Football Helmet : What is it?
| Football helmets prevent head injuries when playing football. They are typically made of a shock-absorbent foam or air system liner encased in a rigid plastic outer shell designed to absorb most of the impact from falls, bumps, and rough contact. The interior is also padded to better cushion the head, nose, and jaws, with the padding ranging from half an inch to one inch thick. The helmet is usually secured to the head with chin straps, which also double as chin protectors.
Most football helmets, particularly those used by infield players, also feature face masks to protect the face from oncoming balls. The face masks are usually made of carbon steel. Depending on the required protection, the face mask can cover the mouth, nose, jaw, eyes, or a combination of these parts.
Football helmets are usually tested by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE), a voluntary organization that develops standards for the quality of protective athletic gear. Football helmets bearing the NOCSAE approval seal are generally considered safer and of better quality. |
|
view recommended products
Kinds of Football Helmets include the following: |
Size
Youth Football Helmets
Youth helmets are designed to fit younger players. They are usually made of less durable materials, such as ABS plastic or polyethylene, which are designed for the milder impacts expected in youth and amateur games. They are commonly used in youth, high school, and minor league games.
Adult Football Helmets
Adult helmets come in larger sizes to fit older and larger players. They are made from stronger and usually more expensive plastics, such as polycarbonate shells, to withstand high impacts. They also have tougher face guards to provide better protection against hard throws.
Padding
Air helmets
Air helmets contain an inflatable device that can be deflated or blown to fit the player’s head, either with a pump or by adjusting the chin strap. They are designed to return to their original shape after being compressed during hard falls or collisions faster than foam linings. They can also handle repeated blows much better than foam, and are also more comfortable as the fit is fully adjustable.
Suspension helmets
Suspension helmets are lined on the inside with a thick foam padding.
They are normally adjusted for tightness and fit through the chin strap.
Face mask design
Box cag
Box cag helmets have two-bar face masks, offering basic protection. They are commonly used by wide receivers, quarterbacks, and defensive backs.
Four-bar
Four-bar or closed cage helmets have four bars. This design provides more protection for hitting and batting. They are appropriate for linebackers, running backs, and tight ends.
Full-mask
Full-mask helmets have face masks made up of six bars. This provides maximum protection but may limit vision for some players. They are usually preferred by defensive and offensive linemen, who face constant hard contact throughout the game.
|
view recommended products
Durability: Choose a football helmet that can withstand all sorts of impact and rough contact from footballs, falls, or other players. Make sure the shell will not crack or dent easily. Look for materials that are shockproof and heat-resistant. High-impact plastics usually work best.
Fit: Make sure your football helmet fits snugly but comfortably over your head. The helmet should stay steady and not wobble when you run or turn your head, as this can be uncomfortable and distracting. Choose a helmet with fully adjustable chin straps to allow you to adjust to a more comfortable fit when needed.
Comfort: Choose a football helmet that feels soft, light, and comfortable on your head. Look for one with a thick padded interior to provide extra cushioning for particularly hard falls. Make sure the helmet is airy and breathable inside, especially if you will be playing outdoors in hot and humid weather.
Weight: Choose a lightweight football helmet that you can wear throughout the game without wearing or tiring out easily. Heavy helmets can be uncomfortable and distract you from your game. Make sure that quality and durability are not compromised when choosing a light helmet. Look for one made of synthetic or plastic-based materials, such as polyethylene and polycarbonate. |
Are you a manufacturer or supplier? Be listed here! EMAIL US |
Do you have something to add to this guide? If your suggestion passes our editorial standards, we will add it in and acknowledge you as a contributor. |
view recommended products
|
|
QUICK JUMP:
|
