Administrator, Author at Sports Unlimited Blog

Best Summer Games – A Top Five List

What better allows you to be a friend, teammate, competitor, host, and inspirer of happiness than summer lawn games? Well, there probably are other things that lend better to those roles, but heck, summer games are fun and can bring together a family and friends! I remember, in my younger summers, sitting in a low, striped polyester beach chair in the back yard, holding a glass of iced lemonade to my nape and watching my cousins blow bubbles in the sun. That child, hot and bored, wished for something a bit more exciting and fifteen years later, I happily present to you, the top five backyard games for this summer.

5. Badminton

An Odd Garden Variant of Tennis

If you haven’t seen the game of badminton before, you’re missing something extraordinary. Reminiscent of 19^th century England, the game consists of lightweight racquets, a net, and the illustrious shuttlecock. The (usually nylon) feathers of the shuttlecock provide drag so that it decelerates much quicker than a ball, which means, no out-of-the-park home runs for any over-excited players. Hit the shuttlecock in the air over the net until it hits the ground! Easy to set up in the back yard or in a park, lightweight, and affordable, badminton is a great way to involve anyone and everyone. Cheerio!

Try the Franklin Elite Series 4 Player Badminton Set

4. Volleyball

Sick Dig Bro!

Another net game, volleyball is an incredibly fun way to get some exercise. Setting and spiking competitively or leisurely tossing the ball back and forth, this game works for everyone. Learning this game also can have advantages when you come across a game of indoor volleyball, beach volleyball, or even water volleyball. Make some memories this summer with family games of backyard ball in the sun.

Recommended volley ball set – Park & Sun Spectrum Classic

3. Toss Games

Did You Say Cornhole?

At my desk, there isn’t much in this world more enticing than being outside with some buddies, baseball game on the radio, and tossing a bean bag with a cold beverage in my free hand. I don’t know about you, but I’m a fan of relaxing and taking advantage of the warmer months. Sometimes referred to as tailgate games, toss games are simple and require little set up. Usually in the form of a bean bag, players toss the object underhanded at a target. Rules depend on the game being played, but the simplicity and the game-day feel of toss games definitely put them on the top five summer games list.

Fun bean bag game for the family – Corn Toss by Sport Design

2. Croquet

Through the Wickets and into the Stake, Old Sport!

With origins dating back 400 years, croquet can transport you through time. Well, no. But it is exciting, classic, and perfect for some backyard Saturday fun. Whether you’re sporting knickers and argyle socks or some under armour shorts, any day with reasonable weather is a perfect day for croquet. I had fun playing this ball and mallet game as a kid at my grandparents’ house in Maine and this summer I will be definitely getting into some croquet mischief, putting on an English accent, creating new rules, and competing feverishly with my young nephews. Undoubtedly a winner, croquet is perfect for backyard hangouts.

Best seller – North Meadow Scottsdale 6-Player Croquet Set

1. Horseshoes

Summer Just Got a Bit Luckier

Albeit strange, pitching oversized shoes of a horse is cool. Ancient Grecians tossed them when they couldn’t afford a discus. Soldiers threw mule shoes in Union Camps during the Civil War. Abounded in history, horseshoes is a game everyone knows and playing it is easier than ever today. All you need is two stakes and some horseshoes to pitch. The skillful pitch of the shoe is not something that demands tremendous physical ability, which makes it perfect for players of all ages. Backyard or in the sand, horseshoes defines the summer as the epitome of relaxing, fun, and memorable!

One of the best horseshoe sets around – WD Horseshoe Co. Glory Set

Now, where’s my lemonade?

By Isaac Clark

Isaac is a Lemonade Lover at Sports Unlimited.

Product spotlight: Croquet anyone?

Let’s face it, there probably hasn’t been a time in your life when you’ve thought, “What I really wish I had right now was a nice croquet set.”

But there are some thoughts we have all the time – especially as summer approaches.

“How am I going to take advantage of this nice weather?”

“What am I going to do with the people coming to my barbecue this weekend?”

“Someone get these kids out of my house for an hour.”

“I hope I don’t run out of ketchup.”

OK, you’re on your own with that last one. But the answer to some of your other summer dilemmas may be something as simple as a croquet set. And one of the most popular items we carry at Sports Unlimited is the North Meadow Scottsdale 6-player set.

While many of us have played the game at a grandparent’s house or seen a set stashed in the corner of a garage, croquet is probably not at the top of your summer activity list. Maybe it’s time to change that.

Think about it. The rules are simple, it takes little time to set up, you can play anywhere and you can easily talk, eat and drink while playing.

sportsunlimited_2258_1922588516 — The North Meadow Scottsdale 6-player Croquet Set is made in the USA.

Other than the fact that its made in the USA, what makes the North Meadow Scottsdale set so appealing is its quality. One of our best-selling items, this set is built to stand the test of time. And if you’re going to be using this to entertain guests, your kids or your kids’ kids, you want something that’s sturdy and won’t need replacing.

That’s the biggest advantage to choosing a quality set like this over a cheaper version. It won’t start breaking and bending after a few games and years later, you’ll still have a usable set. The mallets are made of hard maple wood, which looks great and ages well.

Also – and very importantly – this set comes with a rule book. Without that, many of us wouldn’t even know where to start. But a quick scan of the rules will easily get you on your way. Then you can start setting up the two 24-inch goal stakes and the nine square poly-coated steel wickets that come in their own storage sack.

After that, you can roll out the six colorful 3 5/16-inch balls and start whacking them with any of the six 30-inch mallets with 8 1/2-inch heads.

After a game or two, pack it all up in the nylon carrying bag and get back to manning the grill or taking an afternoon nap.

Odds are you’ve barely broken a sweat and accomplished your goal of getting outside for a little bit.

By Lou Rusnock
Lou is a writer at Sports Unlimited.

New Schutt AiR XP Pro Football Helmet Unleashed!

Schutt is loaded with elite quality football helmets and they’ve added to the arsenal again. An upgrade to the popular AiR XP, the AiR XP Pro Adult Football Helmet has been whispered about for some time, but is now available at Sports Unlimited! Featuring Dual Compression TPU, the Surefit TPU Air Liner, and AiR Maxx TPU Jaw Pads, the beloved AiR XP is now immensely more safe in the Pro version.

The original AiR XP was made famous by its on-field performance and lightweight design, and the new AiR XP Pro maintains its light weight (3 lbs, 2 oz) with the added benefits of the most advanced cushioning system in existence. I would say this is shocking, but when it comes to Schutt, nothing really shocks me anymore. Consistent innovation and excellence are now the expectation from Schutt, and truly, they have not disappointed.

We’ve witnessed the Dual Compression TPU (DCT) system in Schutt Vengeance helmets and by golly have we been impressed with this technology. It is no surprise that they’ve moved on to add this system to the lightweight AiR XP series to improve shock absorption from both high velocity and low velocity impacts. If you’ve ever been on a football field, you know how often collisions happen, and the way a helmet responds to these impacts is vital to the health of any player. The DCT system simultaneously utilizes two types of TPU to best protect from every-play impacts as well as infrequent violent collisions. The combination of protection and lightweight construction will surely make this one of the greatest on-field performing helmets we have ever seen and as Schutt spoils us with so many exceptional helmets to choose from, now is the time to give your game a boost with a brand new helmet with the safest, lightest, and strongest technology football has ever seen!

We, here at Sports Unlimited, are devoted to bringing you the very best football equipment because we take pride in our passion for the game. Stay safe and practice hard!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ7Q_-9Uuv8]

By Isaac Clark

Isaac is a writer at Sports Unlimited.

2013 Sports Unlimited Football Equipment Draft – Top 10 Picks

Welcome to the 2013 Sports Unlimited Football Equipment Draft. With all of our minds on the upcoming NFL Draft, we decided to present our own style of draft that features the best of the best football equipment that you can find at SportsUnlimited.com because we want to equip you with what you need to make 2013 the most memorable season of your life.

We have randomly generated a draft order for some of our expert compatriots at SU and I will be documenting the draft so that you can stay informed with the top-of-the-line, most advanced products in the industry. Here are the top ten picks!

1. Schutt Titanium Big Grill 2.0 Super Pro XL Football Facemask

With the luck of the draw, the coveted first overall pick in our draft goes to Andre from the Customer Service department. With every product still on the board, Andre selects the Schutt Titanium Big Grill 2.0 Football Facemask. Lighter and stronger than steel, this facemask brings the performance of a No.1 pick. Peak performance with the most intimidating and wicked design on the market make the Titanium Big Grill 2.0 one fearsome mask only available at Sports Unlimited.

2. Schutt AiR Maxx Flex Adult Football Shoulder Pads – QB / WR

With so many incredible products remaining, Jason felt the pressure when he was on the clock and let it get down to 00:01 before deciding that the Schutt AiR Maxx Flex Adult Football Shoulder Pads – QB / WR were worthy of the 2nd pick. I have to agree with him because the Quarterback to Wide Receiver connection can put six points on the board on any given play. Ultimate protection with strategically placed TPU and superb range of motion give these pads the best draft rating in the biz. Drafting performance and protection for some of the most important positions on the field is always an excellent choice.

3. Cutters X40 C-Tack Revolution Adult Football Receiver Gloves

In an early shock, Steve from our Web Team is going deep with the Cutters X40 C-Tack Revolution Adult Football Receiver Gloves. Equipped with a self-restoring C-Tack grip and available in an array of colors, these gloves make plays. Steve knows that fumbles and drops can cost dearly on the gridiron and he wasn’t afraid to snag an elite pair of ‘hands’ this high in the draft. Great pick!

4. Schutt Vengeance DCT Adult Football Helmet

The fourth pick belongs to our wise leader and President, Don who makes the most popular pick of the draft with the Schutt Vengeance DCT Adult and Youth Helmets. Don goes with the numbers here because he knows this popular helmet lives up to the hype and “has been our number one selling helmet this year”! The TPU in the DCT is the same material used in United States Armed Forces fighter pilot and paratrooper helmets. Combined with a re-imagined shell design, I wouldn’t have been surprised to see this go first overall!

5. Riddell 360 Adult Football Helmet

Having had head and jaw injuries in the past, I knew from the start that I needed to draft a great helmet. With Don having taken the Schutt Vengeance DCT off the board, my decision became a lot easier because my internal argument was between the former and the Riddell 360 Adult Football Helmet. With Concussion Reduction Technology, Flex Face Guard, and Riddell’s Hexagonal Liner System, I may have just picked up the best helmet in the world.

6. Oakley Football Eyeshield

Web Team is here with another pick, and Steph, with an understanding of how important vision is on the field, dashes to our imaginary podium to select the Oakley Football Eyeshield. Steph trusts the Plutonite construction and HDO (High Definition Optics) technology from Oakley because wherever you are on the field, your decision-making relies on vision. The value here is playing smart and Steph’s team is going to be built on great vision and smart decisions.

7. Schutt Vengeance DCT Hybrid+ Youth Football Helmet

At the seventh pick, Doug, the feared Web Team Manager, picks up the product at the top of his draft board, the Schutt Vengeance DCT Hybrid+ Youth Football Helmet. “I like the combination of all the latest protection technologies and the value you get versus the Youth Vengeance DCT.” The innovative combination of Dual Compression TPU and traditional vinyl nitrile padding makes this youth helmet high in protection and low in price. This could be the steal of the draft!

8. New Balance 993 Mid Mens Lacrosse / Football Cleats

Michele, one of our Customer Service Supervisors, has the football knowledge and competitive spirit to know that winning on the gridiron takes great footwork and her strategy is speed, speed, speed. She’s getting some traction with the New Balance 993 Mid Mens Lacrosse / Football Cleats. These cleats were designed to have the versatility, durability, and lightness to make a player dangerous. Speed with stability can go a long way.

9. Wilson TDS Leather High School Football

We have back to back Customer Service Supervisor picks and this one belongs to Jamie. One of the friendliest people around, he cares about our products and our customers, which is why he is going with the Wilson TDS Leather High School Football. Without a ball, you can’t play and this beauty is approved by NFHS for high school play. Practice your skills with the ball or play some catch out back because a tight spiral just looks better with an official ball. You can see and feel the quality with 899 full-grain leather.

10. Schutt Y Flex All Purpose Youth Football Shoulder Pads

Ryan received the tenth and last pick in the draft, but with the expertise he has as a Buyer and Customer Service Manager, he can draft in any position and come out with a winner. He calls the Schutt Y Flex All Purpose Youth Football Shoulder Pads, “great youth shoulder pads that our customers love for all positions. Value is excellent.” Ryan picks for strength and versatility with these youth shoulder pads that feature Air Flex tech and vapor holes to maintain protection with great comfort. Safety is paramount whether you are developing football skills or playing at an elite level.

There you have it, our inaugural Sports Unlimited Football Equipment Draft is complete. I’d like to thank the participants for lending their expertise. I’ll declare the draft a success due to my personal happiness with my pick and I know you all were rooting for me. This draft could have gone any which way because the top ten draft picks were only a tiny sample of what SportsUnlimited.com has to offer!

Good luck this season folks!

By Isaac Clark
Isaac is a writer at Sports Unlimited.

New Schutt Vengeance Helmet Designed for Youth Football Players

One of the highest-rated and most sought-after football helmets in the game today has finally been re-designed and re-sized to protect the young, developing grid-iron star! Schutt Vengeance Youth helmets have hit the market…and they’re not alone. In addition to the fully-featured Youth Vengeance DCT, Schutt has also developed new Youth Vengeance DCT Hybrid helmets, delivering the protection and performance of dual compression TPU, and the aggressive look of the Vengeance, at a much more affordable price for youth players.

The new Youth Schutt Vengeance DCT Helmet gives you all of the same amazing and innovative features you get with the incredibly popular adult version. A larger offset, Mohawk-style shell houses two layers of TPU cushioning, designed to absorb different levels of impact force, protecting developing heads from any kind of hit they’ll experience on the field. In addition to taking huge amounts of force, both layers of TPU never break down, develop mold, or compress. And because of the lightweight and rounded design, TPU also breathes naturally, so these helmets never get super-heated and uncomfortable. The Youth Vengeance also features the aggressive new Vengeance facemask design and twist-off bumper, for a great look and easy facemask removal.

The key difference between the youth and adult version is the weight and the fit of the helmet. Designed for smaller heads, the Schutt Vengeance Youth is built with an ABS plastic shell (the adult version uses a stronger polycarbonate shell) to provide solid protection while abiding by youth football league rules.

Coinciding with the release of the fully-featured Youth Vengeance DCT helmet, Schutt has also produced the Vengeance Youth Hybrid and Hybrid + helmets.
These helmets give you everything you’d get with in a fully-featured Vengeance helmet, but utilize a Hybrid Padding System, which combines the next-generation protection and performance of DCT cushioning with the traditional lightweight impact protection of vinyl nitrile padding. Strategically constructed with DCT in key hitting areas along the front, crown, and back of the helmet, and traditional padding in the sides, these new Vengeance Hybrid helmets give young players the latest look and protection, at an incredible value.

The Vengeance DCT Hybrid is the most affordable option, delivering the Vengeance look and DCT performance with a basic, non-inflatable comfort liner.

The Vengeance DCT Hybrid + ups the ante a bit, with a more advanced SUREFIT ventilated air liner, allowing kids to inflate their helmet for a more secure, safe, comfortable, and custom fit.

Whatever option fits your needs and you budget, it’s just great to know that finally you can give your kids one of the most protective and highly-rated football helmets out there!

By Brandon Porter.

Brandon is a product specialist at Sports Unlimited.

Best Selling Baseball Equipment Bags Review

Reviewing the top baseball equipment bags in the game today! Get a full review on the Mizuno Classic Wheeled Baseball Equipment Bag, Easton Stealth Core Baseball Catchers Bag, and Nike Baseball Backpack.

Spring training’s right on the horizon, and that means it’s time to start gearing up for another season of serious baseball action! Hopefully your baseball equipment made it through last year’s long and grueling season relatively unscathed, but most likely, with all of your trips to the diamond, travel to tournaments, and horsing around in the dugout, your baseball bag has seen better days. Frayed edges, busted zippers, broken handles, ripped pockets. They’re all battle scar reminders of a great year…but who wants to start the new one dragging their favorite glove and bats around in a ratty old equipment bag?

Start the season off right, and head out to spring training with a brand spanking new, upgraded baseball bag. One that not only looks good, but will actually hold all of your gear, and maybe even last a few seasons!

But which one to get? Where to begin?

How about our 3 favorite and best-selling baseball gear bags from game-tested brands like Easton, Nike, and Mizuno?

Please Note: All of the following baseball gear bags can double as a softball bag.

1. Mizuno Classic Wheeled Baseball Equipment Bag

Review:

Mizuno Wheeled Equipment Bag

This wheeled baseball bag has it all; pockets, compartments, organization, and room to spare. Plus, it also sports durable off-road wheels, perfect for dragging it easily over any surface from parking lots to dirt roads. The bag fits up to four baseball bats (max bat size 32″), loads gear easily from the big top zip compartment, and also features an easy-access, ventilated cleat storage pouch to keep your smelly shoes away from your clothes after the game. Although it features a lot of the same options you’d generally see in most large equipment bags, (fence hooks, internal storage pockets, etc.) it’s the Mizuno quality and dedication to detail that truly set it apart from anything you’ve used in the past.

Who needs it?

The Mizuno Classic Wheeled Equipment Bag is #1 among wheeled baseball bags, and is perfect for travel. I’d recommend it for any middle or high school player who needs a seriously durable and large bag for all of their gear, especially if they expect to travel a lot to tournaments and games. It’s probably too big, a little expensive, and maybe unnecessary for younger players who don’t have as much baseball gear as their older brothers and sisters.

Dimensions: 36″ L x 13″ H x 13″ W

Options: Comes in a variety of colors; black, cardinal, forest, navy, orange, red and royal.

2. Easton Stealth Core Baseball Catchers Equipment Bag

Review:
An incredibly durable, duffle-style catcher’s gear bag that stores and protects your equipment, without the bulk and size of other large catcher’s bags. A U-shaped top zipper, the entire size of the bag, opens up to a large main compartment, complete with organization and compartments for holding your catcher’s equipment. Your helmet and catchers mitt fit perfectly into pockets at either end, while your chest protector folds neatly into a specialized padded compartment on the side. Inside the main compartment, your shin guards fit easily into sleeves, and a specialized cleat tunnel keeps things organized. The Stealth Core also holds two bats, and features strong bottom rails with in-line skate wheels on the bottom, so if it’s too heavy to haul, you can just grip it and drag it anywhere. And with a strong 420D polyester ripstop body with 600D polyester insets, this bag will definitely last multiple seasons no matter how hard you treat it.

Who needs it?

The Easton Stealth Core is a great option for middle school, high school, or college age catchers, looking for a no-nonsense catcher’s gear bag to keep all of their equipment organized when they’re on the road. Easy to carry and low-bulk, this specialized duffle bag holds every piece of catchers gear, plus 2 bats, and accessories. It’s also affordable, making it perfect for players of any age.

Dimensions: 35″ L x 14″ H x 14″ W

Options: Comes in a variety of colors; black, navy, red and royal.

3. Nike Baseball Bat Backpack

Review:

Strong and fully-featured, this baseball bat bag from Nike features a large main compartment, big enough to hold some school books, plus your essential baseball supplies. A specialized sleeve inside holds your glove in place, while a ventilated and lined cleat compartment up front separates your dirty cleats from the rest of your baseball equipment. A helmet clip on the outside front of the bag fits easily through the earhole of your batting helmet, keeping it snug and locked onto the bag. On top, an accessory pocket fits sunglasses, a wallet, or a Smartphone. Finally, two side bat sleeves let you bring your main and backup bats down to the dugout. Easy to haul, sized, and priced right for the youth or casual player, the Nike Baseball Bat Backpack gets the job done, and is quality built from one of the most trusted names in sporting goods.

Who needs it?

Because of its size and affordability, I’d recommend the Nike Bat Backpack to any youth player, particularly because they usually don’t have a lot of gear, and generally play ball after school. Also, the bat sleeves don’t really sit high enough to fit adult baseball bats. That being said, they’re great options for any youth player looking for versatile, durable, and good looking baseball bat bags.

Dimensions: 19” L x 10” H x 14” W

Options: Comes in black, red, royal.

By Brandon Porter.Brandon is a product specialist at Sports Unlimited.

What Are the Differences Between Ski Jackets and Snowboard Jackets?

Learn the differences between ski and snowboard jackets, to find the right winter jacket for sport.

At first glance, there really aren’t any. All ski and snowboard jackets are water-proof, durable, and great in the snow…and honestly, for most people the terms are pretty interchangeable. But for serious skiers and snowboarders, there is a world of difference between snowboard and ski jackets. Put them back to back, and these disparities quickly become evident.

Traditional skiing jackets are built for mobility, comfort, and performance. They’re streamlined, sleek, lightweight, and fully featured to seal out cold air and snow.

Ski jackets are typically more fitted shells, cutting down on excess material to improve speed and aerodynamics on the mountain. Style wise, most ski jackets are simply patterned, with bright and sometimes loud color combinations. They stand out, but don’t push the envelope, focusing on performance over bold style.

Alternatively, snowboard jackets are inspired by, and aimed at skateboarders, surfers, motocross, and bmx riders. They’re designed by guys like Shaun White, and companies like Burton, Oakley, and Billabong. In other words, (and not surprisingly so) snowboard jackets are street styled for the thrill-seeking kids who would be into snowboarding! So you’ll find more edgy, artistic patterns and designs in snowboarding jackets than you’d usually find in skiing jackets. Similarly, snowboarding jackets are baggier and longer than skiing jackets, for a younger, more urban look than the streamlined, fitting, and fast performance skiing jackets offer.

Why different?

Snowboard and skiing jackets are different for two reasons; they’re aimed at different audiences, and they’re meant for different sports.

Skiing comes from a racing tradition, which has always focused on speed and finesse. Thus, you get bright colors, lightweight fabrics, and shorter hems in a skiing jacket. After all, skiers need extra mobility in both of their legs for better forward and backward movement. For most skiers, style is secondary to speed, mobility, and comfort, so skiing jackets try to deliver accordingly.

On the other hand, snowboarding evolved from skateboarding and surfing…two sports that have always been closely intertwined with style, street fashion, music, and fringe art. So it should come as no shock that snowboarding jackets feature boundary-pushing patterns and colors, modern media integration, and a more youthful look to them with long, baggy styles.

Performance wise, their bagginess and extra length are generally better for snowboarding as well, which is more park-oriented than racing specialized, focusing more on tricks, grinds, and grabs, than making quick runs down the mountain. Baggy jackets make it easier to move your arms and torso for tricks, and the extra length makes it more comfortable to sit on the snow in between heats.

You see the same differences in skiing and snowboarding pants. Traditional ski pants are straight hemmed, lightweight, and roomy enough to move in, but definitely designed for fast and active movement. Snowboarding pants, like snowboarding jackets, are baggy, heavier, more colorful, and lined with pockets and extras, for the more style-focused snowboarder.

What’s the same?

Ski and snowboard jackets are interchangeable for most people because generally, they do the same things and have a lot of the same features. Most are designed with similar water-proof shells, helmet-compatible hoods, adjustable cuffs, high collars, and most importantly, snow skirts, to prevent snow and ice from getting into the jacket. They both focus on keeping you warm, dry, and comfortable in the extreme cold of the mountain, and since both types of jackets are meant for active sport, they’re both performance-oriented.
At the end of the day, the differences between these two types of winter-sports jackets are negligible for most people, especially those just starting out. But since they differ functionally and stylistically, these jackets can definitely have an effect on your comfort and performance in the powder. For instance, if you’re a skier wearing a snowboarding jacket, it’s probably going to slow you down, catching the air like a sail and holding you back. Concurrently, if you’re a snowboarder wearing a skiing jacket, it’s probably going to be too tight for you to pull off any big grabs or tricks. All-in-all, it’s important to find the right jacket for your game before heading up the mountain.

By Brandon Porter.Brandon is a product specialist at Sports Unlimited.

Retraction: Football Helmet Weights

An update of the most accurate football helmet weights, in pounds and ounces, including facemask weight, to give you the most consumer information possible, to find the best football helmet for you!

In July, I posted an article, “How Much Does a Football Helmet Weight?” which listed the weights of almost every football helmet we carry at Sports Unlimited. Upon further review, it became obvious to me that our original findings were not presented as clearly as they could have been, and may have been inadvertently misleading. Also, we did not include the weights of other facemask options, such as stainless steel or titanium facemasks.

To correct this oversight, I have re-weighed every helmet and facemask, and have updated our list of football helmet weights. The new findings are listed in lbs/oz, for more weight accuracy, and to make it easier to see just how much, or little these adult and youth football helmets differ in weight. They can be found listed below, and in the previously published article.

I hope these more accurate football helmet and facemask weights help you find the right helmet for you and your child! Please let me know if you have any questions at all.

Please Note: All weights are measured in pounds and ounces. Total weight includes either the attached facemask shipped with the helmet, or the standard ROPO facemask designed for that helmet, as well as chinstraps and all hardware. All helmets weighed were size Large. Other sizes will vary slightly.

Helmets Shipped Without Attached Facemasks:

Helmet	Weight (lbs / oz)
	Helmet Alone	Total w/ Carbon Steel Facemask	Total w/ Stainless Steel Facemask	Total w/ Titanium Facemask
Schutt ION4D Adult	3lbs, 6oz	4lbs, 8oz	—	4lbs, 1oz
Schutt Vengeance	3lbs, 8oz	4lbs, 10oz	—	4lbs, 1oz
Schutt AiR XP Adult	2lbs, 13oz	3lbs, 15oz	3lbs, 13oz	3lbs, 5oz
Schutt DNA Pro + Adult	3lbs, 2oz	4lbs, 6oz	—	3lbs, 12oz
Schutt AiR XP Elite	3lbs, 2oz	4lbs, 4oz	4lbs, 2oz	3lbs, 10oz
Schutt DNA Pro + Elite	3lbs, 5oz	4lbs, 9oz	4lbs, 10oz	3lbs, 15oz
Schutt DNA Pro + w/ Titanium Facemask	3lbs, 8oz	—	—	3lbs, 8 oz
Schutt AiR Varsity Commander	3lbs, 6oz	4lbs, 11oz	—	—

Schutt ION4D Youth	3lbs, 6oz	4lbs, 8oz	—	4lbs, 1oz
Schutt AiR XP Youth	2lbs, 11oz	3lbs, 13oz	3lbs, 11oz	3lbs, 3oz
Schutt DNA Pro + Youth	2lbs, 15oz	4lbs, 1oz	—	—
Schutt Recruit Hybrid	2lbs, 11oz	3lbs, 10oz	—	—
Schutt Recruit Hybrid +	2lbs, 11oz	3lbs, 10oz	—	—
Schutt XP Hybrid	2lbs, 8oz	3lbs, 7oz	—	—
Schutt XP Hybrid +	2lbs, 8oz	3lbs, 7oz	—	—
Schutt Air Standard II	3lbs, 10oz	—	—	—
AiR Youth	2lbs, 9oz	3lbs, 1oz	—	—

Helmets Shipped With Attached facemask:

Helmet	Weight (lbs / oz)
	Helmet w / Attached Facemask
AiR Team Youth	2lbs, 9oz
Riddell 360 Adult	4lbs, 8oz
Riddell Revolution Speed (Revo Speed)	4lbs, 2oz
Riddell Revolution	4lbs, 4oz
Riddell 360 Youth	4lbs, 6oz
Riddell Revo Speed Youth	3lbs, 12oz
Riddell Revolution Edge	3lbs, 14oz
Riddell Revolution Attack	3lbs, 4oz
Riddell Revolution Youth	3lbs, 14oz
Rawlings Quantum Adult	4lbs, 7oz
Rawlings Quantum Youth	4lbs, 2oz
Rawlings Momentum	3lbs, 13oz

By Brandon Porter.Brandon is a product specialist at Sports Unlimited.

Today’s Best Football Helmets: Riddell 360 vs. Schutt Vengeance

Compare the design and features of the Riddell 360 and Schutt Vengeance football helmets, to decide which is the best football helmet today!

A lot of people have been asking, lately, what is the best football helmet; the Riddell 360 or the Schutt Vengeance, and I’ve found it a really tough question to answer!

Both of these helmets are the absolute pinnacle of performance and protection, from two companies at the top of their game. Schutt and Riddell have spent decades dominating the football equipment industry, and each of their next-generation football helmets are the end result of vast experience, endless experimentation, advanced research and development, and countless hours of on-field testing and hit-analysis. They both not only protect the player better, but with the latest facemask and shell designs, create a more aggressive look than ever before. And while it’s hard to say which the best football helmet is, what I can say is that both are really impressive!

To give you a better idea of what each football helmet offers, and help you decide which the best football helmet is for you, we’ll delve deep into each new helmet, investigate their advanced features and technologies, and review their designs. So without further ado, I give you the Schutt Vengeance vs Riddell 360:

Riddell 360

In a Nut Shell:

After analyzing over 1.4 million helmet collisions with their HITS impact-severity recording devices, Riddell concluded that many of the impacts that result in concussions are caused by massive forces to the front of the head. So with major re-designs and improvements to the traditional helmet, the 360 utilizes new features and technologies to not only protect the entire head, but shifts the focus of protection to the front of the helmet and the jaw area.

Most Interesting New Features:

Flex Impact System: To improve frontal protection, Riddell’s new Flex Face Guard, combined with new facemask hinge clips, absorbs more impact force, reducing the shock felt by the player and the force transferred to his head.

Enhanced Facial Frame: Expanded to protect more of the front and jaw areas, Riddell improved the face frame of the polycarbonate shell, reducing impact force from side hits.

Hexagonal Liner System: One of the most noticeable new features of the 360, the unique hexagonal helmet liner not only looks cool, but is made of energy-managing foam that absorbs more impact force, while improving and securing helmet fit, and delivering comfort and stability to the helmet. This liner is extended around the sides of the football helmet and the jaw areas, adding even more protection to the front of the head.

Occipital Lock: Placed in the back base of the helmet, this new feature cradles the back of the head, creating a more secure fit, and improving comfort and helmet stability. It also helps protect the head in the case of backward falls and tackles.

All-Points Quick Release Facemask System: You saw the Quick-Release face guard system in the Revo Speed. Now the 360 steps it up a notch, giving you quick-releases at each of the four facemask attachment points, letting you remove the new facemask faster and more easily than ever before.

Our Impressions:

This is a serious helmet for serious players. If you liked the Revo Speed, you are going to love the 360. It is definitely heavier than the Revo Speed, but the new liner and frontal protection, along with the lightweight facemask make up for the added weight. It delivers a stiffer, more secure fit inside as well, so you’ll feel almost indestructible. The increased shell offset and more aggressive shell detailing are really impressive too, and give you a great look on the field. Because of its price and weight, I’d suggest it to high school, college, and pro-level players, although it also comes in a lighter-weight youth 360 version, which is great for really serious younger, middle school players.

Schutt Vengeance

In A Nut Shell:

Three words; Dual Compression TPU! Years of clinical and on-field research showed that football concussions can result from consistent low-impact collisions, as well as less-frequent high-impact, violent collisions. So Schutt went about improving the popular TPU cushioning system, found in the ION 4D and DNA, to protect the player from both levels of impact force. DCT adds a second layer of less-dense TPU, on top of the traditional stiff TPU cushioning, designed to protect you from both the typical, low-impact hits, and the infrequent hard, high-force collisions, changing helmet protection forever!

Most Interesting New Features:

Two-Layer TPU: An outer layer of stiffer, harder TPU cushioning, and an inner layer of softer, less-dense TPU, protects the player from every type of impact on the field. TPU never compresses, cannot be cracked, won’t break down, and resists heat, mold, mildew, and bacteria.

Mechanically Attached Padding: Different than any football helmet before it, the Vengeance TPU cushioning system is now attached directly to the helmet shell with screws instead of Velcro. These mechanical attachments stabilize the TPU cushioning and keep it exactly where it needs to be, even after hard hits.

Aggressive Mohawk Shell: With the largest shell offset of any Schutt football helmet, the Vengeance packs more Dual Compression TPU in, for enhanced protection without a significant weight or profile increase. The aggressive shell also features a new Flexural Resistant Shelf, which makes for a stronger, more impact-resistant back-of-the-head.

New Vengeance Facemask: In a radical move, Schutt completely re-designed the traditional football facemask, creating one of the most innovative, high-performing, and aggressive-looking facemasks ever seen. Its larger offset, flexible design and arched brow take the place of the popular Energy Wedge system, and absorb even more impact force than before, while also providing an incredibly wide field of view. Also, by not using the energy wedges, Schutt lets you use existing DNA and XP XL facemasks on the Vengeance as well as the specially designed face guards.

Fit Liner System: High-impact foam inside the football helmet’s liner increases impact protection to the front and crown, helping to improve force-absorption in critical and vulnerable hitting areas.

Our Impressions:

The Vengeance is a bold, aggressive, and unique looking helmet, that delivers inside and out. The new two-layer TPU is incredibly cool and seems to really absorb a wide variety of impact forces, while the new liner and foam system cradle the head and feels secure and comfortable. The new facemask takes some getting used to, but it looks sick, definitely absorbs more force, and gives you crisp and wide field visibility. Overall, it’s a heavier helmet, but with the aggressive new look and vastly improved protection features, absolutely perfect for upper-end high school, college, and pro players.

There you have it, my review of the top two helmets in football today. I hope this has helped you gain a greater understanding of what these helmets have to offer, and maybe answered the question for you, which is the best football helmet.

By Brandon Porter.Brandon is a product specialist at Sports Unlimited.

How to Buy a Facemask: A Football Video Buying Guide

Find the perfect football facemask for your football helmet, your game, and your budget! Watch this football video guide to learn what to look for in a new facemask, and find the best football facemask for you, in no time!

The best football helmet is nothing without equally great football facemasks. They protect your face from impact and the hands of other players, reducing injury and the likelihood of concussion. But they can also give the opposition more to grab onto, and can be the heaviest part of the helmet, weighing you down and holding you back. That’s why it’s so important to get the right facemask for your helmet, and your game! But with such a wide selection, and so many options out there, finding the best football facemasks can be tough, and confusing!

To guide you through the jungle of football gear, and help narrow your decision down to the perfect football face guard, we at Sports Unlimited put together this short instructional video. Follow along with Doug as he explains the best way to weed through our vast selection of football facemasks, including the latest custom football facemasks like the Big Grill (similar to the Justin Tuck facemask) and the Big Grill 2.0 like you’ve seen on Ray Lewis, to find the one that’s perfect for your helmet, your game, your skill level, and your budget! And for even more information, check out our latest football facemask buyers guide at SportsUnlimited.com!

By Brandon Porter.

Brandon is a product specialist at Sports Unlimited.