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?

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.

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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.

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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.

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Xenith

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

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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.

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XTECH

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

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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.

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Rawlings

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

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Nike

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

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Adidas

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

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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.

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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.

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