Alexandra Ramirez
1. Cliff Keen Tornado
Best Overall Wrestling Headgear
5/5 Product Rating
The headgear is designed to adjust snuggly in seconds, so that you can throw it on in a flash, and the ultra-deep ear cups give you maximum comfort and protection, so that you never feel as though the headgear is too tight. Players love this headgear because it not only gets the job done but it looks great as well.
It never sacrifices your comfort for the sake of safety, but actually makes you more comfortable throughout the game. This headgear is also affordable, so that you know that you can get yourself something that will keep you protected, while still staying within your budget.
– Jonathan Maxwell
2. ASICS Conquest
Best Overall Wrestling Headgear – Runner Up
4.7/5 Product Rating
There are a number of different customizable colors to choose from, so you can select something that suits your tastes or your team colors. The headgear is also low profile, so it doesn’t get in the way and doesn’t distract from the match at hand. Customers choose this headgear over others because it’s made from the highest quality materials and is sure to stand the test of time.
Wrestling is an exciting sport, but there’s nothing more important than safety, and that’s why it’s important to purchase a high quality ear guard such as this which will keep you protected and comfortable at all times.
– Jonathan Maxwell
3. ASICS Aggressor
4.5/5 Product Rating
There’s a quick adjustable strap system that makes it easy to take this headgear on and off, and the low profile design has a classic look that wrestlers love. There are no frills on this headgear, and it’s designed specifically to keep you protected while not getting in the way. This headgear is not going to diminish your performance, but only enhance your results when on the court.
It also looks stylish, so that you know you’re going to get the performance level that you need. From a brand name that all players can trust, this headgear is an excellent selection when you want to get the job done right. It’s also made from durable materials that are going to stand the test of time.
– Jonathan Maxwell
Wrestling Headgear Buying Guide
What is a Wrestling Headgear?
A Wrestling headgear is also referred to as a pair of ear guards, and it’s one of the most valuable pieces of equipment that you can have when you are in a wrestling match. It’s not only required for all competitions at all scholastic and collegiate levels, but it also helps you to prevent injuries to your ears and head. In this buyer’s guide, we’re going to talk about the various options that you have when choosing a headgear, so that you can be sure to purchase something that is perfect for either you or your child.
Fit
There are basically two different sizes of headgear. Aside from these two different sizes, there’s a ‘one size fits all’ type of model that can be adjusted to fit your head when you loosen and tighten the straps on the back and top of the head. So basically, you don’t need to really worry about the size on the label. You just want to make sure that you can secure the headgear to your head in such a way to prevent injury and keep it from sliding and moving around when you don’t want it to. When you are unsure about a fit, it’s best to go to a local sporting goods store so that you can try some things on. If you don’t need to try something on, then you can simply buy something on the internet with ease. When you buy online you can get some serious deals, and there’s also a wider selection than you’ll find in stores. When you buy online, be sure to read customer reviews so that you can see which headgears are the most comfortable. This should help you in making your decision.
Material
The shell of the headgear, which is the outer portion that is designed to protect your ears, can be made of numerous different materials. Each kind of material will serve a different purpose and is designed to fit the various needs of the wrestler. Here are the different kinds of materials that you will find:
- Soft Shell: Soft shell headgears are usually made from polymer, or some other kind of soft rubber or cloth-like material. This is great for youth wrestlers because it’s a very comfortable headgear and it won’t cause the opponents any pain upon impact.
- Hard Shell: A hard shell headgear is going to be lighter in weight than the other kinds of headgears, and this is because it’s made from durable, hard plastic. This kind of shell has openings that allow for better hearing, as well. The only downside to this kind of headgear is that it’s sometimes prohibited by international freestyle, Greco-Roman competitions. That being said, if you are allowed to use this kind of headgear then it’s definitely recommended that you do so.
Straps
Your headgear is going to come with three to five different straps that connect the shells to help secure them to your ears. In essence, the more straps that it has the better. There are some exceptions to this rule, but a three strap headgear does not stay in place as well as a four or five strap headgear. When you have more straps you are better able to personalize the headgear, by securing the multiple straps, so that you can get the perfect fit and the ultimate in security. This is the most important element of using a headgear. It’s designed to prevent injuries, and a loose headgear can actually rub against your ears, and this increases the likelihood of cauliflower ear or other types of ear and head injuries.
Chin Strap
You want to pay special attention to the chin strap, that goes across or underneath the wrestler’s chin to keep the headgear securely in place. There’s been a recent increase in popularity of chin cups, and some wrestlers find that chin cups are more comfortable because the strap may be secured to the chin rather than under the chin, and this relieves pressure from the throat. Your best bet is to try some things on at your local sports store so that you see what works for you.
Wrestler Approved
As you can see, there are many options to choose from when you’re looking for the right headgear. But there are some key points that you should keep in mind when you’re on the market for the right headgear for you. You want to be able to find a pair of ear guards that will work for your specific needs, while fitting you comfortably and securely. When in doubt, it’s a smart idea to ask a coach or team member what works for them. The top rated headgears are the ones that are most popular, and you can trust that these are a great purchase. See what other players are wearing, and you can purchase something that seems to be popular. It really comes down to safety, and purchasing something that is going to keep you the most protected during your wrestling match.
Other Considerations
There are tons of wrestling headgears on the market, and the one that you choose needs to fit your specific needs. Ask yourself what skill set you have reached, how often you play, and how old you are. Should you be on a budget, look for something that fits within your price range. Most headgears are quite affordable, but there are some with more advanced technology that will cost you a bit more. If you’re someone that plays frequently, and at a competitive level, then it’s smart to go ahead and purchase a more expensive headgear if it’s going to keep you more protected in the long haul.
If you’re someone who doesn’t wrestle all that often, or if it’s for a child that is just starting out, then it’s okay to purchase something that is much more budget friendly. Keep in mind that you’re going to find better deals online when looking for a wrestling helmet. There’s also a much better selection, but the downside is that you’re not going to know what the fit will be like until it arrives at your door. This is alright when purchasing from vendors that allow you to return or exchange the item should it not be the right fit.
No matter which headgear you buy, it’s essential that the fit be right. If the headgear is moving around a lot, then it can be a hazard for you, and can increase the likelihood of injury. That’s why it’s important to make sure the size works for you before entering any wrestling match. If you feel choked in any way, then you have it strapped on too tightly, and if it’s moving around, this is particularly unsafe. Once you find something that has the perfect fit, then you know that that’s the headgear for you.
After you know what your size is, then you can start to consider the style of the headgear. Most will have a similar, low-profile style, but they come in different colors and shapes that you can choose from, dependent upon what your tastes are. You can also select a color that is in line with your team or school colors.
Conclusion
Owning a wrestling headgear is essential, but not all headgears are alike. That’s why it’s important to do some research to see which headgears are the best, and keep wrestlers the most protected on the court. It’s smart to read customer reviews so that you know what works best for players, but it’s also important to try some things on so you see what fit works best for you. The top rated headgears are the ones the players love most because they give you a secure and comfortable fit, while not getting in the way of your wrestling match. They also come in low profile designs that make them discreet and effective at the same time. When you’re ready to purchase a headgear, then you can be sure that one of the top rated models is going to work for you. When you want to continue your search, the buyer’s guide is going to help you to narrow down what is available, and what kinds of designs you might be interested in most.
Resources
- http://www.cliffkeen.com/f5-tornado-trade-headgear
- http://www.asicsamerica.com/Shop/Accessories/Wrestling/Aggressor-Earguard/p/0010178505.0190
- http://www.asicsamerica.com/Shop/Footwear/Wrestling/Mens/Aggressor-2/p/0010171671.0190
