The football helmet has been a staple for all American Football games since it became a thing in the late 1890s. It was originally a simple leather cap that was used to protect the ears and skull. However, it wasn’t very good at this so something had to change. Helmets worn by players have now evolved into high tech, highly engineered, layered defense systems. Every company offers a unique addition to their helmets so find the one that suits you best.
As of 2026, new technology has been a game changer, quite literally. Companies are now using 3D printing to get a closer, more protective fit than ever before.
American football is a game designed to bring everyone together, a sport that everyone can enjoy. However, clashes are often powerful and there will always be constant physical contact for the players. This is why LIGHT helmets have entered the playing field and created the world’s greatest helmet. LIGHT has become a major disruptor in the American football industry, challenging everything that people have become accustomed to. Check out more information below to see if you could benefit.
WHO ARE THEY?
Based in California, LIGHT has taken the world by storm. They are arguing that a heavy helmet doesn’t always mean a safe helmet. They are named LIGHT as that is exactly what their helmets are, making them great for neck strain and fatigue. This is a common problem for American football players all over the world, their equipment is heavy. Light has done away with the heavy plastics and uses Kevlar and Carbon Fibre instead.
LIGHTS engineering team includes alumni from MIT, this shows you they are focused on engineering and making the world’s lightest helmet for all your gaming needs. May their great work continue.
LIGHT isn’t trying to be the cheapest helmet on the market, not by a long stretch. They are wanting to be the smartest choice for players and parents. If you are wanting to avoid bobblehead syndrome with your helmet then LIGHT is certainly one for you.
WHAT DO THEY OFFER?
LIGHT Helmets is transforming head protection in football by engineering the lightest elite-performance helmets available without sacrificing safety. Built on advanced materials and impact science originally developed for military, aviation, and racing applications, LIGHT Helmets delivers equipment that enhances athletic performance, reduces fatigue, and maintains top independent safety ratings.
They have three main series of helmets on offer currently, most recently the Apache series. This is the crown jewel of helmets and will protect your head and neck with all of its might. The Apache series of helmets contains three leaders in the field.
The Apache Pro – this helmet is ranked the #1 overall helmet for safety, tested by the Virginia Helmet Lab. The liner is 3D printed using thermoplastic polyurethane which is thinner than most traditional foam.
The Apache Lightning – if your budget doesn’t quite stretch to the Apache Pro then you can get your hands on a slightly cheaper model. The Apache Lighting is a more streamlined version that uses pods instead of the 3D printed liner. These pods keep the weight of the helmet down while offering 360 protection for users. The Apache lightning is fantastic for youth players as the overall weight is under 3lbs.
The Apache Tomahawk – new for 2026 so be sure to get your hands on it soon. This sees further refinements in the shell, flexibility of the helmet, and increased ventilation.
The LS2 Series are completely versatile and there are two helmets in this range. You have the LS2 Varsity which is also a 5 star rated helmet by Virginia Tech. It uses the same material as US military helmets so you know you are getting a great helmet for your money.
Within the LS2 series you can also get your hands on the youth version. This helmet has a major selling point for parents, it contains resizing technology. This means the helmet grows with your child so you aren’t constantly needing to buy a new helmet.
And finally, you have the Gladiator Series, known for their elite performance. These are specifically designed for professional games, like the NFL. They are optimised for different positions, so whichever one you play in, you will be protected. The Gladiator Thunder for example is great for offensive linemen as it has reinforced front impact zones.
WHO CAN WEAR THEM?
Anyone and everyone can wear and enjoy a helmet from LIGHT, this includes professional players and youth players. If you play in a skill position then you don’t want a helmet weighing you down. Your field of vision and reaction speeds also change significantly when you have a lighter helmet.
Youth players are the strongest market for LIGHT as parents don’t want their children carrying around unnecessary extra weight on their neck. LIGHT helmets are famous for reducing neck strain and neck fatigue.
PROS
LIGHT holds the number one spot on the Virginia Tech STAR ratings. This is a powerful credential to earn and hold so you know you are getting the very best helmet on the market.
It is one of the lightest helmets on the market, drastically reducing neck strain which is a common occurrence in the American football world.
LIGHT only ever uses light materials such as Kevlar and Carbon Fibre, so you aren’t at risk of bobblehead syndrome while playing.
They have a strong outer shell that is designed to be ‘impact modified’. This means you can take repeated hits in the same place and your shell won’t crack under the pressure.
CONS
You may not like LIGHT helmets if you are more old school. You might think they feel flimsy compared to older brands with the chunkier helmets.
LIGHT is a much smaller company compared to the other brands, just starting out on the market. This means you may struggle to find them locally, and may have to travel further afield for the helmet you want.
If you want a cheap helmet then LIGHT may not be the brand for you. They never claim to be the cheapest, they want to be the smartest.
RECOMMENDED
So, do we recommend LIGHT helmets for all of your American football needs? Yes, we absolutely do and we believe everyone should try them at least once. If your main goal for 2026 is to minimize concussion risk and improve long term neck health then LIGHT is certainly a no brainer.
