Buying Guide

How to Select a Quality American Football Helmet

Compare models, learn about padding systems, and find the best helmet for your game.

Last updated: 21 January 2026 | 4 min read

Are you buying your first American football helmet or replacing an old one? Choosing the correct football helmet is crucial for both performance and safety on the field. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to find the perfect helmet fit, understand helmet features, and explore accessories that enhance protection and comfort.

Why Choosing the Right Helmet Matters

Your helmet is the single most important piece of protective gear in American football. It protects against head trauma, absorbs impact, and provides stability and visibility on the field. Whether you're a beginner or a high-level player, choosing the right helmet ensures safety, comfort, and confidence. All football helmets sold by Forelle meet NOCSAE safety standards (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment), ensuring they’re built for performance and protection.

⚠️ Note: No helmet can guarantee complete protection from injury.

Understanding the Football Helmet Structure

Modern football helmets are engineered to deliver a balance of safety, comfort, and performance. Here's a complete breakdown of the key components and materials used:

Outer Shell: Made from polycarbonate or alloy (youth models may use ABS), the shell disperses impact to protect the skull. Built-in ventilation improves airflow and keeps you cool during play.
Internal Padding System: Helmets use either TPU foam (no break-in, high shock absorption) or Vinyl Nitrile foam (slight break-in needed). Some models include inflatable padding for a custom fit—important for removing gaps around the temples and jawline. Many helmet components are available separately for replacement or upgrades.
Face Mask: Protects your face and eyes, available in different shapes for different positions—e.g., open masks for speed players, fuller masks for linemen.
Chinstrap: Secures the helmet with snap-on or Cam-Loc (ratchet) systems. Fit should be tight but comfortable.
Jaw Pads & Ear Holes: Help stabilize the helmet and improve comfort by reducing movement during impact.

Helmet Sizing

Choosing the right size is critical for both safety and performance. Here’s how to make sure your helmet fits correctly:

How to Measure:

Measure your head circumference about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above your eyebrows
Compare the result with the helmet brand's sizing chart
Choose the size that matches your head measurement

Adult vs. Youth Helmets:

Adult helmets are designed for stronger, faster players and use heavier materials for maximum protection
Youth helmets are made from lighter materials and offer protection suited for younger players

❌ Never wear a youth helmet in adult or varsity play—it won't offer enough protection ✅ In some cases, older or larger youth players can wear adult helmets—just keep in mind they are heavier and may take time to adjust to

Helmet Fitting Checklist:

Once you've selected your helmet:

Put it on and make sure it sits evenly and snug on your head
Use inflatable padding (if available) to fine-tune the fit
Swap (when possible) out pads if needed for thicker or thinner versions
Check for no gaps at the temples or jawline
Press down on the crown — the pressure should distribute evenly, not on your forehead
Shake your head gently — the helmet should not move or wobble

A correctly sized and fitted helmet will stay secure in play and absorb impact properly.

Tip: Wearing a skull cap can improve helmet fit by reducing internal movement and providing a more secure, comfortable feel.

Helmet Brands We Offer

At Forelle, we offer a carefully selected range of American football helmets trusted by players across Europe—from beginners to elite athletes. Each brand and model has its own features, fit, and purpose, so you can find exactly what works best for your position, skill level, and budget. The specific features of each helmet are fully detailed in the product description.

Riddell is the most recognized helmet brand in football—used by athletes from youth leagues to the NFL. Known for their technology-driven protection, custom fit systems, and durable shell construction, Riddell helmets are trusted by teams and individuals who demand top-level performance.

The Riddell collection includes the elite Axiom, the popular Speedflex, the lightweight Speed Icon, and the Youth helmet: Victor-I . Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned athlete, Riddell offers a helmet tailored to your position, playing style, and level of competition.

Light Helmets are engineered for speed, agility, and maximum comfort. Made with materials from the aerospace and automotive industries, they are incredibly lightweight while still providing elite-level protection. Light helmets are ideal for players who prioritize mobility without sacrificing safety—especially skill positions.

Within the Light lineup, you'll find models like the Apache (ultralight and position-versatile), Apache Lightning (a sturdier build with elite protection), and the Gladiator ATK (engineered for high-impact play). For younger players, the Apache Lightning Youth and LS2 Youth Composite Helmet offer scaled-down protection with full performance features.

Football Helmet Accessories

Over time, helmet liners can wear out. Being able to replace liners and overliners helps extend the lifespan of your helmet. You may also need a hardware kit with mounting clips and screws to properly attach or adjust your facemask.

popular helmets

Complete Your Helmet Setup

Choosing a Football Facemask

Facemasks are usually made of lightweight yet strong materials like carbon steel or stainless steel. They can be purchased with the helmet or separately. It’s important to ensure compatibility with your helmet brand and model.

Different facemask styles provide varying levels of protection depending on your position:

Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers, and Defensive Backs usually prefer open designs that offer a wide field of vision.
Running Backs and Tight Ends may need additional jaw and oral protection for blocking and contact.
Linemen typically require maximum coverage including jaw, nose, and sometimes eye protection due to constant contact.

Find the Right Facemask

Chinstraps: Secure Your Fit

A reliable chinstrap is essential to keep your helmet firmly in place—especially during high-impact plays. Whether you prefer a soft cup, hard shell, or hybrid with gel padding, the right chinstrap improves both comfort and safety. Make sure to choose one that matches your helmet’s attachment system and size. Every helmet comes with a chinstrap included, so you're ready to hit the field right out of the box.