Batting Helmet Sizing Guide
The right helmet can keep you protected at-bat and lets you focus solely on the game without fear of sustaining a head or face injury. But, this poses the question, "how do you choose the right helmet?" Well, with so many options available on the market, choosing the right helmet can be difficult, which is why we've put together a baseball helmet buying guide to make the process easier for you.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A BASEBALL HELMET
When you are at-bat, the only thing you should be thinking about is how to make contact with the ball - not worrying about your safety. The most important piece of protective baseball gear is your batting helmet, which keep your face and head safe from serious injury. When it comes to choosing a helmet, there are three styles for you to choose from: Open Face, Fastpitch, and Extended Jaw Guard
Open Face
Pros: Protects your head from injury and allows for maximum visibility of the ball when you're up to bat.
Cons: Minimal face protection.
Who Should Wear It: Open face helmets are a great option for little league players, as the game involves lower pitching speeds.
Fastpitch
Pros: Features a thick, coated metal guard that protects your face and a shell made out of high-grade ABS that keeps your head safe when you're in the batter's box.
Cons: Face mask may impede vision at the plate. Make sure it is placed on helmet properly to ensure protection and full vision.
Who Should Wear It: Softball players typically wear this style of helmet due to the fast pitching speed of the game and the tendency for errant balls to hit in this area
Extended Jaw Guards
Pros: These helmets provide the ultimate protection thanks to an impact-resistant guard on one side of the helmet.
Cons: Jaw guard protection is only available for one side, so you'll have to consider your batting stance when choosing this option.
Who Should Wear It: Serious or professional baseball players that need a tough and durable, yet comfortable helmet that offers maximum protection.
Note: Many manufacturers, like Rawlings and Easton, provide jaw guard extensions available to purchase separately. If you already own a helmet and want to add a jaw-guard, search for your helmet brand and look for the jaw guard extension that fits your helmet model.
HELMET SIZING
A great infield is the key to any great defensive baseball team. The ability to get to groundballs, make quick transitions and accurate throws can take away hits and runs and be the difference between a win and a loss. So it’s important that infielders be on their game at all times.
If you play the infield and you are looking to keep your skills in the dirt sharp during this downtime, try these five baseball infield drills to turn yourself into a defensive wizard.
Helmet Conversion Chart
SIZE | CIRCUMFERENCE | HELMET SIZE |
---|---|---|
XS | 20 -20 1/2" | 6 3/8 - 6 1/2 |
S | 20 3/4 - 21 1/2" | 6 5/8 - 6 3/4 |
M | 21 1/2 - 22" | 6 7/8 - 7 |
L | 22 1/4 - 22 3/4" | 7 1/8 - 7 1/4 |
XL | 23 - 23 1/2" | 7 3/8 - 7 1/2 |
XXL | 23 3/4 - 24 1/4" | 7 5/8 - 7 3/4 |
HELMET ACCESSORIES
If you'd like to add an extra layer of protection to your helmet, there are a variety of accessories available that can increase the safety of your helmet and amp up its comfort, such as additional liner pads, jaw guards, face shields, and chin straps.
HELMET MAINTENANCE
Today's baseball helmets are constructed from high-grade, impact-resistant ABS that keeps batters safe from high-speed pitches. But over time, like anything, helmets start to degrade if they aren't properly maintained. To keep your helmet in top share, it's important to avoid throwing your helmet when possible, avoid leaving your helmet in the sun or in your car, and regularly clean your helmet with mild soap and water.
STILL NEED HELP?
If you are having trouble choosing a helmet, or have questions about one of the batting helmets we carry from top brands such as Rawlings and Easton, please contact our team today for assistance. Don't have questions, but are looking for other baseball gear? Check out our wide selection of bats, gloves, footwear, uniforms, apparel, and equipment.