Just like the best baseball gloves, baseball bats, and baseballs themselves, baseball helmets are a crucial piece of gear that will guarantee safety when you’re coming up to bat. They can improve your confidence, giving you peace of mind you won’t get clocked in the noggin, and this will have a direct effect on your overall baseball game. Helmets have also seen quite an improvement since the days of Babe Ruth. Now, they are lightweight but durable and include unique ventilation systems to keep you cool throughout the game, as well as either built-in jaw guards or pre-drilled holes to attach one if necessary.
As enjoyable as baseball can be, you’ve still got to keep safe while playing. We’ve curated this guide to the best baseball helmets available today, so all you need to worry about is knocking it out of the park every time.
The Best Baseball Helmet
1Easton Z5 2.0 Baseball Helmet
As one of the very best baseball helmets you’re ever likely to find, the Easton Z5 2.0 Baseball Helmet provides just about everything you could need. It is available in three sizes to appeal to both adult and junior players, while the 17 bold colors help you find the perfect match for your team’s colors. It sports a high impact-resistant ABS shell, so you can depend on its durability and ensure it lasts through this season, into the next, and way beyond. On the inside, the BioDRI liner offers comfort while also wicking moisture away to prevent sweat, and this same liner boasts a dual-density design that offers further protection. It is a must-have item to keep in your baseball equipment bag.
three sizes
17 colors
High impact-resistant ABS shell
BioDRI pad inner liner
Dual-density foam liner
Wrapped ear pads for comfort and durability
- BrandEaston
- ModelA168091
- Weight2.25 Pounds
2Rawlings Coolflo Youth Tball Baseball Helmet
The Rawlings Coolflo Youth Tball Baseball Helmet is perfect for anybody who’s just getting started with baseball and wants something that will protect their noggin without breaking the bank. The ABS shell is durable and comes in five colors. You can enjoy a protective but also comfortable fit, putting your mind at ease when practicing in the batting cages or stepping out for your first game. The CoolFlo design provides excellent ventilation, while the pre-drilled holes enable you to attach a jaw guard if needed. It’s also NOCSAE compliant.
five colors
Traditional CoolFlo design
Protective and comfortable fit
Pre-drilled holes for face guard
ABS plastic shell
Meets NOCSAE standards
- BrandRawlings
- ModelRCFTB
- Weight1.5 Pounds
3Rawlings MACH Matte Baseball Helmet
With two sizes to choose from, the Rawlings MACH Matte Baseball Helmet is the perfect choice for any parent-and-child duo wanting to stand in the batting cages. It comes with nine colors to choose from, as well as offering the option of either left or right-handed batting styles to offer further personalization. The protective extension flap is adjustable, depending on which way you bat. The sleek and low-profile design means it sits comfortably on your head without being too heavy or too light. High-performance IMPAX padding rounds out the helmet.
To upgrade your game, make sure to wear the right pair of baseball cleats, too.
nine colors
Junior and senior sizes
Left or right-handed batting configurations
Sleek low-profile design
Extension flap for extra protection
High-performance IMPAX padding
- BrandRawlings
- ModelMACH2EXTS
- Weight1.8 Pounds
4DeMarini Paradox Protege Pro Baseball Helmet
There is nothing negative to say about the quality and class of the impressive DeMarini Paradox Protege Pro Baseball Helmet. It boasts seven color options to match the team uniforms and comes in three sizes, ranging from youth-sized to extra-Large, each delivering confidence and comfort. The dual-density padding offers additional protective measures, while the antimicrobial fabric prevents bacterial growth. Its strategic venting keeps you cool, while the low-profile shell makes it easy to store and wear. It has a convenient and lightweight style that allows you to wear it with pride all day long, even if you strike out early.
seven colors
three sizes
Dual-density padding
Anti-microbial fabric
Strategic venting to keep cool
Low-profile shell
- BrandDeMarini
- ModelWTD5404BLLX
- Weight2 Pounds
5RIP-IT Vision Pro Softball Helmet
The RIP-IT Vision Pro Softball Helmet is one of the most versatile and impressive helmets available. You have a full range of size options to choose from, and the 24 colors mean that makes matching it to your uniform a breeze. It’s unique compared to other helmets because of its design, which offers a broader field of view so you can take advantage of the peripherals. The more open style might concern some people, but the area around your eyes is still well-protected. There is also a moisture-wicking liner to keep you cool on hot summer days.
If you love playing football as well, make sure to browse our list of the best football helmets of the year.
24 colors
Range of size options
Wider viewing field
Superior cooling technology
Moisture-wicking liner
Protective dual-layer pads
- BrandRIP-IT
- ModelCVISJ
- Weight3 Pounds
6EvoShield XVT Baseball Helmet
The EvoShield XVT Baseball Helmet is ideal for both practice and competitive play. It’s available in a range of colorways and sizes. The remarkably impressive dual-density padding offers protection, and the strategically designed venting system provides optimal comfort and prevents overheating. The low profile makes it easy to store and reduces overall weight.
six colors
three sizes
Dual-density padding
Premium high-gloss finish
Strategically engineered venting system
Low profile
- BrandEvoShield
- ModelWTV7110
- Weight1 Pounds
7Mizuno B6 Baseball Helmet
The Mizuno B6 Baseball Helmet is something that anyone serious player should consider. With this helmet, you can select one of 20 colors, and enjoy a versatile design suitable for other bat-and-ball sports. It boasts Drylite inner lining that keeps you cool in the baking sun at the bottom of the ninth, while the honeycomb shell design, a unique choice compared to other styles, ensures durability.
20 colors
2 sizes
Versatile design
Engineered ABS plastic shell
Honeycomb shell design
Drylite inner lining
- BrandMizuno
- Model380388.9090.13.LXL
- Weight1 Pounds
Baseball Helmet Buying Guide and FAQ
Features to Look for in Baseball Helmets
Size – If the helmet is too small, it will be uncomfortable, digging into your or your child’s temples. A too-tight fit could hinder concentration and even cause headaches or leave marks behind.
Conversely, a helmet that’s too large will be too loose, and therefore dangerous.
Quality – High-quality sports gear is essential if you want to get serious about playing. While cheaper products are useful for recreational purposes or even practice, anything competitive will demand decent-to-good-quality equipment.
Quality inspires more confidence and also ensures the helmet will last longer. Quality also usually means durability, meaning you won’t need to repair or replace your helmet as often.
Faceguard – The best baseball helmet provides optimal protection for the entire head and face, which is why you should be looking for baseball helmets with jaw guard capabilities. Constructed with metal, these guards protect your mouth and jaw from the coming into contact with the ball.
Not all helmets have a faceguard, though. However, most helmets come with pre-drilled holes that enable you to attach a guard yourself.
Chin Straps – Chin straps will help keep the helmet in place. With a chin strap, the helmet shouldn’t shift backward or forwards during play or running, meaning you don’t need to rearrange or adjust it every few minutes.
These chin straps work similarly to the straps you find on bicycle helmets or snowboarding helmets, and they can dig into the skin if they are too tight. Make sure you find a chin strap that is neither too loose nor too tight.
Ear Guards – The ear guards will protect your delicate ears from the ball. The helmet should wrap around the ears gently, so they aren’t squished. You should still be able to hear everything that’s going on.
Some helmets may only come with a single-ear guard, the style used in professional play. However, not all helmets are like this, and the more versatile options that are also suitable for softball will have ear guards on both sides.
Maintenance – Maintenance is a crucial part of choosing a helmet. If the helmet is easy to care for, it will last longer as you won’t need to worry about dirt or debris damaging the shell or interior padding.
Learn to care for and maintain your helmet to prevent it from deteriorating.
Fit – The fit of the helmet should match the size of your head. There is a range of sizes available, so pick one that is suitable for your age.
Most of the time, the helmets are one-size-fits-all for the age group, but you may find Small/Medium and Large/Extra Large options for adult helmets. You can also use extra padding if the helmet feels a little loose.
Baseball Helmet FAQ
Q: Do you wear a helmet in baseball?
A: Regardless of how old you are, a helmet is essential for baseball if you want to enjoy a safe and successful game. Batters must wear them, as should anybody running the bases or waiting to bat next. You will also find the umpire wearing a helmet, as well as additional protective gear, while some leagues (usually Little League) will require everyone on the field to wear a helmet.
With sports head-injuries common in the news, and especially considering the effects of concussions on younger kids, you must accept that you should wear a helmet to play baseball.
Q: How long will a baseball helmet last?
A: A baseball helmet will often last until you grow out of it, and you take care of it properly, such as keeping it clean and making sure you do not accidentally scuff or damage the shell. However, it can be more complicated because of the certification system in place.
A baseball helmet worn in competitive games must first undergo a certification process to deem it wearable. This process analyzes how safe the helmet is for you and whether it does the intended job. NOCSAE conducts these certifications.
If you are purchasing a new helmet, make sure it’s certified. Note that reconditioned or repaired helmets should undergo a second inspection to make sure they’re still suitable for playing. While most people will replace a helmet after three years of regular use, the certification can last ten years before being deemed illegal.
Q: What’s the difference between baseball and softball helmets?
A: There are many similarities between baseball and softball helmets, and to the novice, it’s tricky to identify any discernible difference at all.
If there is any difference, it is that Major League Baseball helmets will only cover one ear, whereas softball helmets cover two. However, as we are pretty certain you, dear reader, are not an MLB star, this shouldn’t matter much to you, although your league may require specific equipment or styles.
There may also be differences in the jaw guard, materials, and other design quirks, but this is something that will vary between brands and is not necessarily something that is a consistent difference between baseball and softball helmets.
Q: How is a baseball helmet supposed to fit?
A: A helmet that does not fit correctly can affect comfort, vision, and protection, all of which are vital for ensuring you can perform at a high level.
The easiest way to ensure this is to buy a helmet in your head size. Some parents might buy baseball helmets with the idea their kids will grow into it. However, this can affect their children’s game and could cause the helmet to fall off or obscure their vision when stepping up to the plate.
The helmet must not be too tight or too loose. If you have long hair but plan on cutting it short, it might be best to wait until after your next haircut to get the right size. The ear guards should not dig into the side of your head, while faceguards must offer sufficient protection and not leave the chin or area around the top lip exposed. If the helmet has chin straps, these should not dig into the skin, either.
If the helmet and the brim hang low, children may not see an approaching ball, and it’s also awkward to adjust every few minutes.
Ideally, the helmet should be comfortable with the brim positioned about an inch above your eyebrows. Anything too high or low puts you at risk from a ball injuring you.
If you cannot find a helmet that offers an exact fit, you can purchase padding kits.
Sources:
- Safety Tips: Baseball (for Teens) - Kids Health
- Baseball Batter’s Helmet Fact Sheet - Children’s Night Clinic
