10 Best Youth Football Helmets 2025 in the United States

The Riddell SpeedFlex Youth Football Helmet is designed to offer a solid combination of safety and comfort for teen players. One of its standout features is the patented side impact protection, which helps reduce forces from lateral impacts—this is particularly important for young athletes who may be more vulnerable to head injuries. The flexibility of the helmet’s shell and face mask is another highlight; it’s engineered to lessen impact forces, contributing to a safer experience on the field.

In terms of fit and adjustability, the Ratchet-Loc chin strap system provides easy adjustments, ensuring a snug and secure fit, which is essential for maintaining safety during play. The helmet’s shell is made from durable polycarbonate material, enhancing its overall sturdiness.

Ventilation is reasonably good, helping to keep players cool during games; however, some users may find that it could be improved for hotter climates. The helmet also includes a face mask, which adds an extra layer of protection for the face, making it suitable for the rigors of youth football. Maintenance plays a crucial role in the longevity of this helmet. Riddell recommends that the helmet be reconditioned every two years, which may be seen as a hassle for some parents.

The Schutt Youth F7 LX1 Football Helmet is designed specifically for young football players, making it an excellent choice for those in youth leagues. With a 5-star safety rating from Virginia Tech, this helmet stands out for its advanced protective features. The TPU cushioning system excels in impact absorption, adapting to various temperatures, which is crucial for young athletes who may play in different weather conditions. The incorporation of 3-Dimensional Movement Tektonic Plates is a notable advantage, as these plates enhance protection against rotational forces during impacts, a common concern in youth football.

The helmet's Flexural Resistance Shell Design adds to its durability, ensuring that it withstands the rigors of play while maintaining its protective qualities. The carbon steel facemask is also a solid choice, being one of the most popular materials in football helmets, offering durability and strength.

While this helmet provides excellent safety features, some users might find the medium size a bit snug, especially as children grow. The helmet, weighing 4.5 pounds, may feel heavier compared to other models, which could be a concern for younger players who might prefer a lighter option for better mobility. Additionally, while the ventilation is adequate, some players might experience heat buildup during long practices or games.

The Riddell SpeedFlex Youth Football Helmet with Facemask is designed to offer robust protection for young athletes. One of its standout features is the patented side impact protection, which helps minimize the forces from lateral impacts, making it a good choice for safety-conscious parents and coaches. The helmet's flex system, which incorporates flexibility into the shell, face mask, and attachment system, also contributes to reducing impact force transfer, enhancing the protective capability of the helmet.

The composite energy management system ensures the padding stays in place during play, providing consistent protection and comfort. The helmet includes four inflation points, allowing for a customizable fit to ensure it stays securely in place during games and practices. Additionally, the all-points quick release makes attaching and detaching the facemask hassle-free, which is a convenient feature for both players and parents.

The included components such as the white hard cup chinstrap and black SF-2BD facemask add value to the purchase. On the downside, the size is X-Large, which may not be suitable for all youth athletes, especially younger or smaller players. The helmet weighs 5 pounds, which might be slightly heavy for some users and could potentially cause discomfort during prolonged use. Ventilation is not specifically mentioned, which could be a concern in terms of breathability and comfort during hot weather conditions. For those looking for a performance-oriented, streamlined helmet with a high level of protection, the Riddell SpeedFlex Youth Football Helmet is a solid choice.