Both youth and adult football helmets can be found in various sizes to fit different sizes of heads. Youth models of football helmets typically use a durable, but less expensive plastic than the adult models. Adult helmets use a lexan polycarbonate shell, which is a very resilient material.

NOCSAE stands for the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment. This is the voluntary organization responsible for developing standards for a variety of sports protective equipment. Helmets that bear the NOCSAE seal shows have met the appropriate standards at the time the helmet was manufactured. Riddell is the leading manufacturer of football helmets in the country. In fact, Riddell manufactures all the official NFL football helmets.

Many football helmet manufacturers offer models with an air system liner, which is designed to return the air system to its original state after a collision. Air systems have a better capability of withstanding repeated blows than helmets that only use foam pads. Additionally, air systems are usually more comfortable and provide a better fit. This is because the air can be adjusted to tighten the helmet to your head's unique shape.

Chin straps protect the chin with a cup that fits snugly underneath it. The straps also snap onto your helmet in order to hold it firmly on your head. You can get even more face protection by purchasing a helmet with a mask. You can find masks that offer oral protection, jaw and oral protection, nose and oral protection and eye galls and oral protection.