You may think cauliflower ear looks cool or is just par for the course for a wrestler, however, it can be very painful and even lead to long term hearing problems later in life.
It’s vitally important to wear headgear to prevent pain and long-term damages. Wrestling is a great sport that it very popular more people of all ages to gain skills and discipline.
Part of the reason for that is because it is divided up into weight classes so most everyone can enjoy it on an equal basis.
Although many people that partake in wrestling are in good shape and very tough, they still need to wear a few pieces of protective equipment. One of the most important of which is headgear.
In this article, we will take a look at the key characteristics of headgear to concentrate on when looking to purchase it and we will also review some of the best wrestling headgear that is out there in the sports marketplace.
Why does anyone who wrestles need good headgear? The reason for that is it keeps some very vital parts of your head covered so they cannot be easily injured during a wrestling match.
Although there are rules in place for intentionally striking an opponent’s head during a wrestling match, it does not stop all the incidental contact that typically takes place during a wrestling match.
That is why wrestling headgear is such an important piece of equipment.
Headgear Buying Guide
Here are the most important characteristics of wrestling headgear that must be considered when you are looking to buy this vital piece of wrestling equipment:
Price
Wrestling headgear is not something that most people would consider expensive; although there are models that do run upwards of $50.
It is also a product where its price tends to be inductive of its quality and the thought that went into its design. That is not to say you can’t find some good deals out there on wrestling headgear in the sports marketplace.
Given the fact that even the most expensive wrestling headgear is not highly-priced and the importance you should place on you or your child’s safety, it is best to simply shop for wrestling headgear by how safe it keeps you or your child.
It’s also important to consider how comfortable it is during a match.
Safety
Wrestling headgear most often concentrates on protecting the ears against cauliflower ear.
This is an area where accidental blows can be very painful and alter the course of a match and people who wrestle also tend to develop a condition called ‘cauliflower ear’ which good headgear helps prevent.
Some headgear will even offer slight padding to other vulnerable areas of the head.
So be aware of the safety features of any headgear that you are thinking about purchasing and make sure it meets you are your child’s needs in that area.
Adjustability/Fit
We just talked about the important safety aspect that any headgear you purchase has to have. Well, to be frank, it does not matter what safety features a piece of wrestling headgear has if it does not fit correctly or is too loose.
It has to be able to fit tight but also be comfortable to wear.
Adjustability is a key component of this. Almost all wrestling headgear is adjustable but the degrees of adjustability varies greatly between different models.
So if you are looking at a one size fits all headgear, then make sure it is as adjustable as possible.
A word of caution if you are buying headgear for your youth wrestler; look for youth-specific headgear for them and don’t get adult headgear for them that you have to make many adjustments to in order for it to fit.
Style
As you will see when you get to our wrestling headgear review list there are many different styles of headgear in the marketplace.
If you are shopping for headgear in a store then try on as many as possible to see which one you or your youth wrestler like.
When shopping online always purchase wrestling gear that you can return if you don’t like it and try it on immediately upon receiving it.
Some manufacturers even add a touch of styling to their headgear that helps you look better when in your wrestling uniform.
Texture
Wrestling headgear can be made out of several different materials. It can be more rigid, soft or even have such features as gel inserts for padding and comfort.
Personal preference combined with the other considerations above is the only way to decide which is best for you.
Ventilation
There is no getting around it; you or your youth wrestler will sweat heavily when on the mat during a match or during practice. That is why you want any headgear you by to have proper ventilation.
That will go a long way toward keeping you dry and keeping you comfortable as you wrestle.
Best Wrestling Headgear Reviews
We looked at many different wrestling headgear models and this is what we feel are the best ones we looked at:
1. Cliff Keen Custom Signature Headgear
![Cliff Keen Custom Signature Headgear - Navy/Scarlet [Misc.]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Bbveu7WjL.jpg "Cliff Keen Custom Signature Headgear - Navy/Scarlet [Misc.]")
Get used to hearing this name as you read on in our list of top wrestling headgear. Longtime wrestling coach Cliff Keen is no longer with us but as part of his legacy, he introduced the world to wrestling headgear.
His company’s products still include some of the bestselling headgear every year.
This model headgear has the same basic, successful design that the company has made for over 50 years now. It has patented foam earpieces that offer great ear protection from cauliflower ear and more.
The straps on this model headgear are fully adjustable too so it will fit most everyone snuggly once it has been adjusted.
Another nice feature of this headgear is that it comes in a variety of different colors so everyone can find one that goes with his or her uniform.
Pros
- Excellent ear protection
- Very lightweight foam
- All-time bestseller
Cons
- Pricey
- No bonus protection
- Extremely basic styling
2. Tornado Headgear by Cliff Keen
Only three items into our best wrestling headgear countdown and we are three for three with Cliff keen products.
You are probably starting to know that it is hard to go wrong purchasing a Cliff Keen headgear product for you or your youth wrestler. This product is as good as any of them.
This is a little bit different design for them because it does not use the sift earpieces they are famous for, but these still offer both excellent ear protection and improved hearing.
The straps on this model headgear are made to adjust quickly for an ultra-snug fit.
They are also a very well-ventilated headgear product and the material they are made of resists bacteria buildup and it’s very durable as well.
Pros
- A snug fit in seconds
- Cool and lightweight design
- Promotes good hearing
Cons
- The double strap system is bothersome to some
- Bulky
- Not as soft around the ears
3. Cliff Keen Youth Tornado Wrestling Headgear
The design folks at Cliff keen have not forgotten about the special needs of youth wrestlers either. That shows up very clearly in the design of this excellent youth headgear. They simply offer a lot to the youth wrestlers that wear them.
It all starts with a design that offers the most ear protection possible. The earpieces on this model headgear are made of soft foam that goes against the wearer’s head and a soft plastic outer ear covering for advanced ear protection.
This headgear provides not only good protection but it is lightweight and well ventilated.
These are good looking wrestling headgear products too. They come in a variety of cool colors and are slightly translucent in the earpiece.
Pros
- Excellent ear protection
- Covers a very large area of the side of the head
- Fully adjustable
Cons
- A little pricey
- Run a little small
- Extremely basic styling
4. adidas Wrestling Response Ear Guard
There are very few models of wrestling headgear that can compete with Cliff Keen models but this one from Adidas is definitely an exception.
It has a lot of great features built into it and it does a great job of protecting those wrestlers that choose to wear it.
Adidas is one of the largest sports gear companies in the world and makes other high-quality wrestling equipment such as knee pads and wrestling shoes.
We feel this is a simple yet very effective headgear design that Adidas has come up with. It features very soft and comfortable ear protection. It fits very snug once all the adjustments have been made by those that wear it.
It is also a very stylish looking piece of headgear that has very durable straps and is designed so it is well ventilated too.
Pros
- Excellent ear protection
- Cool and lightweight design
- Extra soft padding
Cons
- Chinstrap system is bothersome to some
- Many straps to adjust
- No bonus protection
5. Cliff Keen E58 Headgear
By now you are probably not surprised when a headgear model that is made by the Cliff Keen Company shows up on our list. Here is another very good headgear product that they make.
It will do a nice job of protecting any wrestler that has it placed securely on their head.
This headgear features very soft padding that covers the ears and a generous area around it too. It is loaded with many straps that are fully adjustable too. You will find few pieces of headgear that will fit this snuggly once it has been adjusted.
This is a very basic piece of headgear that does not offer much in style but it makes up for it by being offered in a very large variety of colors.
Pros
- Excellent ear protection
- Covers a very large area of the side of the head
- Fully adjustable
Cons
- Bulky for some
- Under chin strap can be bothersome
- Extremely basic styling
6. Geyi Wrestling Headgear- Jacob Wrestled God
Geyi brings us a unique and creative hear guard that truly makes a statement. If you don’t like any attention and would rather keep to yourself, then this earguard may not be for you.
From Biblical references to patriotic themes and “Don’t Tread on Me“ logos, the Geyi ear guards offer an extra dimension to your wrestling gear.
That being said, it’s no slouch on performance. With Adjustable TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) straps, and injection-molded internal ear cup, the basics are covered in a more-than-adequate way.
There’s a comfortable soft foam around your ear and of course the chin strap is included.
If you’re looking to make a statement, or even just add a bit of personality to your style, this is one series of ear guards you’ll want to check out. HERE’s the whole series on Amazon.
Pros
- Excellent ear protection
- Covers a very large area of the side of the head
- Fits snuggly once adjusted
Cons
- A little pricey
- Bulky for some kids
- Extremely basic styling
7. ASICS Unisex Gel Wrestling Ear Guard
Asics make their first appearance on our review list and they do it with a very nice headgear product. This is a very unique design to say the least as incorporates gel inserts into its protection scheme.
Gel inserts work well because they are comfortable and do a good job of keeping the ears safe.
There are other features we really like about this headgear that make it nice too. It has a very secure strap system that helps keep the headgear firmly in place as you wrestle with it on.
This headgear product also adjusts very easily for the individual that will wear it.
It has basic styling but Asics does offer it in a few different colors so it can go with many different wrestling uniforms.
Pros
- Excellent ear protection
- Cool and lightweight design
- Extra soft padding
Cons
- Chinstrap system is bothersome to some
- Many straps to adjust
- No bonus protection
8. ASICS Conquest Ear Guard
Here is another really well-designed piece of Asics wrestling headgear. This one is full of features that make it very effective at keeping the ears safe.
It is larger size headgear that not only protects the ears but a good portion of the side of the head also.
We really liked the adjustability of this product so it can be made to fit snuggly. It moves very little if at all even under the most extreme wrestling conditions.
This many straps might be bothersome to a person but they do a great job of keeping this headgear in place.
This is also one of the more stylish looking pieces of wrestling headgear on our list. It comes in a variety of different colors too.
Pros
- Excellent ear protection
- Covers a very large area of the side of the head
- Fully adjustable
Cons
- Many straps to adjust
- Bulky for some
- Chinstrap can be bothersome
9. Matman ULTRA YOUTH Wrestling EAR GUARD
Matman has added a nice piece of headgear to our list that is aimed solely at the younger wrestling market. It offers any youth wrestler that wears it ideal protection.
You will feel your child is very safe when wearing this fine piece of wrestling equipment.
It offers the youth wrestler that has it in protection not only over the ears but over a large area of the side of the head also. It even offers a little protection for your child’s forehead too.
There are not a lot of adjustments to make for those kids that wear this headgear and it also features a comfortable under the chin strap too. It’s available in a very large selection of vibrant colors too.
Pros
- Excellent ear protection
- Covers a very large area of the side of the head
- Highly adjustable
Cons
- Could fit more snuggly
- Bulky for some kids
- Extremely basic styling
10. ASICS Unisex Old School
This is a piece of headgear that is made in the same vein as the number one piece of headgear on our list. It comes up short but it is still a very good wrestling headgear. It is also much cheaper than the number one model on our list.
Nonetheless, it does offer very good ear protection and includes other good features as well. The soft ear padding does a great job of protecting the ears of whoever wears it and the strap system keeps it snug on the wearer’s head too.
It is a well-vented wrestling headgear that also is available in a few different colors. This is not a bad design at all it’s just not on par with the Cliff Keen Custom Signature Headgear.
Pros
- Excellent ear protection
- Very lightweight foam
- All-time bestseller
Cons
- Too many straps for some
- No bonus protection
- Extremely basic styling
11. Grapplearts Minimum Profile Ear Guard for BJJ and Wrestling
Here is another fine piece of wrestling headgear that can also be used by those who like to partake in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It does a great job of protecting the ears yet is still very light in weight while doing it.
You will have a lot of confidence in your safety when wearing it.
What did we like about it? For one thing, it does not need a lot of strapping across the top of the head. Some people will really like this feature.
It also very well vented and you can easily hear commands that are shouted at you from your coach too.
The part of this headgear that contacts the skin is made of a very soft material that even has anti-microbial properties. It’s also a piece of headgear that has a removable chin pad and includes Velcro straps that help to adjust it.
Pros
- Excellent ear protection
- Covers a very large area of the side of the head too
- Fits snuggly once adjusted
Cons
- A little pricey
- Bulky for some
- Extremely basic styling
Conclusion & Recommendations
Because wrestling is such a popular sport there really are many choices when it comes to the different models of headgear you can buy. Make sure you keep in mind the points we made in the buying guide when shopping for them.
If you are shopping for headgear for your youth wrestler, then you can never go wrong with products such as the Cliff Keen Youth Tornado Wrestling Headgear.
For adult wrestlers, we highly recommend the Cliff Keen F3 Twister Wrestling Headgear.
As we mentioned before, it is well worth getting wrestling headgear for you or your youth wrestler that is a little more money if it offers you better ear protection.
Take your time when shopping too so you get the best wrestling headgear for you or your youth wrestler’s needs.