Over the last couple of years, safety concerns regarding football helmets and concussions have become a most pressing issue. Safety issues in football are now ubiquitous, ranging from increased safety measures in the NFL to academics rating the best football helmets. And now legislation is spreading across America aimed at treating student-athletes with concussions.
Football helmet manufacturers are very aware of this, which is why they have created the most innovative and advanced helmets the sport has ever seen. Helmets have radically transformed over the last 10 years into engineering marvels.
To try and clear some things up, we at Sports Unlimited have compiled a list of what we believe are the best football helmets available on the market today. This includes both adult football helmets and youth football helmets, and it should come to no surprise that we believe the best youth football helmets are just the youth versions of the best adult football helmets. The adult and youth versions of these football helmets are nearly identical, with only slight differences in their make and/or build. Enough though. The best football helmets are…
The Best Football Helmets:
Schutt Ion 4D
The Schutt Ion 4D incorporates multiple breakthrough technologies that push the limits of football helmets in the modern game. It uses a Thermoplastic Urethane (aka TPU) Cushioning System that’s been proven superior to traditional foam padding in game-like conditions. It provides better impact absorption, better heat management, and won’t break down (even after thousands of impacts).
- Other key features include an inflatable SUREFIT air liner system that provides a comfortable, correct fit, and an Energy Wedge Faceguard attachment that absorbs up to 15% more impact energy from direct frontal impacts than traditional faceguards.
- See the Schutt Ion 4D Adult Football Helmet and the Schutt Ion 4D Youth Football Helmet.
Riddell Revolution Speed
The Riddell Revolution Speed (aka the Revo Speed) is a popular game-changing football helmet that is designed to reduce the risk of concussions by 31% when compared with a traditional helmet. It is made with Riddell Concussion Reduction Technology (CRT), which includes an increased shell offset, extended mandibles and energy managing liner extensions, which “were the result of a four-year project using the NFL and Biokenetics’ research as the backbone for development.”- Ranked as the #1 Football Helmet according to a Virginia Tech research study.
- See the Riddell Revolution Speed Adult Football Helmet and the Riddell Revolution Speed Youth Football Helmet.
- Adult version is made with a polycarbonate shell, while the youth version is made with an ABS plastic shell.
Schutt DNA Pro+
The Schutt DNA Pro+ features the same TPU Cushioning System as the Schutt ION 4D, which offers superior padding for impact absorption. Also like the Ion 4D, it features a SUREFIT Air Liner for a comfortable, custom fit.- See the Schutt DNA Pro+ Adult Football Helmet and the Schutt DNA Pro+ Youth Football Helmet.
- Adult version is made with a polycarbonate shell, while the youth version is made with an ABS plastic shell.
For help deciding on which football helmet is right for you and your budget, call 1-800-693-6368, and ask to speak with one of our football experts.
NOTE: These beliefs are completely subjective and do not reflect the beliefs of Sports Unlimited. They are simply an opinion and should be treated as such.
See all youth football helmets.
See all adult football helmets.
Should I wait for the Vengence to come out,or purchase the Ion 4d? idont really need one at the moment, but i have a few camps coming up, teh school has the Ion, and im pretty sure that it was the worst helmet ive worn< i have a feeling it was just that helmet though, as it lacked the TPU cushioning.
Ted,
Choosing which helmet to purchase is definitely a matter of personal preference, needs, and budget, but if you are trying to decide between the Schutt Ion 4D and Vengeance, it’s really hard to go wrong. Both are incredible helmets, and deliver top-of-the-line protection and comfort. I’d also agree with you; the problem with the Ion you wore was most likely specific to that helmet, since I’ve had nothing but positive personal experience, and have heard nothing but positive reviews of the helmet.
But, if you are not pressed at the moment to buy a new helmet, my recommendation is to go with the Schutt Vengeance. The price difference between the Ion and Vengeance is small, and you can pre-order the Vengeance now right here, and get it in July. I’ve seen them, and the dual compression TPU, new shell design, and innovative facemask system are really something else. By looks alone, it flat out rules, not to mention all the safety and comfort systems they’ve built in. Definitely do you own research before buying a new helmet, but that’s just my recommendation. Thanks for the comment!
What about the new Xenith Helmets???
my son suffered a level 4 concussion this past season, he was unconscious for 4 minutes, and confused for 2 days. He will continue to play, he loves the game. Going into high school, I want to provide him with the best head protection available, I know the numbers I’ve read all of your information, based on what you know which helmet the ION or the RIDDELL SPEED OR 360 would you put your child in if they had already suffered a severe conscussion? And no it’s not based on personal preference, it’s based on safety and the bottom line of those who test these items and advise parents and players. which one?
Tara,
Let me start by saying how sorry I am to hear about your son’s serious concussion. That’s an incredibly scary situation, and one that is not to be taken lightly. I hope he has recovered, and is free of any lingering effects. I also truly understand his love for the game, and celebrate his determination to continue playing.
Answering your direct question, as to which helmet is safer, is rather difficult though. Not because I’m unwilling to be decisive on a single helmet, but because I wouldn’t want to mislead you, your son, or any of our other readers. At the end of the day, and as you’ll read in large print on any helmet in football, no helmet can prevent serious head or neck injuries one might receive while playing football. If I were to say that I’d choose the Schutt Ion 4D over the Riddell Revolution Speed, that would suggest one was “more safe” than the other, which has yet to be determined by any test, and would feel like a lie. From everything that I’ve read and learned about helmets and modern concussion protection, a more comfortable and snugger fitting helmet is inherently a safer one. So although “personal preference” may have been a broad term, the fact is that everyone’s head is uniquely shaped, and different helmets fit differently, even with advanced adjustable liners and inflatable jaw pads. The Ion 4D and the Revolution Speed are the highest-rated helmets in the game, and both are used by pros throughout the NFL, and trusted for their impact protection and energy absorption qualities. But if one could “prevent concussions” through impact protection and fit markedly better than the other, then that would be the helmet of choice for every pro in the game. The reason one helmet hasn’t risen to the forefront and been deemed “safest” is simply a matter of preference and fit. From what I know through experience with helmets, like you, I would have to choose between these two for their impact protection. But if it were my son, and he got wider visibility, and his head fit better and felt more comfortable in the Ion 4D, then I’d have to say that helmet would be safer for him. If that were the case with the Revo Speed, then I would have to go with that helmet instead. As far as the Riddell 360, or the new Schutt Vengeance, I’ve had no direct experience with them, since we don’t have them in stock yet, and can’t honestly speak to them, or say more about them than you’d find on Riddell’s or Schutt’s websites. What I can suggest is that if you really want your son to have the best possible protection for his high school season, have him try on these top-rated helmets. If he gets a better, snugger fit in one over the other, then he will be safer in it.
Schutt Vengeance
Hi I am a quarterback and linebacker and I am in middle school football and I have suffered 2 concussions and I am deciding between the Schutt ion 4d and the Riddell revo speed. I need a helmet that is best based on protection, comfort and vision? What do you think would be the best between the 2.
Stuart,
We’re sorry to hear about your concussions, and hope that whichever helmet you choose, it keeps you safe in the game from here on out! That being said, it’s difficult to say definitively which helmet, the Schutt ION 4D or Riddell Revolution Speed, is better for you. Both are top-of-the-line youth helmets, loaded with well-researched, well-developed safety, comfort, and performance features. Your choice should be based on personal preference and budget, but here is a quick breakdown of the features of each helmet, to help you in your decision:
Protection: The ION 4D has become popular amongst youth and adult players because of the advanced TPU cushioning, for its impact-absorbing qualities, comfort, and durability. The ION also utilizes the revolutionary energy wedge faceguard system, which turns the facemask into a shock absorber, redirecting 15% more impact energy away from the jaw, face, and head. The Riddell Revolution Speed is equally popular with youth players for its comfort, safety, and playability. With concussion reduction technology and a tough ABS shell, the Revo Speed has been proven to reduce the risk of concussions to players by 31%, according to Neurosurgery, February 2006, Vol 58, No.2.
Comfort: The ION 4D features an air liner system inside the helmet, to cushion the head, as well as TPU jaw pads for additional 360 degree impact protection . The Riddell Revo Speed uses an inflatable overliner and inflatable jaw pads, allowing you to inflate each for a completely custom and secure fit.
Visibility: At Sports Unlimited, we offer the Revolution Speed Youth helmet with a variety of attached facemasks, to give you plenty of options, and out-of-the-box playability. Since you play both quarterback and linebacker positions, it might be smart to pick up an additional facemask to suit your changing positions. The Speed has a quick facemask release system, making fast changes easy. The Schutt ION 4D does not come with a facemask, but Schutt makes, and we carry, a huge selection of compatible Schutt ION 4D youth facemasks that meet any need, and give you a range of visibilities and coverages.
Stuart, we sincerely hope this helps, and please give us a call at 1-800-693-6368 if you have any more questions, or would like more help picking one of these great helmets. Good luck and be safe out there!
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i have an 8th grader who got a concussion this year in football. Does either of these top brand sell the helmet liner I could use for the snowboard helmet we have for skiiing? I realize I may have to make some modifications to it.
Kelly,
Thank you for your comment, and first off, our sympathies to your 8th grader. We hope he’s ok, and recovered. Sports injuries, especially concussions, are scary things for everyone.
As far as your question is concerned, yes both Schutt and Riddell offer their removable, inflated helmet liners as separate items, and we’d be more than happy to make that happen for you, or get you more information on them, if you’d like to call Sports Unlimited at 1-800-693-6368. However, these liners are typically designed to merely improve the fit of the helmet, not dramatically reduce concussions or protect the head. Helmet cushioning, like TPU, is the central impact absorbing element of a football helmet, while the liner creates a more secure, comfortable, and safe fit, with its adjustable inflation areas in the sides and crown. If you’d like the snowboard helmet to fit better and more securely, these liners might work for you, with some modifications. But if you are looking to improve the safety and concussion protection offered by your snowboard helmet, I’m not certain these liners will suffice.
We do offer a full range of youth snowboard helmets that are highly rated for safety and comfort, and will soon be receiving the 2012 RED Mutiny snowboard helmet, which has consistently received high safety ratings, and has been improved this year. Unlike football helmets though, most snowboard helmets are not designed to hold up to repeated impacts, since head injuries are less common on the mountain then they are on the grid iron. A good snowboard helmet will protect him from a serious fall or tumble, but should be replaced soon after.
I hope this information helps, and please let me know if we can help further, or find a snowboard helmet or liner that would meet your son’s needs. Thanks again for your question!
-Sports Unlimited
Steven- I’m just now seeing your comment. What are you basing your opinion of Xenith helmets on? I purchased one in July and my son has been using it since. This is “hands down” the best helmet he has ever used in his young youth career of four years. For $100 bucks I don’t see anything comparable to the X2 that he has.
Are there any youth football helmets that come in interchangeable sizes? For example, I would like to have a helmet that my 6th grader can use for the next 3 years as he gets bigger. Any suggestions?
I was going to order a DNA pro plus adult elite but it does not have the color Maroon. Can I order that color?
Cam,
The “Schutt DNA Pro Plus Elite – Adult” in maroon is currently unavailable online for order, but if you call us at 1-800-693-6368, we should be able to order it for you. I hope this helps.
Do you guys carry Xenith helmets?
Unfortunately, we do not carry any Xenith helmets. We carry Schutt, Riddell, and Adams football helmets.
thats a good thing!
you want to keep players safe xeniths might test well in labs, but not on the football field