headgear’s size and weight

Size & Weight

The headgear's size and weight will definitely affect your mobility, especially your head movement. The lighter and tighter the headgear feels, the easier it is to slip punches. Big clunky headgear might have more padding but you'll feel like your head is a giant target and hard to cover when blocking at close range. Lightweight fighters will appreciate a slim headgear more whereas heavyweights perceive all headgear to be "light".

Training Headgear vs Competition Headgear

I have to clear this up. Training headgear is generally more heavily padded than competition headgear. It offers better protection for all the punches you will take in regular sparring. Competition headgear is generally slimmer and lighter, trading off padding for mobility so you can move your head faster and avoid getting hit entirely (which equates to points scored against you).

I recommend everyone to train with training headgear and then use official approved competition headgear only during competitions. I don't recommend using competition headgear during training because it offers lower protection. Training is your time to develop new skills and new tactics, so it's expected for you to take some punches while learning.