Whether you’re gearing up your son for his first youth football practice or you’re a pro seeking an upgrade, choosing the right helmet matters. Guardian’s guide breaks down helmet ratings, cost-effective options and how Guardian Caps can deliver added protection where it counts.

Guardian Caps + Guardian Cap Optional Helmets

The NFL has released its 2024 concussion data, showing the lowest number of reported concussions since tracking began in 2015. A total of 182 concussions occurred during practices and games across both the preseason and regular season. Reflecting a 17% decline compared to 2023. Guardian Caps were part of this season’s protective gear, contributing to this notable reduction.

“I think we can say with a high degree of confidence that the use of Guardian Caps plus the Guardian Cap-optional helmets has certainly provided a sustained reduction in the number of concussions that we’re seeing in that preseason practice environment.”

Since the 2025 Training Camp began, we have seen many NFL players using Guardian Caps in addition to their Guardian Cap Optional helmets. We are excited to see players prioritizing player safety and utilizing all of the tools to ensure longevity.

Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings

Virginia Tech’s annual helmet ratings evaluate over 30 different youth and varsity football helmets using the STAR testing system, reflecting the helmet’s ability to reduce the risk of concussion. Helmets with higher star ratings demonstrate greater effectiveness in reducing both linear and rotational head acceleration.

Each helmet is tested through a series of impact scenarios that replicate real football collisions and helmet-to-helmet contact. The front, front boss, side and back of the helmet are tested at low, medium and high impact energies using a pendulum.

Virginia Tech researchers measure how hard the head is hit in each test and use that to estimate the risk of a concussion. Each type of hit is given a different level of importance and then added up to get one final score. This score helps predict how many concussions a typical player might get if they took those same kinds of hits while playing football.

Certor, the parent company of Schutt and VICIS, and Guardian Sports are partners in protection. The VICIS Zero2 Trench, VICIS Zero2, Schutt F7 LTD and Schutt F7 2.0 are all featured within Virginia Tech’s Top 10 helmets – all receiving 5 stars.

Cost Conscious Helmet Purchasing

Top rating helmets can be expensive, costing upwards of $1,000. If you’re looking to make a cost-conscious helmet purchase but want to better protect the head from impact, Guardian Caps have got you covered – literally.

The Guardian Cap is a leading, impact reducing soft-shell helmet cover engineered, tested and trusted by experts.

Guardian Cap Testing

With the expanding adoption of Guardian Caps across youth, college and professional football organizations, Virginia Tech conducted research to validate their success in reducing the risk of head injuries.

Using the same testing methods applied to the varsity lineup, Virginia Tech found that helmet add-ons reduced linear acceleration by 3–8% and rotational acceleration by 5–14%, resulting in an overall concussion risk reduction of 15–34%.

No matter which helmet you choose, adding a Guardian Cap is a smart move. It’s a proven way to enhance protection, reduce impact and help keep players safer — at every level of the game.

Dare to Be Unrivaled.