NCAA Authentic Football Helmets Buying Guide: Safety, Fit, and Performance

Choosing the right football helmet is a crucial decision for any player, regardless of their age or skill level. A helmet is not just a piece of equipment; it's a vital safety tool designed to protect the head from serious injuries, including concussions. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the key factors to consider when purchasing an NCAA-approved authentic football helmet, focusing on safety ratings, fit, weight, shell design, facemasks, and budget considerations.

Understanding Helmet Safety Ratings

Independent laboratory testing plays a critical role in evaluating the safety performance of football helmets. These tests simulate the types of impacts that occur during a game and measure the helmet's ability to mitigate the risk of concussion.

Impact Testing Methodology

A pendulum designed to replicate helmet-to-helmet contact in football is used to conduct impact tests. During these tests, helmets are subjected to various impact energies at different locations: the front, front boss, side, and back. These locations are tested at low, medium, and high impact energies.

Low impact severity: Represents common impacts experienced during a typical football game.
High impact severity: Represents the types of impacts most commonly associated with concussions.

For each impact, linear and rotational accelerations are measured, and these measurements are correlated to the risk of concussion.

Concussion Risk Assessment

The measured peak linear and rotational accelerations are used to compute concussion risk for each test. Each risk is then multiplied by a weighting factor based on the frequency with which a football player might experience a similar impact. These weighted risks are summed to calculate an overall score. This overall score estimates the number of concussions an average person would experience if subjected to identical impacts at rates matching their weightings while playing football. It's important to note that score values in these ratings are not comparable to helmet ratings for other sports or age groups.

Achieving the Perfect Fit

A properly fitted helmet is essential for optimal protection. A secure fit minimizes the jarring of the head upon impact, allowing the helmet to effectively disperse the force.

Measuring Head Size

To determine the correct helmet size, measure the circumference of the head using a flexible measuring tape or string. Enlist the help of a friend to ensure accurate measurements. This measurement serves as a guide when buying a new helmet.

Helmet Stabilization System

To improve the fit of the helmets, manufacturers have looked at the fit. Keeping the helmet securely in place has been shown to limit the jarring of the head after contact, allowing the helmet to disperse the impact. Helmet Stabilization System, with its internal and external jaw stabilizers, has significantly improved the helmet's fit around the jaw line, providing players with a confident, snug feel. This technology has been introduced into Schutt helmets, including the new Schutt Air XP Pro Q10.

Inflation and Customization

Many modern helmets utilize air inflation systems to customize the fit. Air bladders, strategically placed within the helmet, fill out any extra space between the shell, padding, and the player's head, creating a snug and secure fit around the mandible area. These systems allow players to achieve the most snug, secure, and safe fit possible.

Chin Straps

Chin straps are a basic but important part of a football helmet. They come in all types of designs, but the basic principle is always the same.

Read also: Crafting Your NCAA Profile

Weight Considerations

Football helmets can vary significantly in weight, ranging from approximately 3 lbs to almost 5 lbs. The weight of the helmet can impact a player's comfort and performance, especially for younger, developing players.

Impact on Neck Muscles

A heavier helmet can strain the neck muscles, potentially leading to fatigue and increased risk of injury. It's essential to consider the weight of the helmet in relation to the player's strength and physical development.

Verifying Helmet Weight

Ideally, try on your helmet before you buy it. Helmet weights can vary, with some models weighing between 3lbs and almost 5lbs. The listed weights typically include the helmet, chinstrap, and hardware. Note that weights can vary slightly depending on the size of the helmet.

Shell Design and Offset

The shell is the first line of defense against impact force. It is the hardest, most durable part of the helmet, and takes the brunt of any big hit. Shell offset refers to the amount of space between the shell and the player's skull. Shell offset provides the space for cushioning. Normal sized shells have typical amounts of padding and cushioning. Shells are designed to be larger for larger players.

Facemask Selection

Facemasks are designed to fit specific types, brands, and styles of helmets. For example, Schutt facemasks typically only fit Schutt helmets. Some advanced, re-designed facemasks only fit those helmet respectively.

Facemask Materials

Facemasks are made with one of three types of metal, each offering different levels of durability and protection:

Carbon steel: The least expensive and most common option, suitable for younger or newer players.
Stainless steel: A more durable option, ideal for serious players like high school and college athletes.
Titanium: The lightest and most expensive option, providing maximum strength and durability for elite players.

Facemask Design and Player Position

The design of the facemask should align with the player's position and needs. Different positions require different levels of visibility and protection.

Wide Receivers: Require great visibility to maneuver through traffic and catch passes. Favoring field of view over protection.
Linemen: Prioritize maximum protection due to the close-quarters competition. Focused on oral and visual protection.

The goal is to provide maximum protection without obstructing visibility. It is important to choose a facemask that prevents fingers or hands between the bars to cause injury.

Budget Considerations

The cost of football helmets can vary widely, depending on the brand, features, and technology. While it's essential to prioritize safety, it's also crucial to consider your budget.

Balancing Cost and Protection

Determine your budget and identify helmets that offer a balance of safety, performance, and affordability. While it may be tempting to drop serious funds on a helmet, unless you really want to, there are quality options available at various price points.

Prioritizing Key Components

If budget is a concern, focus on investing in a high-quality helmet shell, chin strap, and possibly a liner. These components are critical for protection and can significantly impact the helmet's overall performance.

Advanced Technologies

Helmet manufacturers are continuously innovating to improve safety and performance. Some of the advanced technologies found in modern football helmets include:

Energy-Absorbing Materials: Some helmets incorporate advanced materials that don't compress like foam, providing superior impact absorption over seasons of impacts.

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