Play it Safe with Football Helmets

It was way back in 1896 when football players started using headgear to prevent head injuries. Unlike modern football helmets, these were basic designs, with straps and earpieces to protect player's ears. Leather helmets with no face masks were introduced in 1920, but they failed because the helmets had leather lids, which absorbed heat and made it uncomfortable to wear. In 1938, the Riddell company manufactured plastic helmets, which were found to be more effective. Over the years, football helmets have undergone many changes to ensure maximum safety during the game, reducing the risk of head injuries.

When you are looking to purchase a football helmet, there are few things that need to be considered. They are:

• Age
• Skill set
• Helmet Size
• Safety features
• Facemask

When you begin your search, you'll immediately notice the huge variety of football helmets from top brands including Schutt, Riddell, and Adams. Each company's helmets differ in safety and comfort features. So, you need to understand the features before you decide to pick a helmet for you.

The most essential part of the helmet is the shell. Thankfully, this aspect of the helmet is fairly consistent across every brand, with a few exceptions and style differences. The shell is the hard outer layer that protects your noggin from head injuries. A shell can either be traditional or oversized and is made of materials including ABS plastic and Poly Carbonate Alloy. Most youth helmets are made of ABS plastic material, since youth players hit with less force, while the pro helmets are made of Poly Carbonate Alloy to reduce impact energy in high-force hits.

Advanced Features of Football helmets

• Thermoplastic Urethane (TPU) cushioning for better impact absorption
• Inner air liner for a comfortable fit
• TPU jaw pads provides maximum air flow to keep your head cool
• Inflatable jaw pads for a custom fit
• Face mask release system to remove your face mask

Many brands offer helmets complete with standard facemasks, while some don't.  Look for a facemask that is designed to fit your helmet, and your game. Facemasks come in different metals, including carbon steel, stainless steel, and titanium, each ranging in weight and price. You should choose a facemask based on you skill set and budget. Hopefully, choosing the right football helmets is no more a daunting task if you know the above simple facts.