How Do You Pick a Baseball Helmet?
You may be wondering how to buy a batting helmet. Our baseball helmet buying guide covers three main helmets you’ll find on the market. The three main styles of batting helmet are open face, fastpitch, and jaw guard.
Open face helmets have minimal protection for the front of the face. The benefit of these types of helmets are they allow for more ball visibility when you’re up to bat. These helmets are better suited for little league where pitching speeds don’t get very high.
Baseball Helmet Sizes and Proper Fit
One of the most difficult things about purchasing a helmet is how to know what size helmet to buy. Knowing what size batting helmet to buy will give you the best protection. Helmets that fit too loose may not protect the right areas. Batting helmets too small may squeeze your head too tightly and cause headaches.
How to Know What Size Helmet to Buy
To get the proper helmet fit, you need to know how to measure your head. You’ll need a tailor’s measuring tape to get a good measurement. All you need to do is measure the circumference around your head. To do this, measure around your head above the tip of each ear. Aim for the widest part of the head when you measure.
Once you have your head circumference, you can look at a baseball helmet size chart. If you’re trying to find the right size for a younger player, you’ll do the same, but look at a baseball helmet sizing chart for youth helmets. All you need to know about the baseball helmet sizing chart is that your head circumference will line up with a helmet size. For example, you’ll need a size 7 helmet if your head is 22 inches around.
What are Batting Helmets Made of?
Once you know what size helmet you need, it’s time to start thinking about what material your helmet is made of. Batting helmets are usually only comprised of two parts: an outer shell and an inner liner. The outer shell of batting helmets is made of a durable plastic called ABS. Inner shell material can range from a soft foam to a more advanced foam, gel, and cloth combinations.
Ensure Your Baseball Helmet Meets NOCSAE® Ratings
Whatever helmet material you choose, you need to be sure of one thing. Your helmet should always comply with NOCSAE® standards. Helmets that fall into NOSCAE® compliance have been proven to protect your head from the gnarliest dingers. The NOCSAE® provides baseball helmet ratings, which you should be able to see at any online baseball equipment retailer. The higher the number, the more protection you’ll get.
It’s important to note that helmet ratings are only an accurate measure of protection if your helmet fits properly. If you wear a loose fitting helmet, the helmet can’t protect you as well. This is why it’s important to get the proper fitting helmet if you want the most protection. You can make sure you’re getting the best protection by taking a look at the CDC’s Batter’s Helmet Safety Guide.
Baseball Helmet Accessories
Baseball helmet accessories can add an extra layer of protection to your helmet. There are three main accessories you’ll be looking at for added protection: batting helmet face shields, batting helmet face masks, and catchers throat guards. What baseball accessories are the best for you will depend on what you want out of your helmet.
The Benefits of Batting Helmet Face Shields and Guards
If you already have a perfectly fitted helmet, you can still get the added protection of face shields and guards. Many of these accessories can fit directly to a helmet. If you want the most protection possible, take a look at some of your options.
Now That You Know…
Picking the right batting helmet ensures your safe on the diamond. Knowing what’s available, your size, and what your helmet is made of. You may even get some added protection by picking up some helmet accessories. If you’re looking for a quality helmet, check out our wide selection of helmets.
