Headgear Review Criteria

This has got to be the most important factor in headgear. It doesn't have to feel like it's custom-made for your head but you should feel confident in your protective equipment. Fighting is stressful enough as it is, you shouldn't be wearing something that distracts you, annoys you, or feels uncomfortable. At the highest levels of boxing, many fighters will sacrifice cushion for comfort because speed and relaxation offers more protection than cushion.

I describe comfort as how well the headgear conforms to my head. Some headgear squeezes at the side or at the forehead and back of my head. Others are too slippery or move around too much. Some headgear has a very uneven fit creating small gaps between the headgear and your head making it very wobbly when you take punches.

The inside lining will also be a factor. I especially hate smooth lining that allows the headgear to slide around my head when I spar. On the other hand, some people don't like the furry lining because it feels annoying or dirty.

The chin strap is also especially important. Sometimes the chin strap is too loose so you feel like the headgear isn't tight enough. Other times the chin strap is too close that it feels like you're being choked.