When it comes to sports, injuries are common. However, some injuries can have withstanding consequences for years. Concussions aren’t a threat facing just football players.
Baseball players can easily receive a concussion just as much. Although there is, as of yet, no batting helmet proven to fend off concussions, finding the best helmet for our little athlete or ourselves is crucial to ensuring their health after the game has finished.
Choosing The Best Batting Helmet For You
It’s not easy to buy a batting helmet, especially if you’re new to the sport. However, as safety is the most important part of this activity, there are some important aspects to consider throughout your search.
Size
One of the most important aspects when it comes to buying a helmet is the size. Measuring our athlete’s head is a sure way to purchase the correct-sized helmet. If it’s too big, the helmet could potentially whip off or cause further injury to their head if struck.
If it’s too small, not only will it cut off circulation in their head–which is quite dangerous–but if they are struck, the helmet won’t protect them overmuch. Thus, size matters.
Quality
Most, if not all, of batting helmets, come with a label that will tell us if they can be reconditioned or if they need to be tossed out after a certain amount of use. We should keep that in mind if we’re looking for a high-quality purchase.
Faceguard
Most of the best batting helmets come with a faceguard to help protect your nose and mouth from injury during the game. You can also purchase helmets with a partial faceguard to protect your face without impairing your vision. Many of these are designed with a metal bracket across the mid-section of your face. Full faceguards use a strong material (usually plexiglass) to protect your eyes, and a metal bracket to cover your mouth.
Maintenance
If you look after your batting helmet, it’ll look after you. Most of the best helmets are designed to withstand a ball traveling up to 90 mph, but there will be some natural wear and tear if the ball repeatedly hits you or you’ve owned your helmet for several years.
You shouldn’t leave your helmet out in the sun since this can cause the padding to overheat, harden and then break. Instead, store the helmet inside, preferably in a protective case where it won’t get accidentally damaged.
Ear Guards
Most of the best batting helmets feature ear guards to protect as much as your upper body as possible. These flaps help to cover your ears in the event a ball hits you. This can take some time getting used to since you can’t hear as clearly as not having ear guards, though your safety is the most important thing.
Alternatively, you can purchase batting helmets that with only one ear guard so you can communicate with your team members. Check the regulations for the league you’re playing in to ensure you’re correctly following the rules. If you opt for a helmet with one ear guard, make sure you face the flap toward the pitcher for the best protection.
Fit
We began by mentioning size, but the helmet should fit you properly. One common way to check that it’s the right size and shape for you is by placing the helmet over your head and shaking your head alternate ways in turns. If you notice the helmet begins to move around while you’re shaking, you might need to choose a smaller helmet for a snug fit.
The batting helmet should be positioned above your eyebrow and evenly cover all areas of your head. If you don’t wear it correctly, you could risk injuring yourself as you’re running around the field.
The Top 10 Best Batting Helmets To Buy
Below we have reviewed the top 10 best batting helmets available on the market in 2019.
Table of Contents
10. Mizuno MVP Batter’s Helmet
This helmet comes with a durable shell made of ABS plastic, giving it a hard surface perfect for protection. Inside of the helmet is lined with EVA foam, providing a soft and comfortable seating for our athlete’s head.
The liner also has a Drylite layer over it to help keep moisture down. This, in turn, keeps the helmet from sliding around on our athlete’s head, which otherwise could potentially cause them harm if the helmet slipped at the wrong moment.
It meets NOCSAE standards of safety. There are also pre-drilled ear holes to aid with breathability as well as to aid location, so we can check to make sure the helmet is sitting on the athlete’s head correctly and effectively.
Pros:
- Durable
- Numerous Sizes
- Drylite Liner for Moisture
Cons:
- Bigger Sizes More Expensive
- Sizing Can be Difficult
9. Senior Impact Batting Helmet
Its ABS shell was designed for resisting high-impact, providing the athlete with protection. They also installed a lightweight dual-density liner within the helmet as well as for the ears, which they have wrapped.
For those looking to protect their chin, this helmet also comes with a pre-mounted hardware which we can attach our chin strap to for added security and safety.
The helmet comes with pre-drilled holes for a face mask, in case we desire to mount one, or in the event that it is a required piece of equipment for our team. Additionally, the helmet is crafted for nose standards, allowing for comfort and easy visuality.
Pros:
- High-Impact Shell
- Wrapped Ears
- Mounts for Chin Guard and Facemask
Cons:
- Only Two Colors
- Not That Many Sizes
8. Rawlings Coolflo T-Ball Helmet
Geared towards younger athletes, the Rawlings Sporting Goods T-Ball Helmet offers both protection and comfort for the young athlete. Using Coolflo, the helmet contains a state-of-the-art venting system which allows for breathability for the athlete as well as reducing moisture and helmet slips.
The liner is made of EVA dual density foam which gives further comfort in wearing the helmet, as well as additional protection, should the helmet hit against their skull since it contours nicely around the athlete’s head regardless of size.
The helmet proudly meets NOCSAE standards. Also, it does offer pre-drilled holes for face guards, but only for Rawlings-approved products. For sizes, the helmets fit those with hat sizes of 6 1/4 to 6 7/8.
Pros:
- Breathable
- EVA Foam Liner Fits Snugly
- Optional Holes for Face Guard
Cons:
- Face Guard Attachment is for Rawlings Only
- Sizing Could be Difficult
7. DeMarini Paradox Protege Pro Batting Helmet
Another helmet that follows NOCSAE standards, what makes the DeMarini Paradox Protege Batting Helmet stand apart is in its antimicrobial fabric liner within the helmet.
With all that sweating and heavy breathing, the inside of a batting helmet is a breeding ground for bacteria, so having this liner can help to cut that down and not only make the helmet last longer but keep our athlete healthier, too.
This helmet comes with a mask attached as well, and DeMarini assures that the bill is created in a way to provide for optimal sightline, so our athlete can see the ball coming right at them and deliver that home run. It also contains a venting system to keep the athlete cool.
Pros:
- Mask for Extra Protection
- Antimicrobial Liner
- Decent Range of Head Sizes
Cons:
- Sizing Can Be Difficult
- Cheap Appearance
6. Markwort C-FLAP
Sometimes a batting helmet isn’t enough, or perhaps our team provides a batting helmet, but we desire just a bit more protection. The Markwort C-Flap is an option for those wanting just that little extra touch of safety. This flap is made to easily mount to the ear flap of the helmet which covers the side of the face facing the pitcher.
It’s created in such a way to keep vision optimal and to allow airflow as well. The flap, itself, is made of Lexan plastic which is actually sometimes stronger than the plastic used to make batting helmets.
The inside of the flap is padded allowing for comfort against our skin, and the flap comes with instructions for attachment.
Pros:
- Hard Plastic
- Breathable
- Instruction Book Included
Cons:
- Might Not Fit the Helmet
- Tools for Installation May be Missing
5. Rawlings R16 Series Metallic Baseball Batting Helmet
Another exceptional Rawlings product, the R16 series offers a 16 vent system in the helmet. Protection now comes with comfort and plenty of airflow.
While meeting NOCSAE standards, it also adds CoolFlo XVI vent and heating exchange to help regulate the temperature within the helmet. Not only can the athlete remain cool, but on those chillier game days, they can keep warm as well.
The inside of the helmet comes with a dual density liner for comfort. This liner also wraps around the jaw, giving it additional padding. The helmet is finished with a sleek looking metallic finish, making our athlete look like one of the pros whilst being safe.
It is also available in both junior and senior sizes.
Pros:
- Cooling and Heating System
- Wrapped Jaws
- Numerous Sizes
Cons:
- Appearance Can Be Different
- Label Is Difficult to Remove
4. Rawlings Coolflo T-Ball Helmet
Overheating is a concern for many parents when their little athletes are out there on the pitch, and Rawlings has come up with a helmet to combat against that and keep our athlete in the game and healthy.
Using CoolFlo venting systems, they’ve made a helmet designed to keep our athlete cool during the hot games. The helmet itself is molded in an aerodynamic form to form the best breeze and ventilation our athlete can receive.
In addition, it comes with EVA dual density foam for the liner as well as pre-drilled holes for attachment of a face guard. Of course, the holes are designed for Rawlings-only face guards. This helmet fits those with 6.25″ – 7.8″ head sizes the best.
Pros:
- Excellent Cooling System
- Holes for Optional Face Guard
- Molded Finish
Cons:
- Sizes May be Different
- Only Fits Rawlings Face Guards
3. Easton Senior Z5 Grip Batters Helmet
By using ABS plastic, Easton has created a durable shell for high-impact scenarios. The brand, itself, takes pride in their products, and so this helmet should be of the highest quality.
The inner liner, called BioDri, is dual density which is crafted to soak up the sweat, so the helmet doesn’t stick right to our athlete’s skin and head. This liner also provides shock absorption from high impact strikes.
Made following NOCSAE regulations, this helmet also boasts wrapped ears which offer additional protection and allows the helmet to last longer, saving us money in the long run. It also comes in various colors and is finished with a grip, giving it not only a cool aesthetic but a practical one.
Pros:
- Durable
- BioDri Liner
- Various Colors
Cons:
- Expensive
- Size is a Little Large
2. Easton Junior Z5 Batters Helmet
Similar to the other Easton product, this Z5 comes with a lot of familiar features. The ABS shell that’s used is made of a hard plastic that makes the helmet durable and long-lasting.
Again, this will increase the number of times this helmet can be used in play, saving us money on a replacement.
It also comes with a dual density foam from BioDri which soaks up the shock from impacts and keeps the sweat from collecting within the helmet. The ears on his helmet are wrapped, as well, which gives the athlete further comfort and protection. This helmet comes with a glossy finish.
Inexpensive as well as light, this helmet won’t weight our athlete’s head down during the game.
Pros:
- BioDri Liner
- Lightweight
- Durable
Cons:
- Could Have a Snug Fit
- Limited Color Range
1. DeMarini Paradox Protege Pro Batting Helmet
One of the most affordable options is the DeMarini Paradox Protege Pro Batting Helmet, especially when there’s a sale going on, too. This helmet comes in numerous sizes, so finding the perfect fit for our athlete is easy and not a hassle. Crafted from high-quality plastic, it makes the helmet durable and longlasting.
Within the helmet are carefully calculated vents designed to give the athlete maximum airflow to reduce sweat build-up and moisture.
The padding within the helmet is dual density and designed to mold against the athlete’s head, allowing for the perfect size and comfort. To complete this fit, the helmet is made in a low profile form.
It comes with pre-drilled holes to attach a face guard, too.
Pros:
- Durable
- Lots of Sizes
- Ventilation System
Cons:
- Sticker is Hard to Remove
- Fitting Can Be Difficult
Which Batting Helmet Should You Buy?
Obviously, checking our athlete’s head size is crucial for selecting the perfect helmet. Keeping in mind moisture and sweat as well could play into our considerations on which helmet to purchase.
Each product above has their benefits and drawbacks, but if I were to select a helmet for my little player, then I would select the DeMarini Paradox Protege Pro Batting Helmet primarily because of their antimicrobial liner.
Ultimately, safety is key, and no player should risk their life. So, purchase a helmet and guarantee the athlete’s livelihood and health.