Buying the right baseball helmet for your kid can be hard. There is a wide range of products on the market, and they all seem to offer different specifications and benefits. We’re here to help. In this guide, we outline the key things to consider when purchasing youth baseball helmets, and will help you make an informed decision about which one is best for you.
We all know why it’s important to wear a baseball helmet, so all there is to do now is choose one that fits your criteria.
Here we offer a guide on what to consider before you buy, as well as reviews of some of the best youth baseball helmets on the market. We’ll be taking a look at their key features, as well as pros and cons. Read on to make sure you buy the best helmet for your needs!
Things to Consider Before You Buy A Youth Baseball Helmet
With all the costs of parenthood, it can be tempting to buy a larger size helmet in the hope that it will last your growing child for a longer period of time. Unfortunately, this means that they will be starting off with a helmet that is too big, and therefore won’t provide the protection and safety that they need. It is important to get a well-fitted helmet with suitable levels of protection. Here are a few things to consider when you’re browsing, and some tips on how to pick from the best youth baseball helmets.
Safety Standards
The best youth baseball helmets are safe, first and foremost. Luckily, the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) makes it easy for you by setting out safety standards for baseball helmets. All helmets that meet NOCSAE standards will be marked as such – so look out for this in product descriptions. If you don’t see it listed, it may not be meeting essential safety criteria.
Always opt for a baseball helmet that meets the NOCSAE standard for baseball helmets. This will give you peace of mind, knowing that it is verified as safe and offers maximum protection.
Size
A helmet must be comfortable and it must be safe: both of these things are a question of size. All of the features and layers of protection offered by the best youth baseball helmets simply won’t be effective if you wear it in the wrong size.
It is easy to work out what size helmet you should buy. Each helmet size is suited a particular range of head circumference. Simply use a fabric measuring tape to take a measurement around the circumference of the head. You will get the best measurement if the tape is placed slightly above the ears. From this, you can use an online chart to see what size corresponds to your measurement.
You might also consider an adjustable helmet. Some helmets are available in adjustable sizes, meaning that you can make them bigger as your child grows. It’s still important to check what size range these cover, as well as the price difference.
Once you’ve purchased a helmet, a quick way to check that the size is right is a head-shake test. If you shake your head side to side and the helmet moves separately from the head, it is too big. On the other hand, you’ll easily be able to tell if it is too small just by trying it out – it won’t go on!
Face Guard
it might sound obvious, but selecting a helmet with a face guard will offer greater protection to your face. A face guard is a piece of padded plastic attache at the earflap, which extends down the wearer’s jaw line and covers the cheek bone. They have become more popular in all leagues of baseball over recent years, as people become more safety-conscious.
Some people might see a full face guard as unnecessary when already wearing a helmet, but the helmet won’t protect your face. Full safety requires a face guard too – some leagues have already made this compulsory. For smaller children or those new to the game, a face guard can provide vital protection when faced with unexpected pitches.
Face guards tend to be sold separately to the main helmet – it’s rare to find one that comes with a face guard included.
Jaw Guard
A jaw provides vital protection on the side of the helmet that faces the pitcher. This can be particularly useful for younger players, or those new to the game, who are not experienced in protecting themselves from unpredictable or unexpected pitches.
Some helmets will come with a jaw guard attached, and for others you will have to buy the guard separately. It is important to note that the best youth baseball helmets (NOCSAE standard) should come with pre-drilled holes in the side to attach a jaw guard.
You must remember to make sure the jaw guard is compatible with the helmet you’ve got. An easy way to do this is to purchase it from the same brand or supplier. Ensure that you order the jaw guard that works with your helmet. For a right handed batter, you’ll need a right-handed jaw guard.
Earflaps
In Major League Baseball, it is compulsory to wear a baseball helmet with at least one earflap. You’ll often see players in MLB wearing helmets with one earflap – but you can opt for two. In fact, the use of a double earflap helmet is compulsory in all leagues up to and including Minor League Baseball. So, what should you go for?
When buying a helmet, you have the choice of whether to go with just one, or go for maximum protection for both ears with two. One earflap is thought to be more comfortable, and leaves the non-facing ear open to hear instruction from coaches. However, we think that the best youth baseball helmets have two earflaps. This offers greater protection to both sides of the head.
Price
Price is an important factor when it comes to purchasing more sports equipment for your child. Fortunately, you can find great variety in helmet price, and that doesn’t necessarily mean compromising on quality. We always recommend buying new rather than second hand, because you can’t be sure of the damage that a used helmet has gone through. While this can add a few more dollars to what you spend, you’ll get more use from the helmet and can be rest assured that it is totally safe.
You will easily be able to find one of the best youth baseball helmets for under $40 which offers safety, protection, and meets the NOCSAE standard. All of the products listed here are between $25 and $90, offering excellent value for money.
Where Can I Buy a Quality High School Baseball Helmet?
You can find baseball helmets at any sports equipment store. The advantage of this is that you get to try the helmets on before you buy. However, you’re likely to find that many stores only have a limited range of brands, styles, and sizes. They are often more expensive that online competition as well. For that reason, your best bet is to shop online.
Websites such as Amazon provide in-depth details about helmets, sizes, and specifications. What’s more, there is a huge range of products available, and if you don’t like it, you can simply send it back. Reviews are trustworthy and honest, so you get to hear what other’s thought of the helmet before you commit to buying.
If you’ve measured up properly, you’ll have no trouble finding the right size helmet, and you’re more likely to find one that suits your exact needs by shopping online.
Best Youth Baseball Helmets
Here we offer quick, no-nonsense reviews of the best youth baseball helmets around.
1. Easton PRO X Batting Helmet with JAW Guard
If you’re familiar with baseball, you’re likely familiar with the Easton brand. They are one of the most well-known and trusted manufacturers of baseball equipment in the U.S, offering some of the best youth baseball helmets around. Their Pro X Batting Helmet claims to be their most advanced helmet yet, offering their all-new Multi-Density Protection (MDP) technology. It has a real focus on protection, with a built in jaw guard as well. The jaw guard can be removed if needed.
This helmet is available in size junior (6 1/2 – 7 1/8), and size senior (7 1/8 – 7 1/2), and can be purchased for right-handed or left-handed batters. This is to ensure that the jaw guard is on the correct side. There is a choice of four colors, and all of them come in a sleek matte finish.
Key Features and Specifications:
- Latest Multi-Density Protection (MDP) technology to absorb impact
- Extended Jaw Guard providing additional protection on the pitcher-facing side of the helmet
- Matte finish with tonal metallic accents for a sleek look
- Moisture management from BioDri liner fabric and air mesh side walls
- Meets NOCSAE standard – safe for all levels of play
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Prioritizes protection with MDP technology, with 3 layers of absorbing foam
- BioDri liner offers protection as well as sweat absorption
- Built in Jaw Guard
- Removable front logo
Cons:
- Limited color range
Verdict: The Easton PRO X Batting Helmet with JAW Guard offers the best of style alongside protection. The Multi-Density Protection (MDP) technology will be reassuring for parents out there, as it is designed to effectively absorb impact if hit by the ball. The color options are limited to four, but you can personalize it by removing the Easton front logo. This would make a great helmet for beginners or juniors, as it is designed to be ultra-safe. We recommend jaw guards anyway, so a built-in one is an extra bonus and ensures it fits well with the helmet. This product is at the higher end of the price spectrum, but is worth it for the multiple layers of protection.
Shop for the Easton PRO X Batting Helmet with JAW Guard today:
2. DeMarini Paradox Protege Pro Batting Helmet
DeMarini is a well-known brand in the world of baseball. They offer high quality spots equipment, and are favored by many baseball players. Their Paradox Protege Pro Batting Helmet meets all of the NOCSAE standards, has a rubberized shell for maximum protection, and provides tried-and-tested airflow to improve breathability.
This helmet is available in 3 different sizes: Youth (6 1/2 and Below), Small/Medium (6 3/8 and 7 1/8), and Large/Extra Large (7 – 7 5/8). Regardless of the age of the wearer, it is worth measuring the circumference of the head before purchasing to make sure that you get the right size.
Key Features and Specifications:
- Dual density padding helps fit the helmet to individual head size
- Low profile shell helps achieve a superior fit
- Airflow maximized by strategic placement of vents – keeps you fresh and cool
- High gloss finish
- Meets NOCSAE standard
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Available in a range of colors
- Well-established and trusted brand
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Face guard sold separately
Verdict: We love the DeMarini Paradox Protege Pro Batting Helmet, and the range of sizes means that you’re sure to find the perfect fit. This is only bolstered by the dual density padding, which offers extra protection as well as a snug fit. The focus on airflow and breathability makes this helmet well-suited to those worried about overheating. The only drawback is that the Paradox Protege Pro Batting Helmet doesn’t come with a face guard or jaw guard, so you’d have to buy these separately for additional protection.
Shop for one of the best youth baseball helmets today. Get the DeMarini Paradox Protege Pro Batting Helmet? Get shopping:
3. Rawlings Coolflo Youth T-Ball Batting Helmet
Rawlings are known for their development of COOLFLO technology. This essentially revolutionized how venting systems are built in to batting helmets. The Coolflo Youth T-Ball Batting Helmet maximizes this technology, regulating temperature and allowing breathability.
This helmet is one size (6 ½ – 7 1/8), and comes in a selection of five colors. Because it’s one size only, this helmet is suitable mainly for kids of age 9 and upwards. Always measure up, though, to see if this helmet will fit.
Key Features and Specifications:
- Dual density foam for a snug fit and impact absorption
- COOLFLO design crafted with the batter’s protection in mind
- Pre-drilled holes making it compatible with all Rawlings NOCSAE standard face guards
- 15 individual air vents – keeps you cool and dry
- Meets NOCSAE standard
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Aerodynamic
- Excellent cooling system to prevent overheating
Cons:
- The one size fits all approach doesn’t offer tailored fit
- Compatible only with Rawlings face guards
Verdict: The Coolflo Youth T-Ball Batting Helmet is sleek and professional looking, which is why we love the design. It comes at an affordable price, and additional features such as the pony-tail channel and removable logo show real attention to detail. If your child’s head is in the range of this helmet size, then it’s a great purchase. This helmet certainly isn’t suited to the younger player, as it simply won’t fit.
Purchase the Rawlings Coolflo Youth T-Ball Batting Helmet now for the best price:
4. Rawlings R16 Series Metallic Baseball Batting Helmet
Rawlings offer safe and NOCSAE standard baseball helmets – and the R16 combines protection and safety with cooling comfort. With a 16 vent system in the helmet, the wearer remains cool and is provided with plenty of airflow. The dual density liner provides comfort, and this liner also continues to the jaw for extra protection on the cheekbones.
The metallic finish makes you look like a pro, and it comes in a range of colors. You can purchase this helmet in a junior or senior size, giving more flexibility than the CoolFlo Youth Helmet from Rawlings.
Key Features and Specifications:
- Tough ABS plastic shell for protection
- Wrapped jawpads – enhances fit and comfort
- Metallic Finish
- Multiple air vents promote breathability
- Meets NOCSAE standard
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Two different sizes
- Cooling system to regulate temperature
- Wrapped jaw offering extra built-in padding
Cons:
- Label difficult to remove from product
- Some colors are not as metallic as others
Verdict: The Rawlings R16 Series Metalllic Baseball Batting Helmet is the perfect purchase if you’re on the look out for a smart, temperature regulating product. It’s safe, and has additional protection in the form of the wrapped jaw. We recommend jaw protection, and the extra inbuilt padding for the jaw on this product is excellent. We like the range of colors, but be aware that not all colors come with the same level of metallic shine as others. This helmet isn’t the most expensive on this list, so you’re getting real value for money.
Purchase one of the best youth baseball helmets on the market. Buy the Rawlings R16 Series Metalllic Baseball Batting Helmet today:
5. EASTON Z5 2.0 Batting Helmet
Another product for Easton, the Z5 2.0 Batting Helmet offers exceptional levels of protection. It is one of the best youth baseball helmets around, due to its ABS shell providing a barrier against high impact blows. It comes with dual density foam padding, and has wrapped ear pads on both sides offer maximum protection.
Although many helmets are available in a number of colors, this one really excels in offering you the whole spectrum. You can find a helmet that suits team or school colors – and they all come in a sleek matte finish. You’re unlikely to find another helmet that comes in such a range of colors. It comes in Junior, Senior, and Extra Large sizes.
Key Features and Specifications:
- Maximum protection provided by impact resistant ABS shell
- Dual-density foam padding to absorb shock and enhance fit
- Wrapped ears for improved durability
- BioDri padded liner and moisture wicking to absorb moisture and keep you cool
- Meets NOCSAE standard
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Lightweight and aerodynamic
- High levels of protection
- Excellent value for money
- Huge range of colors in stylish matte finish
Cons:
- Measures up on the tight side
Verdict: The Easton Z5 2.0 Batting Helmet offers the best of both worlds: exceptional levels of protection and comfort, alongside a range of stylish matte color options to help you find the helmet that suits you best. It’s highly durable, and you’ll quickly see the benefit of the sweat absorbing BioDri liner. We think you get a lot for your money, and at less than $40 this product is on the more affordable end of the helmet spectrum.
Love the sound of the EASTON Z5 2.0 Batting Helmet? Check it out today and buy your new helmet:
Which Helmet Should I Buy?
We feel that we have selected some of the best youth baseball helmets on the market. All of them are safe and meet the NOSCAE standard, which should always be your number one priority when buying a baseball helmet.
All of the products listed here are high quality, and each has its own drawbacks and benefits. Outside of safety, you should consider what it is that you’re really looking for:
- If you’re child is going to be playing constantly hot weather, Rawlings truly excel in helmets with inbuilt cooling systems to reduce the risk of overheating. Both the R16 Series Metalllic Helmet and the Coolflo Youth T-Ball Batting Helmet prioritize cooling and ventilation.
- If you’re looking for on-trend helmet that you can purchase in school or team colors, Easton offer the widest range with the Z5 2.0 Batting Helmet. Better yet, these helmets don’t compromise on protection and comfort, so you get the best of both worlds.
- Do you want to buy a specific size? The DeMarini Paradox Protege Pro Batting Helmet offers the best range of sizes.
Our personal favourite is the Easton PRO X Batting Helmet with JAW Guard, mainly because of the safety features and built in jaw guard. It is slightly more pricey, but you’ll reap the benefits of the MDP technology and BioDri liner.
As long as the helmet that you choose meets the NOCSAE standard and fits properly, you’re child is game-ready! All of the products listed here are NOCSAE standard and offer good value for money – which is why we believe that they represent the best youth baseball helmets on the market.
