The 10 Best Batting Helmets
This wiki has been updated 26 times since it was first published in October of 2016. No baseball or softball player, young or old, amateur or professional, should ever step up to the plate without decent head protection on, especially in youth leagues where pitchers may have lots of speed, but not a lot of control. These batting helmets are available in various designs and can absorb hard impacts while still allowing you to stay comfortable and cool throughout the game. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Rawlings Mach
2. DeMarini Paradox Protege
3. Easton Pro X
Editor's Notes
June 30, 2020:
Safety should be a top priority in any sport, but perhaps even more so when you have a hard object hurtling at you at speeds upwards of 90 MPH. That's why batting helmets have been a requirement in the Major Leagues since 1970, and since the 1950s for Little League Baseball. And despite the name, the ball in fastpitch softball isn't actually that soft and can do some serious damage if you were to take one in the head. That's why wearing one of the tried and true batting helmets on this list is a smart idea, whichever of these sports you are playing.
If you are seriously focused on safety, and we recommend you are, you should opt for a helmet that include a face shield of some kind. For example,the Rawlings Mach and Easton Z5 2.0 both have a solid jaw guard that is crafted from the same heavy-duty material as the helmet. The former is available in model specifically designed for lefties and righties, while the latter has a universal extension flap that can be affixed to either side.
While the above two arguably offer the highest level of protection, we do understand that some may feel they hinder their vision when at bat, even though they are designed not to. If you fall into this group, you may prefer a model with a grid-style face mask, such as the DeMarini Paradox Protege, Rip-It Vision Pro, Worth Storm Highlighter, and Rawlings Velo. We think many will appreciate the chin strap on the Rip-It Vision Pro, while the Rawlings Velo may be the most visually striking, and the DeMarini Paradox Protege seems to offer the best air flow.
Speaking of a visually striking design, the Rawlings S80X2 Two Tone and Under Armour Converge Digital Camo both definitely stand out in this regard. While neither comes with a face guard, they are compatible with some, so you do have the option of attaching one yourself if you are willing to make the additional purchase.
Special Honors
Marucci Sports Teamspeed If you are on a very tight budget, the Marucci Sports Teamspeed fits the bill. Though it is rather plain looking, it is made with impact-grade ABS and three types of foam, so it will still offer the protection you need. The rubberized paint finish should hold up well to plenty of use too, without picking up too many scratches. maruccisports.com
4. Rawlings S80X2 Two Tone
5. Rip-It Vision Pro
6. Easton Z5 2.0
7. Under Armour Converge Digital Camo
8. Mizuno B6
9. Worth Storm Highlighter
10. Rawlings Velo
A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.