Best Youth Football Helmets 2022 – An Important Protective Gear

One of the most vital parts designed to offer protection to a football player is the football helmet. It is a necessary protective gear considering the fact that brain injuries and other forms of damage might affect players while on the field. It is even more important to pick the best youth football helmet you can find.

The best and the safest youth football helmets 2019 is guaranteed to be high in quality. It has excellent materials and highly durable construction. If you are looking for one but are still deciding what makes a good football helmet, then these short reviews that are full of relevant information can definitely guide you.

Best Youth Football Helmet Reviews 2019

1. Schutt Sports Vengeance A3 Youth Football Helmet

Protection is one of the fundamental aspects that any football player should learn from a young age. With the Schutt Sports Vengeance A3 Youth Football Helmet it is apparent how much emphasis has been placed on protection and comfort for the player. The low-profile design is paramount in dropping the weight for the player.

The TPU outer skin is what makes all the difference and once you start taking shots to the head, it is really easy to feel how much comfort it offers. The unit feels like a pillow in the head when you have massive hits, and the inner lining wicks away most of the moisture that someone needs to navigate from sweat. 

I would have loved if the facemask was included to ensure that the helmet is ready to use. However, Shutt has not included a facemask, but this one is compatible with most of the common facemasks on the market today. Depending on the position your kid is playing, you can find the right option to make them more comfortable.

Shutt is one of the top brands when it comes to affordable and quality helmets. This one has an ergonomic feel and you can find it in a variety of different colors. The unit is affordable and will give you a longer lifespan. I recommend it to players that are serious about football and want to take their game to the next level.

2. Riddell Victor Youth Helmet

If you have ever watched a football game, you must have heard of the brand named Riddell. They also design some of the top football helmets that are used today by the professional players. The Riddell Victor Youth Helmet is a durable helmet with a basic design that will allow you to take a lot of heavy impacts to the head.

The helmet is slightly heavier than the previous option, but feature foam on the inside that will absorb all of the impact taken to the head. It includes facemask that will save you a couple of bucks and the chinstrap is really comfortable to use. With so many gloss colors available, it is really easy to find the right one for your team.

The biggest downside can be the price and this helmet is a little more expensive than many people might have expected. It is designed to give you comfort and can be found in almost every youth size available. Since it is a little more expensive, it does work best for more professional players that want to excel.

3. Schutt Sports Recruit Hybrid Youth Football Helmet

Sticking to the Shutt brand, we have the Schutt Sports Recruit Hybrid Youth Football Helmet. It has been made with hybrid TPU that is proven to absorb or rather reflect heavy impacts on the head. The use of D30 cushioning is also incorporated into some of the top helmets and it can help to absorb even more of the shock that is sustained on the head.

While the facemask might not be included, the line for the facemask is made for the DNA facemasks from the Shutt brand. These facemasks can be adjusted to give the player more comfort when they are playing. Additionally, the jaw pad has been interlinked and this will ensure you have a lot of flexibility for adjustments.

Shutt might not include all the features like the facemask that many people can expect, but they do have a lot of features on the helmet itself. The Schutt Sports Recruit Hybrid Youth Football Helmet has a proven record for youth football players with all the customization features. I recommend the helmet for intermediate players.

4. Schutt Sports Youth FB Recruit Hybrid Plus Helmet

Keeping with the Shutt brand, we have the Schutt Sports Youth FB Recruit Hybrid Plus Helmet that offers players comfort and protection. The helmet has many of the same features as the previous unit, with the TPU shell that protects your head. We also find the D30 cushioning with advanced shock-absorbing properties. 

One of the biggest benefits is that the helmet is not only designed for one or two positions. It has an adjustable faceguard feature that will accommodate almost every facemask that you can get your hands on. The inflatable air cushions will give the player some added protection from shots out of various areas on the field.

Much like the other helmets from Shutt, the Schutt Sports Youth FB Recruit Hybrid Plus Helmet is one of their most affordable options. It accommodates all types of players and can virtually be used for every position on the field.

5. Rawlings Momentum Plus Football Helmet

Another football helmet mainly designed for youth football players is the Rawlings Momentum Plus. What I am so glad about in this football helmet is that it makes use of the shell design that is similar to the one used by professional football players. Such design is highly durable and sturdy, making it as long-lasting as possible.

One distinctive advantage provided by this youth football helmet is that it is capable of adjusting to a distinctive size properly. It is mainly because it comes with a rear inflation port, which you can use for adjustment purposes. It also provides a hundred percent guarantee that it can fit users securely.

It can improve its fit with the help of the heat exchange technology that it uses as well as its customizable fit liner. It is also equipped with specific components that help it stay unique in comparison to the others. It is constructed out of stainless steel, thereby promoting a high level of durability.

I also find the use of the stainless steel material truly beneficial as aside from being weather-resistant, it can also resist rust. With the ABS material used on the shell, I can say that it can also resist impact. It boasts of its customizable fit, too. It is also designed in such a way that it can let the players stay cool during the game.

The problem is that the price of this football helmet does not include the face mask. You will have to purchase it separately.

6. Schutt Youth AiR Standard V Football Helmet

Another premium helmet that you should check out is this specific product offered by the trusted and reliable Schutt. It comes with an extremely comfortable interior, which makes it an excellent buy. With the built-in comfort liner, you also have a guarantee that there is an increased surface coverage within the helmet.

I can also guarantee utmost comfort to potential users no matter how long they play football on the field because of the DNA jaw pads that come along with this helmet. Aside from being truly comfortable, I am also impressed with the durability of the jaw pads as they are constructed from vinyl material.

Another favorable benefit of this helmet is the fact that it features a space in between your head and the shell of the helmet, which aids in ensuring that you have adequate room to breathe and move well. In addition, you will notice the guaranteed snug fit of the helmet.

Because of such snugness, I am pretty sure of the helmet’s ability to offer protection and support while ensuring that it stays secure and in place. I am happy to say that it is available in different sizes, so picking one that fits you well is not that hard. You can choose from its different colors, too.

There is one issue, though, and that is the fact that it does not include the faceguard so you might need to purchase it separately.

7. Schutt 798004 Recruit Hybrid Youth Football Helmet

You can also choose the Schutt 798004, which is actually an excellent choice for youth football players looking for a truly dependable helmet. It comes with several features that guarantee players of its ability to offer a high level of protection. With the TPU used in the football helmet, I am sure that the player stays comfortable when playing.

Another excellent benefit of the football helmet is that it can absorb impact with the help of its large shell. The shell is also solid and sturdy, thereby boosting its impact-absorption ability. I am also pleased that this helmet is suitable for use together with the brand’s faceguards, although you will have to buy one separately.

It is mainly because the faceguard can make the player receive more protection. The fact that this specific football helmet utilizes both D30 and TPU padding is also a big advantage as it means that it can provide maximum protection to its wearer.

I can also say that it is totally comfortable and provides the right fit with the aid of its SUREFIT airliner. Such liner also offers an assurance that the player will enjoy a soft and pillow-like feel. Aside from that, this football helmet boasts of its inclusion of a patented twist release system as well as a soft cup chin strap designed for the youth.

Just like some of the products in this review article, one possible drawback of this helmet is the fact that it does not have a faceguard, so you have to buy it separately.

8. Riddell SpeedFlex Youth Helmet

We have already talked a little about the Riddell brand and they have certainly been designing some of the best helmets available today. The SpeedFlex Youth Helmet is an extremely popular helmet that has been constructed durably to bring some attention to your kid in the locker room.

It features numerous flex features that allow you to make adjustments on the go, but also use the quick-release feature to ensure that it does not stake too long to do this. On the inside, I like the air cushioning that can reduce the impact. This works great for players that need to take or make a lot of tackles and prone to injury.

One thing that I have seen when it comes to the Riddell helmets is the weight. Many of them can be a little heavier, but when you take into consideration how much technology has been included, it does make sense to pay for the added weight. Fortunately, players have noted that they adapt to the weight rather swiftly.

Unfortunately, Riddell is not the cheapest of brands and the SpeedFlex Youth Helmet shows you just how expensive it can be. This helmet has not been designed for the faint of heart and it also looks much more professional on the field.

9. Schutt FB Vengeance A3 Plus Youth Football Helmet

You can also pick the FB Vengeance A3 Plus youth football helmet from Schutt. I am pleased to say it makes use of TPU – single and double layers – making it as durable as possible. I find its sleek shell beneficial, too. Such shell takes pride in its low profile while being lighter in comparison to the original shell used in the Schutt Vengeance.

What is good about the reduced weight of the helmet is that it makes it easy to manage, especially once you already reach the football field. Since it is lightweight, moving around and performing better on the field is much easier. The helmet also tends to stay in place with the help of the black interlink jaw pads that are attached mechanically.

Another notable benefit of this football helmet is its nice fit. In my opinion, it is mainly because of the SUREFIT airliners that you can find at the sides and back and the crown. The interlink jaw pads mentioned earlier also contributes to the proper fit of the youth football helmet.

It is a comfortable piece of helmet that can also prevent the possibility of experiencing neck strain. Furthermore, it comes equipped with necessary features, like the rear and nose bumper and the twist release bumper. Available in various colors, you also have the chance of picking one, which suits the team jersey of the wearer.

However, the padding integrated into the helmet is considered to be not that durable, which is the product’s major drawback.

10. Xenith Youth X2E+ Football Helmet 

Moving on to another great brand that has pioneered the way we look at football brands, we look at Xenith. Specifically, the Xenith Youth X2E+ Football Helmet has drawn my attention with an ABS plastic shell that definitely promotes the durability and should offer a ton of protection for your kid on the field.

The XE2+ shock absorbing technology is making a lot of waves and when we look at this helmet, we see how it adapts to impact. The tech can almost work like a gel and will be in the right area to reduce some of the shots to your head. Additionally, I like the silicone used for the band on the inside, as it will mold to the shape of the head.

While the helmet is still rather unrated on the market, it does have a decent reputation among some of the serious players. It is designed for all players and the affordable price will beat out Riddell any time of the year. I like the helmet for these special features and it will definitely work well for the beginners breaking into the sport.

11. Schutt Sports Youth Recruit Hybrid Football Helmet

The Schutt Sports Youth Recruit Hybrid Football Helmet might be extremely similar to some of the others from this brand, but this one great package deal. The faceguards can be a little expensive, but with this helmet, you already have this included. Additionally, the guard can also be manipulated to give you the best fit.

As with the other helmets from Shutt, this one features the same outer construction that is made from TPU. The D30 cushioning is not only known for absorbing some of the impacts, but it can also reduce some of the moisture. With most of the moisture wicked away, the player will not feel as warm and can perform at his best.

With these helmets being designed for all positions, you might occasionally see that some of the larger players find them a little undersized. The sizing chart will be your best friend when you are buying the helmet. However, we would like to mention that going one size larger might be the best option if the kid is between sizes.

With the DNA facemask included, the helmet is slightly more expensive than some of the other helmets from this brand. However, all of the features and the design will make it worth your while and give you value for your money.

12. Schutt Sports Youth Vengeance DCT Football Helmet

The Schutt Sports Youth Vengeance DCT Football Helmet is one of the top helmets that has been used by some of the players coming up from the youth leagues. It has all the traditional Shutt features that include a TPU outer shell for protection and the D30 cushioning that will absorb all the impact from shots to the head.

One of the best features aside from the weight is the twist and release system they have integrated. This system is specifically designed for making adjustments to the helmet on the fly and it works to add any type of facemask you desire. Additionally, the unit is compatible with a wide selection of Shutt facemasks for protection.

We have already mentioned that most of the helmets from this brand are fairly priced. It is not different when you look at the Schutt Sports Youth Vengeance DCT Football Helmet. All these versatile features will make it perfect for any player of any position on the field. Unfortunately, the facemask has not been included.

13. Schutt Sports Vengeance A3+ Youth Football Helmet

Shutt has been known for its beginner helmets. However, the Schutt Sports Vengeance A3+ Youth Football Helmet is one of their more advanced helmets with some professional features that can serve you at older ages. We should start by mentioning the TPU outer shell that will make the helmet durable and absorb impact.

The raised brow design is included to deflect some of the impacts on the field. This allows the player to go in crashing with their heads and the impact will stave off to the side of someone might even miss the tackle on you. SUREFIT Technology ensures that you don’t need to worry about the fit and it can be customized for the player.

This is one of the more advanced Shutt helmets and it is slightly more expensive as well. It does not have the same price as something like Riddell, but can easily allow you to get on the same level as players with those expensive helmets. If you want to be a professional football player and you have to compete in tough games, this is the ideal option for youth players.

14. Schutt Youth DNA Pro + Football Helmet

Next, we have a helmet that has been designed for the enthusiastic beginner in the world of football. The Schutt Youth DNA Pro + Football Helmet is the ideal option with TPU cushioning used for protection and some additional foam. I have seen the foam wick away moisture effectively on hot days.

One of the common issues that many players need to deal with is the helmet deflating during the game. However, this helmet has Air-Loc Technology that will ensure none of the air escapes as you are playing. With a wider interface, you also see that the helmet will effectively allow the player to see what is going on around them. If you are running with the ball, you might have a better field of vision.

With all these features, I did expect the helmet to be fairly expensive, but I have designated it to be the ultimate beginner helmet for the affordable price. Yes, you might need to buy the facemask separately, but you can easily find the DNA facemask for more versatility. The stylish design also means your kid will stand out on the field.

15. Schutt AiR XP Hybrid Youth Football Helmet

The last product I want to recommend is the AiR XP hybrid youth football helmet from Schutt. It is an ideal choice if what you are in search of is a small helmet capable of fitting you perfectly while providing the highest level of protection. It has a small size, which, I think, makes it truly appropriate for youth football players.

One thing that I genuinely like about this football helmet is its high-quality chin straps. The chin straps are extremely useful as these work in securing the helmet, thereby preventing it from getting knocked off or falling down. Rest assured that it is designed to be lightweight, too.

The fact that it is lightweight is truly beneficial as it means that football players will not be slowed down while they are performing or playing on the field. The inner cushioning integrated into the football helmet also works in providing protection consistently over various kinds of temperature.

This helmet also has proper ventilation – thanks to the built-in SUREFIT liner. It also plays a major role in making the youth football helmet lightweight. It is also effective in ensuring that your helmet fits well while retaining adequate airflow so rest assured that you will stay cool and dray when playing. However, the fact that it is for the youth means that it comes at a small size so it will not fit adult players.

What to Look For When Buying a Youth Football Helmet

Your search for top rated youth football helmet should not be done in a careless and rushed manner. Note that your protection is at stake here, so you need a really high-quality one. To ensure that you pick such kind of high-quality helmet, make it a point to consider these factors during the selection process:

The durability of the outer shell

One of the things you need to examine in your search for a high-quality youth football helmet is its outer shell and its level of durability. Remember that hits associated with football are extremely aggressive.

Also, the game can cause you to experience head-to-head collisions, especially if the force and impact are too excessive. With a hard and durable outer shell, it is possible to lessen the impact while allowing you to stand up again and continue playing even if there is a collision.

The majority of helmets also tend to have youth football helmet ratings based on the constantly changing standard safety measures. Make sure that you are updated with such standards so you will know which of the youth football helmets you are thinking of buying has a durable and safe outer shell.

Ability to handle its intended purpose

Ensure that the helmet is also capable of handling the specific task that it is specifically designed for. In this case, it would be best to look for the NOCSAE seal in the helmet prior to buying. This seal serves as the acceptable standard for both youth and professional football helmets.

You can usually find this seal at the helmet’s back. Note that no matter how expensive a football helmet is, there is still a chance that it can’t perform its function well if it does not have the NOCSAE seal.

Size and fit

Another important consideration is the size of the football helmet. In this case, you can always seek the help of your trainer to guide you in selecting the perfect size of helmet for you. It is also advisable to consult the available sizing chart offering instructions on finding the right size and fit.

It should fit perfectly. One way to get the right fit is to ensure that you try the helmet on after assessing the measurements. You will instantly know that you are getting the perfect fit if you feel that it is tight but comfortable when you are wearing it.

Applying hand pressure on top of the football helmet should also make you feel like the pressure is evenly distributed. Also, ensure that you buy the product from the youth helmet corner so you won’t end up getting an incorrect fit. Note that adult helmets are often too heavy. These might also put the youth wearer at risk.

Comfort

Check the comfort level provided by the football helmet, too. Note that some of them have padding that needs to be inflated to offer the highest level of protection. In case you wish to choose such helmet, ensure that you spend time checking the cushioning thoroughly when you fit it.

When checking the cushion, make it a point to customize it based on your head’s density and shape. Check the pressure of the helmet regularly as this is the key to finding out whether the padding is not yet flat that might put the safety of the youth wearer at risk.

Weight

You will also realize how important the weight is in a football helmet, especially once you know that it plays a major part on the comfort level you will experience as well as the fit. Avoid heavy helmets because they are strenuous to carry. They also have the tendency of adding to fatigue.

Go for lightweight ones as much as possible because they are more secure while also ensuring that they won’t affect your performance in the field. Lightweight helmets also mean that there is minimal fatigue felt when you are wearing them.

Inner padding

Examine the comfort level of the inner padding used in the helmet, too. Note that aside from offering protection, it should also be comfortable. Ensure that it is abrasion-resistant as it contributes a lot while you are on the field.

Having a convenient and comfy soft cushion lets you play with freedom while enjoying less frequent adjustments.

Visor

The visor is a vital element that should be present when buying a football helmet. It is necessary because it provides a new element of protection into the football helmet. With the aid of the visor, your eyes will be fully protected. It is also helpful in letting you play freely without worrying about harming or damaging your eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you decide which size to order?

To get the right size of youth football helmet, it is advisable to seek the opinion of your coach or trainer. You can also take your size by wrapping a flexible measuring tape around your head. The tape measure should be wrapped around an inch over your eyebrows. This is helpful in identifying the circumference of your head.

Use the measurement that you have taken when checking the size chart of your chosen football helmet manufacturer. Choose the right helmet depending on your measurement. It is also advisable to insert an air pump into the helmet’s hole then fill up the pads with air.

Does the football helmet come with the facemask and chinstrap?

That would be dependent on your chosen brand and manufacturer. Some football helmets already come with the facemask and chinstrap, offering convenience to the buyer. In some cases, you will also notice that your order already features the helmet hardware and fit pads aside from the chin strap and face mask.

What kind of padding is used on the youth football helmet’s interiors?

In most cases, the youth football helmet’s interiors make use of an expanded polypropylene foam for its interiors. This serves as the largest part of the padding, which covers almost the whole interior surface of the youth football helmet. The main goal of adding this padding is to offer general protection while absorbing impact.

This protective layer also comes with extra protection, which is positioned strategically at certain points that tend to receive hard impact. To guarantee that the extra padding stays in place, you can remove the polypropylene layer as a means of providing a socket for the extra padding to sit on – all that is possible without hampering your comfort.

Can you pump air into the helmet?

Yes, you are allowed to pump air into the helmet, especially if the football helmet design features inflatable pads or liners placed at strategic locations in the interiors. Depending on what model you have chosen, it is also possible for you to pump air to up to 5 valves or location as a means of getting a more customized fit.

Pumping air into the football helmet is also helpful in ensuring that your head does not move and stay out of place of the helmet. With a properly pumped helmet, you have an assurance that it will fit properly. It can also significantly reduce the force of impact, which might result in serious neck and head injuries.

Can adults wear youth football helmets?

Yes, as long as it has markings for the appropriate safety standards while fitting the wearer’s head perfectly, it is possible for an adult to wear a youth football helmet. Just make sure that it fits you perfectly and is fully secure on your head.

For an even higher level of protection, though, it would be best to go for adult helmets to make it compatible for the user.

Conclusion

While the best youth football helmet usually comes at a higher price, you will instantly feel its worth once you notice that it has features capable of offering protection to the user. Go for a really safe and high-quality youth football helmet to keep yourself safe even when playing a high-impact sport, like football.

Henry Moller

Hi You Guys! My name is Henry Moller –  CEO Founder NationsFootballClassic. I spent my youth on football. It’s so gorgeous and because of football, I married my wife and have 2 kids now. With that experience, sure that you guys will find some interesting stuff here about football.