Football is a full-contact sport where the gameplay is zany and unpredictable. Injuries are common, but following safety protocols is necessary to minimize the risk as much as possible. This is especially crucial for youth players still learning the ins and outs of the game.
A helmet is required to play tackle football at all levels, but a visor isn’t. Still, a visor offers extra protection and other benefits that can enhance your child’s performance. However, there are a few things to consider to help them choose the right one.
Although many players prefer not to use a visor on their helmet since they feel it compromises their vision, it increases eye protection. It also significantly decreases the risk of a “face mask,” which is when an opposing player grabs the caged part of a player’s helmet and yanks it. This is dangerous and can result in injury, but a visor makes it less likely to occur.
Wearing a visor can feel cumbersome for some players, but for others, it gives them an extra layer of safety they can use to play with increased confidence. Some players who use visors naturally worry less about accidental pokes and hits to the face, letting them focus more on their performance.
Tinted visors can be helpful for pass-catchers and defensive backs who may have difficulty seeing the ball in the air because of strong sunlight. Although initially wearing a tinted visor may feel unnatural, it’s excellent for players with light sensitivities who tend to lose sight of the ball.
A tinted visor can help players catch more balls in sunny weather, but they aren’t allowed at the high school level due to safety concerns over not being able to see a player’s eyes if they get injured.
Clear visors are permitted at all levels and offer the most clarity for players who aren’t affected by sunlight. They’re usually more affordable than tinted visors and great for playing in low-light conditions and wet weather.
There are two primary football visor shapes: two-pronged and three-pronged.
Visors provide excellent eye protection but should also give players maximum visibility. Scratches and fog can impair a player’s vision to some degree, so getting a visor with an anti-scratch and anti-fog coating is important.
Afternoon football means there’s likely to be plenty of direct sunlight shining on a player’s face. UVA and UVB rays can wreak havoc on a player’s skin and cause painful sunburns. However, some visors offer 100% protection from harmful UV rays and let players focus on their performance without experiencing any discomfort from the sun.
A. All visors come with installation instructions, but they’re relatively easy to attach to a helmet. A visor should have small clips on the sides, and once it’s secured onto a helmet, it shouldn’t shift around during gameplay.
A. No, visors are strictly protective shields. For players who need enhanced vision while playing, it’s best to consider getting prescription sports goggles.
Nike Youth Vaporjet Clear Football Eye Shield
This visor has Max Optics technology, which reduces blind spots and offers improved clarity. It also provides 100% UV protection. The clip-on design makes it easy to attach and detach, and it fits most standard youth football helmets.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Under Armour Youth Clear Football Visor
This clear visor is perfect for high school players and can withstand high-impact shocks from opposing players’ hands and feet. It offers UV protection and excellent clarity, and it has an anti-fog and anti-scratch coating.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Nike Youth Gridiron Football Eyeshield 2.0
This visor is made with 100% durable polycarbonate and provides excellent protection. It has a beveled edge for reducing glare, and the hinges have a shock-absorbing mechanism for additional impact protection.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
This youth league-approved visor has an anti-scratch coating for added protection and is effective at blocking out sunlight. It comes in seven color tints and has two universal clips, making it suitable for youth and men’s helmets.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Unique Sports Youth Clear View Football Visor
Look no further if you’re looking for a clear-colored visor offering excellent clarity and durability. The anti-scratch coating minimizes distractions, and the wrapped lens design eliminates blind spots, giving optimal clarity on the field.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
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Kevin Luna writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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