Buying Guide for Baseball & Softball Batting Helmets
Choose the right batting helmet with this quick guide covering key factors like helmet styles, proper sizing, safety certifications, and optional face or jaw protection. Whether you're buying for yourself or outfitting a team or league, this guide will help you select a safe and comfortable helmet for your level of play.
Have questions or need a recommendation? Call 800-688-6709 to connect with our expert sales staff.
Size:
For accurate Batting Helmet sizing, measure your head above the ears and refer to the chart below.
| Size | Circumference | Hat Size |
|---|---|---|
| T-Ball | 19-5/8 – 21-5/8 in. | 6 – 6-7/8 |
| Youth | 20-1/2 – 23-1/4 in. | 6-1/2 – 7-3/8 |
| Adult | 22-3/4+ in. | 7-1/4+ |
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Fitted helmets fit a specific hat size (i.e. fits 6-78).
o Best for individual/personal use.
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Most helmets fit a range of sizes (i.e.: fits 6 – 6-7/8).
o Best when buying for team use.
Key Features:
Padding
-
Wrapped/Lined
o Provides better comfort and durability compared to standard foam pads.
o Offers moisture management and anti-microbial properties.
-
Standard
o Budget-friendly, offers the same level of protection as wrapped/lined pads.
Jaw Guard
- Protective attachment designed to shield the batter’s face from impact.
- Designed to protect without hindering the player's view of the ball.
- Universal Jaw Guards: Can be mounted on either the left or right side of the helmet.
- Side-Specific Jaw Guards: Designed for either a right-handed batter (RHB) or a left-handed batter (LHB).
- Jaw guards fit specific helmet models from the same brand. Check the manufacturer’s compatibility information before purchasing.
- Many helmets can be purchased with the jaw guard attached.
- Typically used in baseball by older players. Check league rules for youth baseball.
Facemasks
- Provides full-face protection against balls and bat contact.
- Facemasks fit specific helmet models from the same brand. Check the manufacturer’s compatibility information before purchasing.
- Many helmets can be purchased with the facemask attached.
- Typically used in fastpitch softball and youth baseball.
Finish (Gloss vs. Matte)
- Matte: Modern look that reduces glare and can hide minor scuffs.
- Gloss: Traditional high shine finish commonly used for team branding.
- Performance and safety are the same, finishing is primarily aesthetic preference.
NOCSAE:
- Ensure helmet is NOCSAE approved for certified impact protection.
- Look for the NOCSAE stamp inside the helmet before playing.
- All helmets sold at Anthem Sports meet NOCSAE standards.
