The 9 Best Wrestling Headgear

The Venum Kontact Evo is one of the simpler models on the market, as it has only two straps to fiddle with, so you should be able to adjust it on the fly with minimal difficulty. The cups aren't very sturdy, though, so it won't offer much protection against a direct hit.

Wrestlers of any gender will be glad they have the Asics Unisex, as the soft gel lining makes it more comfortable than many other options, especially when you have your head mashed into the mat. The straps could use some padding, though, as they tend to dig in.

Regardless of what kind of grappling you do, the Gold BJJ Reinforced can pad the impact from rolling around in guard or eating a take-down. It even comes with a bonus mouth protector, so more than just your ears will be shielded from damage.

If you're more concerned with your looks off the mat than you are when you're on it, the Asics Aggressor is a smart choice. It's not especially stylish or flashy, but it grips your head tightly, so your ears won't ever be exposed to any harsh friction.

Made of durable foam, the Cliff Keen E58 is a cinch to clean off after practice, ensuring that you won't have to soak in your own sweat. The snap remains securely fastened, even after hours of struggling in the clinch, so you don't need to worry about it falling off.

Let's face it: if you're really competitive, your headgear will take a beating after awhile. Luckily, the Matman Halo is a budget-friendly option that still offers plenty of protection, so replacing it won't hurt nearly as bad as going without it will.

Your opponent will never see you coming when you wear the Asics Unrestrained, as the camo print makes it stylish while giving you a tactical advantage -- if you were in the woods. The Velcro sits on top of your head, so it's unlikely to get caught on anyone's singlet.

The soft chin cup on the Adidas Response helps keep it in place, while also ensuring that it won't dig into your training partners when grappling. It works well for athletes of all ages, so you can buy it for a junior competition and still wear it once you're in college.

The Cliff Keen F5 Tornado is so lightweight that you might forget you have it on — until it protects your ears the next time you get slammed to the mat, that is. Once you do, you'll be glad that it has hard-shell protective cups with just a little bit of flexibility.