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Football is a physical sport, so protection is the first thing to consider when playing your American Football gear (equipment) going to choose.
A quality helmet is a good start, but there are also other items that are indispensable. This includes the chinstrap, or chin strap, which is part of your helmet, but often sold separately.
There is quite a wide range of chinstraps, which does not always make it easy to make the right choice.
I've looked into the different options and made a top 5 for you to help you choose the most suitable chinstrap for your helmet.
Before I show you the best products, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite chinstrap. That is the Shock Doctor Ultra Pro Showtime Chin Strap. This chinstrap is not only incredibly comfortable, it also has a high impact design and it is so light that you don't even feel it.
In addition, it is well ventilated and the lining is removable, so you can wash the chinstrap in the washing machine.
Conveniently, it can be used by athletes of all ages and is compatible with most helmets.
Finally, you are entitled to the Shock Doctor guarantee if something goes wrong.
In the table below you will find my top 5 chinstraps. Later in the article, I'll go over the details of each product, so you'll be an expert on chinstraps by the end of this article!
| Best chin strap | Image |
| Best Chinstrap Overalls: Shock Doctor Ultra Pro Showtime | 
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| Best chinstrap for comfort: Under Armor UA ArmorFuse MD | 
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| Best ABS chinstrap: Schutt SC-4 Hard Cup | 
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| Best Chinstrap For Youth: Shock Doctor Ultra Carbon Football | 
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| Best Durable Chinstrap: Under Armor Game Day Armor | 
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What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
What do you look for when buying a chinstrap?
A chinstrap or chinstrap is more than just a padded strap that you attach to your helmet. It offers protection, comfort and support. There is no helmet without a chinstrap.
There are so many styles and options available today that it can sometimes be confusing to choose the right chinstrap.
However, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing the most suitable chinstrap for your helmet.
Below I explain what you should pay attention to.
In addition to a decent chin strap an American Football helmet is not complete without a good visor
Budget
Figuring out the best chinstrap for you and how much money you want to spend on it can be difficult at first.
My advice is not to worry too much about the price, because chinstraps are generally not expensive.
Pick one that you will definitely wear to avoid accidents on the playing field as much as possible.
Protecting your head and face during the game should be your top priority. And the chin should not be overlooked.
Material
It is important to choose a chinstrap with a robust construction.
The main purpose of a chinstrap is to provide the player with a fit with a high level of comfort and safety.
It is therefore recommended to opt for chinstraps with nylon straps, because this material can take a beating, offers sufficient strength and sturdiness, but also offers the ideal fit and comfort.
It is also flexible.
In addition, the outside (the cup) and the filling of the chinstrap must be made of resp. impact resistant polycarbonate or ABS and medical grade foam material.
Do not choose chinstraps whose materials are not skin-friendly. They can cause a rash or skin irritation.
There are models that contain hypoallergenic foam and removable padding, so you can wash it and get rid of dirt that can accumulate in the crevices.
The material determines whether a chinstrap is of good quality or not. It should be a material with good shock resistance, but preferably not too heavy.
Whichever chinstrap you choose, it is important to always keep it clean. Cleaning is a piece of cake, and you should ideally do it after every competition and training.
Confirmation
There are several ways to attach a chinstrap. This depends on your helmet.
Some chinstraps can be easily attached to any helmet, while other models are only compatible with certain helmets.
Two common styles or ways of fastening are low and high. With the low attachment, you attach the top two chinstraps to the cheeks.
With the high configuration, you fasten the chinstrap via push buttons on the helmet.
The push-button fastening is considered the most convenient by most athletes and is also the most recommended in terms of safety.
Size
You cannot ignore the size when purchasing a chinstrap, despite the fact that chinstraps are generally adjustable.
Some straps come in youth and adult sizes, while others are just one size, but are simply adjustable.
In most cases, the chinstrap is the same size as your helmet.
Check your helmet to find out if it's an adult or youth size so you can also find the right size chinstrap.
Some chinstraps may fit around your head, but may not be appropriate for your helmet size.
To perform well in a competition, a chinstrap must fit perfectly around the chin and jaw.
It must be securely attached to the helmet so that it stays in place during any movement or physical contact.
Comfort
The most comfortable chinstraps have hypoallergenic foam on the inside (like EVA).
You can also go for other materials, but make sure that it is soft and protects well at the same time.
Comfort is an important factor; you want a chinstrap that doesn't feel too hard, but offers the right protection.
Ventilation
Keep in mind that the chinstrap you have in mind offers enough ventilation, so that it doesn't get smelly from sweat.
You can recognize such chinstraps by the openings through which air can flow.
If you opt for a chinstrap with little ventilation, there is a good chance that it will start to smell and feel damp over time.
Protection
The chinstrap is of course meant to protect. Strength and protection are the most critical factors to consider before choosing a chinstrap.
As mentioned, the two best materials for protection are polycarbonate and ABS, due to their hardness and minimal weight.
In order to provide good protection, the chinstrap must also have the right fit. It shouldn't move.
It is essential to go for a strong material, but also something that is tight and reliable and will not slip or move during play.
So get one that is easy to use and well protected, but also offers comfort and ventilation. This prevents sweat from accumulating in the foam and from getting smelly.
Don't take a chinstrap from material that can irritate your skin or cause acne. Choose one that is soft and protective.
The best American Football helmet chinstraps extensively reviewed
Now that you know what to look for when choosing a good chinstrap, you are probably curious about the different options.
Below the details of my top 5 chinstraps.
Best Chinstrap Overall: Shock Doctor Ultra Pro Showtime
- Comfortable
- High-impact design
- Light weight
- Ventilating
- Removable and washable internal pad
- Fits most helmets
- Shock Doctor warranty
It's Showtime! This chinstrap from Shock Doctor keeps the head protection in place during the battle on the 'shoutiron'.
The design supports the chin while at the same time the inner cushion ensures that energy is absorbed.
The chinstrap offers strong protection, but is compact and lightweight in design. Thanks to the ventilated channels, there is maximum airflow.
In addition, it is easy to clean, as the liner is removable and can be washed in the washing machine or by hand.
It can be used by youth, high school, collegiate and adult football athletes. In addition, it can be used in combination with most helmets.
This chinstrap is a favorite of many athletes and is incredibly affordable.
And if something goes wrong, you can always fall back on the Shock Doctor guarantee.
Check prices and availability here
Best Chinstrap for Comfort: Under Armor UA ArmourFuse MD
- Solid
- For adults
- Cup is robust and durable
- With ventilation openings
- Removable and washable internal pad
- Various colors
- Works well for both low and high helmets
The UA chinstrap is the premium chinstrap that protects your chin extensively. The high-quality materials ensure that it is sturdy and fulfills its functions perfectly.
Athletes love this chinstrap for its comfort and durability.
The ArmorFuse technology (from TPU) helps absorb and break down energy after every punch.
There is a foam lining on the inside of the chinstrap. This liner can be removed for easy cleaning (also in the washing machine)
Because the chinstrap is made of strong and durable nylon, it can protect you from injuries.
The straps have a handy length that allows it to fit on many types of helmets (both low and high helmets).
Another special feature of the chinstrap is the gel that is located on the removable foam inside, which can offer you the highest degree of protection and comfort.
The disadvantages of this chinstrap are that the price is quite high and that it is not suitable for youth sizes. All in all, it's a wise investment for adult football athletes.
Whether you choose this one or, for example, the Shock Doctor Ultra Pro Showtime, is probably a matter of design and taste and perhaps also budget.
In terms of properties, they seem to be on the same (high) level. The UA chinstrap is known for its high degree of comfort.
Check prices and availability here
Best chinstrap from ABS: Schutt SC-4 Hard Cup
- ABS protection
- Sturdy but light
- For all ages from 5 years
- Soft and comfortable fit
- Sturdy buckles
- Maximum airflow
- EVA Foam inner cushion
- Sustainability
- Fits most helmets
The exterior of this chinstrap is made of impact-resistant ABS material, so it gives you the protection you need and also gives you a certain peace of mind on the pitch.
The deep cup ensures that the chin is well protected and keeps everything firmly in place. The chinstrap is suitable for players of all ages.
The chinstrap feels pleasant to the touch due to the soft and comfortable fit. It is also equipped with sturdy plastic buckles.
The inner cushion is made of EVA Foam that absorbs the energy of shocks.
And thanks to the four integrated ventilation openings, maximum airflow is possible and you prevent acne and skin irritation.
The chinstrap is specially designed for varsity helmets. It fits snugly and should stay in place even during intense competitions.
It is durable enough that you can use it for a whole season without having to look for a replacement. The chinstrap fits almost any helmet and is easy to use.
It's so light you'll forget you're wearing it.
Furthermore, the chinstrap is available in different colours. This is one of the most impressive chinstraps on the market.
The only drawback may be that the cup can chafe during the first few moments of use.
The fact that the chinstrap comes in so many beautiful colors makes it very attractive. The chinstraps that I highlight in this review are all of superior quality.
Which one you choose is generally a matter of design and color, and sometimes size, as they all perform their function perfectly.
This product has received more than 1000 positive reviews on Amazon.
Check prices and availability here
Best Chinstrap for Youth: Shock Doctor Ultra Carbon Football
- Strong and sturdy
- Comfortable
- Adjustable
- Available in different colors
- Suitable for many helmets
- Anti-microbial and washable X-STATIC liner
- Sustainability
- Very cheap
- Ventilation channels
For starters, the Shock Doctor Ultra Carbon Football chinstrap has a sturdy design that ensures the highest level of protection is provided, regardless of the degree of impact.
This chinstrap can boost your confidence during the game thanks to its triple-grip snap technology.
Another notable feature of this chinstrap is the anti-microbial X-STATIC liner. This liner is removable, washable and helps eliminate odor-causing bacteria in just an hour.
The entire chinstrap is washable. The liner material is dual density memory foam, which fits snugly around your chin.
This chinstrap is designed to give extra strength and improve appearance. It is a 4-point high/low chinstrap that can withstand a lot of impact.
The strap system of the Shock Doctor Ultra Carbon is impressive, because it is equipped with very strong and anti-slip straps. The chinstrap will not shift and you can adjust it as desired.
What I also find interesting about this chinstrap is that it can be attached to a wide variety of helmets.
It also comes in different colors, so you can choose the color that best suits your helmet.
The Shock Doctor Ultra Carbon Chinstrap is very durable and offers amazing protection. The straps are made of elastic material and are waterproof.
There is also heat dissipation through the ventilated channels and the chinstrap is not expensive despite all these incredible properties.
As it is a youth chinstrap it will not always fit all adult helmets. That's one drawback to this chinstrap, in addition to being a bit shallow.
The latter does not necessarily have to be a problem, since the chinstrap is comfortable enough according to many. In case you have an adult size helmet, this chinstrap is unfortunately not an option.
Then you better go for one of the other chinstraps from my list. If you have a youth size, this chinstrap is definitely worth considering.
Check prices and availability here
Best Durable Chinstrap: Under Armor Gameday Armor
- Very durable
- High breathability
- Adjustable
- Available in different colors
- Gentle on the chin
- Polyester
- EVA pad, easy to clean
- Belt adapter, suitable for all players
Another bestseller is the Under Armor Gameday Armor Chin Strap.
First, the flex shell - or the outside - is very durable, which can maximize the protection that the chinstrap provides.
The product is made of polyester and offers the highest level of breathability.
Another important advantage of the chinstrap is the adapter, which allows you to adjust the straps in a way that feels most comfortable for you.
The chinstrap can also be cleaned without any problems, because it is equipped with an EVA pad liner.
Those who have reviewed this chinstrap have claimed that it is very comfortable and extremely long lasting. The UA Gameday chinstrap is made of a special material called “Armour flex”, which is very durable.
The inner lining is also made of comfortable material that does not chafe your chin or cause pain.
It is one of the strongest and most durable products on the market. It feels softer than most other options while having an easy-to-clean design.
Despite the many advantages, there is one objection to this product. It comes in only one size, so chances are it won't fit you.
Check prices and availability here
American Football chin strap Q&A
What is the difference between a youth and varsity chinstrap?
The size is the main difference between a youth chinstrap and a varsity chinstrap. They also differ in the construction material used.
A youth chinstrap is usually made of ABS material. It is lightweight, comfortable and safe for children and teenagers.
Young people often have a sensitive body. Therefore, a chinstrap for children should not be too tight or cause discomfort to their chins.
Varsity chinstrap are models for adults. They are usually made of polycarbonate.
This material is strong and flexible. They are more robust, sturdier and more durable compared to youth chinstraps.
Can I use a football chinstrap to play lacrosse or wrestle?
You can, because you can also use the chinstraps for other sports.
You just have to make sure that the chinstrap fits well on your helmet. This way it will not slip during exercise.
Will I get acne on my chin if I use a chin strap?
There is a high risk of acne on the chin after prolonged use of a chinstrap. This is due to discomfort, tension and sweat buildup.
That is why you should choose chinstraps with the most comfort. Ideally, you should choose chinstraps with an excellent ventilation system and good padding.
Clean your chinstrap after every game or at least regularly. Many players forget this. If you fail to do this, you can indeed get acne.
How do I make sure my chinstrap fits my helmet?
If you don't know how to use or assemble a chinstrap, it may be helpful to have a friend or teammate do it first.
The easiest way is to keep the cup aligned with your chin. Then apply the straps to the helmet. Mission accomplished!
Conclusion
As you can read, there are a lot of different chinstraps available on the market. It is important to research each product and understand which features are important to you.
Buying a chinstrap with a good protective cup and quality material will not only make you look good on the pitch, but you will also feel more confident and reduce the chances of breaking your jaw or other chin injuries.
As I mentioned before, the chinstraps I've included in this review are all of high quality and quite similar in features.
Which one you ultimately choose will mainly have to do with the design and perhaps the available colors, but also the size.
Also read: Best facemask for your American Football helmet reviewed [top 5]
