Top-Rated Football Helmets for Youth Athletes with Concussion Protection
Football is a fun and exciting sport, but it also comes with some risks. One of the most serious risks is concussion, which is a type of brain injury that can result from a blow to the head or a sudden jolt of the body. Concussions can cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, memory loss, and mood changes. In some cases, concussions can lead to long-term problems such as cognitive impairment, depression, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
To prevent or reduce the risk of concussions, youth football players need to wear helmets that are designed to protect their heads from impact. However, not all helmets are created equal. Some helmets offer better protection, comfort, and fit than others. That’s why it’s important to choose the best football helmet for your child, based on their age, size, position, and playing style.
But how do you know which helmet is the best for your child? What features should you look for? And what are some of the top-rated football helmets for youth athletes with concussion protection? In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will also give you some tips on how to care for your child’s helmet and how to recognize the signs of a concussion.
What to Look for in Football Helmets for Youth Athletes with Concussion Protection
When shopping for football helmets, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of the most important ones:
• Size: The size of the helmet is crucial for safety and comfort. You want to find a helmet that fits your child’s head snugly but not too tightly. A helmet that is too big or too small can slide around or come off during a collision, leaving your child vulnerable to injury. To measure your child’s head size, use a soft tape measure and wrap it around the widest part of their head, about an inch above their eyebrows. Then compare the measurement with the size chart of the helmet manufacturer. You can also adjust the fit of the helmet by inflating or deflating the air pads inside the helmet.
• Shell: The shell is the outer layer of the helmet that absorbs and distributes the impact force. You want to choose a shell that is made of durable and lightweight material, such as polycarbonate or ABS plastic. You also want to choose a shell that has vents or holes to allow air circulation and prevent overheating.
• Liner: The liner is the inner layer of the helmet that cushions and protects your child’s head from impact. You want to choose a liner that is made of soft and comfortable material, such as foam or gel. You also want to choose a liner that has features such as antimicrobial treatment, moisture-wicking fabric, or removable padding to prevent odors, infections, or irritation.
• Facemask: The facemask is the metal or plastic cage that covers your child’s face and protects their eyes, nose, mouth, and teeth from injury. You want to choose a facemask that matches your child’s position and playing style. For example, skill players such as quarterbacks, receivers, or defensive backs may prefer a facemask that has more openings for better visibility and breathability. On the other hand, linemen or linebackers may prefer a facemask that has fewer openings for better protection and intimidation.
• Chinstrap: The chinstrap is the strap that secures the helmet on your child’s head and prevents it from falling off or moving around. You want to choose a chinstrap that is adjustable and comfortable. You also want to choose a chinstrap that has features such as padding, buckle, or snap to prevent chafing, pinching, or loosening.
Top 5 Football Helmets for Youth Athletes with Concussion Protection
Based on the criteria above, we have selected the top 5 football helmets for youth athletes with concussion protection. Here they are, in no particular order:
• Xenith Shadow XR Youth Black Helmet: This is one of the best football helmets for concussion prevention on the market. It has been clinically tested for performance and safety by Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings, which gave it a 5-star rating (the highest possible). It uses Xenith’s patented Adaptive Fit technology, which consists of shock absorbers that adapt to your child’s head shape and movement, reducing rotational and linear forces during impact. It also has a lightweight and breathable shell that has vents and channels for air flow. The liner has antimicrobial properties and moisture-wicking fabric to keep your child’s head cool and dry. The facemask has an integrated chinstrap that provides a secure and comfortable fit. The Xenith Shadow XR Youth Black Helmet costs around $449 and comes in various sizes and colors.
• Schutt F7 VTD Youth Helmet: This is another excellent football helmet for concussion protection. It has also been clinically tested by Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings, which gave it a 5-star rating. It uses Schutt’s patented Tectonic Plate technology, which consists of movable plates that shift and slide during impact, dispersing the impact force and reducing the risk of concussion. It also has a durable and lightweight shell that has vents and holes for air circulation. The liner has a 3D foam padding that conforms to your child’s head shape and provides comfort and cushioning. The facemask has a twist-release system that allows for easy removal and attachment. The Schutt F7 VTD Youth Helmet costs around $570 and comes in various sizes and colors.
• Riddell SpeedFlex Diamond Youth Helmet: This is a high-end football helmet for concussion protection. It has also been clinically tested by Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings, which gave it a 5-star rating. It uses Riddell’s patented Flex technology, which consists of a flexible shell, facemask, and hinge clips that bend and compress during impact, absorbing and reducing the impact force and preventing concussion. It also has a lightweight and breathable shell that has vents and channels for air flow. The liner has a Diamond technology, which consists of carbon fiber particles that enhance the strength and durability of the helmet. The facemask has a quick-release system that allows for easy removal and attachment. The Riddell SpeedFlex Diamond Youth Helmet costs around $430https://thechamplair.com/football/best-helmets/ and comes in various sizes and colors.
• Schutt Vengeance Z10 VTD Youth Helmet: This is a versatile and affordable football helmet for concussion protection. It has also been clinically tested by Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings, which gave it a 5-star rating. It uses Schutt’s patented Vengeance technology, which consists of a dual-layer TPU cushioning that absorbs and disperses the impact force, reducing the risk of concussion. It also has a durable and lightweight shell that has vents and holes for air circulation. The liner has a D3O foam padding that adapts to your child’s head shape and provides comfort and cushioning. The facemask has a titanium construction that makes it strong and light. The Schutt Vengeance Z10 VTD Youth Helmet costs around $400 and comes in various sizes and colors.
• Schutt Recruit Hybrid VTD Youth Helmet: This is a budget-friendly football helmet for concussion protection. It has also been clinically tested by Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings, which gave it a 5-star rating. It uses Schutt’s patented Hybrid technology, which consists of a combination of TPU cushioning and D3O foam padding that absorb and disperse the impact force, reducing the risk of concussion. It also has a durable and lightweight shell that has vents and holes for air circulation. The liner has a removable padding that allows for easy cleaning and customization. The facemask has a carbon steel construction that makes it sturdy and reliable. The Schutt Recruit Hybrid VTD Youth Helmet costs around $94 and comes in various sizes and colors.
Tips on How to Care for Your Child’s Helmet and How to Recognize the Signs of a Concussion
To ensure the best football experience, you need to take good care of your child’s helmet and know how to recognize the signs of a concussion. Here are some tips on how to do that:
• Clean your child’s helmet regularly: You want to keep your child’s helmet clean and hygienic, to prevent odors, infections, or damage. You can use a mild soap or detergent and water to wipe down the shell, facemask, chinstrap, and liner of the helmet. You can also use disinfectant wipes or sprays to sanitize the helmet. You should avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents that can damage the helmet material or affect its performance.
• Inspect your child’s helmet for cracks or defects: You want to check your child’s helmet for any cracks or defects that can compromise its safety or functionality. You should look for any cracks or dents in the shell, any broken or loose parts in the facemask or chinstrap, any tears or holes in the liner or padding, or any signs of wear or tear in the helmet material. You should replace your child’s helmet if you find any of these issues, or if the helmet is more than 10 years old.
• Store your child’s helmet properly: You want to store your child’s helmet properly, to prevent damage or deformation. You should keep your child’s helmet in a cool, dry, and ventilated place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or moisture. You should also avoid putting any heavy objects on top of the helmet, or squeezing it into tight spaces.
