Are you interested in boxing but wear contacts? Are you trying to minimize the risk of cuts and bruises for your workplace appearance while still looking to gain great value from boxing? This guide on the best boxing headgear for eye protection will highlight the top six picks, as well as provide handy tips for better protection.
Boxing trainers might recommend that you fight without your contact lenses, but it could be impossible to see without them. If you really need your contacts, you may fail to gain any value from this type of training experience. But wearing your contacts can be risky, especially when you might take a punch. If you are lucky enough to lose your contacts instead, you will still have to incur the cost of a replacement. If you are looking to improve your safety, this buying guide for the best boxing headgear for eye protection will help you look into the top options available. These boxing headgear options will help you stay safe and protect your face even if you do not wear contact lenses. They can be ideal for new fighters and people who are looking to lower the risk of cuts and bruises to their face. We also explore a few technical tips too help improve your game and reduce the risk of taking hits, as well as explore our criteria for choosing these six leading face saver headgear for eye protection.
The top 6 boxing face saver headgear for eye protection
Boxing Headgear | Designed for eye protection | Brand | Check on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
Venum Elite Headgear | √ | Venum | |
Rival Guerrero FS3 Boxing Headgear | √ | Rival Boxing | |
Rival Boxing Face Guard Headgear | √ | Rival Boxing | |
Amber Fight Gear Face Saver Headgear | √ | Amber Fight Gear | |
RDX Head Guard for Boxing | √ | RDX | |
Ring to Cage MUGHALS Deluxe Full Face Gel Headguard | √ | Ring-To-Cage |
Venum Elite Headgear
The aesthetic of Venum gear is almost consistent, and the stylish Venum Elite Headgear lives up to the high billing. The high quality headgear is very attractive, and it will be available at a budget friendly price point. The headgear offers great padding as well, with a triple density foam padding ensuring great protection against heavy hits. It is made from skintex leather, which may not be as durable as genuine leather, but offers an impressive lifespan. The Venum Elite Headgear offers impressive shock absorption in a great design that ensures impressive visibility. This headgear is handmade, and the quality of stitching will stand out. It will secure your eyes, as well as your chin, cheeks and temple. If you are looking for an ideal option for beginners, the Venum Elite Headgear could be a great choice.
Pros
- Offers great visibility without compromising protection
- Open top design is very breathable and comfortable
- Triple density foam padding offers great protection
Cons
- Synthetic skin will not last as long as leather
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Rival Guerrero FS3 Boxing Headgear
The Rival Guerrero FS3 Boxing Headgear is our first of two options by Rival Boxing. This face saver headgear features a very attractive aesthetic, and does a similarly impressive job in the quality of protection offered. The hardy headgear is fitted with a Rubitex and latex blend for padding, which provides high end impact protection levels. An force from direct hits will be broken down by the headgear, ensuring great protection for your face. The headgear features a plastic frame that increases the quality of protection by cutting down any risk of contact. It is designed for a comfortable and adjustable fit, thanks to its customizable lace top. It features very breathable PU lining in its interior as well, which improves the comfort levels while being very easy to maintain. If you are looking for a great choice for eye protection that also features a hardy leather build, the Rival Guerrero FS3 Boxing Headgear might be just what you need.
Pros
- Padded and adjustable chin straps combine with bi-directional adjustment options for a great fit
- Comfortable and breathable build
- Rubitex and latex padding for high value protection
- Very easy to maintain
Cons
- Plastic frame is not as hardy as the steel option in Rival’s other option, the Face Guard Headgear featured below
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Rival Boxing Face Guard Headgear
The soft and supple build of the leather Rival Boxing Face Guard Headgear ensures this option stays comfortable throughout even the most rigorous sessions. It also offers an adjustable fit, and a steel frame that provides great protection for your eyes without affecting visibility. This headgear will deliver superior levels of comfort, thanks to the supple leather exterior and comfortable microfiber lining. The face bar is designed for a minimal effect on visibility and breathing, which eliminates the need to take it off. The layered Rubitex and latex padding offers high quality protection against hits, absorbing impact effectively every time. It also offers bi-directional adjustable straps around the ear to secure your headgear for a snug fit. With up to 4 different color combinations, you will be able to find an attractive high value pick in the Rival Boxing Face Guard Headgear.
Pros
- Layered latex and Rubitex padding is very effective
- Solid steel frame enhances eye protection
- Great visibility even with steel bar
Cons
- Can feel a little too bulky
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Amber Fight Gear Face Saver Headgear
The all leather build of the Amber Fight Gear Face Saver Headgear combines with its leading design for eye protection. This face saver head gear also includes a face bar which will optimize the quality of padded protection offered. The durable leather headgear features high density rubber padding that delivers great protection for your face. The secure Velcro closure of the Amber Fight Gear Face Saver Headgear will ensure this option stays on your head throughout. This hardy headgear offers great durability and protection for your eyes and nose, making it a value choice for people who are likely to face multiple hits to the face.
Pros
- High quality padding for great protection
- Durable leather build
- Secure Velcro closure for an ideal fit
Cons
- No warranty offered
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RDX Head Guard for Boxing
The resilient RDX Head Guard for Boxing offers an impressive performance for eye and face performance. It is a versatile pick that will work very well for boxing, MMA and other aggressive sports. This Maya Hide leather head guard is very heavily padded, featuring a triple density foam padding that is infused with gel lining. The headgear will take a punch, thanks to the superior padded protection on offer. The shell shock technology of this padding will dissipate impact effortlessly, reducing the risk of injury to your face. This model is also well designed for no contact with your eyes while still retaining great visibility. The optional face bar will affect peripheral vision, but it can be crucial for a completely contact-free experience. Thanks to its unique rear lock system, the headgear will stay snugly on your head throughout.
Pros
- High quality foam padding infused with gel for added protection
- High quality construction and finish
- Rear lock system offers a great adjustable fit
Cons
- Eye protection quality slightly lower without optional face bar
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Ring to Cage MUGHALS Deluxe Full Face Gel Head guard
The Ring to Cage MUGHALS Deluxe Full Face Gel Head guard will stay firmly on your head throughout its use, which ensures it can provide consistent protection. It is very well padded, featuring a high density foam that is infused with GelLined padding that ensures effective impact absorption. The Ring to Cage MUGHALS Deluxe Full Face Gel Head guard also offers a molded face bar that reduces the risk of contact related injury significantly. The design offers great visibility for a face saver, ensuring unbeatable value. The headgear fits like a glove, with lace adjustments and Velcro straps at the back, and an adjustable chin strap. If you are looking for a high performance option, this headgear could be well suited for your needs.
Pros
- Superior padding for all round face protection
- Very securely fitting
- Comfortable headgear even with consistent use
Cons
- Can be a bit bulky
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How to get the best headgear for eye protection
The best boxing headgear for eye protection will help to keep you safe when sparring and during bouts. With the right headgear, you should be able to enjoy a low risk boxing experience for maximum value. But what should you look into for an ideal headgear option aside from its price?
The design and quality of build will be the two key factors for an ideal headgear option for eye protection. If your headgear is very well padded, it should ensure minimal impact from hits to your face. A well designed and made headgear will also offer enhanced protection by ensuring coverage without affecting visibility. Face saver headgear will feature a protective bar that will ensure greater all round protection, and this can be a key feature to look for in an ideal choice. Other aspects of the build include the quality of stitching and the quality of materials used. The most durable and well padded leather headgear on the market can be a bit higher priced, but there are some synthetic leather alternatives that could provide great value.
You should also consider the breathability of comfort of your headgear, especially if you are planning on very intensive application. Since headgear can be bulky, it is important to strike a balance between the weight and performance of your headgear for full value for your needs. Most headgear options feature a closure system, but finding one with an adjustable and snugly fitting setup of straps should ensure a very desirable fit for a low risk of slipping when in use.
The best boxing guards to minimize hits
Your boxing guard could be a dead giveaway, and may be the reason why opponents are regularly finding it easier to land hits. With the right boxing training, you may be able to improve your defensive technique, diversify your style and become more unpredictable in the ring. Reading your opponent’s guard could be a great way to land a few hits yourself. It is important to keep in mind that in ring situations will shape your reaction, but understanding these 5 key guards could be crucial to helping your game. Remember, your guard will not prevent you from getting hit, but it can deter your opponent and make it harder to land punches.
Guard | Best for |
The basic guard | An in and out fighter |
The high guard | An aggressive attacker |
The low hand guard | A counter puncher |
The philly shell guard | A counter puncher |
The sit down | Strategic mid bout use |
The basic guard
The basic guard might be the first type of guard you learn when boxing, but that does not mean that it is limited. It is a very effective option that offers a great platform for both punching and defending. You should always stay centered when taking up this guard, and stay upright while depending on your footwork to evade jabs. Your rear hand should be held to your chin, with a your eyes on your opponent at all times. Slightly bending your knees and having your rear foot positioned slightly away from your front foot will improve your movement with this guard.
The high guard
The best defense can be a great offense for some fighters, who will look to finish bouts from the get go. An aggressive strategy may be used to overwhelm the opponent, even when doing so leaves them open to a few hits. They could land several face shots, which could raise your risk of injury. A high guard will protect well against this type of fighter. If you stay centered and keep both hands up, you will be able to block punches to critical spots. Remember to maintain visibility of your opponent to allow for quick reactions, and to drop your elbows for low attacks. The high guard will leave you exposed if there is too much space between your opponent and yourself, and we recommend using it only when they are within arms length.
The low hand guard
Counter punchers will lull you in and then strike, looking to take advantage of your vulnerability as you withdraw. The set themselves up so that your hits have minimal impact while theirs target maximum impact. If you stay in your guard and wait them out, these fighters will land hits anyway and force you to have a go at them. The low hand guard will be a great choice for counter punchers. While staying centered and with your rear hand on your chin, fire quick shots to the opponent and retreat your hand to close them off. A slightly bent chin will allow better visibility, while the rear hand offers added protection against any flailing hits. For maximum value, you should improve your uppercut game as this guard will provide great opportunity for that.
The philly shell guard
The philly shell guard is best suited against counter punchers who are hard to hit. The guard uses one hand to offer protection for the lower torso, with the rear hand held against the chin to be used for parrying. When practicing this guard, you may consider leaning against the ropes and getting a partner to flood you with punches.
The sit down
You will not be able to move around freely with this guard, so it is crucial that you use it only when the situation requires it. The guard reduces your size and frustrates superior opponents. You should bend your knees in a sit down with your back held straight. With your hands protecting your face, your chin down and eyes on your opponents, you should dodge hits and try to slip around your opponent, especially on their weaker side. Bobbing towards your opponent could also help you avoid straight shots.
Which guard should you use?
The right guard will entirely depend on your reading of the opponent and match situations. We recommend getting a hang of all these options when training and sparring to maximize your effectiveness for each one. You should be able to develop fluid transition between guards on demand, which will up your game and ensure maximum protection. Remember, if you can stir up your game, you will be better able to optimize your defense and offense.
Final word
If you are looking for a value pick for your eyes and face, the Ring to Cage MUGHALS Deluxe Full Face Gel Head guard could be a great choice for your needs. This headgear offers great quality protection without affecting visibility, which enables better defensive action. While it is made out of synthetic leather, it features a very durable build. The headgear is well crafted, and offers very effective gel padding that ensures high levels of impact protection. The superb gel padding makes this well designed option the best choice for absorbing direct impact. The headgear will also limit contact with your face, allowing comprehensive protection. If you are looking for a breathable, comfortable and well padded headgear, the Ring to Cage MUGHALS Deluxe Full Face Gel Head guard could be the value pick for your needs.
