizes, picking the one that fits you well isn’t a hard task.
What We Love
When it comes to offering the perfect fit, this helmet is among the best.
Pros:
- Extremely comfortable
- Durable jaw pads
- Great ventilation
- Offers a snug fit
- High level of protection
Cons:
- Some people have complained that it doesn’t come with a chin strap
Xenith Youth X2E+ Football Helmet
5
Moving on to another great football helmet that will give kids everything they need, we have Xenith Youth X2E+ Football Helmet. Proving that it deserved to be called the best helmet for youth football, it comes with an ABS plastic shell that promotes durability and offers a ton of protection for children that are competing on the field. We also like the silicone used for the band on the helmet’s inside, as it’ll mold to the shape of the head.
Another reason why this helmet is quite popular is because of its amazing ability to adapt to impacts. This shock-absorbing technology works like a gel and is placed in the right area to reduce the impact to the head. Considering what it offers, you should totally consider purchasing this helmet for your kids.
What We Love
This helmet can be used by players of any skill level.
Pros:
- Durable ABS shell
- Offers great protection
- Molds to the shape of the head perfectly
- Great shock-absorbing technology
- Lightweight
Cons:
- A little bit expensive
Rawlings Momentum Plus Youth Football Helmet
4
Another great option for those looking for the best helmet for youth football is Rawlings Momentum Plus Youth Football Helmet. One thing that we love about this helmet is that it has a similar shell design to the one used by professional football players. Such design is highly durable and sturdy, allowing it to last for a long time. Plus, it comes with a rear inflation port. Thanks to that, this helmet is capable of adjusting to a distinctive size properly. It also provides a hundred percent guarantee that it can fit children securely.
That’s not all, as this helmet can improve its fit with the help of the heat exchange technology and its customizable fit liner. Like we said earlier, this helmet is durable. That’s because it’s constructed out of stainless steel, which also makes it weather and rust-resistant. With the ABS material used on the shell, it’s safe to say that this helmet can resist impact pretty well. However, as it doesn’t come with a facemask, you’ll have to purchase one separately.
What We Love
It’s an affordable helmet that’s durable and doesn’t skimp on great features.
Pros:
- Has the same durable shell design used by pro players
- Can be adjusted to a distinctive size
- Customizable fit liner
- Weather and rust-resistant
- ABS shell for better impact absorption
Cons:
- The facemask is sold separately
Riddell Victor Youth Helmet
3
Any kid that aspires to be a pro player will be thrilled to have Riddell Victor Youth Helmet. It shares the same design as the SpeedFlex line, but one thing that we love is the fact that it’s cheaper! Just like its sibling, it also comes with Patented Side Impact Protection to make sure kids have the maximum protection. Plus, it’s remarkably lightweight. Weighing just 2.05lbs, it won’t give any pressure to the head nor the neck.
As arguably the best helmet for youth football, it boasts inflatable S-jaw pads for added comfort and protection. There’s also a rear-inflatable liner that enables children to adjust the helmet for the perfect fit. Moreover, this helmet features a removable and moisture-resistant over-liner. Best of all, it boasts an S2B facemask that’s suitable for running backs, quarterbacks, and other dynamic positions.
What We Love
A great alternative to the more expensive SpeedFlex Youth Helmet.
Pros:
- Sturdy
- Very durable
- Lightweight
- Removable over-liner
- S2B facemask that’s suitable for many positions
Cons:
- The chinstraps can be better
Schutt Sports Recruit Hybrid Youth Football Helmet
2
Compared to other best helmets for youth, Schutt Sports Recruit Hybrid Youth Football Helmet is much less expensive. One of the highlights of this affordable helmet is its TPU cushioning which is among the most advanced on the market for absorbing hits. We also appreciate that the pads are easily attached. Even better, they’re very soft and flexible.
Aside from the pads, the liner is soft too. It’ll provide comfort to all kids when they’re on the field. It also offers ample ventilation and the padding is designed to be hygienic even after sweaty practices. Another thing worth praising is its ABS shell, which is more lightweight than polycarbonate. Oh, this helmet is also available in 10 different colors, giving you plenty of options to choose from!
What We Love
The best budget helmet on this list.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- TPU cushioning for shock absorption
- Soft and flexible pads
- Comfortable liner
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a facemask
Riddell SpeedFlex Youth Helmet
1
Riddell is a household name among young football players known for its artful engineering which manifests amazingly in the Riddell SpeedFlex Youth Helmet. Known as the best helmet for youth football, this helmet has superb durability and comfort. On the market that’s saturated with eye-catching products, this helmet is one of the few that prioritize quality over aesthetics. It’ll ensure that it can fit kids’ heads perfectly and protect them from concussion-causing impacts when practicing or competing.
Offering them an aggressive design that guarantees maximum protection, this helmet is manufactured with the Patented Side Impact Protection. It’ll reduce the impact coming from the sides so that your jaw will be well protected. It’s also embellished with a well-fitted liner and S-jaw pads. Moreover, there’s an over-liner that reassures protection for different head shapes. The over-liner fabric implies the absence of additional weight on the helmet while providing air cushioning against collisions. Thanks to the polycarbonate materials, the outer shell feels very strong and robust.
What We Love
The protection it offers is second to none.
Pros:
- Very durable
- Absorbs shock really well
- Ergonomic fit
- PSIP for extra protection
- An over-liner to reassure protection for different head shapes
- Robust polycarbonate shell
Cons:
- Quite expensive
