Which boxing helmet should a beginner choose? Which boxing helmet is better: making the right choice

Boxing is a contact sport combat sports. Gloves protect your hands from injury. Helps avoid head injuries. It is this part of the body that receives the greatest number of direct hits that can cause serious damage to health.

Boxing equipment

In addition to gloves, selected depending on weight category, and a helmet, which will be discussed below, athletes use special shoes. Laced, tight-fitting boxer shoes are also essential in the ring. They provide perfect grip on the floor and securely fix the foot in the joint.

For additional protection of the hands, special bandages are used. The uniform (T-shirt and shorts) should not fit tightly or restrict movement. A special bandage is used to protect the groin area in men. For women, instead, the mandatory equipment includes shields (protectors) for the chest area.

To protect teeth and jaws, a mouthguard is used - a special device made of flexible plastic. Now it is made individually for each athlete, making an impression of the teeth. A boxing helmet and mouth guard help avoid injuries during sparring from the very first training sessions. However, one should not greatly exaggerate their role. The best defense is the boxer's defensive skill.

Boxing helmet: purpose

Since 1986, this piece of equipment must be used in official competitions amateur level. Among the Olympic disciplines, boxing is used by professionals. Helmets are used quite often during training. For the sake of entertainment during performances, this type of protection is neglected.

The use of a helmet makes it possible to significantly reduce the force of a direct hit to the head, avoid cuts, painful bruises and abrasions of soft tissues. It's no secret that boxers quite often experience concussions or conditions close to them. Protecting your temples reduces the risk of such consequences.

There are also opponents to the use of helmets during competitions. Their main motivation is that such protection does not protect against side impacts with high angular acceleration. In addition, their use significantly reduces visibility, slows down movement, and the athlete loses the feeling of impact.

But in any case, the head will remain intact. A well-fitted Adidas boxing helmet will protect your eardrums, ear cartilage, and the back of your head in case of a possible fall into the ring during a knockout or knockdown. For children, this piece of equipment is simply a must.

Types of helmets

There are two types of equipment: training and for performances - competition (combat). Accordingly, for the preparatory period it is more advisable to use maximum protection so as not to receive an annoying injury or cut even before the decisive battle. So it turns out that training helmets are more closed. They protect to the maximum.

Competition gear is more open. In training, it is not customary to give your all and put all your energy into the blow. During competitions, the impact force is greater. But nevertheless, for performances, it is often used that protect only the frontal, temporal, occipital areas of the head and ears. This is due to the fact that a good view is equally important during a fight.

For maximum protection, use helmets with a front bumper at chin level. There are designs with transparent glass that completely covers the face, or with a lattice metal mesh. Although this children's boxing helmet is quite bulky and protrudes forward, it has a greater level of protection against side impacts. Such designs are ideal for beginner athletes.

Right choice

It is not enough to have a good helmet from leading manufacturers. It is also important to choose it correctly. It happens that during training or a fight, a boxer adjusts his helmet, which does not fit well on his head, after each blow. This is very annoying, distracting and even tiring. In addition, the protective properties of even a good helmet in such cases are reduced due to the wrong choice of size, selection according to the shape of the head, or poor (insufficient) adjustment of the fasteners.

In addition to the design type and size, attention should be paid to the materials from which the boxing helmet is made. Ideal if they are natural. Leather and soft suede are best. It is not only pleasant to the touch, but also “breathes” well and absorbs moisture. However, you should not focus only on the naturalness of materials. Nowadays, there are enough good substitutes that are not much inferior to leather, and in some respects they even outperform.

Boxing helmet: reviews

What do experts and parents of children who come to boxing clubs say about the quality? You should not focus only on prices. It is clear that leading manufacturers maintain their brand and do not allow defects in their products. Another thing is that these companies often produce counterfeit equipment. Just one bright, well-known logo is not enough. If the material is clearly rough, there is a suspicion that it is simple leatherette, and the paint on it stains your hands even from slight friction, then it is better to refuse the purchase immediately, even if the price is very reasonable. Such a helmet will most likely be of no use, and the filling inside will be of the same quality.

Another point is the choice of design type. It's difficult to recommend something specific to everyone at once. It is clear that the choice should be approached individually. For a person who came to training with the understanding that he has to work tomorrow and a healthy face is very important, choosing a helmet with maximum protection will be the optimal solution. Another thing is that you should not rely only on equipment, even if it is perfectly selected and from leading manufacturers. They say that best protection- this is an attack, but we should not forget about defensive tactics. In any case, training with real opponents of approximately the same level, as well as mutual respect in the ring, are important.

What to buy for a young boxer? How to care for sports equipment so that it lasts a long time? You will find answers to these questions in our article.

Boxing equipment includes:

  • sportswear: T-shirt/T-shirt, shorts/pants, sneakers/boxers;
  • boxing gloves;
  • protection: boxing helmet, mouth guard, shell, bandage, bandages;
  • accessories.

Sports uniform

T-shirt/Tank top and shorts/pants

The boxer moves a lot in the ring, and nothing should restrict movement, so the T-shirt and shorts should be loose. It may be better to buy 1 size larger. Boxers do not practice in tight-fitting uniforms, as you need to be agile and change positions quickly, and tight clothing makes movement difficult.

When choosing shorts, pay attention to the belt, which performs protective and supportive functions. There must be one. The length of the shorts is knee-length. The material is moisture-repellent, cotton will not work in this case. Nowadays polyester is preferred.

  • Care. Wash the boxing uniform with a special powder intended for sportswear. Do not dry the form during active sunny days, as it may lose color. If you have concerns about the condition of your sportswear, choose a delicate cycle or hand wash your uniform in cold water. Hot water can spoil the structure of the fabric, and this will affect its qualities.

Boxer shoes/sneakers

Special shoes have been invented for this sport - boxing shoes. They differ from ordinary sneakers with their special sole made of thick rubber. Boxer shoes should fit tightly to the foot, but not press or rub. The top is made of mesh, leather or simply made of thick material. The length ranges from ankle to calf muscle. This is a matter of taste or convenience.

The most important feature of the shoe is comfort and ease of movement around the ring. Boxing sneakers are used extremely rarely, as they do not fit tightly to the foot. The sole is lighter and slides on the surface, which creates the possibility of falling or.

  • Care. The simplest principle is to look at the washing instructions on the label. When purchasing, find out whether shoes can be washed, how to do it, and at what temperature. Sports shoes should be dried at room temperature with paper stuck inside so that the boxers do not lose their shape. Moreover, you cannot dry them with a hairdryer, since sports shoes do not like hot air.

Boxing gloves

Types of gloves

There are several types of boxing gloves used for different occasions:

  1. Professional. The heaviest ones, the athlete wears them to competitions. They must be laced to securely secure your hand.
  2. Training gloves that are already lighter.
  3. Projectile gloves are designed for practicing hitting a punching bag or bag. They fit snugly to the hand and can be worn with Velcro.

Glove weight

The weight of boxing gloves is measured in ounces. The minimum weight is 4 ounces and the maximum is 22 ounces. Gloves are selected based on the weight of the athlete.

Size

The size of the palm measured in the center is taken as a basis. Based on the length, the glove is selected.

Material

The gloves are made from genuine leather. There is a cheaper option - leatherette. They are fixed on the wrist either with Velcro or with lacing.

Filler

The most modern material for filling boxing gloves is foamed polymer. It does not lose its structure from numerous impacts. Depending on the manufacturer, homogeneous or multilayer polymer foam is used. The first option is cheaper than the second.

Fixation

Dear readers, if you see a mistake in our article, write to us about it in the comments. We will definitely fix it. Thank you!

If you are involved in boxing or other mixed martial arts, then you have often thought about protecting the most important part of the body - the head. For this you will need a helmet. We will help you deal with this difficult matter, and we will analyze the types of helmets, as well as important aspects.

Choosing a helmet for competitions is not difficult. If you plan to compete at the official and international levels, then your choice is not the same or large.

In this case, you need to purchase a competition model that is made to competition standards and is accredited. Therefore, you only have the right to choose the manufacturer.

Classification by level of protection

The first characteristic is to distinguish between helmets based on the level of head coverage, which depends on the type of sport, and the desire to provide protection to the athlete.

These helmets only protect the most important parts of the head. For example, competitive boxing helmets, covering the forehead, jaw and protecting the ears from blows. This defense is allowed for MBA competitions. It has a small shape and has an advantage in weight. It may also have laces or velcro tape. You will be surprised by the extensive size chart, so you will definitely find the size for you. But this protection is not advisable to use in training and martial arts; this will require more durable helmets.

Especially suitable for those athletes who exercise enough for a long time and a worthy choice for beginner boxers. It is completely different from protection with minimal head coverage; it has a denser and thicker layer of filling. Often has a chinrest and cheekbone protection. With this protection you can easily practice any type of kick, as well as footwork.

The main advantage of this protection is a good viewing angle and the ability to turn your head. In addition, it has ear and head protection. There is no size chart here, because it allows you to select it to fit your head size.

The design of this helmet protrudes slightly forward behind the face, this provides complete protection of the face from opponent’s blows. Often it has a metal protection that is covered and filled with leather. Has an additional level of ear protection. This look is perfect for amateur athletes who must respect their reputation as a business person and not come to work with abrasions. The disadvantage of this type is reduced visibility and limited head mobility.

This model is not very popular. The cage is made of strong plastic or light metal. Since the other two models have a dense structure and ear protection, many samples are also complemented by a reinforced chin. The disadvantage of this type is the limitation of the athlete’s visibility.

Above is a selection of helmets based on protection criteria, and now we will find out what measures you need to take to choose a helmet for your head.

Design

The protection structure should be chosen according to your needs, and also consider the degree of protection.

Today the market is very big choice materials. The primacy is occupied by such materials as: vinyl, leatherette, genuine leather. Depending on how long you want your purchased protection to last, its cost depends directly on it. Helmets made from genuine leather are considered durable. They are durable and minimally hot.

The next best quality is leatherette. It also has durability, as well as being convenient and not expensive. Vinyl protection is an unreliable material. It's hot enough in them that the vinyl will start to deteriorate in the first year.

One manufacturer pleases with its sizing chart, while others have a single size, but have a selection adjustment. Where, present Size chart, it is important to choose your size. A smaller size will simply not fit on your head, and a larger one will be unstable on your head.

Manufacturer

Today there is enormous competition among manufacturers in the market, and this is all connected with the popularization of martial arts. Next to popular manufacturers there are domestic manufacturers.

Chinese factories offer considerable competition; they provide anyone who wants to start producing equipment of any kind.

Buy brands that have demonstrated responsibility for their brand and have held the lead for many years. Decide on a brand that has the opportunity to represent at the highest levels of competition, whether it is the Olympics or the World Championships. Happy shopping, and take care of your head!

The video is posted in the public domain on a third-party resource; the blog editors are not responsible for the content of the video and its quality and do not guarantee its availability and the ability to view it in the future.

That's all for me. See you on the pages of my blog.

Sooner or later the question of purchasing a boxing helmet arises. Which helmet should I take? Combat or training? What brand, etc.

Training boxing helmet

We definitely recommend taking training helmet with full protection. The helmet should protect the ears, jaw, cheekbones, and a large layer of padding should be in the front of the helmet protecting the forehead. Many professional boxers use helmets with an arched metal insert that almost completely protects the face. There are helmets with a metal frame and padding on both sides.


The most common training helmet is a cheekbone helmet with a well-protected jaw and a thick layer of padding at the top to protect the forehead. Such helmets are very common in Russia and therefore you can find a pretty good option for reasonable money. For example, leather helmet Green Hill You can buy for only 2300r. But there are also more expensive models of similar helmets from other manufacturers, such as Adidas, Everlast, Grant and others.

It is important to consider what material it is made from. inner and outer surface helmet Often during training, a boxer does not take off his helmet for a long time, so it is very important that the helmet does not sweat from the inside and at the same time is comfortable for the athlete. The best material is considered soft suede or microfiber material, which perfectly allow air to pass through, clearly take the shape of the head, do not restrict movement and do not limit visibility. Leather products are also good.

Combat helmet - boxing helmet for competitions

Combat helmets used in Olympic boxing protects the boxer much worse than training helmets, however, they allow you to slightly reduce the force of the opponent’s blow.

The helmet should be padded as tightly as possible in the forehead area. According to AIBA rules, you can only compete in competitions sanctioned by this organization in boxing helmets with Aiba seal. There are no such helmets this moment There are only a few types, these are helmets from the brands Adidas, Green Hill, etc. You can also compete in local competitions with helmets from other brands, this is not closely monitored.

If you are a beginner, then you can start practicing without a helmet. After the coach puts you in pairs, you will practice strikes and combinations with a partner of the same level under the close attention of the coach. Risk of injury or swipe in the head is minimal. In the future, it is advisable to purchase your own helmet.

At the boxing club "Drummer" Boxing gloves and helmet are provided at your disposal. The first time (1-2 months) you can use them in training. In the future, it is advisable to purchase your own ammunition.

And on what aspects should it be based? After all, as you know, all amateur boxers must fight in helmets. And training sparring sessions cannot be held without this equipment.

A boxer, especially a novice and amateur, must be as protected as possible in the ring. And a mandatory defensive attribute is a helmet. It protects the most important points from damage: the chin, nose, ear cartilage and the head as a whole. The question arises of his wise choice.

Types of helmets

There are three main groups here: by functionality, material, training method and parameters. And choosing the right helmet is possible only after carefully studying them.

The first group is also divided into subclasses:

  1. Training product. Creates absolute or almost complete protection for the head. The ears, lower jaw, cheeks and forehead are covered.
  2. Tournament helmet (combat). It is more open and protects only the side area of ​​the head and partially covers the forehead.

Which one is better to choose from these options? This question is incorrect. It all depends on the level of the boxer and the factors of his participation in competitions.

The training version guarantees serious protection, but reduces visibility, making the fighter less mobile.

Thanks to combat ammunition, the boxer has a free view of the surrounding space, but is also deprived of minimal defense against jabs to the jaw or nose.

Criterion - material

As for the helmet material, today natural and synthetic materials are often used to make the attribute. The first ones are more reliable and strong. Famous companies such as Twins and Fairtex make their products from them, for example, genuine leather. The products are very durable and pleasant to the touch.

In general, any manufacturer must provide a guarantee of high-quality defense during sparring or a duel. Very often you come across dermantine options on sale at modest prices. This attracts many parents whose children are involved in boxing and beginners. In practice, such savings can bring many health problems in the form of head injuries. Here it is better not to skimp and purchase versions made of genuine leather. Thanks to them, the head breathes better, and the material perfectly absorbs moisture.

Also, a helmet for athletes of any age should have good density and thickness.

Criteria for training methods

You can choose the right helmet for this aspect based on simple principles: if you are training for yourself, you do not need a product that meets competition standards. If you have intense training and constant competition, choose helmets with the best protection.

The level of training of a fighter and the manner of his fighting are of great importance. In general, boxers usually choose options from the following typology of helmets:

  1. Combat. They are distinguished by openness, lightness and comfort. But they offer little protection from blows. There are fasteners at chin level. At tournaments, fighters are allowed to use only two color options of these products: red and blue. The equipment must fully meet the criteria set by the International Amateur Boxing Organization.

  1. Mexican. They are named after the country where they were developed. Optimal for hard sparring. There are massive pads on the forehead and cheeks. They perfectly protect the head, but leave the chin exposed.

  1. Full face (original from in English- "full face") The name reveals the functionality of the product. This is a complete face defense. The side, the cheekbones, the nose, the jaws, and the forehead are covered. But the helmet has two drawbacks: significant blocking of the view and incomplete absorption of the shock impulse (even with vibration softening by 20-40%).

  1. Product with a bumper. It is distinguished by its structural simplicity and the presence of a defensive stripe on the line of the nose and mouth. This ensures powerful protection of these areas. But such helmets have poor visibility in the lower semicircle.

Questions about parameters

When you need to choose a helmet by size, you need to determine the circumference of the fighter’s head. This is where a centimeter comes in handy. It measures the circumference of the head in the forehead area. The resulting value indicates the required size.

Finding out your helmet size is easy. There is a label on it indicating this parameter.

Size Girth Range(cm)
XS/S 50-55
M 55-58
L 58-60
XL 60-62

Determining the size of a product is not a difficult task. It is enough to have objective data on head measurements and correlate them with the data on the tag.

If the product fits the parameters, but causes discomfort, you need to try on another helmet and pay attention to the following criteria:

  • quality of the provided viewing angle,
  • degree of reliability of fixation on the head,
  • place of attachment.

A helmet that significantly blocks your view is not the best solution. But it’s even worse if the ammunition slips into your eyes or moves to the sides during a fight. In combat conditions there is simply no time to adjust your equipment.

If you want it to protect well, a middle ground must be found: an acceptable viewing angle, convenience and a high level of protection.

When deciding on the purchase of this attribute, never purchase it for growth. It should fit comfortably in the middle position. For this, a pair of strips are used, located at the back of the product and connected with a cord. A closer fit is the merit of a special braid.

Choice for children

When faced with the task of choosing a helmet for a child, you should be based on the following rules:

  1. The parameters of the product should provide maximum comfort.
  2. Highest fastener strength. At the same time, the clasp does not compress the throat.
  3. Solid quality helmet material.
  4. Powerful color fastness.

It is easier to choose a helmet for an adult, because he already has a stronger head, which cannot be applied to a child. The little fighter’s bones are still developing and are not strong enough. For this reason, the helmet must have enhanced protection, including additional seals on the ears and very dense material in the crown area.

It is possible to select the size of ammunition in this situation only based on the parameter of the child’s head ( general rule). There must be strict compliance here. Otherwise, the product will be visible and will create additional interference in combat.

Company question

Manufactured by various companies. According to professional boxers, best recommendations products of famous brands specializing in this sport deserve. For example, products intended for MMA have a quite solid appearance, but have a shorter service life. And they often become unusable after a year. Boxing analogues do not lose excellent condition even after 2-3 years of intensive use.

Boxing products include training and combat ammunition. They should be used only for their intended purpose.

Winning FG-2900 (Japan). Mainly used by professionals. Advantages:

  • ease,
  • convenience,
  • high level of protection.

Flaws:

  • weak defense of the occipital area,
  • product material – artificial leather.

Price tag -...

Boxing helmet “Ultimatum” (Russia). This brand has the following products:

  1. Boxing GEN3MEX. The product is made of genuine calfskin. Type of fastener: lacing. Color: black.

The helmet is made in Mexican style. It features a combination of optimal defensive performance, natural visibility and a comfortable fit.

The helmet is perfectly and securely fixed on the head due to two lacing ties: at the back and at the top.

Material inner surface perfectly absorbs moisture and prevents equipment from sliding over the head.

Product weight – 400 g.

Price tag – 8900 rub.

  1. Boxing Gen3FaceBar. This is a boxing helmet with a plastic bumper. Provides maximum security. This is an excellent option for children and beginners. The rigid frame, made of very strong plastic, has a carefully designed geometry. And combined with the excellent defensive qualities of materials that absorb shock vibration, this makes the helmet unique.

The ammunition also has a three-size ruler. Therefore, adjusting the product for reliable fixation is not difficult.

Price – 13900 rub.

Response Head Guard. This is a product of Adidas. Designed for training. Peculiarities:

  • combined materials PU3G and PU4G,
  • reinforced composite protection in the front upper zone,
  • powerful wear resistance,
  • linings with anti-allergenic and anti-slip effect,
  • availability of I-Comfort+® technology.

Price – 4900

The situation with Muay Thai

How to choose a helmet for Thai boxing? It is necessary to take into account the specifics of this extremely tough discipline. Ammunition should protect even from minor damage.

When choosing a product, pay attention to the area that protects the forehead. It should be very tight.

Artificial and natural leather is used to create products. The second option is more expensive, but more durable and convenient.

The inside of the helmet is usually lined with suede, which reduces sweating from the head.

There are usually no options with bumpers for Muay Thai.

How to choose product size? The same scheme works here, based on head circumference data (the table is given above).

Masters practice in open gear without gadgets that reduce visibility, for example, without isolating the cheekbones.

Beginners should use the most isolated option, but with a convenient overview. The helmet should protect the forehead, cheekbones, chin, fit comfortably on the head and be made of genuine leather.