Top Football Helmets & Shoulder Pads for 2026 | BSG
Posted by Burghardt Sporting Goods on Jan 23rd 2026
Football Helmet And Shoulder Pad Guide For 2026 Teams
The latest helmet and shoulder pad technology pairs independent Virginia Tech safety data with position specific fit and comfort. This guide highlights leading VICIS and Schutt helmets, ProGear shoulder pads, and shows how Burghardt Sporting Goods supports complete team outfitting with custom uniforms and accessories.
Equipment managers, athletic directors, and coaches can use Virginia Tech STAR ratings as a starting point, then match features to roster needs and work directly with Burghardt Sporting Goods to build packages for the next season.
Five star rated helmet models such as the Schutt F7 2.0 and premium VICIS ZERO2 options have become anchors for many high school and college programs.
How Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings Support Safer Choices
The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab uses a STAR system that blends dozens of impact tests across multiple speeds and impact locations, then calculates a single concussion risk score for each helmet. Lower STAR scores indicate better performance and four or five star rated helmets are listed as recommended models.
- Only a small group of varsity and youth helmets currently earn five stars under updated thresholds, which keeps top ratings focused on truly elite impact performance.
- Models such as VICIS ZERO2 Elite and Schutt F7 2.0 sit in this top group with scores significantly better than the average tested helmet.
- Ratings are updated as new models and revisions release, which keeps selection decisions grounded in current laboratory data.
Virginia Tech ratings do not replace proper coaching, fitting, and medical care, but they provide a clear comparison point when choosing between modern helmet platforms.
VICIS ZERO2 Lineup For Premium Varsity Protection
ZERO2 Elite Varsity
ZERO2 Elite uses a flexible outer shell, a RFLX 2.0 impact layer, and an engineered inner shell shaped from real player head data. DLTA pods replace traditional air bladders and allow equipment managers to tune fit with interchangeable pod thicknesses.
The helmet also carries strong results in professional league lab testing and comes in multiple finishes, including gloss, matte, and metallic options.
ZERO2 Youth
ZERO2 Youth brings the same layered shell philosophy to younger athletes with scaled geometry and youth focused padding. The model ranks among a small group of youth helmets with a five star Virginia Tech rating.
Youth programs that select ZERO2 Youth can give players a familiar feel that transitions naturally into varsity ZERO2 helmets as athletes grow.
ZERO2 Trench
ZERO2 Trench is a line focused configuration that targets frequent low velocity, high frequency impacts common in the trenches. The shell and internal system place added emphasis on crown and frontal zones while maintaining the five star designation in the Virginia Tech system.
Many programs blend ZERO2 Trench for interior line play with ZERO2 Elite for perimeter and skill positions so the roster maintains a consistent look.
VICIS helmets suit programs that place helmet safety and lab validated impact technology at the top of the priority list. Burghardt Sporting Goods can assist with color selection, mask pairings, and DLTA pod packages so each athlete receives a tailored fit.
Schutt F7 Family: F7 2.0 And F7 AiR
Schutt F7 2.0 Professional And Collegiate
F7 2.0 continues the familiar F7 silhouette while updating the interior pod system to match current impact testing. The helmet earns a five star Virginia Tech rating and posts a STAR score significantly below the varsity average.
Schutt F7 AiR Varsity And Youth
Schutt F7 AiR evolves the F7 concept with an AiR Lock fit system and Tektonic Mohawk impact structure. The helmet is built as a single shell design and also carries a five star Virginia Tech rating in both varsity and youth configurations.
| Model | Level | STAR Tier | Key Fit Feature | Ideal Roster Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VICIS ZERO2 Elite | Varsity | Five Star | DLTA pod fit system | Programs prioritizing top lab results and multilayer shell design |
| Schutt F7 2.0 | Varsity | Five Star | Stacking pod liner plus rear inflation | Teams that like the F7 profile with updated performance |
| Schutt F7 AiR Varsity | Varsity | Five Star | Onboard AiR Lock and Tektonic Mohawk | Programs wanting a single shell F7 with built in air system |
| Schutt F7 AiR Youth | Youth | Five Star | Inflatable comfort liner and youth geometry | Youth clubs seeking a light, modern, five star helmet |
ProGear Shoulder Pads For Line, Skill, And Youth Positions
ProGear PS 90 OL / DL / TE
PS 90 pads are built around an air management main body pad with a ProMotion back plate and stainless steel rivets. Channel stitching and position specific arches help distribute impact and keep the pad seated correctly on the torso.
- Designed for offensive line, defensive line, and tight end play with a deeper neck cut that preserves range of motion in the trenches.
- Swivel front and rear belts allow the pad to move with the torso instead of binding during reach blocks and pass sets.
Skill And Multi Position ProGear Models
For perimeter and multi position athletes, ProGear skill pads use lighter foam stacks and auxiliary deltoid protection to keep players mobile while managing hits away from the line of scrimmage.
- ProGear ST 10 Skill Pad: Thin air management body with additional closed cell foam, EP20 epaulets with Poron inserts, and a lightweight drop plate for quarterbacks, receivers, and defensive backs.
- ProGear ST 65 OL / DL / TE: Heavier arch and drop plate package for line play that still uses an air management core and flexible belt system.
- Youth All Purpose Pads: Youth ProGear models on the Burghardt shoulder pad wall provide all purpose coverage with simplified belt systems and lighter shells for multiple youth positions.
| Pad | Primary Positions | Core Cushion | Fit Features | Program Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProGear PS 90 | OL, DL, TE | Air management body with ProMotion back | Stainless hardware, swivel belts, deeper neck cut | High school and college line units that prioritize durability |
| ProGear ST 10 | QB, WR, DB | Thin air management plus closed cell foam | Poron epaulets, lightweight drop plate | Skill groups that need easy overhead arm movement |
| ProGear ST 65 | OL, DL, TE | Air management with heavier arch package | Reinforced drop plates and position focused cut | Programs that rotate players between line and tight end roles |
| ProGear Youth All Purpose | Youth multi position | Youth specific foam stack | Simplified belt closures and lighter shells | Youth clubs that prefer one model for many positions |
Pair Helmets And Pads With Custom Jerseys And Accessories
Helmets and shoulder pads are only one part of a full football package. Burghardt Sporting Goods outfits teams head to toe with custom jerseys, integrated girdles, practice gear, sideline apparel, and accessories that keep the roster unified.
- Custom Jerseys And Pants: Access to suppliers such as Under Armour, Adidas, and ProLook through the Team Sales department provides multiple fabric, cut, and decoration options for home, away, and alternate sets.
- Branding And Decoration: In house screen print, embroidery, heat press, and sublimation keep names, numbers, and logos consistent from youth through varsity.
- Online Team Stores: Custom web stores simplify fan and spirit wear ordering, taking pressure off school offices while keeping purchases local.
How Burghardt Sporting Goods Supports Football Programs
Burghardt Sporting Goods operates as a Wisconsin based team dealer and retail hub, with a large football equipment selection, an in house art and decoration department. Teams looking to align helmets, pads, and uniforms around a common plan can work directly with Team Sales for package pricing, sizing events, and delivery timelines.
That partnership allows coaches and athletic departments to stay focused on development and game preparation while Burghardt Sporting Goods manages ordering, decoration, and logistics.
About Burghardt Sporting Goods
Burghardt Sporting Goods is a family owned Wisconsin team dealer and sporting goods retailer that has served athletes and schools for generations. The New Berlin location offers a deep selection of football helmets from VICIS and Schutt, ProGear shoulder pads, and on field accessories for every level.
With custom jerseys from partners like Under Armour, Adidas, and ProLook, in house decoration, and dedicated Team Sales support, Burghardt Sporting Goods functions as a true one stop shop for football programs that want modern protection, consistent branding, and reliable local service.