Like all things in life, preparations is key to success. Don’t be caught unprepared this August when football season kicks off. Now if the time to start thinking about what football equipment and accessories you will need.

To give you a head start, we have put together a list of our top football equipment recommendations for both varsity and youth players who want to have a serious advantage over the competition.

Football Helmets

Varsity	Youth
Schutt Varsity ION 4D Football helmet	Schutt DNA Pro+ Youth Football Helmet

Varsity: The Schutt ION 4D football helmet is the top of the line for Schutt’s varsity equipment, and on the top of our list for varsity/adult football helmets. You will find features on this helmet that aren’t available anywhere else. Take the shock absorbing face mask design, for example. This helmet also features TPU cushioning which keeps things light and has an air bladder for a fine tuned fit. All these things work together to make a helmet worth the extra expense.
Youth: Although Schutt makes a youth version of the ION 4d, we chose the Schutt Youth DNA Pro+ football helmet as our top pick. Where the youth ION 4D is only recommended for players ages 12 and up because of it’s weight, the DNA Pro+ is light weight and good for all ages of youth players. For youth players, the DNA Pro+ will give the most protection, the most comfort, and the lightest weight of any helmet you will find on the market.

Football Shoulder Pads

Varsity	Youth
Schutt AiR Flex Adult Football Shoulder Pads	Adams Youth Monster Man Football Shoulder Pad

Varsity: The Schutt Air Flex adult football shoulder pads are the crem della crem of adult shoulder pads. Not oly do they provide a custom fit with their specialized double chest adjustments, they also provide the heavy duty protection a serious player needs. Along with providing protection, their beaded inner padding also offers breathability for cool comfort during those hot summers.
Youth: Adams hit the mark with their youth Monster Man football shoulder pads. They provide an impressive look that youth players will love, and provide optimal protection. Their belt loop adjustments offer the perfect fit over the standard elastic t-hook straps on most youth pads.

Update: It looks like Adams is out of the Monster Man youth shoulder pads for the rest of this football season. That was quick!  Check out the Rawlings Spartan Youth Shoulder Pads as an alternative.

Football Gloves, Wrist Coaches, and Other Football Accessories

Cutters Youth and Adult Original Football Reciever Gloves

Cutters Triple Playmaker Youth and Adult Football Wrist Coach

Rawlings Power Balance Silicone Bracelet

Football Gloves: Cutters has long been a trusted brand in football. Not only are they licensed with the NFL, but many youth, high school, and semi-pro football leagues swear by the brand. This season, the best selling Cutters Original Football Receiver Gloves have a new look, and still offer the same reliable quality players have come to expect.

Wrist Coach: Cutters wins again in the category of wrist coaches. The sleep neoprene design of the Cutters Triple Playmaker Football Wrist Coach isn’t bulky, and offers three amply sized panels to fit plays. With three sizes available, Adult, Mini, and Youth, every player can have one.

Other: While this product isn’t specifically related to football, we’ve heard so much about it from customers that we can’t help but talk about it. The Rawlings Power Balance silicone bracelet looks like any of the other trendy silicone bracelets out today, but there is one major difference. The Power Balance bracelet has what is described as a hologram programed to be in tune with your body’s natural frequencies to improve balance, strength, and flexibility. Don’t believe it?

Check out this demonstration:

And that’s all we’ve got for now. What do you think of our top picks? Would you have chosen the same? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.

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