Have you ever wondered what the difference is between and adult and youth football helmet? I talked with three major manufacturers, Schutt, Adams, and Xenith to find out. What I discovered is there’s a lot more to answering this question than I first thought.
I was expecting to hear a uniform answer from each manufacturer, but instead each brand has it’s own distinctions between youth and adult helmets.
Differences Between Adult and Youth Football Helmets by Brand
Schutt
For Schutt helmets, there are a handful differences between their adult and youth helmets. These differences include materials, size of jaw pads, and sizing in some models. Here’s a list of features.
| Adult | Youth |
| • Shell made from PCA (polycarbonate) plastic
• All models come standard with the following • Usually recommended for players 14+ |
• Shell made from ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic*
• Padding varies based on model selected • Standard jaw pads range from 1 1/8 in to 1 1/4 in • Come with soft cup chinstrap* • For players 14 and under only |
*The only exception is the ION 4D. Both the youth and adult versions are made from PCA plastic and come with a hard cup chinstrap.
Adams
There aren’t many differences between the Adams youth and adult football helmets other than size and length of warranty. Here’s the details:
| Adult | Youth |
| • Shell made from PCA (polycarbonate) plastic
• Padding varies by model • 5 year warranty on shell • Higher liability coverage in case of injury • Usually recommended for players 14+ |
• Shell made from PCA (polycarbonate) plastic
• Padding varies by model • 2 year warranty on shell • Lower liability coverage than adult helmets in case of injury • For players 14 and under only |
Xenith
With Xenith football helmets, the differences are in the details. The shells are basically the same, but you will find differences in the padding, face mask thickness, and materials used for buckles and clips. Here’s a list of differences:
| Adult | Youth |
| • Shell made from PCA (polycarbonate) plastic
• Metal chinstrap buckles • Clear face mask clips • Usually recommended for players 14+ |
• Shell made from PCA (polycarbonate) plastic
• Plastic chinstrap buckles • White face mask clips • Softer shocks throughout bonnet • For players 14 and under only |
What about facemasks?
This also varies by brand.
Adams: Adams football facemasks aren’t classified as youth or adult. Any Adams facemask can be used on both adult and youth helmets.
Schutt: Schutt football facemasks also can fit on both adult and youth helmets. They do have face masks labeled as youth, but they are youth by design only, not size. For example, the youth flex facemasks are made of a lighter weight material and have more flex to help young kids get their helmets on and off, but they will still fit on an adult football helmet.
Xenith: Xenith football facemasks are size specific for adult and youth. A youth Xenith facemask will only fit on a youth Xenith football helmet, and an adult Xenith facemask will only fit on an adult Xenith football helmet. The youth face masks also have thinner wires to decrease weight.
On another note, there’s a common misconception that youth facemasks are made entirely of plastic; however, this is incorrect. For any brand, both adult and youth facemasks are made from high quality steel, titanium, or other metals, and are coated with polyvinyl plastic to add color and additional padding.
See anything I missed? Leave me a comment!
[...] The Difference Between Adult and Youth Football Helmets [...]
do you have a phone number for your plano office?
Hi, Dawn. You can reach our Plano office at 1-800-660-8815. You can also contact us by email at customer-service@hitrunscore.com.
Hi Beth, I read your story, and wondered why you did not talk with Riddell. I am in the process of purchasing some youth helmets and am deciding between Schutt and Riddell. Thanks for the story and your reply.
Hi Chad. Thanks for reading and for your feedback! Riddell is undeniably one of the top football helmet brands, but unfortunately, its also one of the brands I’m not at all familiar with. That’s really the only reason I didn’t include them in this article. If I do find information about their adult and youth helmets, I’ll be sure to post it for you.
Is the acrylonitrile butadiene styrene material weaker than polycarbonate?
Hi, Heels. I called Schutt to double check, and yes, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is slightly weaker than polycarbonate; however, it’s still well within the NOCSAE equipment standards for youth players under 14.
Thanks. Excellent article!
I love the article. I am in a bit of a quandry. Well, actually, many women have this one as well. I play women’s pro football. This means I must wear an adult helmet. Unfortunately, my face isn’t long enough to allow a secure fit with the chinstrap. If I’m hit just right (lower part of facemask) my helmet will slip off of my chin. Both my Riddell Revo Speed and my Schutt Air XP has this problem. (yes, even with the surefit chinstrap config). I was looking at the youth models of the Schutt DNA Pro +. My thinking is smaller faces normally wear the youth helmets. Manufacturers know this and allow for a better fit for us short faced players. Is there any info you have on this officially? I talked to both a Riddell customer service rep and a Schutt rep a while back and they said that was the case but, they couldn’t find anything officialy stating it. Also, the Schutt dude stated that the ABS while not as resilient as PCA was more shock dissapating. In other words, the ABS allowed the force of a blow to ripple/travel throughout the helmet. thus dissapating the energy better than the stronger/harder PCA. By doing so, the ABS wouldn’t last as long as the PCA. Both Riddells adult and youth helmets (Riddell air bladder technology not the traditional padded helmets) and Schutt TPU cushioned helmets (not the hybrids or padded) have essentially the same cushioning. Riddell now offers the Speed Edge for youth that has a lighter weighted facemask. In regards to Xenith, I asked their rep on facebook if other manufacturers facemasks would fit on their helmets. He said he was unsure and that wearing another makers equipment may void the warranty/guarantee. He was to get back with me on that but, never did. (sorry, I’ve digressed). I guess what I am asking you is there any problem with women using the youth helmets? It’s not like women hit like a college (or even high school)football player. Yes, there are exceptions but, on average….Like I said before, Reps from both Riddell and Schutt “unofficially” stated certain youth helmets would be alright to wear in adult football (especially, women’s). I am hoping you can get the official skinny on this subject.
Thanks:)
Again, I love the article and have saved it to my favorites. I grew up in Denton, Tx, by the way:)
Hi, Annabelle. Thanks for reading and for your comment!
I think I have a solution to your problem. Are you familiar with Xenith football helmets? Xenith helmets fit much differently than the traditional helmets made by Schutt, Adams, and Riddell. Instead of having fixed padding, there is an internal bonnet with shock absorbers that is cinched in place by the chin strap. Because of this, you can get a truly custom fit, and because of the chinstrap configuration, it’s perfect for people who have smaller faces.
Here’s a video of a Xenith helmet being fitted: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOkjVLCc4sQ
As for whether a youth helmet would be ok for an adult women’s football league, I hate to say it, but I’m not exactly sure if that would be alright or not. I would go with what the manufacturers are saying (whether it be officially or unofficially said).
I know, though, that for men and boys, after age 14, using a youth helmet can be dangerous, so if you think you, or the ladies you play against, hit just as hard or harder than a 14 year old boy, I would be weary of using a youth helmet. But then again, if none of the adult helmets fit properly, a properly fitted youth helmet may actually be safer in the long run.
I know I kind of waffled back and forth on that one, but I hope I was able to give you some answers. I highly recommend trying on one of the Xenith adult helmets. I can’t guarantee it, but I think it will be just what you’re needing.