What football helmet has the best field of vision?

Football helmet safety is something you hear about all the time. Everyone wants the latest, lightest and safest helmet, but sometimes there are other factors consider.

One of these factors was brought to our attention by blog reader “aundrew” who asked, “i really need help on deciding which is better for a wide receiver. which one has more VISION the revo 360 or revo speed?”

Field of vision isn’t something that’s often stressed in helmets. But why not? Quarterbacks need to see to survey the field to find receivers and use their peripheral vision to avoid pass rushers. For wide receivers and defensive backs, the more they can see of the field, the better jump they can get on a ball. Sight lines are important at any position.

A big factor to consider is facemasks, but judging on helmets alone there are some noticeable differences from one to the next.

We went inside the football helmets to compare the view and make our picks based strictly on field of vision. A few hours of wearing and comparing helmets, countless odd looks from co-workers and one sore neck later, here are the results.

1. RIDDELL REVO SPEED

The vertical vision is so great in the Revo Speed  that you’ll have no problem noticing your friends in the top row and your coach on the sideline in the same view. The height of the field of vision is what sticks out most about the helmet and makes it our number one choice. Wearing this helmet is akin to wearing a baseball hat backward. From a peripheral vision standpoint, the sides of the Revo Speed aren’t noticeable when staring straight ahead and can barely be seen when your eyes are looking to either side. What really helps this is the V-shaped cut out on the side of the shell, making it seem like Riddell was looking ahead – or to the side – with the design of the Revo Speed.

2. SCHUTT VENGEANCE DCT

Schutt is all about the technology, but the Vengeance doesn’t skimp when it comes to viewing space. A wide open design is only slightly hindered by the amount of TPU cushioning (never a bad thing) that can be spotted at the top of the field of view. The deeper set jaw pads on this helmet cover a lower area, but are offset in a way that doesn’t block your vision when looking down and to the sides.

3. SCHUTT DNA PRO+

The DNA Pro+ has a field of vision nearly identical to the Vengeance DCT, just slightly more boxed in. The actual opening of the mask is just larger than the Revo Speed, but the curvature of the side of helmet obstructs the vision slightly. Like the DCT Hybrid, the TPU cushioning in the front of the helmet is slightly visible. Both Schutt models feel like you’re inside a helmet looking out, meaning you can definitely feel and see the safety and padding.

4. RIDDELL 360

A heavily padded helmet, the Riddell 360 doesn’t match the openness of the Revo Speed. The helmet sticks out further from your forehead and that padding is noticeable at the top of the field of view. On the bottom, the black jaw pads are a bit of a distraction and can easily be seen when looking to either side. While the 360 has the same V-cut of the Revo Speed, the padding overlaps the cut out on the side, slightly hindering the peripheral.

5. SCHUTT AiR XP PRO

The most limited of the group, the AiR XP Pro still offers plenty of viewing space. The shell seems to sit lower on the head, and the further down you pull on it, the more obstructed the top of your vision becomes. The bottom of the helmet where the jaw pads sit is fairly visible when looking to either side.

Remember, there are many factors to consider when buying a helmet and a facemask can make a huge difference. This is only a look at what to expect when taking into account the field of vision looking out of a helmet with a standard facemask.

By Lou Rusnock Lou is a writer at Sports Unlimited.