Virginia Tech has released a study about the safest helmets youth football players can use.
The impact tests evaluate the helmets “ability to reduce linear and rotational acceleration of the head resulting from a range of head impacts that youth football players might see on the field,” according to the study.
The study says, helmets with more stars provide a reduction in concussion risk for these impacts compared to helmets with less stars. While there are some differences in impact performance within groups, other factors such as cost, fit, and comfort should be considered when purchasing a helmet.
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VICIS Zero1 Youth
Cost: $495.00
Weight: 4.0 lb
Score: 0.69
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Xenith Youth X2E+
Cost: $199.00
Weight: 3.9 lb
Score: 2.11
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Schutt Youth F7
Cost: $569.95
Weight: 4.2 lb
Score: 2.35
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Xenith Youth Epic+
Cost: $284.00
Weight: 4.1 lb
Score: 3.13
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Schutt Youth Vengeance A3+
Cost: $139.95
Weight: 3.9 lb
Score: 3.40
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Riddell Youth SpeedFlex
Cost: $324.99
Weight: 4.0 lb
Score: 3.98
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Schutt Youth Vengeance A3
Cost: $109.95
Weight: 4.0 lb
Score: 4.37
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Schutt Youth Recruit R3+
Cost: $149.95
Weight: 3.9 lb
Score: 5.32
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Schutt Youth Recruit Hybrid
Cost: $94.95
Weight: 3.5 lb
Score: 6.10
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Schutt Youth Vengeance Pro
Cost: $199.95
Weight: 3.8 lb
Score: 6.24
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Riddell Youth Victor-i
Cost: $124.99
Weight: 3.4 lb
Score: 6.65
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Schutt Youth Air Standard V
Cost: $89.99
Weight: 3.0 lb
Score: 7.21
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Riddell Youth Victor
Cost: $109.99
Weight: 3.4 lb
Score: 7.84
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Riddell Youth Speed 2019
Cost: $199.99
Weight: 4.0 lb
Score: 9.14
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Riddell Youth Speed Classic
Cost: $169.99
Weight: 4.0 lb
Score: 10.50
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Riddell Youth Speed
Cost: $149.00
Weight: 4.0 lb
Score: 11.79
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Schutt Youth Vengeance Z10
Cost: $299.95
Weight: 3.4 lb
Score: 13.17
*Notes from the study:
A lower score offers better protection.
Cost shown is what we paid for the helmet at the time of testing.
Weight includes the helmet shell and facemask tested. We chose the lightest standard facemask for each helmet.
Click here to view the Virginia Tech Helmet Rating study website.