Worried for your safety in the batter’s box? You are not alone. Other players have also become more aware of the dangers associated with the game of baseball. The most prominent of which is a facial injury caused by an incoming ball at 100 miles per hour.
That’s why most batters wear batting helmets with faceguards these days. The great thing about these helmets is that they not only reduce the risk of facial injury. But most of them also have protective coverings for both ears. This allows them to protect your face, the ears, and the cheekbones.
Excited by the benefits that they offer? Then check out our guide on the best batting helmets with faceguard coverings. Some of them will hit you hard in the pocket. Others will be more merciful on your bank account. Yet all will ensure that you remain safe in the batter’s box.
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Benefits of Batting Helmet with Faceguard
Following are the main benefits that a batting helmet with faceguard offers:
- Reduce risk of facial injury: According to an article published in one of the most respected health journals, it’s a proven fact that greater use of faceguards is associated with a lower risk of facial injury.
- Reduce risk of ear injury: Did you know that every batting helmet with faceguard has a protective covering for both ears? This allows it to offer protection to both right- and left-handed batters.
- Reduce risk of concussion: One study found out that face shields reduced the risk of concussion among ice hockey players by 70 to 75%. There’s no reason why the same figure could be true for baseball.
Batting Helmet With Faceguard - Buying Guide
What is it that you need to watch out for when choosing a batting helmet with faceguard? Are there some features that the best models possess and others don’t? Should you go for a helmet that covers one ear or both? All these and similar questions will be answered in this guide.
Ever been to live games or watched pro baseball on TV? Then you may have noticed that the majority of batting helmets cover only one ear. They are known as ‘one flap’ helmets and they usually protect the ear of the batter facing the pitcher. That means that: However, if you are a ‘switch hitter’ who can bat with both hands, you have two options. Either you can go for a helmet that has a flap on two ears. Such helmets are known as ‘double flapped’ helmets and they are mandatory in most leagues below the professional level. Or you can opt for two different helmets. But we recommend a double-flapped helmet because it serves a dual purpose by protecting you not only while batting but also while running. It also ensures your safety while you’re trying to steal bases, diving back into a base and running to first base.1. One Flap Vs Dual Flap
You need to get a helmet that provides the right mixture of protection and comfort. That means buying a model that is neither too big – so that it may fall off or obstruct your vision by moving around. Nor should the helmet be too small as it may not fit then. Follow these steps to measure the size of your head: Provided you end up buying a model that turned out to be too big, there’s no need to panic. Just purchase a padding kit and fit it inside the helmet to get a better fit. Keep in mind, however, that padding kits can only do so much and can’t make a helmet twice the size of your head fit it.2. Batting Helmet Sizing
Make sure your helmet comes with the label “MEETS NOCSAE Standard®.” But don’t just purchase the helmet after you have found the tag. Also check the helmet for the date when the NOCSAE certification will expire, as this certification isn’t lifelong. Aside from that, check the label specifying the helmet’s manufacturing date. This information will be convenient if:3. Look for labels
Check both the interior liner as well as the outer shell material: NY Times tells us that the best batting helmets these days have their exterior shell made of carbon fiber. The sturdiness of the material allows these helmets to withstand balls coming in at 100mph. What it fails to mention that the price tag of such helmets will leave a helmet-size dent in your bank account. That’s why, for the budget-minded user, ABS plastic helmets are the best option. Also known as the foam, the interior liner is made of one of two materials. The first are those that are made of EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate). They are excellent at absorbing shock and are easy to clean too. However, unlike dual-density EVA foam – which boasts excellent sweat absorption as well as the two features mentioned above, an EVA inner liner isn’t that good at dissipating moisture.4. Inspect the materials
A: There are three ways you can check whether your helmet is too big for your head: A: The US Center for Disease Control recommends cleaning the inside and out of the helmet with mild detergent and warm water. It also cautions against putting the helmet near high heat or soaking any part of it. You should also refrain from using strong cleaners on the helmet. A: According to the National Athletic Equipment Reconditioners Association, no certification body can recertify a helmet after ten years of its manufacturing date. That is the maximum time you should be using one helmet. However, if you notice that your model’s padding has worn out – or it is showing other signs of wear and tear, we recommend that you replace them at the onset of such signs. A: The first thing you should do is to size your head better. That you can do by acting on the abovementioned tips. Yet if for some reason your helmet moves around too much whenever you shake your head, you can put a padding kit inside the helmet.FAQs and Answers
Q: How to know if your helmet is too big for your head?
Q: How to clean your batting helmet?
Q: How often should you replace your helmet?
Q: How can I make my batting helmet fit better?
Mizuno F6 Adult Fastpitch Softball Batting Helmet with Mask
Do you regularly find yourself drowning in sweat on the batter’s area? Looking for a helmet that could take the heat off your head? Then the Mizuno F6 batting helmet is definitely worth your attention because its unique design will keep your head cool and your face (and ears) safe.
Why choose it? Start with its unique construction. Mizuno has provided this batting helmet with a durable ABS plastic to help it withstand collisions with balls moving in at 100mph. The honeycomb shell pattern, meanwhile, lowers its weight while taking up the level of protection that it provides.
Beneath the outer shell sits EVA padding. It is thick enough to ensure that your head fits snugly inside the helmet and is sublimated with team colors. This makes sure that the padding’s color is similar to the helmet’s exterior shell.
Sizes and colors: This batting helmet is available in four sizes (small, medium, large, extra-large) and sixteen colors. The color range is so huge – and the difference between the colors so vast – that you’d have to have a really odd choice for your favorite color to not be in there.
- ABS plastic exterior
- Honeycomb shell pattern
- EVA foam inner core
- The venting system could have been better
Final Thought: The Mizuno F6 Adult Fastpitch Softball Batting Helmet offers above-average features (EVA padding, honeycomb shell pattern, rugged outer shell) at a below-average price. What more can you ask for!
EASTON PROWESS Softball Batting Helmet
The Easton Prowess Softball batting helmet adopts a take no prisoners approach when it comes to ensuring your safety. It does that by using materials that keep your head safe from the impact of collisions and a design that maximizes your visibility.
Why choose it? This batting helmet features a reinforced flat bill design. Veteran players know that this arrangement enhances visibility by maximizing the batter’s sightlines. It makes sure that the batter’s eye contact with the ball doesn’t break up until the last second.
Also on offer is an integrated facemask as well as a fabric liner. The former features hidden hardware that help it give a sleek and streamlined look. The liner, meanwhile, is thick enough to absorb impact but not too thick to impede sweat evaporation.
Sizes and colors: The Easton Prowess is available in four colors and an equal number of sizes. All four of its colors (charcoal, navy, red, white) are given a manufacturer’s matte finish. This allows each of them to attract attention by shining on a sunny day.
- Maximizes sightlines
- Provides added dryness
- Sleek and streamlined design
- Not for men
Final Thought: Most female batting helmets out there tend to pull hair when you’re putting them on or taking them off. The Easton Prowess is different. Its reinforced flat bill design eliminates hair pulling while also maximizing visibility. That’s one of the many reasons why it gets our nod.
EASTON ALPHA Softball Batting Helmet with Mask
Unimpressed with what the Easton Prowess had to offer? The Easton Alpha might then be an option worth your attention. This affordably-priced batting helmet costs less than its counterparts but still has all the features to keep you safe and comfortable.
Why choose it? One of the best features of this model is its extended size range. One which allows it to offers its service to the entire range of baseball players. That includes youth who are still trying their hands on tee-ball and adults playing in professional leagues.
It uses a fabric liner to absorb moisture and aid evaporation and a dual-density foam liner to absorb shock and provide comfort. Also on offer is a strategic ventilation system that allows air to enter and leave the helmet with minimum fuss.
Sizes and colors: Having already given you the lowdown on its size range, it’s time we turn our attention to the colors this helmet offers. There are ten of them and the color spectrum has ultra-dark colors on one end and ultra-light ones on the other. Chances are that you’d easily find your perfect shade.
- Huge size range
- Fabric liner to absorb moisture
- Dual-density foam to absorb shocks
- Not NOCSAE certified
Final Thought: Think you can live with the fact that this helmet isn’t NOCSAE certified? Won’t let the lack of certification introduce doubts about the quality of this model in your mind? Then there’s no reason why you may want to give this model a pass.
Rawlings Sporting Goods Highlighter Series Softball Helmet
Thanks to its matte color scheme and metallic accents, the Rawlings Highlighter is definitely one of the more attractive helmets on the market. It provides all the protection you need on the batter’s area to remain safe and has vents to keep your head cool.
Why choose it? Both the design of this helmet and its faceguard meet NOCSAE standards. It also features a state-of-the-art venting system that promotes airflow and helps in sweat evaporation. The aerodynamic looks of this model, meanwhile, will be the center of everybody’s attention.
Yet another notable feature of this model is the presence of Rawlings® logo on the front. It adds to this helmet’s appeal while also letting other players know that you’re serious about your gear. And Rawlings further sweetens the deal by throwing in a one-year warranty.
Sizes and colors: The Rawlings Highlighter is available in sizes ranging between ultra-small (6 ½’’) and large (7 ½’’). Its color range is big enough to let you find your favorite shade whether you prefer conservative, bold or funky hues. Even colors that you rarely see on the diamond are included in there.
- 1-year warranty
- Triple air-vents
- Extended size range
- Some colors look better in the images
Final Thought: Apart from offering the triple-vent system, this helmet’s design, as well as faceguard, are both NOCSAE certified. It is also available in many colors and has a size range that makes finding a model that will fit your head an absolute cinch.
Rawlings Adult COOLFLO Molded Baseball Batting Helmet
Aiming to get your hands on a rugged-looking helmet? One whose mere appearance on the diamond will let your opponent players know that you mean business? Then the Rawlings Adult Coolflo has everything to deserve your hard-earned money.
Why choose it? The Rawlings Adult Coolflo combines stylish design with pro-level protection and cooling vents. All three join their forces to help you feel – and look – cool whether you’re after a challenging run to first base or preparing to face your first pitch.
Its aerodynamic design directs air straight into the vents to cool you off. The built-in padding conforms to your head shape and helps keep the helmet snug on your head. Rawlings has pre-drilled this helmet to ensure that its faceguards are approved by NOCSAE.
Sizes and colors: Impressed by what you have read about this helmet thus far? Then it’s time for you to get a little depressed because this helmet is available in only one color – black – and only one size. You have no options on both counts.
- Aerodynamic design
- Meets NOCSAE standard
- Comes with faceguard attached
- Available in only one size and color
Final Thought: Don’t let the availability of this helmet in only one size (and color) distract you from what’s more important. It has all the features that you’ll ever need to feel safe and look cool on the batter’s area or when running between bases.
Rip-It Vision Pro Matte Softball Helmet
The Rip-It Vision Pro isn’t one of the most inexpensive models on the market. Let then there be no doubt in your mind that it will hit you hard in the pocket. Having said that, it’s also clear to us that this model has the features to justify its asking price.
Why choose it? This batting helmet features double-density foam that provides the best of both worlds. It will keep your head shielded from the direct impact of any hits. And the foam’s thickness will also ensure a snug fit inside the helmet.
Rawlings has placed 21 vents on top of this helmet to make sure that even when you’re sweating profusely, your head stays cool. Also on offer are moisture-management pads whose name betrays what they are all about. And you get a 1-year warranty on this product as well.
Sizes and colors: Impressed by what you have read about this helmet thus far? Then it’s time for you to get a little depressed because this helmet is available in only one color – black – and only one size. You have no options on both counts.
- Moisture-management pads
- 21 strategically placed vents
- Excellent head protection
- Pricey
Final Thought: With its revolutionary dual-density foam, strategically-placed venting system and moisture-management pads that wick away sweat, the Rip-It Vision Pro is undoubtedly one of the best batting helmets on the market.
Conclusion
Even though its primary job is to keep you safe from a potentially dangerous facial and head injury, the best batting helmet with faceguard won’t only ensure your safety. It has other features too. Like multiple air-vents to regulate airflow in and outside the helmet to keep your head cool.
Almost all these helmets, as you have seen above, meet NOCSAE® standards. This serves as a guarantee that they’d do what they claim. It also tells you that you count on these helmets to meet the standards set by whichever league you play in.
To further sweeten the deal, almost every batting helmet with faceguard you see in this review comes with a 1-year warranty. That means that the chances of anything going wrong, like you losing your money on a faulty model, are next to none. What more can you ask for!
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