10 Best Football Helmets 2026 in the United States

The Riddell SpeedFlex Youth Helmet is designed with young football players in mind, offering strong protection and comfort features. Its patented side impact protection (PSIP) and flex system help reduce the force from hits, which is important for safety on the field. The helmet uses a durable ABS plastic shell combined with expanded polystyrene inside for shock absorption. Fit is adjustable thanks to the Air Fit Liner System and the Cam-Lock chin strap, making it easier to get a snug, secure feel. Ventilation is designed to provide reasonable airflow to help keep players comfortable. The Quick Release Facemask Attachment allows for fast and easy removal of the face mask, which is useful for both safety and maintenance. The helmet meets standard certifications required for football helmets, ensuring it has passed important safety tests.

The helmet weighs about 5 pounds, which might feel a bit heavy for smaller kids. While it offers good padding and fit adjustments, the ventilation may not be optimal during long, hot games. This helmet provides reliable protection with modern safety features, though parents should consider the weight and ventilation according to the player’s comfort needs.

The Schutt Youth F7 LX1 Football Helmet is designed for young players and comes in a medium size, which should fit most big kids comfortably. It features a durable polycarbonate shell with Flexural Resistance technology to enhance strength and durability, especially around the back and sides. The helmet uses advanced TPU cushioning and special 3-Dimensional Movement Tektonic Plates to absorb impacts better and protect against rotational forces, which are crucial for preventing head injuries. This helmet earned a top 5-star safety rating from Virginia Tech, showing it offers solid protection.

It includes a carbon steel facemask, a common and trusted material for face protection, and comes with a chin strap to help keep it securely in place. The helmet’s design suggests reasonable airflow. It is well-padded and comfortable for young players, although it weighs around 4.5 pounds, which is a bit on the heavier side for youth helmets.

This helmet is a great choice for parents looking for high safety standards and reliable protection for their child starting or continuing in football. However, if lightweight comfort or extra ventilation is a priority, there may be lighter options on the market.

The VICIS ZERO2 Varsity Football Helmet is a strong contender in the football helmet market, especially for varsity-level players. One of its standout features is its high safety rating, being named the top-ranked helmet by the NFL and NFLPA and achieving a 5-star rating from Virginia Tech with a very low score, which is indicative of superior impact performance. This helmet is approximately 15% lighter than its predecessor, the ZERO1, which can be a significant advantage for players who need to maintain agility without compromising on protection.

In terms of construction, the helmet features a flexible outer shell designed to absorb impact forces effectively, which should provide enhanced safety by minimizing the energy transferred to the player’s head. The helmet includes a stainless steel facemask that adds durability and reliability during play. The inner padding is made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, which is known for its cushioning and comfort.

The helmet is available in a molded gloss white finish and comes in a large size, catering to the varsity age range. It includes a face mask and is primarily aimed at male athletes. However, the helmet’s versatility might be limited due to its size, possibly requiring players to consider other sizing options if large doesn’t fit their needs. Its certification by top associations assures users of its compliance with safety standards, making it a reliable choice for those prioritizing safety. With a best seller rank of #84 in football helmets, it may not be the most popular option, indicating it might be a premium choice over more budget-friendly alternatives.

The helmet’s appeal lies in its blend of lightweight comfort and top-rated safety features, making it ideal for serious players at the varsity level looking for a high-performance helmet.