Required at every level of youth tackle football, mouthguards are also one of the most misunderstood pieces of gear. Here is what type to buy, how to fit it correctly, and when to replace it.
A helmet that has taken too many hits, pads with compressed foam — some gear failures are obvious. Others are not. Here is a season-by-season guide to knowing when to replace rather than reuse.
NOCSAE certification is the floor, not the ceiling. We ranked the top youth football helmets on fit quality, ventilation for summer heat, and how they hold up through a full upper Midwest season.