Football helmets are mandatory protective equipment for football players; they shield the player's head from the impact that could cause concussions, severe head injury, and possibly brain damage. These helmets are made up of a visor, face mask, cushioning, outer shell, and chin strap; these different parts have various functions to make sure the player's head is protected throughout the game. There are so many options to choose from when buying the best football helmets, and deciding on the best headgear could be quite the task. This guide will cover everything you should know before you purchase the best football helmet on the market.
Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Football Helmet
Chinstrap adjustability
The size of each chin strap is dependent on the mechanism of adjustment that the headgear operates on; opt for a brand that has a buckle chin strap instead of the ones that do not have the adjustable buckle. The buckle allows the player to adjust the strap to the required fit, keeping the headgear in place. The buckle's advantage over any other is that the belt will not lose its tautness regardless of how long it is being used.
Shock absorbing capacity
The ability of protective headgear to absorb shock is an invaluable quality that every good helmet should possess. The outer shell is made of polycarbonate, a tough thermoplastic material that can withstand shock on impact; you should watch out for shells made of only polycarbonate and not just any kind of plastic.
Lightweight
When it comes to football helmets, they should be as lightweight as possible; carrying a ton of weight on your head is no assurance that you'll be safe from harm. One invaluable feature of good headgear is that it weighs as little as possible.
Cushioning
Sufficient padding helps reduce the impact of force on the head, therefore protecting it from injuries. Foam has been used over time for padding in the headgear, the foam sourced from polyethylene is processed into pressed foam used as the padding in the helmet. They’re mostly detachable and should be replaced as often as possible.
Ventilation
There is supposed to be adequate ventilation in the helmet to help with blood circulation and to prevent players from overheating. Most football helmets have at least two openings on each side for the passage of air to the player's head; without sufficient air, players can overheat. The ventilation outlets must be present in the helmet for players to play comfortably and at their best all game.
How to Care for Your Football Helmet
Cleaning your headgear is very important to your health and safety as a player; you should ensure that you tend it after every game so that dirt, grass, and sweat don't sit too long in the helmet, leading to a stinking mess. We can all attest that the game is usually very rough; there is a lot of sweat, dirt, grass, and grime involved, so you need to clean up appropriately. You can clean it by following these steps.
Dissemble
To make cleaning easier and more effective, you should disassemble the helmet as much as possible so that there is easy access and more room for cleaning. Remove the face mask, unhook the strap, take out the visor, and clean each part separately. Take out the cushioning pads, too, and wash them gently in warm water before rinsing them and drying them.
Wipe properly
Wipe the dirt off your helmet with a warm washcloth dipped in soapy water until the dirt comes off and you can no longer see grass or grime on it. After cleaning with soapy water, rinse it off with warm water and leave it out to dry.
It's very important to care for your football equipment; it lasts longer and serves you better the better you take care of it.
Benefits of Using Good Headgear
It's extremely necessary to have your full football gear as a professional player; this reduces the risk of injuries that could be sustained from being careless about safety precautions. There are lots of benefits of using the appropriate equipment.
Reduces risk of injuries
Having the right gear reduces the risk of getting injuries that lead to temporary or permanent health problems.
Absorbs shock on impact
The cushioning or padding made of foam or elastic material in the helmet protects the head from shock on impact and helps to distribute heat throughout the protective headgear evenly.
Protects
Generally speaking, the function of protective headgear is to shield the player's head from the external force exerted by other team members or from falls on the field. Over the years, the evolution of football helmets has been rather significant; the outer shell used to be made of hardened leather, which was quite uncomfortable because of the amount of heat that the leather generated. Polycarbonate was discovered and used as the source material for the headgear because of its tough, hard, and durable nature.
They are relatively cheap.
You could purchase them for as low as 15 dollars at any sports store; choose from various colors, styles, and sizes. For a safe and high-quality helmet though, you'll likely be spending $100 and more. But, for the price of safety, this isn't a bad cost.
Best Football Helmet FAQs
Q. Is a football helmet necessary?
A. Yes, it’s necessary to wear a helmet at all times while playing football to prevent concussions and other head injuries.
Q. Can you sustain some injuries even when you wear the helmet?
A. Headgear does not automatically make you immune to injury; your headgear protects only your head. Even while wearing a helmet, you can still get a concussion.