A ranked list of the 10 best football helmets for maximum safety

A ranked list of the 10 best football helmets for maximum safety

Helix Odhiambo
updated at June 13, 2023 at 10:59 AM

American football is an exciting and entertaining sport followed by millions globally. It is also a risky game that requires safety equipment like helmets to prevent head-related injuries and concussions. The best football helmets must pass all safety measures according to NFL standards.

Best football helmets for concussions
Helmets of different NFL teams were displayed during a Fan Festival at Allianz Arena in Munich on 13 November 2022. Photo: Sven Hoppe
Source: Getty Images

Professional footballers need comfortable helmets that provide them with safety and clear vision. NFL has approved only a few companies to supply helmets to teams. So, what are the best football helmets NFL has passed fit for use?

Best American football helmets

Every year, NFL fans and players rush to buy the latest models from top manufacturers depending on their tastes and preferences. Riddell, Schutt, VICIS, and Xenith are the leading brands dominating the market, approved by the NFL. They have produced some of the best football helmets designs, like the Riddell SpeedFlex Youth, Xenith Youth X2E+, and Schutt F7 VTD. What helmet is the best?

How to identify the best to use

Top 10 best football helmets
JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) of the Kansas City Chiefs adjusts his helmet against the Tennessee Titans at GEHA Field, Arrowhead Stadium on 6 November 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. Photo: Cooper Neill
Source: Getty Images

The best football helmets for concussions should meet specific criteria. The three main things to look out for are size vision and chin strap fitness.

Picking the right size

The safest football helmet should fit a player's head without leaving spaces between the pads and the head. They usually come in different sizes and shapes.

Provide clear vision

Best football helmets for high school players
Daniel Jones (8) of the New York Giants puts on his helmet ahead of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on 23 October 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. Photo: Mike Carlson
Source: Getty Images

Best football helmets for high school players and NFL stars should give them a clear view of all angles (front and sideways). Disrupting their vision could inconvenience them during the game.

Fitting chin strap

Chin straps help maximise protection and improve the fitness of the helmets. Users should have them tightly secured within their chin to prevent helmets from dropping off.

What is the most comfortable football helmet?

Riddell SpeedFlex Youth is one of the best football helmets of all time. Its advanced features and customised design makes it stand out among the rest. Enjoy our compilation of the top 10 best football helmets ranked from the least and the most preferred brand, including their pros and cons.

10. Riddell NFL Full Size Replica Speed

Best football helmets of all time
Harrison Smith (22) of the Minnesota Vikings adjusts his helmet (Riddell Full Size Replica Speed) during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on 16 October 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Photo: Kevin Sabitus
Source: Getty Images

Riddell NFL Full Size Replica Speed is one of the best football helmets in 2023. It is a high-quality, authentic full-size brand designed for fans and NFL collectors. However, it may not be suitable for on-field use.

Advantages

  • Authentic design
  • Lightweight
  • Durable materials
  • It has an affordable price

Disadvantages

  • Limited use
  • Limited customisation options

9. Riddell Unisex Adult Replica Speed

Best football helmets of all time
A Philadelphia Eagles helmet (Riddell unisex adult Riddell Replica Speed) sits on the sideline during their NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on 20 November 2022 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo: Michael Allio
Source: Getty Images

The Riddell brand is a unique helmet ideal for players of all levels. It is durable, authentic and comes at an affordable price.

Advantages

  • Authentic design
  • Lightweight construction
  • Comfortable fit
  • Durable materials

Disadvantages

  • Limited colour options
  • Limited customisation options

8. Schutt Sports Varsity AiR XP Pro VTD II

Best college football helmets of all time
Schutt Sports Varsity AiR XP Pro VTD II is one of the most recommended helmets for footballers. Photo: @bauchihk (modified by author)
Source: Twitter

The Schutt Sports Varsity AiR XP Pro VTD II is among the best helmets manufactured by the Schutt company. It incorporates modern technology to provide a wide range of protection to users.

Advantages

  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable
  • Soft feeling
  • Good impact absorption

Disadvantage

  • It has no facemask

7. Xenith Youth X2E+ Matte Black

Safest football helmet
Xenith Youth X2E+ Matte is one of the best-selling youth football helmets manufactured by Xenith. Photo: @AGillian69 (modified by author)
Source: Twitter

The Xenith brand is among the best football helmets for youth and teenagers. It gives parents a sense of security and safety for their kids on the field. The helmet is customised to reduce the impact of shots from the opposing team.

Advantages

  • It has a facemask and chin strap
  • Adaptive head protection
  • Lightweight
  • Protect from rotation and linear force
  • Comfortable

Disadvantage

  • Not suitable for those with large heads

6. Schutt Sports Vengeance A11

What is the safest helmet for football?
The Vengeance A11 helmet features a sleeker, lower profile design which is lightweight for a more comfortable feel. Photo: @price19m, @weissnatsduvr (modified by author)
Source: Twitter

The Schutt brand consists of a polycarbonate shell, which is sturdier and bigger than the older models Schutt models. It has a wide range of size options and is one of the most valuable brands on the market. SSV A11 has a comfortable lining wrapping around a player's head that evenly distributes pressure and weight.

Advantages

  • Great protection
  • Comfortable and comfortable
  • Various sizes and colours
  • Well-built and durable

Disadvantage

  • It comes without a facemask

What are the top 5 best football helmets?

NFL players can choose one of the approved helmets that best suits them regardless of their position. Riddell and Schutt manufacture the most stand-out brands in the market. Here are the five best college football helmets of all time, also used by NFL's top names.

5. Riddell Speed Authentic Football Helmet for NFL Las Vegas Raiders

Best American football helmets
The Riddell Speed Authentic Football Helmet for NFL Las Vegas is one of the most popular and iconic styles of helmets. Photo: @durganyjer, @items_sport (modified by author)
Source: Twitter

Riddell Las Vegas Raiders is one of the highly-rated and best brands for quarterbacks. It uses Riddell's Quick Release Face Protection System, which allows users to remove their mask with the touch of a button. One can also adjust its lining to fit all sizes. The brand provides excellent comfort and security on the pitch.

Advantages

  • Aggressive masks
  • Stable and durable
  • Good protection

Disadvantage

  • Relatively expensive

4. Schutt NCAA Florida Gators On-Field Authentic XP

What helmet is the best?
Schutt NCAA Florida Gators On-Field Authentic XP is one of the best five helmets suitable for American football. Photo: @Maryse961 (modified by author)
Source: Twitter

The Schutt brand is an excellent choice for fans and collectors of the Florida Gators. It has advanced padding and a customisable fit with superior protection and comfort.

Advantages

  • Authentic design
  • Advanced protection
  • Comfortable fit
  • Durable construction

Disadvantages

  • Limited use for on-field play
  • Expensive price point

Is SpeedFlex or F7 better?

Riddell SpeedFlex and Schutt F7 VTD Adult are arguably the top-line options from their manufacturers, but what is the safest helmet for football? SpeedFlex has a slight edge over Schutt F7 VTD because of its advanced features. However, it is pretty expensive than the Schutt brand. F7 is also relatively lighter than SpeedFlex.

3. Schutt F7 VTD Adult

Best football helmets for youth
The Schutt F7 Adult Football helmet has a facemask that gives users adequate protection. Photo: @Jaquelin37P, @LeagueOutfitter (modified by author)
Source: Twitter

Schutt F7 VTD Adult Football Helmet with Facemask has unique features and technology, making it one of the best. It has a stabiliser and Tektonic 3DM Sheet Technology that evenly distributes the impact of a blow on all sides. The TPU Cushion and HSS Stabilizer Gasket are crucial to its effectiveness.

Advantages

  • Well-built and sturdy
  • Excellent protection features
  • Good cushioning
  • Can customise accordingly

Disadvantage

  • It is expensive

2. Riddell Dallas Cowboys NFL Authentic Speed Revolution Full Size

Best football helmets in 2023
Top American footballers like wearing the Riddell Dallas Cowboys NFL Authentic Speed Revolution Full Size helmet because of its comfort. Photo: @cowboysproshop, @madilyn76k (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Riddell Dallas Cowboys is known for its durability and comfort. It is suitable for midfielders and other skilled position players. The brand is also perfect for all football fans and great for autographs.

Advantages

  • Rated five stars by top experts
  • Bring comfort to professional and amateur players
  • It helps to reduce force from side effects.
  • Great protection.
  • It is easy to adjust your chinstrap when flying

Disadvantage

  • It takes about a month to customise

1. Riddell SpeedFlex Youth Helmet

Is SpeedFlex or F7 better?
Riddell SpeedFlex Football Helmet was one of the most anticipated football helmets ever. Photo: @RiddellCPGraham, @robertshmkc (modified by author)
Source: Twitter

SpeedFlex is a top-notch helmet designed specifically for younger football players. It is good-looking and provides excellent protection and comfort on the field.

Advantages

  • Flex panel
  • Ratcheting chin strap
  • Advanced padding
  • Lightweight design

Disadvantages

  • Expensive
  • Limited colour options

The best football helmets for linemen

Offensive linemen serve as blockers and counter the opposing team's defensive line. They also block to open holes for the running back to run through. Linemen often crash into each other in the field; therefore, the need to have strong helmets. Riddell SpeedFlex is the most recommended brand for linemen.

  • Riddell SpeedFlex
  • Schutt F7 VTD Football Helmet
  • Schutt Sports Varsity AiR XP Pro VTD II
  • Xenith Youth X2E
  • Schutt Sports F7 LX1

Many NFL stars wear the best football helmets listed above. They come in different sizes: small, medium, large, and extra-large, depending on the manufacturer. You can buy one from your nearest store or order online and enjoy the game.

READ ALSO: Golden Boy award winners: A list of all the past winners

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Rafael van der Vaart was the first award recipient, while Barcelona's Gavi was the latest winner in 2022. Other prominent winners are Wayne Rooney, Cesc Fabregas, and Lionel Messi. Check out the above link to discover other soccer icons who lifted the accolade.

Authors
Helix Odhiambo photo
Helix Odhiambo
Helix Odhiambo is an award-winning Kenyan journalist and content creator with over 6 years of experience. In 2016, he won the Goal Blaze Correspondent Award for young writers.