What are the best American football equipment brands?

Helmets, pads, gloves — the gear that defines the game comes from brands with wildly different philosophies. From time-tested staples to cutting-edge newcomers, which brand earns your trust?

1. 1
   Riddell

   The most iconic American football helmet brand, founded in 1929, known for innovations like the SpeedFlex and its proprietary Ratchet-Loc chinstrap system used at every level of the game.
2. 2
   Schutt Sports

   A leading helmet and equipment manufacturer renowned for its F7 helmet with Tektonic Plate Technology and TPU cushioning that allow sections of the shell to move independently to reduce rotational forces.
3. 3
   VICIS

   A Seattle-based brand that produces helmets with a flexible outer shell that crumples on impact and rebounds, consistently earning top ratings in independent safety tests.
4. 4
   Xenith

   A pioneering helmet brand founded by a former Harvard quarterback, known for its Adaptive Head Protection system with air-cell shock absorbers.
5. 5
   Douglas Pads

   The go-to shoulder pad brand for elite collegiate players, worn by approximately 85% of Division I-A athletes and trusted for its position-specific designs and superior protection.
6. 6
   XTECH

   A premium shoulder pad brand favoured by professional players for its ultra-lightweight construction that delivers pro-level protection without sacrificing mobility.
7. 7
   Battle Sports

   A fast-growing brand specialising in football gloves, visors, and accessories, known for innovative sticky grip technology and bold designs popular at all levels.
8. 8
   Rawlings

   A storied American sports equipment brand with a long history in football shoulder pads and accessories alongside its flagship baseball equipment lines.
9. 9
   Nike

   A major presence in American football apparel and cleats, supplying uniforms to NFL teams and producing performance-focused gloves, cleats, and training gear.
10. 10
    Adidas

    A significant player in American football cleats and apparel, providing footwear and training gear worn by players at the college and professional level.
11. 11
    Under Armour

    A dominant American football apparel brand known for its heat-gear and cold-gear base layers, cleats, and gloves widely used from high school to the NFL.
12. 12
    Guardian Sports

    The makers of Guardian Caps, soft-shell helmet covers designed to reduce impact forces, now mandated for NFL practice use and rapidly adopted across youth and college football.