The right headgear can be the difference between safe and risky boxing. While the sport carries some risk of injury, great gear will significantly reduce this and allow you to enjoy the sport with no worries. This guide explores the best boxing headgear to help you find an ideal and safe option for you.
Combat sports can be great for both the mind and body, but they attract some risk of injury due to the intensive nature of application. If you are training or sparring, you could get seriously hurt without the right equipment. Many people will consider gloves as the only necessary gear for boxing, but it is important to cover yourself from head to toe in order to minimize the risk. This means that you should have headgear, gloves and shoes that are specially designed for boxing. The best boxing headgear will protect your head and face from impact and potential injury, which may be significant. Head trauma is a major problem for boxers, MMA fighters and other athletes, and it is crucial that you stay safe to avoid any potentially critical injury. Alongside a wealth of safety tips, we explore the best boxing headgear options available on the market to help you stay safe when sparring, training or engaging in bouts in this article. We also provide handy tips on what to look for in an ideal headgear for your needs. With our help, you will be able to minimize the risk of injury and stand to benefit from boxing!
A review of the top 10 headgear options for boxing
Boxing Headgear | Protection (x/10) | Durability (x/10) | Check on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
Winning FG5000 Headgear | 9.7 | 9.9 | |
Winning FG2900 Headgear | 9.6 | 9.8 | |
Cleto Reyes Traditional Headgear | 9.6 | 9.7 | |
Fighting Sports No-Contact Headgear | 9.0 | 8.9 | |
Title Gel Full-Face World Headgear | 9.0 | 9.1 | |
Cleto Reyes Cheek Protection Headgear | 9.7 | 9.7 | |
Ring-To-Cage Full Face GelTech Deluxe Headgear | 9.0 | 9.1 | |
Ringside Gel Sparring Boxing Headgear | 9.2 | 9.4 | |
Fairtex Super Sparring Headgear | 9.5 | 9.3 | |
Venum Elite Headgear | 9.0 | 9.2 |
Winning FG5000 Headgear
The impressive Winning FG5000 Headgear is our first feature headgear. This option is very well built, featuring high quality materials and an unbeatable design. It is made with very heavy duty padding beneath a durable leather exterior, with highly detailed craftsmanship. The headgear is consistently comfortable, thanks to its increased breathability. The Winning FG5000 Headgear is lightweight and sleek, and is our leading pick for the best headgear . It wicks moisture very effectively, ensuring you are always cool throughout. It also offers impressive visibility and support. The Winning FG5000 Headgear is a go to pick for the best headgear on the market for any need. While the headgear is a bit higher end in its pricing, it will deliver unbeatable value.
Pros
Lightweight with superb padding
Great quality leather exterior
Protects entire face without reducing visibility
Comfortable adjustable strap
Cons
Can be higher end in terms of pricing
View price on Amazon
Winning FG2900 Headgear
The Winning FG2900 Headgear is slightly bulkier than the FG5000, but it delivers a similarly impressive performance. This model guarantees great durability and longevity thanks to its high quality. The tough leather exterior and professional craftsmanship combine for a classic Winning option. This headgear is comfortable and safe, thanks to a great build and heavy duty padding. It will dissipate impact quickly and effortlessly, ensuring great protection levels with use. It might be a bit higher end than other models featured below, but it will deliver a bang for the buck. The Winning FG2900 headgear is available in multiple colors as well. If you are looking for a leading pick in terms of cushion and durability, this could be the choice for you.
Pros
Very heavy duty padding for added protection
Great visibility with minimal increased exposure
Great quality build
Comfortable and breathable throughout
Cons
Heavier than the Winning FG5000 alternative
View price on Amazon
Cleto Reyes Traditional Headgear
A great quality design supported by high quality materials? That is Cleto Reyes’ trademark approach to gear. The Cleto Reyes Traditional Headgear is no different, featuring a tough leather exterior with high quality construction. This headgear is also heavily padded, providing great all round protection. It is lighter than most options we’ve featured, but is as durable as the longest lasting of them. With this headgear, you will be guaranteed great protection over a long time. The Cleto Reyes Traditional Headgear is a comfortable, well crafted option that offers great quality protection. It might be a bit higher end than other options we’ll feature, but it is a value buy for its quality and output.
Pros
Great quality leather exterior
Very heavily padded for added protection
Lightweight and comfortable with adjustable chin strap
Value for money buy
Cons
Will take some breaking in
View price on Amazon
Fighting Sports No-Contact Headgear
No contact headgear is notorious for compromised visibility, but the Fighting Sports No-Contact Headgear breaks this cycle. The design of this headgear facilitates good visibility without compromising on the protection offered. You will enjoy great coverage for your eyes, cheeks and nose without having a limited field of vision. The protective face bar will provide some hindrance, but it compares very well to other no contact options. The all round heavy padding of this model will ensure great protection, with the design supporting added comfort. The Fighting Sports No-Contact Headgear features full grain leather as well, which is both durable and comfortable even when worn consistently. If you are looking for a no contact option, the Fighting Sports Headgear could be an ideal pick.
Pros
Face saver headgear includes face bar
Great quality grain leather
Leading comfort levels for a no contact headgear
Adjustable chin strap for a secure fit
Cons
Face bar will affect visibility
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Title Gel Full-Face World Headgear
TITLE gel headgear to go with your TITLE gloves? Why not! The Title Gel Full-Face World Headgear features impressive gel padding everywhere. From the forehead and ears to the usually neglected back of the head, this headgear will offer comprehensive padding and protection. You will be able to spar without any increased risk of injury thanks to the great quality protection on offer. The genuine leather build and quality craftsmanship of the Title Gel Full-Face World Headgear makes it a value pick. The tried and tested option will serve you well, but it is important that you find an ideal size to avoid an excessively snug fit.
Pros
Genuine leather exterior for added durability
Great visibility
Heavily padded for quality protection
Comfortable and breathable
Cons
Some customers have complained that the hook and loop closure is too snugly fitting
View price on Amazon
Cleto Reyes Cheek Protection Headgear
Cleto Reyes is the choice for many champions because of the top quality of the brand’s gear. The Cleto Reyes Cheek Protection Headgear is made out of genuine leather, which makes it very durable. The model will deliver a few years’ worth of consistent service if well maintained, which is impressive for headgear. It offers great protection for your cheeks, nose and eyes without limiting your visibility. The adjustable crown area of this headgear is our standout feature. Unlike many options which are restricted and uncomfortable as a result, the adjustable fit of this headgear makes it very enjoyable even when worn consistently. The Cleto Reyes Cheek Protection Headgear will ensure complete protection while providing great levels of comfort, which makes it a great choice for most needs.
Pros
Adjustable crown region for a desired fit
Very heavily padded around the cheek for impact protection
Great visibility even with additional padding
Cons
Not as comfortable as the Cleto Reyes Traditional Headgear
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Ring-To-Cage Full Face GelTech Deluxe Headgear
The Ring-To-Cage Full Face GelTech Deluxe Headgear is a value pick for people interested in headgear that covers the entire face. This protective headgear will protect your cheeks, nose and eyes without reducing your visibility, thanks to its great design. It is not as hardy as genuine leather picks featured, but it will deliver an impressive performance over a long time. It is a solid performer that offers great all round protection. While it is made out of a synthetic leather exterior, the Ring-To-Cage Full Face GelTech Deluxe Headgear will last for a fair amount of time and prove to be a value buy for people on a budget. It does not limit your visibility even with the increased protection and coverage, making it a great choice for people looking for a face saving headgear.
Pros
Great value for money buy
Adjustable strap for added comfort
Heavily padded headgear covers entire face
Great visibility
Cons
Not as durable as other high end options featured
View price on Amazon
Ringside Gel Sparring Boxing Headgear
Gel headgear options are becoming more popular as brands develop gel padding that provides immense impact absorption rates. The Ringside Gel Sparring Boxing Headgear is a great option for people looking for a gel headgear that dissipates impact effectively and remains comfortable throughout. The impressive moisture wicking efforts of the Ringside Gel Sparring Boxing Headgear makes it an ideal choice for people who sweat more, since this headgear will stay consistently cool. It is a great choice for lengthy sessions, and compares well with other options featured for comfort and consistent output. If you often spend hours sparring, then the Ringside Gel Sparring Boxing Headgear could be the choice for you.
Pros
Very effective at moisture wicking for added comfort
Comfortable for extended sessions
Multilayered foam for high value impact protection
Cons
Not as durable as other high end alternatives listed
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Fairtex Super Sparring Headgear
Handmade gear features very detailed construction, and the Fairtex Super Sparring Headgear is testament to this. The genuine leather headgear is very detailed in its finish, which works to boost its quality. The sturdy padding supports its tough leather skin for incredible durability, which stands up to high end options. It will absorb heavy hits and ensure great all round protection. The model is available in different sizes, allowing you to match your head with the right fit. The Fairtex Super Sparring Headgear will take 3-4 weeks to break in, but it is a value addition that could offer impressive cover.
Pros
Genuine leather build is very durable
Great visibility and protection
Handmade for high quality craftsmanship
Value for money buy
Cons
Can take a bit longer to break in than other options featured
View price on Amazon
Venum Elite Headgear
The brand Venum is becoming a mainstay in the gear world for the quality alternative products available. The skintex leather Venum Elite Headgear is a great value alternative for people looking for great protection on a budget. While it lacks the durability of genuine leather options featured, the Venum Elite Headgear is a value or money buy that delivers to your expectations. The triple density foam padding ensures complete protection against impact, with the additional ear protection providing value beyond what is expected of standard headgear. The Venum Elite Headgear does the job well, and at a fair fee. Its secure Velcro closure ensures this handy option stays snugly on your head throughout even the most aggressive sparring bouts.
Pros
Great protection includes ear cover
Adjustable Velcro strap for a secure fit
Decent visibility even with added cover
Cons
Skintex leather is not as durable as the real deal
View price on Amazon
Why do you need headgear?
Boxing headgear presents a hot topic for enthusiasts and experts within the sport. It has recently come under criticism for creating the illusion of safety, which may have also been identified in cyclists as well. According to researchers, boxers -and cyclists, are more likely to engage in high risk activity because they are wearing protective headgear. This, the researchers suggest, increases their risk of injury even more than taking up boxing without a helmet could. But many other studies find headgear a crucial part of your boxing gear, with fighters attesting to is role in a lower risk of injuries. So, is headgear ideal for your needs or not?
Headgear, especially options that feature a face bar, will limit your visibility. You stand a greater risk of facing rotational impact from side hits with limited visibility than you would without headgear. Many fighters have complained about headgear being too uncomfortable and limiting as well. Fighters wearing headgear are also less likely to be aggressive about protecting their head, which may arise from a feeling of increased safety. But the benefits far outweigh the potential risks.
For starters, headgear will protect against linear impact and straight shots. Not all headgear limits visibility, with well designed options available that offer high quality protection against hits. Headgear will also protect you from cuts, bruises and lacerations to your nose, cheeks and eyes, all of which are very sensitive. It lowers the risk of concussion, and reduces the risk of brain damage in the long term. While headgear does not guarantee complete safety, it sets the necessary steps for a safe boxing environment.
We appreciate the increased protection offered by headgear, especially to newer fighters and we recommend that you look into an ideal option for your boxing training for the increased safety.
How to find the best boxing headgear for your needs
Are you interested in boxing headgear? If you are, chances are high that you may have been overwhelmed by all the available options. The right headgear can be difficult to find due to the general nature of application. How do you know which option is right for you? These are a few points to consider before making a purchase to help you make the right choice. Please note that we have excluded price because we feel there are so many great choices for every budget.
The first factor to consider is the quality of padding used. Headgear is supposed to absorb impact, so it makes sense to consider options with great padding. From laminated and multilayered foam options to gel padding, different headgear picks will perform variably and it is important to understand the level of protection you are interested in for full value.
The design and build of your headgear is also important. Are you looking for a face saver headgear? Is an open design more of your style? You should be guided by you needs to find a piece that provides the ideal level of coverage for your face. The closure system will dictate the nature of your headgear’s fit. Adjustable options may be easier to secure, but the straps are also more likely to be vulnerable. You need to explore different options to find a headgear that is crafted to stay on your head without any risk of shifting with use.
Other key factors that may go into your decision are the weight and break in period, although the latter is usually not a deal breaker for us.
Final word
Few options available on the market can compete with the Winning FG5000 Headgear, and it is our standout choice for the best boxing headgear. This protective piece provides superior comfort and support as well, ensuring an unrivaled experience with use. It is very breathable and durable, and is easily miles ahead of any other option, including the brand’s own Winning FG2900 Headgear. If you are looking for the best headgear on the market, you can address your medium to long term needs with the Winning FG5000 Headgear.
Arlo Mcmurran
Arlo Mcmurran, a previous boxing trainer reviews sports gear; he has worked with various sporting companies and carries out intensive product analysis. Having trained with and used various boxing equipment Arlo is able to recommend quality training gear for your boxing needs. Many companies nowadays manufacture boxing gear that cannot stand serious training. He, therefore, samples the best boxing gear from different countries that engage in the sport and can thus distinguish original from imitation. Arlo runs a sports shop that sells genuine sporting gear, but since many industries focus on maximizing profits, instead of quality, Arlo decided to dedicate his life to ensuring that beginners and professional boxers can access quality gear.
