The use of good quality headgear goes beyond protection, it plays a role in planning your strategy and next move. When you don’t worry about injuries to protective body parts, your mind works at ease and with full focus to outdone your opponent.
Headgear is also essential for the longevity of a boxer’s career. Wearing one will protect them from life-threatening brain injuries, which otherwise can be a serious concern for them, halting their career altogether.
Headgear is essential equipment for boxers for a variety of reasons, and it comes in various types and shapes. In this article, you will learn everything about headgear from their types to available options.
Related Article: Choosing the Right Headgear for Boxing: Your Ultimate Buying Guide
Why Boxing Headgear is Essential?
In boxing, it is impossible to evade kicks and punches coming towards you, and that is why it is known as lethal sport. While a boxer’s defense is the most essential thing that protects him in the ring, the use of right gear can double his power. This way he will be protected, and his opponent will be in severe danger.
While every boxing equipment is important, boxing headgear scores the highest when it comes to protection and security. It is mandatory for amateur and professional boxers to wear durable headgear during training and match. The headgear combined with the fighter’s capabilities to defend himself can be extremely helpful to avoid head and face injuries such as bruises or concussions.
The strategic design of boxing headgear protects the fighter’s head, side of face, and jaws from encountering serious injuries. It is mandatory for every boxer to wear headgear when training or in a fight to protect the head and face from injuries.
Related article: How Boxing Head Guard Work to Reduce the Risk of Injury
Types of Boxing Headgear
The boxing head guards are available in various types and shapes. Some of the common options include:
Traditional Boxing Headgear
The traditional boxing head guards are a suitable option for amateurs as they have dense padding outside and provide optimal cheek and chin protection. They are convenient to wear and come with an adjustable strap that provides a comfortable fit for intense boxing sessions.
Full Face Boxing Headgear
The boxing head guard full face is a special headgear that provides protection and extra coverage. It is an ideal option for beginners during training as they have to ensure they are protected properly, dodging punches effectively. The boxing head guard full face is also a suitable option for light sparring.
Open Face Boxing Headgear
Just like the name, an open-face boxing head guard cushions the top of the skull, the sides, and the back. It does not provide full face protection and is completely open. This boxing head guard is great for maximum visibility and breathability during boxing training sessions. This headgear is a preferred option for boxers who prefer comfort and good visibility.
Competition Headgear
The competition headgear is comparatively light in weight as it has less padding. Even with this structure, the kickboxing head guard is great for absorbing the impact of punches and meets the safety standards of the match.
Head Guards for Sparring
The boxing head guards for sparring are more padded for intense training sessions. Since sparring sessions prepare the boxers for real-life matches, the use of a headguard makes sure they don’t encounter any injury during practice.
Related article: MMA and Boxing: Best Sparring Headgear for Safety and Comfort
Key Features to Consider When Choosing the Best Boxing Headgear
Known as the most important boxers’ equipment, choosing headgear should be done very carefully. One wrong selection, and you will put yourself at great risk of damage. Read following important factors that you should check when buying best boxing headgear:
Fit and Comfort
A boxing headgear that slips and does not fit properly is a havoc rather than being a safety. Hence, see and thoroughly assess the fit of the boxing headgear when you are finalizing one. Find one that fits you and does not move unnecessarily. Another thing that you should understand is that headgear should not feel uncomfortable when you wear it. Finding the right size and fit will provide you maximum protection during your training.
Protection Level
The primary role of headgear is to protect the vital organs inside the brain and face from injuries. Hence it is important to select a headgear that is not too thin that it fails to do the job. For sparring purposes, you need a headgear that has dense padding so that it can protect against intense kicks. Other than that, you can choose a full-face headgear or open-face design as they both offer different levels of protection, and you can choose one that works best for you.
Visibility and Breathability
If your concern is clear visibility with nothing blocking your view then an open-faced headgear should be your choice. The primary benefit of such headgears is that they don’t compromise your visibility and provide full protection to the skull and sides of the face. This way you can keep your eyes on the target. One important thing that you should always consider is the breathability of headgear. If it does not do the job, it will be very hard for you to wear it. Get a durable headgear with good visibility and ventilation.
Material Quality
The material of the headgear matters, as it adds durability to it. While the synthetic material feels light and comfortable, they can wear out easily. In comparison to that, leather head guards are more durable and have lasting longevity. Take a look at the padding materials of the headgear too. This will give you an idea how efficient it is to absorb the shock.
Best Boxing Headgear Options on the Market
Now that you know what the types of headgear are and what features to consider when purchasing it, you might turn to different options to purchase the perfect equipment for yourself. Below are some of the tips and good options for best boxing headgear:
How to Purchase?
There are many brands out there offering the perfect headgear that is suited well according to your needs. Read the customer reviews and most importantly the individual features of the headgear of the brand. And for better comparison, take a second look at other brands as well to see what they are offering.
Once you have finalized two brand options, consider the budget you have for your headgear. Find a headgear within your budget that should have optimal padding, provide sufficient protection, and have good quality.
Also, know your needs. If you are choosing boxing then go for relevant options, but if you are looking for sparring then find options with thick padding.
Top Recommendations for Best Boxing Headgear
Discussing top brands for good quality boxing headgear, and how come RDX Sports not tops the list. RDX has a wide range of boxing headgear approved by boxing organizations and associations, providing maximum protection and security to the face and head.
Other than that, RDX also has headgears with various designs and styles, and with almost every type. From open-face USA-boxing approved headgear to T1 headguard with removable face cage options, RDX has got everything for boxers.
The RDX headgear is made from durable and high-quality materials that stand the test of time and has different options such as L2 MARK PRO headguard with nose protection, and J11 Kids boxing headguard for junior boxers.
Related article: How the RDX T1 Combox Head Guard Can Transform Your Training Routine
Choosing the Best Boxing Headgear for Your Training Needs
Headgears are versatile training equipment, which can be extremely beneficial for boxers with different needs. They come in various shapes and designs, catering to everyone’s preferences and training levels. This is how you can select the best headgear for boxing according to your specific training goals:
For Fitness-Focused Boxers
The fitness-focused boxers should go for lighter headgear with less padding for maximum protection. The preferred option for such boxers should be breathable designs as they have to engage in intense sport, requiring constant movement.
For Serious Sparring
Since sparring is an intense sport, you need good protection for your brain and face. Hence, the best option for sparring would be a good padded headgear that offers good protection.
Professional Boxers
The professional boxers should go for headgears that offer good comfort, and high-level protection without compromising on performance. It is necessary to look for options that fit perfectly without excessive movement during training.
Choosing The Right Boxing Headgear And Gloves
Always go for high-quality reliable options that don’t compromise on quality. Selecting good quality boxing headgear and gloves can change your entire boxing game. These boxing equipment are a necessity for a boxer for maximum protection and good performance in the sport.
Related article: Boxing Protection for Hands and Wrists: Essential Tips & Gear
Full-Face vs. Open-Face Boxing Headguards
Out of many headgear, the two options that are widely considered among boxers are full-face and open-face boxing headguards. Below is a brief breakdown of each type, and how it can benefit you:
Full-Face Boxing Headguards
The full-face head guard is a good option for boxers who want good protection during training and want to protect their head and face. It is ideal for beginners and also a preferred option for light sparring. The only drawback of a full-face headguard is the limited visibility. But with removable cage options such as from RDX Sports, you can get it removed when it is not needed.
Open-Face Boxing Headguards
The open-face boxing head guards are a great option when visibility is your primary concern. If you are into advanced training and want a convenient option to train that you can take off whenever needed, then go for this option. It might provide less facial protection but makes sure to protect vital areas such as the head, neck, and side of the face.
How to Properly Maintain and Care for Your Boxing Headgear
To ensure your headgear stays in optimal condition and lasts a lifetime, then make sure you are following these maintenance and cleaning tips:
Cleaning Tips
After every training session, use a damp cloth to clean your headguard. Cleaning it regularly will help in avoiding bacteria buildup and make your headgear germ-free. After cleaning with a damp cloth, leave it to air-dry and hang in a cool dry place. Avoid direct contact of sunlight with your headgear.
Storage
How you store your headgear greatly affects its quality and longevity. Retaining the shape and padding of the headgear will ensure you can use it for the longest time. Place your headgear in a cool, dry, and spacious place.
Regular Inspection
The regular inspection of your headgear is important for your own safety. If your headgear has a worn-out strap, or the padding is not optimal, then it is a sign that you need to change it instantly.
Conclusion
When choosing a boxing headgear for your sports, make sure you pay attention to the quality and durability it has to offer. The primary role of a headgear is to protect your head and face from serious injuries, and if it fails to do so, change your gear instantly.
Another important aspect to prefer in a headgear is comfort and a perfect fit. The headgear is a mandatory gear for optimal head protection and unmatched performance. Find the right headgear that matches your sport’s needs and get ready to practice and fight without any limits.
Explore the wide range of RDX headgear to find the best option for you. From stylish and sleek designs and colors to maximum durability and comfort, it has everything that you look for in a headgear.
