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Top 7 Boxing Head Guards for Optimal Safety

Best Boxing Head Guards

Before you pick out a boxing head guard, it's super helpful to have all the right info at your fingertips. Think of a head guard as your best buddy in the ring, keeping your noggin safe from nasty bumps, cuts, and bruises. It's like a trusty sidekick that helps cushion the blows, whether you're training or in the thick of a match.


Just like you wouldn't skimp on quality boxing gloves or forget your mouth guard, choosing the right head guard is crucial.


In this friendly guide, we're going to chat about why snagging the perfect boxing head guard is a game-changer, how to pick one that fits you like a glove, tips for keeping it in tip-top shape, and a bunch of other handy advice to enhance your boxing journey. Plus, we'll share our favorite top 7 picks to get you started.

Why Do Boxers Wear Head Guards?

Why should you choose a boxing head guard? If you enjoy boxing, then boxing safely is probably your highest priority. It’s reported that over 90% of boxers will get a concussion. Even amateur boxers get concussions, and youth are more at risk for concussions. With repeated concussions, some boxers can develop chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), also known as boxer’s brain. It’s a serious complication of repeated concussions that can lead to symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and dementia. 


While boxing head guards don’t protect you from concussions or brain injuries, many boxers do protect themselves to choose to wear them to protect themselves from facial bruises and lacerations. Many beginners will choose to wear a head guard to protect themselves as they learn the nuances of boxing. Seasoned boxers will wear a head guard to help them focus on the sport, and not be distracted by potential head injuries.

Professional Boxing Headgear vs. Amateur Boxing Headgear

Professional boxers don’t always wear head guards. In fact, the Olympics don’t require head guards for male boxers. Head guards can help protect boxers from lacerations, broken noses, and general facial trauma. However, some experts believe that head guards provide a false sense of security since they don’t protect the boxer from concussions.

Venum professional boxers

How to Choose Boxing Headgear

To get started, be sure to check out our sizing charts to find the right size boxing head guard that is for you. With a variety of head guards from brands you know like Bytomic head guards, Century Martial Arts head guards, Cleto Reyes head guards, Ringhorns head guards, Ringside Boxing head guards, Top Ten head guards, Twins Special head guards, and Venum head guards, there are a variety of brands to choose from to complement your boxing gloves and other boxing gear.

Head Guard Size Chart

While each head guard may have its own sizing chart, in general your size will fall into the following categories:


  • Small 19.5-20.5 Inches / 49.5-52.0 CM Circumference
  • Medium 21-22 Inches / 53.3-56 CM Circumference
  • Large 22.5-23 Inches / 57-58.5 CM Circumference
  • X-Large 23.5-24 Inches / 59.7-61 CM Circumference

Each head guard has its own unique qualities like the color and types of materials. 


Made4Fighters carries boxing head guards made in bayflex head guards, cotton head guards, dipped foam head guards, leather head guards, nylon head guards, and synthetic leather head guards. 


Additionally, you can choose a boxing head guard that protects your cheeks, head, and nose or one that leaves your face open for optimal visibility. There are many options depending on your fighting style and sports type. If you are involved with other sports such as Karate, Taekwondo, or MMA, you can choose head guards that protect high impact areas like the ears. This can potentially help you avoid complications like cauliflower ear.

Top 7 Boxing Headgear

1. Cleto Reyes Head Gear with Cheek Protectors

Kicking off our roundup of top-notch boxing headgear, we're excited to spotlight a true gem. For boxing enthusiasts, the name Cleto Reyes needs no introduction – it's synonymous with top-tier quality in the boxing world. And if you're new to the sport, here's a heads-up: Cleto Reyes is a globally acclaimed brand, beloved by professionals everywhere.


What sets this headgear apart is its genuine, handcrafted quality. Made in Mexico with utmost care and precision by talented artisans, it's a piece that truly reflects dedication and craftsmanship.


A standout feature of this headgear is its cleverly designed Non-Obstructive Design. It ensures you get exceptional visibility, allowing you to keep your eyes firmly on your opponent. Plus, the convenient Hook-and-Loop Rear Closure makes it a breeze to adjust for the perfect fit.


Designed with champions in mind and crafted with a deep passion in Mexico, this headgear isn't just about aesthetics. It's a masterpiece of functionality, offering an anatomical design with three points of adjustment to make sure you're always battle-ready and comfortable.

Colour Ways Available: White, Black

2. Ringside Legacy Series Bar Head Guard

Up next, we're excited to share a standout piece from Ringside. For those who might not know, Ringside has been a significant player in the UK market since 2009, committed to creating gear that's not just durable and functional, but also meets the high standards of professional fighters.


Take a look at this Ringside Legacy Series Head Guard – it's a "One Size Fits All" marvel, expertly designed to fit snugly for anyone, no matter your size or weight class.


Yes, it's on the pricier side, but for good reason. This head guard boasts a premium finish with cowhide leather construction, using only the finest leather for both durability and a touch of luxury.


And the red inner lining? It's more than just a colour – it symbolises your deep passion and commitment to martial arts.

Whether you're into Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, Judo, or any other combat sport, this product is your ticket to victory!

Colour Ways Available: Navy, Blue, Brown

At Made4Fighters, we're thrilled to offer an extensive selection of Ringside Boxing gear, including high-quality boxing gloves, focus mitts, and protective equipment. We've got everything you need at fantastic prices. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, we wholeheartedly recommend this brand for all your boxing needs.

3. Venum Elite Iron Headgear

Moving on to number 3, we're excited to feature another standout piece from Venum, a brand that's a heavyweight in the martial arts scene and a key collaborator with the UFC. The Venum Elite Iron Headgear is not just sought after, but it's also among the bestsellers when it comes to head protection.


This headgear is designed with high-density foam that excels in absorbing powerful strikes, offering top-notch protection for your head during rigourous training sessions and matches.


Crafted from semi-leather material that's both lightweight and robust, it ensures your comfort is paramount. It's engineered to minimise the load on your neck and shoulders, facilitating swift and agile movements.


Sporting the Venum logo, this headgear is a testament to the brand's commitment to excellence and its well-earned reputation for providing premium combat sports equipment.

4. Elion Integral Head Guard

Let's chat about style and comfort with Elion's latest and greatest best boxing head guard. Born in the heart of Paris, Elion has truly made its mark by offering exceptional gear and clothing that meet the high standards of fighters and athletes alike.


Crafted with care in Thailand, this head guard features a leather interior and exterior, ensuring not only superb durability but also making it a breeze to maintain.


Note: Elion headgears are available in one size and can be easily adjusted at the back for both height and width.

5. Elion Paris Full Face Head Guard

We're excited to share another standout piece from Elion Paris – the Full Face Head Guard, now available in both chic brown and sleek black. 


Every headguard we offer is of exceptional quality, and this one is no exception. Crafted from Full-Grain Leather, it boasts a luxurious premium leather exterior and interior, ensuring both elegance and durability.


It features Double Density Foam, which is lightweight yet highly protective, making your training sessions even better. The slim fit design offers great cheekbone protection and a wide field of vision, enhancing your overall experience.


The head guard comes with a Customisable Fit, allowing you to adjust the height and width for a perfectly comfortable fit. Proudly made in Thailand, the heartland of combat sports, this head guard is a genuine piece that reflects the true spirit of martial arts. 

6. Sandee Closed Face Head Guard

Sandee shines as a leading brand worldwide in crafting unique apparel and gear for Muay Thai, Boxing and MMA enthusiasts. 


Proudly made in Thailand, Sandee offers products like the closed-face head guard, crafted from genuine cowhide leather, ensuring it stands the test of time with unbeatable durability.


The design leaves nothing to chance, providing comprehensive protection with enhanced cheek padding, full ear coverage, and chin support to ensure maximum shock absorption.


Plus, it's designed for a perfect, customisable fit, featuring a full Velcro back-strap and lace-up top closure to ensure it feels just right for everyone.

7. Black Leone DNA Headgear

Wrapping up our list of best boxing head guards, we're excited to share a more wallet-friendly option with a cheap boxing head guard that's freshly available at Made4Fighters.


Meet the Leone DNA Head Guard, a standout piece from their DNA collection which showcases a variety of boxing protective gear, equipment, and accessories.


This head guard features an elastic closure complemented by sturdy velcro at the back, ensuring a snug fit so you can concentrate fully on honing your fighting skills.


And let's not overlook the luxurious interior. It promises ultimate comfort with a non-slip lining that not only feels fantastic but also keeps the headgear perfectly in position.

How Much Do Boxing Head Guards Cost?

With a variety of price points, there is a boxing head guard that fits your style and your budget. Boxing headgear usually ranges from around £35 to over £150. If you’re new to boxing, you may want to consider a foam boxing head guard which is available at a lower price point. 


For more serious athletes or those who will be boxing frequently, there are boxing helmets with multi-layer and multi-density construction to cushion blows and provide ultimate comfort and protection.

How To Clean Boxing Head Guards

Once you’ve selected your head guard, keep in mind that it will need care and attention. It is bound to attract sweat, dirt, and anything from the ring (such as dust, blood, or saliva). 


To keep your hair, skin, and ears as healthy as possible, we recommend that you should clean your head guard frequently. Depending on the type of material that your head guard is made from, you may be able to spot clean your head guard using a rag and warm water. However, for a thorough clean, use an antiseptic cleaner to ensure that your head guard does not contribute to rashes, acne, or scalp irritation from a dirty surface. Be sure to pay attention to any special instructions that come with your head guard. For boxing gear that may be a bit smelly, be sure to clean the equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Also, consider using a deodorizer that can absorb odors from all of your gear.

How often Should I Replace My Boxing Head Guard?

Over time, you may notice that your head guard has outlived its useful protective abilities. Fabric might start to rip or plastic might start to degrade. On average, athletes will opt to replace their head guard every 5-10 years. 


For younger people, the replacement rate is higher as their head size increases frequently. You may find that you need to buy a different size of head guard if you have gained or lost a lot of weight in your face. Generally, how often you replace your head guard depends on how much use the guard is getting and also how much damage the head guard has taken.


Choosing a head guard is an important step in making sure your boxing experience is enjoyable and as safe as possible. We offer a large amount of other boxing gear to help you compete in the ring.


Bytomic Axis v2 boxing head guard

Boxing Head Guards FAQ: Your Comprehensive Guide to Answering All Your Questions

How do I choose the right size of a head guard for me?

Choosing the right size of a head guard involves measuring the circumference of your head just above your ears and comparing it to the size chart provided by the head guard manufacturer. A properly fitting head guard should be snug but not too tight, allowing for minimal movement during use.

Can I use the same head guard for sparring and competition, or do I need separate ones?

While you can use the same head guard for both sparring and competition, it's important to note that some competitions may have specific requirements for headgear. It's advisable to check the regulations of the competition you're entering to ensure your head guard is compliant.

Can wearing a head guard affect my vision or hearing during boxing?

Yes, wearing a head guard can potentially affect your vision or hearing to some extent, depending on its design and fit. Some head guards may limit peripheral vision or slightly muffle sounds. It's important to choose a head guard that balances protection with minimal interference to your senses.

Are all head boxing head guards the same?

Not all head guards are the same. There are different types available designed for various levels of protection and purposes, such as sparring, competition, and open-face or full-face protection. Each type has its own set of features tailored to specific boxing activities.

Can a head guard prevent a concussion or other head injuries while boxing?

While a head guard can reduce the impact of blows to the head, it cannot completely prevent concussions or other head injuries. The primary purpose of a head guard is to protect against cuts and bruises, but it is still important to exercise caution and use proper technique during boxing.

Does boxing headgear protect your brain?

Boxing headgear primarily protects against superficial injuries like cuts and bruises and can reduce the force of impact to some extent, but it does not significantly protect against deeper brain injuries or concussions. The best way to protect your brain is through defensive techniques and controlled sparring.

Does boxing headgear protect your eyes?

Boxing headgear can offer some protection to the eyes by reducing the risk of cuts and abrasions around the eye area. However, it's important to choose headgear with a design that does not obstruct your vision and provides adequate padding around the eyes.

Does wearing headgear hurt less when being punched?

Wearing headgear can reduce the pain and severity of blows to the head by providing a cushioning layer, which can help absorb some of the impacts. However, it does not eliminate the force of punches entirely, and proper defensive techniques remain crucial to minimize damage.