Contents
- Best Football Facemask Reviews 2019
- 1. Schutt Sports Youth VROPO DW YF Vengeance Football Faceguard
- 2. Schutt DNA ROPO UB Varsity Facemask
- 3. Schutt Sports Youth VEGOP II YF Vengeance Football Faceguard
- 4. Schutt Varsity VROPO DW STG Facemask
- 5. Riddell Speed S2BD-SP Football Facemask
- 6. Green Gridiron Riddell SpeedFlex SF-2EG-SW Facemask
- 7. Riddell SpeedFlex SF-2BD Facemask
- 8. Xenith Prime Football Facemask
- 9. Xenith XRS21 Football Facemask
- 10. Rawlings Youth EG Facemask
- What to Look For When Buying a Football Facemask
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Football is an exciting yet tough sport. In fact, you can’t be 100% sure that you will be safe in the field. With that in mind, it is no longer surprising to see many football players investing in protective gear to guarantee their safety while enjoying the game.
Fortunately, better protection can now be provided with a wide range of football facemasks introduced to them. The best football facemasks actually work in protecting your face without causing any interruptions or destructions in your on-field performance.
Note that even the most experienced football players want to make sure that their facial bones and teeth stay intact and remain on their right places, and that’s possible with the aid of a reliable football facemask. This protective gear actually refers to that specific part of your football helmet, which covers your face.
It offers a high level of protection as it is often constructed out of metal and covered with either rubber or plastic. Each of the football masks introduced in the market is also designed in such a way that it protects different parts of your face while also offering enough visibility to handle the game well.
You can also find facemasks constructed out of carbon steel and equipped with a protective coating. Also, the specific details and features incorporated into the mask are fully dependent on the wearer and his specific requirements. If you still have no idea which football mask to choose then here are 10 high-quality choices.
Best Football Facemask Reviews 2019
1. Schutt Sports Youth VROPO DW YF Vengeance Football Faceguard
I highly recommend this football faceguard from Schutt for anyone searching for a highly reliable football facemask constructed out of carbon steel. What I specifically like about this product is that it meets the standards of durability and performance set by the brand.
With that, it is possible for it to help young athletes enjoy playing football with confidence and aggression. The overall design of this facemask actually boasts of a double-wire bar, which is designed to offer additional protection in the nose and eye areas.
It also makes use of carbon steel, which is a strong material designed to offer reliable protection. I think that this material can make the players, parents, and coaches feel more at ease because of its strength, high level of protection, and durability. It takes pride in its extended brow design guaranteed to improve vision and visibility.
Furthermore, I am pleased that such design works in absorbing even huge impacts caused by frontal hits. It is a versatile football facemask in the sense that it works for various playing positions in the field, like a quarterback, wide receivers, and tight end.
This facemask is also popular for its toughness and durability, making it serve its purpose for a longer period than what most users initially expected.
- Improves the confidence and performance of youth football players
- Made of strong and protective carbon steel
- Improves vision – thanks to its extended brow design
- Absorbs huge impact
- Versatile enough that it suits various playing positions
- Heavier than other facemasks
2. Schutt DNA ROPO UB Varsity Facemask
Another facemask from Schutt that leaves a good impression on me is the DNA ROP (reinforced oral protection only) UB Varsity facemask. It is actually an excellent choice if you are looking for a budget-friendly facemask as it is offered at a reasonable price without skimping on its toughness and durability.
I love the fact that it utilizes an innovative technology, which promotes ease in attaching it to your helmet as it means you can save time in the process. It is also one of the most durable faceguards or facemasks for football constructed out of carbon steel. I can offer an assurance that it specifically fits large-offset DNA helmets.
It is also suitable for the DNA Pro+ as well as the DNA Pro+ Elite helmets. It is equipped with a strengthened oral coverage designed to meet the needs of various players who have different playing positions, including quarterback, tight end, wide receivers, and punter.
I am also pleased to say that this facemask already comes with an attachment hardware. This means that it already comes complete with most of the things you need to attach or connect it to your football helmet. It is also sturdy while also preventing you from dealing with issues when attaching it to your helmet.
- Requires less effort and time to attach to a helmet
- Highly durable and tough
- Meet the needs of various players and playing positions
- Comes with the required attachment hardware
- Affordable
- Slightly heavy
3. Schutt Sports Youth VEGOP II YF Vengeance Football Faceguard
I am also happy to introduce the popular Schutt VEGOP II YF Vengeance Football Faceguard. Overall, I am pretty satisfied with the overall construction of this faceguard as it is designed to be strong. It is also meant to protect all its users.
Made of carbon steel, be aware that it is an affordable option that is still capable of meeting the standards in the industry as far as performance, protection, and strength are concerned. I like the 13 colors offered by this facemask.
With the wide range of colors to choose from, you can surely pick one that suits your taste – one that makes you look good when you are playing in the field without compromising your safety. It is also built to be tough and durable while meeting the needs of various users who hold different responsibilities and positions in the field.
It works for youth football and is compatible with the Youth Vengeance helmet.
- Strong overall construction
- Designed to offer protection to users
- Available in 13 cool colors
- Offered at a reasonable price
- Works well for various players with different responsibilities and playing positions
- A bit heavy
4. Schutt Varsity VROPO DW STG Facemask
Another facemask from Schutt that, I think, will deliver a high level of satisfaction to its users is the Varsity VROP DW STG Facemask. Designed using carbon steel, it is safe to say that it is one of the most commonly used facemasks you can find on the football field today.
Among the ideal positions where this facemask is guaranteed to fit are wide receivers, defensive ends, tight ends, and running backs. I love the 17-bar configuration used in this football facemask. Such configuration is truly impressive as it guarantees to lessen the grab points for the defense to penetrate their fingers on your face.
I am also satisfied with the extended brow design used in this facemask as I noticed how effective it is in boosting vision while ensuring that the gear will be able to absorb impact brought on by frontal hits. Furthermore, it showcases the same design that top defensive players in NFL use.
With that, I can safely say that it boasts of its intimidating style and extensive protection. It looks strong and great, too. It has a distinctive design, which lets you stand out in the field.
- Constructed out of the strong and affordable carbon steel
- Features a 17-bar configuration
- Works ideally for several playing positions
- Features an extensive brow design for more security and visibility
- Looks great and strong
- Not suitable for youth football players
5. Riddell Speed S2BD-SP Football Facemask
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Made using carbon steel, I can also say that the Riddell Speed S2BD-SP Football Facemask is a strong and durable product designed to give users the protection they need. The premium material used in it guarantees not only durability but also extensive protection from frontal impact.
What I find so impressive about this safety gear for football is that it carries with it an advanced design, which is totally lightweight. This means that even if it is made of carbon steel, it still makes use of an advancement designed to make it up to 14 percent lighter when compared to other conventional and traditional facemasks.
It performs well, especially for football players who hold the running back and the defensive back positions. I think it is mainly because it comes with additional protection around the jaw and mouth, making it suit the requirements of those I the mentioned positions.
Furthermore, it features a shorter design and comes with 3 configuration bars surrounding the mouth, thereby ensuring that the other players won’t have their hands coming in contact with your face. It can perform such function without compromising your vision while you are in the field. It also boasts of its super high tensile strength.
- Premium carbon steel material used
- Totally lightweight due to its highly advanced design
- Protects your face with the aid of its 3 configuration bars
- High tensile strength
- Protects the areas surrounding your jaw and mouth
- Not equipped with the installation hardware
- Suits Riddell helmets only
6. Green Gridiron Riddell SpeedFlex SF-2EG-SW Facemask
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Another football facemask that, I think, is worthwhile for you to check out is the Green Gridiron Riddell SpeedFlex SF-2EG-SW Facemask. It is actually a customized facemask, which follows exactly the same style used by Marcus Mariota from the beginning of the 2016 season.
It makes use of stainless steel wire, which makes it more lightweight than other those facemasks constructed out of carbon steel, so I can safely say that it is more manageable and easier to use. I am satisfied with its compatibility with youth and adult-sized helmets (from small to extra-large only).
It is also highly recommended for those holding skill positions, like the quarterback, wide receivers, and running back. As mentioned earlier, it makes use of stainless steel, which is known for having a thinner gauge. That said, it is 20 percent lighter when compared to the others.
The fact that it makes use of a thin wire also ensures that it is capable of increasing your line of sight.
- Customized facemask
- Makes use of stainless steel wire, which is very lightweight
- Compatible with youth and adult-sized helmets
- Can increase your line of sight
- Ideal for those who hold skill positions
- Pricier than other facemasks
- Quick-release hardware kit not included in the purchase
7. Riddell SpeedFlex SF-2BD Facemask
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Choosing the right football facemasks today is also less complex if you take into consideration the different Riddell facemasks, particularly the SpeedFlex SF-2BD. Constructed out of stainless steel material, I am sure that you will be pretty satisfied with the lightness of this facemask.
It is light enough that using it in the field will be much easier. Many skill players also prefer to use this facemask but rest assured that it also works regardless of what your position is on the field. It guarantees a high level of protection for both your mouth and face.
It offers such protection without causing limitations to your vision. In fact, I can assure you that it can boost your vision or improve visibility. This facemask is actually manufactured to fit well with the new SpeedFlex helmet of Riddell. I am also pleased to say that it forms a vital part of the brand’s Flex system.
Such boasts its ability to lessen any force and impact transmitted to your helmet. It delivers a wide field of vision, which is actually a big advantage for all football players. It is also compatible with adult and youth players.
This facemask is also notable for its solid and durable build.
- Lightweight as it is constructed from stainless steel
- Works for skill positions
- Offers protection for your mouth and face
- Offers a wide field of vision
- Solid and durable build
- A bit challenging to put on
8. Xenith Prime Football Facemask
Another excellent product that I highly advise you to check out is the Xenith Prime Football Facemask. I discovered that it is suitable for all football players who want to use an open mask so they can retain a better vision while on the field. I like the carbon steel material used in this facemask as it improves its strength.
Such strength makes it possible for the product to withstand all forms of collision and hit it comes in contact with. It is manufactured to provide extra protection while also promoting greater visibility. What I like even more about this football gear is that it is well-rounded as it performs efficiently regardless of the user’s position on the field.
I also love the polyethylene powder coating used in the facemask as it further strengthens it and improves its durability. I am also happy that this cost-efficient product gives you the chance to pick from a wide range of colors available in it.
It is also beneficial in the sense that it comes with all the installation hardware you need. In addition, it comes with easy to follow instructions on how to set it up.
- Retains a better on-field vision
- Guarantees a high level of strength, thanks to the carbon steel material
- Can withstand collision and hits
- Well-rounded and versatile as it works for all positions
- Makes use of strong and durable polyethylene powder coating
- Compatible only with helmets and facemask clips from Xenith
9. Xenith XRS21 Football Facemask
Another football facemask from Xenith that I would like to recommend is the Xenith XRS21. It primarily makes use of carbon steel as its primary material, which promotes durability and strength. Another major benefit I love about this facemask is its versatility.
It is versatile enough that it is appropriate for use on all positions, though, it seems to work perfectly for skill players, like those in the defensive backs, running backs, quarterbacks, and wide receivers. I am also satisfied with the overall durability and strength of this facemask.
It can withstand tough use, especially during your game day. Furthermore, it lets you enjoy a superior vision, which is a good thing if you want to deliver an excellent performance when playing football. It comes in a popular style, which suits the needs of youth and varsity players.
You can also choose from its wide range of team colors. What’s more? It utilizes a nylon powder coating, which is known to resist corrosion. Such coating can also improve the durability of the facemask, making it capable of withstanding impacts.
- Made of carbon steel, which promotes strength and sturdiness
- Highly versatile that you can use it for all positions
- Capable of withstanding tough use
- Guarantees superior vision while on the field
- Corrosion-resistant, thanks to its nylon powder coating
- Does not fit helmets and clips of other brands
10. Rawlings Youth EG Facemask
The last product I wish to recommend is the Rawlings Youth EG Facemask. Also made of carbon steel, I am sure you will instantly notice how tough, strong, and durable this football facemask is. I like the overall design of this facemask, too.
It is because it has a double wire, which is effective in providing extra protection to your nose and eyes, especially during a tough game. I find it so versatile, too as it is appropriate for several playing positions, including the tight end, defensive line, offensive line, defensive back, running back, linebacker, and wide receiver.
I am pretty sure that you will also love its availability in a wide range of colors as it means that you can choose one based on your team and the way you want to express yourself. You can even pick a color, which makes you much easier to distinguish from other players.
This product also makes use of an extra-thick coating. With this coating, the durability of the football facemask is greatly increased. Weighing at around one lb., it is not also too heavy, making it easy to manage especially during the game day.
- Made of tough, strong, and durable carbon steel
- Offers protection to the eye, thanks to the built-in double wire
- Versatile as it is appropriate for a wide range of playing positions
- Available in different colors
- Makes use of an extra-thick coating, which provides added durability
- Hardware required for the installation not included
What to Look For When Buying a Football Facemask
Buying the best out of the many football facemasks introduced to the public requires you to gain a full understanding of how it works and its major components. It is also necessary that you spend time assessing your unique requirements based on your position in the field.
There is a great possibility for you to make an informed buying decision if you spend time assessing these factors and ensuring that they contribute to your final decision:
Material
Your choice of a suitable football facemask will mainly depend on the specific material, which is appropriate for your requirements. Note that the facemask for the sport is actually often made using three standard materials – the stainless steel, titanium, and carbon steel.
Carbon steel is known for being the most common choice among football players. It is durable and tough while also being offered in the market at an affordable price. The problem is that it is heavier when compared to the other two materials.
If you are looking for a lighter football facemask, which is still capable of providing a durable protection then the one made of stainless steel is ideal for you. However, take note that you might need to pay more for this type than the one made of carbon steel.
Titanium, on the other hand, is popular for being the top pick often chosen by college athletes, professionals, and elite high school teams. Facemasks constructed out of this material are popular for their lightweight construction designed to improve your speed. They are also superior in terms of durability and strength.
Make sure that you make your choice out of the mentioned materials based on your football position as well as your responsibilities once you are already in the field.
Intended purpose
Your choice should also greatly depend on the specific purpose that you wish your chosen football facemask to fulfill. One of the major purposes of this facemask is to protect you on the field. Your goal should be to find a really tough, durable, and protective facemask if you want to gain protection from possible injuries.
Another possible purpose of this protective gear is to improve vision. It is particularly useful, especially when the ball gets lost momentarily either in the sun or in the overhead lights. Some masks serve as sunglasses, boosting your vision in case your eyes come in contact with extremely bright lights.
You may also make your choice of a football facemask based on the purpose of expressing yourself. Note that you can find the coolest football facemask on the market, which features visible patterns and colors in its exteriors. You can invest in this if your goal is to express yourself and set yourself apart from the rest of the players.
Your position on the field
Your position in the field also has a say on what kind of football facemask suits you the most. In this case, you have to check the bar configuration of the facemask as it plays a major role on the level of protection and performance it can deliver as well as its appropriateness on your position on the field.
A football facemask, which comes with several cross bars positioned higher across the eyes, for example, can offer protection to the player. The problem is that this might also affect his visibility. That said, it might not be suitable for you if you are a wide receiver or a quarterback since you need to have a wide field of view for better performance.
A facemask, which has an open bar configuration, on the other hand, promotes better visibility. However, you can’t expect it to offer protection to your eyes and mouth from the fingers and hands of other players. In that case, it wouldn’t work for you, especially if you are a lineman.
Your goal, therefore, should be to greatly consider your position on the field then look for a football facemask designed to provide the right balance between performance and protection. What you have to do is to find one with a bar configuration, which provides you the level of visibility and protection required.
Advancements and features
Picking the best facemask for football should also depend on the specific features and advancements present in a particular product. Note that the best one is usually that equipped with the most recent technological advancements and features in the field of football.
Such advancements are designed to offer more protection to players, better visibility, and superior performance. Among the specific advancements that you can see in the facemasks are more lightweight materials and flexible metals.
The presence of both can provide players additional protection. The more flexible metals also provide extra flex designed to absorb more impact. With that, expect it to be more effective in minimizing the amount of trauma and concussions affecting the face and head.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does a hardware kit come with a football facemask?
In most cases, the football facemask is not included in a hardware kit. You will have to purchase it separately. What the kit often contains are all the hardware necessary for attaching the football facemask into a helmet.
Frequently, the kit includes stainless steel cage screws, cage straps, and stainless steel cage T-nuts – all of which are useful in attaching the facemask to your helmet.
Does the facemask come with clips to secure the helmet?
The answer is actually dependent on the kind of facemask you choose to buy. For instance, if you are using a helmet with at least one face mask bar then there is a great possibility that your purchase will come with a mounting bracket designed to secure a visor to the bar.
The bracket will also come with a clip so you can configure and secure the facemask and its configuration bar to the helmet.
Which facemask fits my football helmet?
As one of the best investments you can make to complete your football protective gear, you have to ensure that you buy a facemask, which is appropriate for your football helmet. That way, you wouldn’t end up wasting your money on a product that does not fit.
Whether you are searching for a youth or adult facemask, you need to look for a facemask and a helmet that fit appropriately. In this case, take note that major manufacturers of football gears, like Riddell, Xenith, and Schutt, design facemasks that only suit specific helmets.
With that in mind, if you own a Schutt helmet, then it might also be necessary for you to purchase a facemask from the same brand to guarantee their appropriate fit. You might also find other brands of facemasks capable of fitting a wide range of helmets or shells regardless of the brand.
What kind of facemasks are used for different football positions?
Different football positions also require the use of different types of football helmet facemasks as a means of ensuring that the right balance of visibility and protection will be provided. If you are a lineman, then it would be best to invest in a facemask with a double wire to prevent certain objects, usually body parts, from penetrating their face.
A double-wire football facemask can protect the nose, jaw, and mouth. It often features a vertical bar to provide more protection. For those whose positions are in the defensive backs, wide receivers, running back, and quarterback, a facemask, which emphasizes more visibility than protection is ideal for them.
It does not feature vertical wires. Instead, it has