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How do I find the right football helmet size?

Football helmet sizing — Riddell SpeedFlex, Axiom, Speed Icon, Victor-I youth, Schutt F7 VTD, head circumference, measure head, size chart, helmet fit guide, between sizes, what comes in the box

Written by Reyrr Athletics

Getting the right helmet size is critical for both safety and comfort. All football helmets are sized by head circumference. Here is how to measure, and how to find your size across every helmet we sell.

How to measure your head

  1. Use a soft fabric measuring tape (not a metal one)

  2. Wrap it around your head about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above your eyebrows, across the widest part of your head

  3. Keep the tape level and snug, but not tight

  4. Note the measurement in both centimeters and inches

💡 Tip: If you do not have a measuring tape, use a string and then measure the string against a ruler. Measure twice to be sure.

Riddell SpeedFlex (Adult)

  • S: Up to 52 cm (20⅜")

  • M: 52–56 cm (20⅜"–22")

  • L: 56–60 cm (22"–23½")

  • XL: 60 cm+ (23½"+)

In the box: Soft cup chinstrap, inflatable custom fit liner, standard 1" jaw pads. Facemask sold separately. Inflation pump sold separately.

Riddell SpeedFlex Youth

Riddell uses one size chart for the whole SpeedFlex platform, so a Youth M fits the same head as an adult M. The size does not change between them. The shell and the certification level do.

  • S: Up to 52 cm (20⅜")

  • M: 52–56 cm (20⅜"–22")

  • L: 56–60 cm (22"–23½")

  • XL: 60 cm+ (23½"+)

We stock M and L.

⚠️ No inflatable crown pad. If the SpeedFlex Youth sits too low on the head, go down a size rather than trying to raise it. There is nothing to inflate. Crown pads can be added later as an upgrade.

In the box: Cam-Loc retention system, Strap-Loc, quick change liner, 4-point air fit liner. Facemask and inflation pump sold separately.

Adult or Youth? Choose by level, not by head size

  • SpeedFlex: senior and varsity. Polycarbonate alloy shell, inflatable crown pad, 5 year shell warranty.

  • SpeedFlex Youth: youth and junior high. ABS shell, no crown pad as standard, 3 year shell warranty.

A senior player with a 57 cm head takes the adult L, not the Youth L, even though both fit. Youth helmets are certified against a youth standard tested at lower impact energies, because youth players collide with less force.

Riddell Axiom (Adult)

The Axiom uses Riddell's Tru-Fit system with cap sizes (hat sizes), not the standard S/M/L/XL system. For the most accurate fit, use the Verifyt™ app to scan your head. You can also measure your head circumference and match it to the chart below.

  • Cap 6¾ (S): ~54 cm (21½")

  • Cap 7 (M): ~56 cm (22¼")

  • Cap 7¼ (L): ~57–58 cm (22⅝"–23")

  • Cap 7½ (XL): ~59–60 cm (23⅜"–23¾")

  • Cap 7¾ (2XL): ~61–62 cm (24"–24½")

  • Cap 8 (3XL): ~63–64 cm (25"–25½")

In the box: Cam-Loc retention system, All-Points Quick Release, factory-installed optically correct visor, InSite Smart Helmet technology (impact tracking), Tru-Fit comfort liner. Facemask included.

Riddell Speed Icon (Adult)

  • M: 52–56 cm (20⅜"–22")

  • L: 56–60 cm (22"–23½")

  • XL: 60 cm+ (23½"+)

Note: The Speed Icon is only available in M, L, and XL. No XS or S.

In the box: Mid-high soft cup chinstrap, NuBuck removable overliner, HS4 facemask clips. Facemask sold separately.

Riddell Victor-I (Youth)

  • 2XS/XS: 49–52 cm (19¼"–20⅝")

  • S/M: 53–56 cm (20¾"–22")

  • L/XL: 57–59.5 cm (22⅜"–23½")

In the box: Black leather chinstrap, inflatable jaw pads, removable overliner, soft chinstrap included. Facemask and inflation pump sold separately.

Schutt F7 VTD Collegiate (Adult)

  • S: 48–52 cm (19"–20½")

  • M: 52–56 cm (20½"–22")

  • L: 56–60 cm (22"–23½")

  • XL: 60–63.5 cm (23½"–25")

In the box: Elite hard cup chinstrap (black), carbon steel facemask guard, pre-installed Octo Pod configuration, inflatable Tektonic Plate padding. Inflation pump sold separately.

Between sizes?

  • Riddell SpeedFlex, SpeedFlex Youth and Speed Icon: start with the smaller size. This is Riddell's own instruction in the official platform fitting guides.

  • SpeedFlex Youth in particular: always the smaller size. There is no inflatable crown pad to lift the helmet if it sits too low.

  • Riddell Axiom: sized by cap size, so use the Verifyt scan rather than guessing. If you land between caps, contact us.

  • Riddell Victor-I: Riddell publishes no between-size rule for the Victor platform. Send us your measurement and we will advise.

  • Schutt helmets: choose the larger size, the inflatable padding system allows adjustment.

How a helmet should fit

  • The brim should sit 1 inch above your eyebrows (about two finger widths)

  • The helmet should sit level on your head, not tilted forward or back

  • It should feel snug without pressure points, with no gaps between your head and the padding

  • When you shake your head, the helmet should move with you, not slide around

  • Use jaw pads and the inflation system to fine-tune the fit after putting it on

⚠️ Important: A helmet that is too loose offers less protection. A helmet that is too tight creates pressure points and discomfort. Take the time to get the right size, it matters for your safety.

Not sure which helmet to choose?

If you need help deciding between models or finding the right size, contact us at info@reyrr.se or use our live chat. We are happy to help you find the right fit.


Browse our full helmet collection at reyrr.com/collections/helmets

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