A helmet is the most essential piece of safety equipment in American football. If you are playing organised tackle American football anywhere in the UK or Europe, a safe to use, well-fitting helmet is absolutely essential. In this guide, we'll show you what to look for, how different American Football helmets suit different positions, and which American Football Helmets are available through EP Sports.
Facemasks Are Brand Specific Only
When you visit the American football helmet facemasks section of the EP Sports website, you'll quickly notice that we designate facemask categories by brand and helmet model. That's our way of reminding shoppers that it is often best to buy an American football helmet facemask that is compatible with that helmet model. Some exceptions do apply. But for fit and safety, we've often found that like-for-like helmets and facemasks are easy to attach and compatible.
Position Considerations
When talking about positions, where you play on the field has more affect on what helmet facemask you should choose than the helmet itself. One exception to this rule, however, is the Vicis Zero 2 Trench Helmet, which is specifically for both offensive and defensive linemen.
In short, the configuration of an American football facemask should relate to the playing style of a given position.
Skill Positions (QB, WR, RB, DB)
If you're very likely to touch the football during a game (and not a center on offense), visibility is essential. That's why skill players benefit from helmets with wide-open facemasks that maximise peripheral vision. A lighter shell is preferable for players who need to track the ball, need to have range of motion to turn their heads, and react quickly.
Linebackers and Tight Ends
Although they occassionally touch the football, linebackers and tight ends need a helmet with more versatility than skill position players. In short, their helmets must balance visibility with robust jaw and chin protection. As a result, they need a slightly more enclosed facemask that protects the face during tackles without fully restricting the field of view.
Offensive and Defensive Linemen
Offensive and defensive linemen in American football face repeated collisions on every snap. They need the sturdiest possible shell and padding, with a fully enclosed facemask to protect the nose, mouth and jaw. Weight is less of a concern here than pure protective performance. As mentioned above, the Vicis Zero 2 Trench Helmet is purpose-built for offensive and defensive linemen.
How to Fit a Helmet Correctly
All the technology in the world doesn’t matter if your helmet doesn’t fit properly. To get the perfect fit, EP Sports encourages you to account for these five considerations:
- Measure your head – Wrap a flexible tape measure around your head about one inch above your eyebrows. Record the circumference.
- Match to hat size – Most manufacturers list hat sizes alongside their sizing charts (for example, small might cover 6 3/8–6 3/4).
- Check the fit – When wearing the helmet, it should sit level on your head with the front edge roughly one inch above your eyebrows. Your ears should line up with the ear holes. The jaw pads should press firmly against the sides of your face without causing discomfort.
- Chin strap test – With the chin strap properly adjusted and fastened, have someone grab the facemask and try to move the helmet (both front to back, and side to side). There should be no significant movement, and your head/chin should follow in the same direction the facemask is being pulled in.
- For example: If someone pulls the facemask down, your chin should go down; if they pull the facemask up, your chin should lift up.
- Tightness, Then Comfort - In short, you are looking for a helmet that provides the tightest fit while also being comfortable.
Understanding Helmet Safety Standards
NOTE: This safety guidance is written by enthusiasts who really know their stuff — but please treat it as a well-informed recommendation rather than a rulebook. Standards can change, so we'd always encourage you to verify requirements with your league or governing body. Rest assured, though: every helmet on our site is chosen because we genuinely believe in it.
Virginia Tech STAR Ratings
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University independently evaluates helmets using lab-based impact tests. It's important to note that Virginia Tech only evaluates American football helmets that pass the NOCSAE test.
Unlike NOCSAE, the Virginia Tech STAR Ratings system assigns a one-to-five-star rating, where more stars suggest (but does not guarantee) that the helmet offers lower estimated concussion risk. As new models are introduced, these ratings are manufacturer-independent and updated every year.
Again: No testing standard can guarantee that an American Football helmet can prevent all concussions. Instead, EP Sports' experts advise shoppers to treat this system as a educated suggestion of safety levels.
NOCSAE Certification
Here at EP Sports, we're proud to say that all helmets we sell are NOCSAE approved. For guidance, NOCSAE is a US-based governing body that aims to ensure the safety quality of helmets used in many American sports, particularly American football. Testing involves multiple impact drops and pneumatic ram strikes at various velocities and locations on the shell. There is no A through F or 1 to 5-grading scale within the NOCSAE certification itself. Instead, NOCSAE grades a helmet on a simple pass or fail scale.
Helmet Care
Proper care extends the life of your investment.
- After every session, wipe down the outer shell with a damp cloth and mild soap to remove dirt and scuff marks.
- Clean interior pads regularly (depending on the material). Never machine-wash or tumble-dry these components: heat breaks down the protective foam.
- Check the chin strap, buckles and snap fixings for wear before each use. Be sure to replace any component that shows cracking or fraying.
- Store your helmet in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Prolonged UV exposure can weaken the polycarbonate helmet shell over time.
Lifespan
Most helmets are designed for a maximum life (typically 10 years). According to the British American Football Association (BAFA):
"in 2027, it will become illegal to wear a helmet beyond 10 years."
Always check your helmet at the start of every season. Be sure to check if interior components such as padding and shock bonnets need replacing.
Explore the full selection in our American football helmets category. You can also view our custom American football helmets and shoulder pads page for premium, made-to-order options.
The EP Sports Buying Guide for Helmets. Click the image to download this helpful PDF in a new window. Please note that not all helmet brand sizes are the same.
