Keep Your Head Safe with the Best Batting Helmet
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Rawlings R16 Velo Series Matte Batting Helmet -
Rawlings R16 Velo Series Matte Batting Helmet -
Easton Senior Z5 2Tone Batting Helmet -
Rawlings Coolflo Batting Helmet -
Wilson SuperFit Batting Helmet -
Buyer's Guide
A batting helmet is the protective headgear worn by both baseball and softball players. It's primary function is to protect the head of the batter from wild pitches from the pitcher. Without a helmet, depending on the speed and impact of the ball, injuries could be as serious as death. While it’s not a rule to wear a helmet that covers both ears (just the one that faces the pitcher), it's not uncommon to see players (especially younger ones) wearing a helmet protecting both ears. When safety is the priority, there's no reason to cut corners.
These best batting helmets in 2022 came down to a few key factors. The durability of these helmets is important, since you don't want it ever letting up and allowing you to be injured. Their comfort is also important, as they keep your head cool while maintaining functionality. And of course, their cost plays a factor as well because one doesn't want to break the bank just to avoid breaking their head.
Best Batting Helmet Worth Considering in 2022
Rawlings R16 Velo Series Matte Batting Helmet - Best Batting Helmet overall
This might arguably be the greatest batting helmet ever created. The helmet starts with a high density padding system unlike any other on the market. It’s engineered to take the impact and spread it out over the largest surface area of the helmet with the padding naturally adjusting to the player's head. This allows for maximum comfort without losing functionality while the moisture management fabric traps sweat and keeps you cool.
This helmet is offered in overlapping sizes, meaning if a small doesn't fit, move to the medium and it will fit perfectly. Another plus is how incredibly lightweight this helmet is, ensuring that while a player is running to first, there's no chance of the helmet weighing them down. Additionally, it comes with a $5,000 money-back guarantee for any injuries incurred while wearing this helmet.
Rawlings R16 Velo Series Matte Batting Helmet - Runner Up
According to Rawlings, just because you're protected, doesn't mean you have to sacrifice comfort. The Rawlings S100 batting helmet's primary focus is protection which comes from an insert that provides additional durability in critical ball impact locations. This helmet also uses a multiple impact expanded polypropylene liner so it's nearly impossible to get injured using this helmet. The helmet also uses what they call Pro-Dri technology which is a moisture management material and also fights bacteria as an added bonus.
Easton Senior Z5 2Tone Batting Helmet - Honorable Mention
The Easton Natural Grip Two Tone Batting Helmet is designed to provide complete protection and ultra-lightweight comfort with an aerodynamic design. This helmet comes standard with a high-grade ABS protective shell and also equipped with EVA impact foam for additional safeguarding. They've also included a layer of comfort foam ensuring the best possible fit.
This helmet is National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) approved and can be used with a baseball or softball facemask (facemask sold separately). Easton's venting system uses a Bio-Dri antimicrobial Lycra-padded inner liner which keeps player cool and dry while out on the field. The rubberized matte finish is aesthetically pleasing, it's affordably priced, this helmet is tough to turn down.
Rawlings Coolflo Batting Helmet - Consider
This Coolflo Batting Helmet, primarily used for high school aged players, features an attractive, high-tech design. It offers a double ear protection, NOCSAE approved design and comes pre-drilled for face guards. It's one size fits all (6 1/2 - 7 1/2) and also features fifteen individual air vents that keeps a player cool and comfortable even on the hottest days. At a very reasonable price, this is a good helmet to start out with. This helmet will do the job until you need to upgrade down the line.
Wilson SuperFit Batting Helmet - Best Batting Helmet
The Superfit helmet from WIlson is a cost efficient helmet that will protect you head. With a brushed matte finish and glossy accents for a sharp look, you'll be turning heads when you're turning your bat on the ball. Adjustable to fit any player's head size, Wilson also has vents in their helmet along with WilDri moisture management liner technology to absorb sweat and keep a player cool on even the hottest days. Most importantly, SuperFit has advanced shell design for NOCSAE-level protection.
Buyer's Guide
Batting helmets are an essential part of sports accessories as it protects the players from severe head injuries. It may not look so dangerous when you see cricket matches on TV, but, in reality, the hardball used in the game is very rigid. Similarly, in other games like softball and baseball, if the ball or even the bat hits a player's head, it can cause serious injuries. To play safe, you need the best batting helmet of 2021.
Some Important Things to Consider
Never rush into buying a product; always do your research. It may seem easy to buy the best batting helmet but, there are a few things to check first.
The Material of Batting Helmet
As discussed earlier, batting helmets are supposed to protect your head from a hard rigid ball or bat, so they should be made from solid material. Only a durable and robust helmet can do its job perfectly and bear the force of a high speedball.
The material most commonly used in constructing a batting helmet is reinforced plastic that provides rigidity and hardness. The protective padding on a helmet also strengthens it, so you should never settle for a helmet without interior surface padding.
NOCSAE
The sports community is growing every day, so to ensure that players get the best products, the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) has set some standards. There are numerous companies making helmets today, but you can check for a NOCSAE rating on it to sort out the best from the bunch. When you are buying a batting helmet, look for a NOCSAE certification sticker on it.
Softball Mask
Softball players need a different face mask to attach to their batting helmet. Sometimes, the batting helmet already has a mask attached to it, so you don't need to worry. However, if the face mask is not present, it is best to buy one from the same brand as the batting helmet.
Chin Strap
At the professional level, you won't see many helmets with chin straps. However, it would help if you had a chin strap at the beginner level or for some professional leagues. Just like a softball mask, batting helmets don't usually come with a chin strap, so you need to buy them separately. Again, professionals recommend that it is best to buy a chin strap from the same brand as the batting helmet as it ensures a proper fit.
How to Choose Helmet Size?
We all have different head sizes, so batting helmets are also made in various sizes. Different dimensions and measurements are used to make the perfect helmet, but ideally, the helmets of the same size are relatively equal.
To find out the perfect helmet size, you need to measure the circumference of your head. You can look up to the helmet with the closest size to your circumference, if not exact. You can also refer to a size chart with complete details about the regular helmet sizes for different head circumferences.
A helmet that is bigger than your head size will end up putting you in a difficult situation. Either it will fall off when you are running, or worst, it can obscure your vision when trying to hit. However, if you end up buying a batting helmet that is too big to fit correctly, you can buy an extra padding kit. It won't be as good as a snuggle fit helmet but it will do the job.
To check if the size of a helmet is perfect for you, you can wear it and shake your head a little. If the helmet moves a lot, then it is too big for you. On the other hand, if it almost stays in its place, you have the perfect batting helmet. Of course, a small fitting batting helmet won't get on your head initially, so there are very few chances that you buy it.
Experts recommend that your helmet be 1 inch above your eyebrows, and it should point parallel to the ground. If your batting helmet is pointing upwards, it leaves your forehead unprotected while running to the base or batting. Similarly, if your helmet is bent downwards, the back of your head is exposed to injuries.
Why Do Helmets Cover One Ear only?
You would have noticed that softball and baseball players have helmets that only cover one of their ears. At first, you might find it strange but, there is a logical reason for it. If a batter is right-handed, then they need an ear cover flap for the left ear only as it is exposed to the threat of a high-speed ball. Similarly, if you are a left-handed batsman, then you need a flap on the right ear. The only exception is for switch hitters because they hit the ball from the right or left hand according to the situation. Thus, they need ear protection for both left and right sides.
Double flapped helmets are primarily used in a youth league, college, or high school; in short, it is required for lower levels than professional. These helmets are for dual purposes because they protect you when you are standing at the plate and when you are running at the bases. Whether you are trying to steal a base, dive back to your base, or run to first base, these double flapped helmets are beneficial.
Batting Helmet FAQ
Q. How can I clean a batting helmet?
The interior padding of a batting helmet cannot be removed so that you can clean it with warm water and mild detergent. Take special care when cleaning the helmet from the inside. If you add excessive water or too many chemicals, the padding can break.
Q. Why do helmets look burned?
Sometimes a batting helmet, especially for softball, may look burnt because of the pine tar coating. Pine tar coating is made by distilling pine wood, and it reduces slippage and helps the player perform better.
Q. Can batting helmets be disinfected?
When you are playing in the field, there is a high chance of getting dirt in your helmet that can lead to the building up of bacteria. However, you can disinfect your helmets by using detergent sprays.
