10 Best Boxing Headgear: Top 10 brands for sparring (2023)
Whether you’re a novice boxing athlete in the gym or a professional MMA fighter in the octagon, having the best headgear for hard sparring/training can make all the difference. In my experience, the best piece of training equipment you can own, besides your boxing gloves and mouth guard, is a good, solid piece of headgear. So, we’ve put together the TOP 10 Best Headgear below.
When I say “good headgear”, I know that can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. For me, the best headgear is light, sturdy, and built to last; with proper care, a good piece will last you a few years and save you a few concussions. Unfortunately, with MMA’s rising popularity, a lot of companies have decided to cash in and produce low-quality headgear.
To make sure you get the best pieces for the best prices, we’ve put together a list of the top ten pieces of boxing headgear, chosen by online reviews and testimonials.
Best Boxing Headgear – Our Top Picks
- Hayabusa T3 headgear (jump to review)
- Ringside Competition (jump to review)
- Title gel lava leather (jump to review)
- Cleto Reyes traditional with face bar (jump to review)
- Venum Elite iron headgear (jump to review)
- Ring to Cage Deluxe (jump to review)
- Winning FG-5000 (jump to review)
- Rival Intellishock (jump to review)
- Fairtex headgear (jump to review)
- RDX with removable facegrill (jump to review)
Detailed reviews of best boxing headgear
1. Hayabusa T3 Boxing Headgear
A little pricier than most, Hayabusa T3 may not be your first piece of headgear.
With a full-face design and solid double straps on the back, this piece is going to stay exactly where you strap it for as long as your match goes on, and good visibility and lightweight means you might just forget you’re wearing it. If you’re willing to pay the extra money, you’ll find that the Hayabusa T3 series is worth it.
Easily the best protection you can buy, the Ringside Master’s Competition Headgear is a great piece for hard-punching opponents. With a nice thick layer of padding that even extends to the nose (a rare trait for boxing headgear), you can take shots to the head all day and keep coming back for more.
Unfortunately, this kind of protection is a bit conditional. If you’re a brawler, this is the best piece you’ll ever own; if you like to work more conservatively, the limited peripheral vision could become a disadvantage. That being said, the Ringside Master’s Competition Headgear is still A-OK for the longest, toughest training you can put yourself through.
Light, sturdy, and wholly reliable, the Title Gel training headgear uses a combination of foam and a patented gel to reduce impact. All of these combine to make a piece of headgear that weighs just around ten ounces and, unlike Title’s Platinum training headgear, can be worn in ABA matches.
Where the Gel headgear falls short, however, is in the same vein as the previous model; it slides around on your head a bit, and it offers virtually no protection against a straight punch to the nose. If another headgear is just too heavy for you, the Title Gel model is exactly what you’re looking for.
This is one of the safest headgears on the market today. It provides fantastic protection without obstructing your vision. The punches to the head are absorbed and you feel more confident while walking into the ring. I have always loved handmade products and Cleto Reyes are known for their genuine leather hand made products. The adjustable chin strap is a thoughtful addition, it helps adjust the fit and stays on for the duration of the match. It also allows to accommodate for different head sizes.
- Optimal Visibility: The 3-point anatomical design provides excellent visibility, allowing users to react quickly and stay aware of their surroundings during combat and training.
- Quality Materials: Handmade in Mexico with genuine leather and latex foam padding.
- Adjustable Chin Strap.
- Price: Quality materials and craftsmanship often come at a higher price point, so this headgear may be on the more expensive side compared to budget options
For added protection, choose the Venum elite iron headgear, it is reinforced with a high-density foam. The elite iron headgear has been specially designed to ensure a proper fit. It consists of tightening laces on top and Velcro tightening at the back for a perfect fit. Comfortable, lightweight, strong and efficient: the elite iron headgear is the best headgear offered by the brand. The high-density foam for optimum shock absorption
Scored 9.5/10 on Sherdog Gear & Equipment forum reviews
An excellent headgear available on the market
The R2C Full Face headgear provides awesome visibility and complete protection of the face. GelTech lined protects from direct impact, GelTech padding help absorbing the shock and gives fully comfortability while wearing this headgear.
Excellent, top professional leather outer shell provides extended, long-term usage.
Winning FG-2900 covers everything you need in a piece of headgear. A nose-bar across the front, super-wide face holes for excellent peripheral vision, and some of the best cushioning you can buy means this headgear will last as long as you will.
15-ounce weight and sleek profile, won’t look or feel like it’s even there.
Although expensive, it will stop absolutely everything you throw at it.
Hook and loop adjustment in the back and lace top for added security
Heavy-duty nickel clad chin-strap buckle
Microfiber suede lining with d3o technology placed on the front and sides giving you added protection
Anatomical rear head pad for a perfect fit every time
Embroidered logos
Fairtex provides comprehensive coverage of the ear, cheek, and chin with increased padding on the forehead, cheek, and back strap while maintaining clear vision. Soft inside but hard outside with a special multi-layered high-density foam core.
Features an adjustable lace-up on top and an adjustable padded back hook and loop closure for a secure fit. As well as a curved chin protector and a windshield on the ear protector to simulate real competition.
Another cheaper option out there is this RDX head guard. They have created a bar guard to protect your nose along with a resilient foam shock-absorbing gel leather to give you fantastic protection all round and great durability. If you are only going to be sparring every now and again this is definitely a cheaper option you can consider getting.
Elevate your training with the RDX HGR-T1 Boxing MMA Muay Thai Headgear. Crafted from top-tier Maya Hide leather, this headgear is your ultimate companion for boxing, MMA, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai sessions. It ensures unmatched durability and resistance to tears, providing supreme protection without limiting your range of motion, so you can perform at your peak.
Prepare for any challenge with confidence. The polygonal fusion foam and sweat-absorbing dazzle fabric lining offer robust protection and comfort. Its ingenious design absorbs heavy blows, preventing them from reaching your face. The headgear's Quick-EZ hook-and-loop closure ensures a secure fit that won't budge, giving you a comfortable and efficient training experience.
Do not hold back during takedowns – RDX has you covered. The removable lightweight polymer face grill safeguards your facial features without compromising your vision. Feel the confidence to train rigorously, thanks to the Sponge-X Padding and Compressed Polygonal Fusion Foam. These advanced features guarantee that your head is shielded, allowing you to focus on perfecting your defensive and offensive techniques.
When it comes to head protection, RDX stands above the rest. Unleash your potential with this headgear that combines unparalleled durability, precision engineering, and maximum comfort. Train relentlessly and fearlessly, knowing that the RDX HGR-T1 is your steadfast partner in pushing your limits and achieving greatness in the ring.
- EVA Padding
- Tri-Slab Foam
- Removable PVC Grill
- Full-face Coverage
- Chin Strap
- Does not completely cover the back of the head which is vulnerable.
- Some people might find the PVC grill uncomfortable
While you’re deciding on boxing equipment, don’t forget to check our review on boxing shoes to go with your headgear and gloves.
Summary: The Best Boxing Headgear is
- Hayabusa T3 headgear (jump to review)
- Ringside Competition (jump to review)
- Title gel lava leather (jump to review)
- Cleto Reyes traditional with face bar (jump to review)
- Venum Elite iron headgear (jump to review)
- Ring to Cage Deluxe (jump to review)
- Winning FG-5000 (jump to review)
- Rival Intellishock (jump to review)
- Fairtex headgear (jump to review)
- RDX with removable facegrill (jump to review)
If you are looking for the best boxing headgear and don’t care about budget, go for the Winning FG. If budget is a concern, we recommend the Hayabusa T3 and the RDX with removable facegrill
What to check for in a good boxing Headgear?
Good-quality material
When it comes to determining the best material for boxing headgear, there’s very little debate on genuine leather being the best option and here’s why:
- Durability: Genuine leather is known for its exceptional durability, making it a reliable option for enduring the rigors of boxing training and sparring. It can withstand repeated impacts and remains resilient over time.
- Comfort and Fit: Leather tends to mold to the shape of the wearer’s head, offering a more personalized and comfortable fit with extended use. This ensures that the headgear stays securely in place during intense training sessions.
- Breathability: Leather has natural breathability properties, allowing air to circulate within the headgear. This helps in regulating temperature, reducing moisture buildup, and keeping the head cool and dry.
- Protection: Leather provides excellent protection against strikes and impact. It offers a good balance between firmness and flexibility, absorbing shocks effectively to minimize the risk of injuries.
That said, it’s important to note that high-quality synthetic leather (such as premium synthetic leathers like PU or synthetic blends) can also offer durability and performance comparable to genuine leather, while often being more affordable as this article focusses on some cheap boxing headgear options. Synthetic leather options can provide a balance between cost, durability, and functionality.
Breathable
Breathability is often an overlooked feature of headgears that people don’t test for while making buying decisions. In the long run, a good fitting breathable headgear will make it feel like it is part of your face and allow you to focus on your opponent without worrying about that suffocating feeling around your face that come with badly designed headgear. Here are some tips you can use to pick the best breathable yet cheap boxing headgear:
- Ventilation Design: Look for headgear that incorporates strategic ventilation features. This can include perforations, mesh panels, or air vents strategically placed in key areas like the forehead, sides, and back of the headgear. These features promote airflow, allowing heat to escape and fresh air to circulate, keeping you cool during intense training sessions.
- Lightweight Materials: Opt for headgear made from lightweight materials that promote airflow. Lightweight options tend to be less restrictive and allow for better ventilation. Materials such as breathable synthetic fabrics or lightweight foams can provide a balance between protection and breathability.
- Open-Top Design: Consider headgear with an open-top design or an open-face style. These designs allow for better air circulation and heat dissipation, as well as provide a greater field of vision. Open-top headgear can be beneficial in keeping your head cooler during intense training sessions.
- Proper Fit: Ensure that the headgear fits snugly and securely without being overly tight. A proper fit prevents excessive sweating and discomfort that can hinder breathability. Avoid headgear that is too loose or too tight, as it can affect airflow and ventilation.
Control of moisture
In the headgear’s warm, damp areas, bacteria and germs grow, causing damage and an unpleasant odor. Therefore, moisture protection is a crucial feature to have in headgear. Here are some things to look for in a headgear with good moisture control:
- Moisture-Wicking Materials: Look for headgear constructed with moisture-wicking materials, such as specialized fabrics or linings. These materials actively pull moisture away from your skin, helping to keep you dry and comfortable during intense training sessions. Moisture-wicking properties are particularly important for preventing excessive sweating and reducing the risk of bacterial buildup and unpleasant odors.
- Breathable Construction: Choose headgear with a breathable construction that allows for air circulation. Look for designs that incorporate ventilation features, such as mesh panels or strategically placed perforations. These elements promote airflow and aid in moisture evaporation, ensuring a cool and dry feel while training.
- Quick-Drying Properties: Seek headgear that dries quickly after being exposed to sweat or moisture. This feature helps to maintain comfort throughout your training sessions and prevents prolonged dampness that can lead to discomfort and skin irritation. Quick-drying materials or moisture-wicking technologies facilitate efficient evaporation, keeping the headgear in optimal condition.
- Anti-Microbial Treatment: Consider headgear that incorporates anti-microbial treatments or features. These additions inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, reducing the likelihood of unpleasant odors and maintaining hygienic conditions. Anti-microbial linings or treatments can be beneficial in keeping the headgear fresh and odor-free.
Good vision
When wearing headgear, you must be able to see the incoming strikes coming at you. Here are some tips to consider while purchasing a headgear that will not obstruct your vision.
- Open-Face Design: Opt for headgear that features an open-face design, allowing for unobstructed vision. This design provides a wide field of view, enabling you to see your opponent’s movements and react quickly during sparring or training sessions. Open-face headgear typically offers superior vision compared to full-face options.
- Proper Placement and Size: Ensure that the eye openings of the headgear align correctly with your eyes. The headgear should sit securely on your head without obstructing your line of sight. Avoid headgear that is too large or too small, as it can impede your vision and compromise your ability to react swiftly.
- Adjustable Fit: Opt for headgear that offers adjustable straps or closures. This allows you to customize the fit to ensure that the headgear stays in place during training, without obstructing your vision. Adjustable closures also provide the flexibility to accommodate different head sizes and shapes.
Correct fitting
The significance of a correct fit cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts your safety, performance, and overall training experience. A snug and secure fit ensures that the headgear stays in place during intense bouts, minimizing the risk of slipping or shifting. It provides vital stability, allowing you to maintain clear vision and unrestricted movement. Below I’ve noted some tests you can conduct while picking a headgear that is the best fit for you:
- Positioning: Put on the headgear and position it properly on your head. The headgear should cover your forehead, temples, and the sides of your head. The cheek protection should align with your cheekbones, and the chin strap should sit snugly under your chin.
- Secure Straps: Fasten all the straps securely. Adjust the hook-and-loop (Velcro) closures or buckle straps to achieve a snug fit without being too tight or restrictive. The straps should keep the headgear in place during movement and strikes without shifting or sliding.
- Stability Test: Shake your head gently from side to side and up and down. The headgear should remain stable and not slide or rotate excessively. A properly fitting headgear should stay securely in place, providing stability and minimizing the risk of vision obstruction or discomfort.
- Range of Motion: Perform various head movements, such as looking up, down, and side to side, as well as bending forward and backward. The headgear should not restrict your range of motion or cause discomfort. You should be able to move your head freely without feeling any pressure or limitations.
- Vision Check: Pay attention to your peripheral vision while wearing the headgear. Look around to ensure that the eye openings align correctly with your eyes and provide unobstructed vision. Your field of view should not be significantly restricted by the headgear, allowing you to maintain awareness of your surroundings.
- Comfort Assessment: Assess the overall comfort of the headgear. It should feel snug but not overly tight, and the padding should provide adequate cushioning without causing pressure points or discomfort. Check for any areas where the headgear may dig into your skin or cause irritation.
- Test during Movement: If possible, simulate movements similar to those performed during boxing or MMA training, such as shadowboxing or light sparring. This will give you a better sense of how the headgear performs during active training, ensuring that it stays in place and remains comfortable throughout.
If you are looking for headgears for MMA, please read our detailed review on some of the best
Best MMA Headgear: 2023 Review (boxingglovesreviews.com)
For BJJ headgear, read this post below.
Best BJJ headgear
For Budget friendly Boxing headgear, read this post below
Best Budget Friendly Boxing headgear
Frequently Asked Questions
Have any experience with these pieces, or have your own top ten boxing headgear? Let us know in the comments section.
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Looking to buy other boxing products, for boxing visit the following best list articles best boxing headgear, best boxing gloves overall, best boxing gloves for competition, best boxing shoes and best boxing shorts. We also have some great reviews written by experts for MMA & BJJ enthusiasts as well, best MMA gloves, best MMA headgear, best BJJ headgear, best BJJ accessories & best BJJ knee brace.
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For some of us that love good products without having to break the bank best boxing gloves under $100, best boxing shoes under $99, best boxing headgear under $50, best boxing bags under $50.
For brand related articles, check Best Hayabusa | Best Winning | Best Everlast | Best Cleto Reyes | Best RDX | Best Rival | Best Venum | Best Ring to Cage
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I have a question. What do you think/know about the Reyes model with the nosebar?
Thanks for the question Robin,
I personally don’t like any headgear that has the nosebar, as it really blocks my vision. Especially Cleto Reyes, their nosebar is really huge, so it not only blocks the vision, but also makes your head a bigger target, so you end up getting hit more than you normally would be getting if the nosebar wasn’t there. But It’s just me. I’m a small guy and like to move a lot, so I prefer compact, lightweight headgear that doesn’t restrict my movements. With that being said, CR with nosebar is good for a person who doesn’t move that much, as that headgear is really big, well padded and has a good protection.
I’m a welterweight fighter, and I like to move around as well. But I broke my nose early in my boxing days so I need protection. Saw pacman spar with the winning model and it caught my interest, but it’s very expensive. So I’m looking for other alternatives? Thanks for the quick reply friend!
No problem Robin, I’m happy to help. It’s just that I’m not the best expert when it comes to nosebar headgear. But If I were you I would go with Cleto Reyes, it’s definately the best alternative to Winnings that I know. You’ve probably seen this already https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJQsVV3qFuA
Yes I’ve seen the video. Thanks a lot for taking your time with it. I will try the Reyes model. Good luck with everything & thanks again.
Thanks Robin, don’t forget to tell us how you are liking those Reyes, once you try it.
I use the Rival Traditional Training Headgear.
Pros: Comfy, doesn’t absorb sweat so doesn’t smell, not much give in the padding so takes punches well.
Cons: Has a metal buckle that you have to tape for every sparring session and keep an eye on so as not to tear the other guy’s gloves, doesn’t release heat so your head feels like it’s cooking.
Thank you for your feedback Dave!
Hello!
Could you tell more about absorption of Cleto Reyes Headgear?
Yes, I read, that it is “The absolute best protection for straight punches”, but still want to know, if you could compare “punch feeling” with and without this particular headgear.
And second question. Does it protect from straight punches more than Winning FG 2900 in your option/experience?
Hey Sergey, thanks for your comment. We’ve just published a headgear guide on MMA Gear Addict https://mmagearaddict.com/guides/headgear-buying/. Please feel free to post any questions you have related to the headgear in the comment section below the article. Thanks!
Hi, can you please confirm which takes punches better – masters professional, cleto reyes or the winning fg2900?
I saw your comment that masters is ‘the best protection’ whereas cleto is best for straight punches? In which case what makes winning the best? Just after some clarification on the relative protection of each, thank you
I have always been using the Top Ten headgear and must say hands down it is the best you can buy. The velcro straps in the back and under the chin make it easy to adjust size. Another thing I love about it is the inner structure with channels making the sweat away from the face and drain down to the side of the head.
The guy who invent this headgear was a genius. The oldest TopTen headgear I have is from 1987. While I don’t use that old piece anymore it still works fine and the padding never gave up working. I have had 2 new ones since then.