7 Best Wrestling Headgear and Ear Guards (Ranked and Reviewed 2023)

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With all of the different brands, technologies, and features on the market today, choosing the best wrestling headgear can be tough. You want a product that will protect you from serious injuries, but you also don’t want to sacrifice comfort or breathability.

Best wrestling headgear

Without further ado, here are the seven best:

#1 Cliff Keen F5 Tornado Headgear

Top Pick

The patented “Air Vent System” technology in these headphones helps to create a greater sound quality. The power tab on-the-fly strapping system ensures that the headphones fit snugly and comfortably in seconds. The ultra-deep ear cups provide maximum comfort and protection for your ears.

Also Great

#2 Matman Wrestling Headgear

The straps on their headgear are adjustable, so you can find the perfect fit without taking it off. This is perfect for wrestling or grappling every day. Their headgear is designed to fit teen boys and girls, as well as men and women over 100 pounds or hat sizes 7 and larger. The exterior of their headgear is soft and breathable, while the hard shell insert provides protection.

The material of their headgear is easy to hand-wash and hang dry so you can use it multiple times. The headgear is also tough enough to withstand the abuse on the mat. Their company, Matman, has been a retailer of quality athletic goods and apparel for over 50 years.

Also Great
02/18/2024 07:30 am GMT

Budget

#3 Roar Wrestling Ear Guard

ROAR Ear Guar is designed to be more secure on your head. It has a strap that goes over the top of your head so it doesn’t move around. This product is perfect for wrestling, bjj, and kickboxing because it fits well and has shock-absorbing Eva padding. The high-density foam protects your ears while you’re using it. And the R-Lock system keeps it in place, even when you’re moving around a lot.

Budget Pick
02/19/2024 07:32 am GMT

#4 Cliff Keen Two-Tone Signature Wrestling Headgear

The Cliff Keen “Signature” 4-strap FOAM headgear is based on a design that was patented many years ago. This headgear is one of their best sellers on their website and in their warehouse. It is very lightweight and comfortable to wear, and the VNF foam helps reduce friction on the mat.

The Signature Earguard can be adjusted to fit different-sized heads. The chin strap pad is also adjustable and can be used on youth sizes too.

#5 LDR Earguard XP

This headgear is compliant and approved for use in high school and college competitions. It is also light, comfortable, and acoustical. The new “Easy Adjustable Strapping System” makes it easy to adjust, and it locks into place. It is available in school colors: black, blue, green, gold, red, maroon, and pink.

#6 Victory Headgear

Our premium wrestling headgear protects your ears during wrestling, BJJ, MMA, or grappling. It is easy to adjust so you can get the perfect fit and it is comfortable to wear. The straps are soft and the material is breathable.

The Versatile Wrestling Headgear can also be used for BJJ and Grappling. It is available in Youth and Adult sizes. If you are unsure about what size to get, go with the Adult size.

Youths sizes run small. If you are not sure what size to choose, then go with the adult size. The headgear is easy to adjust. You can adjust it at three different points: two connections on top of the head and one connection on the chin strap.

#7 Matman Wrestling Headgear

This headgear is designed to contour to your ears and fit securely with adjustable straps. It’s lightweight and has a soft inner foam for comfort, plus an adjustable chin strap for a snug fit.

The ear holes on this wrestling ear guard help you hear your coaches better. It is also breathable, so it keeps your head cool. This ear guard was made in America by a company that has been selling quality athletic goods for over 50 years.

Bonus: CauliBuds Cauliflower Ear Protection

One way to prevent cauliflower ear from happening again as well as treat cauliflower ear to drain it then apply pressure to it. CauliBuds are silicone magnets that allow you to keep pressure on your ears they have a better chance of healing.

Cauliflower Ear Treatment
CauliBuds Cauliflower Ear Prevention Kit
$44.95

Magnetic System for Treating and preventing Cauliflower Ear.

02/18/2024 05:39 am GMT

You can also check out our article going more in depth on cauliflower Click Here.

The Research

Why trust us

We start by looking at hundreds of product reviews on major retailers, forums and product databases. Where possible, we then check with experts on what to consider when purchasing and what their top picks are. For each product, we check to see if the retailer and the manufacturer are reliable. You can see below for how we do this.

Who this is for

Headgear and earguards are used by both amateur and professional wrestlers. While headgear is not required in all wrestling competitions, it is recommended or even mandated in some cases.

Amateur wrestlers typically start using headgear when they are young, around the age of 6 or 7. This is because the bones in a child’s skull are softer than an adult’s, making them more susceptible to injury.

As an amateur wrestler grows older and his or her bones become harder, the risk of serious injury from headgear decreases. However, many wrestlers continue to wear headgear throughout their careers to protect their ears from cauliflower ear.

How we chose

We looked at hundreds of product reviews on major retailers, forums and product databases. Where possible, we then checked with experts on what to consider when purchasing and what their top picks are. For each product, we check to see if the retailer and the manufacturer are reliable.

When choosing wrestling headgear, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

Fit: Headgear should fit snugly but not too tight. If it’s too loose, it can fall off during a match. If it’s too tight, it can be uncomfortable and cause headaches.

Ease of use: You don’t want to waste time fumbling with your headgear during a match. Look for headgear that’s easy to put on and take off.

Breathability: You want headgear that won’t make you sweat too much. Look for headgear with ventilation holes or mesh panels.

Ear protection: Many wrestlers choose headgear with built-in ear guards to protect their ears from cauliflower ear.

Price: Headgear ranges in price from $20 to $200. You can find decent headgear for around $50.

How we find reliable products:

Search for retailer reviews: merchant name + ‘customer reviews’

Look for red flags: repeat failure to fulfill orders, fulfill wrong items, poor customer service.

Read policies: check to see at least a 30-day warranty. For big expensive items at least a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. For mid-priced items a 60-day warranty is good. 

Look for Digital Payment Methods: Do they have digital wallet services like PayPal or Amazon Pay.

Third-party sellers: Check if they’re fulfilled by Amazon. Check to see if the seller has consistent reviews. Check for a high customer satisfaction rating; 85% with 4+ stars.

FAQs

What is the difference between headgear and earguards?

Headgear is worn to protect the head from injury, while earguards are worn to protect the ears from cauliflower ear.

How do I clean my wrestling headgear?

Wash your headgear after each use in warm water with mild soap. Rinse it thoroughly and air dry.

Can I wear my headgear in all wrestling competitions?

No, headgear is not required in all wrestling competitions. However, it is recommended or even mandated in some cases.

What are the different types of wrestling headgear?

There are three main types of wrestling headgear: full-face, ear-covering, and ear-guard.

Full-face headgear covers the entire head and face, while ear-covering headgear only covers the ears. Ear-guard headgear has built-in ear guards to protect the ears from cauliflower ear.

Is wrestling headgear mandatory?

No, wrestling headgear is not mandatory. However, it is recommended or even mandated in some cases.

What are the benefits of wearing wrestling headgear?

Wrestling headgear can protect the head and ears from injury. It can also help prevent cauliflower ear.

What are the disadvantages of wearing wrestling headgear?

Wearing wrestling headgear can be hot and uncomfortable. It can also impair hearing, vision, and communication.

Do I need to wear wrestling headgear if I have a concussion?

Yes, you should wear wrestling headgear if you have a concussion. Concussions are serious injuries and need to be treated with caution.

Final thoughts

Wrestling headgear is a great way to protect your head and ears from injury. It can also help prevent cauliflower ear. When choosing wrestling headgear, keep in mind the fit, ease of use, breathability, and ear protection. You can find decent headgear for around $50.

Cheap headgear might not offer the same level of protection as more expensive headgear, but it can still be a good option for beginner wrestlers. When in doubt, check with your coach or wrestling organization to see what they recommend.

Sources

  1. https://intermatwrestle.com/articles/3996
  2. https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/5046563-cliff-keen-gear-guide-the-inventor-of-the-headgear
  3. https://www.britannica.com/sports/wrestling

Origin fighter

Origin Fighter is a blog for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to learn about Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, Wrestling, Boxing, Health & Nutrition, Performance and more. Origin Fighter also provides information on how to train smarter with resources such as workout plans and diets tailored for your goals.

About the Author

I am a huge fan of both BJJ and MMA. Jiu-jitsu is my biggest passion, and I’ve been training it for more than 5 years. I have recently been promoted to a purple belt. In this blog, I will be giving you tips on how to improve and how to choose the best BJJ equipment! Learn More