The 10 Best Wrestling Headgear
This wiki has been updated 10 times since it was first published in April of 2018. Wrestling is a physically challenging sports that can take a toll on your body — especially your ears. The guards on this list can help soften any blows you might encounter, while minimizing friction in order to avoid that "cauliflower" look. Here you'll find a variety of styles at price points to suit every budget. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki. If you'd like to contribute your own research to the Wiki, please get started by reviewing this introductory video.
1. Cliff Keen Fusion
2. Adidas Response
3. Cliff Keen F5 Tornado
Editor's Notes
January 08, 2020:
While not quite as vital as picking the right singlet or shoes, choosing solid headgear is still pretty important, especially if you're practicing hard enough and often enough to risk developing cauliflower ear.
Picking the right headgear can be tricky, as many are adjustable, one-size-fits-all models, and so you may not know if the fit is right until you try one. Thinking critically about the construction and style of various selections is paramount to your comfort and can prevent the hassle of making a return. Things like deep ear cups, thick straps, 2, 3, or 4-strap designs, chin cups, and material all play a big part in how your gear will feel. You may have to try a few before you get the perfect one.
Our latest update saw the removal of the Asics Unrestrained, which became unavailable. We added the unisex Asics Snap Down in its stead, as well as the thoughtfully designed Cliff Keen Fusion, which brought this list up to an even 10 items. The Fusion is a top of the line model that's made with extremely high-quality materials and boasts a trademarked “On-The-Fly” Strapping System and sleek-profiled ear cups that are snug, yet still give enough room for a comfortable fit.
If you like the classic headgear look, then you can't go wrong with the Matman Halo, which also happens to be very well made and economically-priced. The drawback to its strong plastic-like material is that it feels stiff at first and takes a while to break in, but once it molds to your head shape it will seem like it's barely there.
Special Honors
WrestlingMart The Throwback If you're a coach or parent looking to buy in bulk for an entire team, then the Throwback from WrestlingMart is a solid option. This classic style features four adjustable vinyl straps for the top and back of the head, as well as one to go under the chin for added security. Two hard plastic shells outfitted with foam padding comfortably protect the ears. Each cup also sports six larger-than-average holes for sound clarity. You can buy the Throwback as is or customize the colors and add a logo to match your team's singlets. wrestlingmart.com
4. Cliff Keen E58
5. Matman Halo
6. Asics Snap Down
7. Asics Aggressor
8. Gold BJJ Reinforced
9. Venum Kontact Evo
10. Asics Unisex
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