Cricket is an outdoor sport that involves the use of a bat, a ball and two teams that compete to score the most runs. It’s a fun sport that requires its players to be in good physical shape in order to be able to run. The players should have stamina, agility and excellent hand-eye coordination as well. And given the fact that injuries are quite common, staying protected with the right gear is paramount. One of the most important pieces of protective gear for this sport is helmets.
What Are Cricket Helmets?
A cricket helmet is a type of protective gear used in cricket and worn by batsmen to protect their heads from injury. But aside from protecting the head from being hit by the ball, these pieces of protective gear are also great in protecting the face and neck from balls that can deflect off the players’ bodies. The choice of these protective cricket helmets is huge, giving you the chance to pick from different brands available on the market.
While their purpose is the same, they mainly differ in some specific features. For instance, most of these protective pieces of gear have a grill at the front that allows the player to see through it without compromising its protection. Most of them also have ear guards to protect the player’s hearing. The main difference between them is the material.
Generally speaking, the specialised cricket helmets are made from a variety of impact resistance materials like ABS, titanium, stainless steel, and on the inside, they usually have padding made from high density foam for added comfort and protection. They are reinforced with a strap under the chin and, depending on the model and brand you choose, some of them can also feature straps around the back of the head for extra support and security. Thanks to these straps, the helmet will stay in place all the time.
Characteristics
Protective Shell
As already mentioned, the protective shell of these helmets is made from quality, durable and strong materials, some including fibreglass, metal, HDPE and polycarbonate. All of them have the purpose to absorb shock from a ball. That way, your head will stay protected and free from injuries and bruises that are quite common in this sport.
Internal Padding
The internal padding on these helmets is mainly made from some kind of foam, which is used to add comfort and protection at the same time. Usually, they are padded with EPS (expanded polystyrene) or with swoopa foams, which seem great in absorbing sweat and providing additional padding to the head.
Ability to be Adjusted
These headgear pieces usually have a chin strap for securing the helmet better, and they may also feature a rear adjuster for tightening or loosening the fit. The latter seems to be a great feature because it allows for the helmet to be adjusted according to the player’s head.
Some Extra Features
When searching for the right helmet for cricket, look for one that has holes or channels within the shell for improved airflow. This will certainly reduce sweating while keeping their head dry and comfortable, which is essential during play. Depending on the model you choose, some of them have neck guards, which are great for adding extra protection. If possible, look for helmets that have black powder coating to reduce glare and improve visibility.
What Are Baseball Helmets?
This headgear has the same purpose as the one designed for cricket. Made from a range of plastics, these head protective pieces are designed to protect the player’s head and face from severe injury. Aside from batters, they can also be worn by base runners, coaches and on-deck and field personnel.
Characteristics
Protective Shell
Unlike the cricket models, these are mainly made from different plastics like the ABS thermoplastic and carbon fibre, which are both durable and protective.
Internal Padding
Just like the others, these models of helmets also have internal padding for improved comfort and shock absorption.
Improved Airflow
Some of these helmets can also include vents for improved ventilation and comfort, keeping your head dry and comfortable.
Improved Face Protection
These pieces of headgear can also feature ear flaps for improved protection on the side of your face. The flaps seem to offer excellent jaw protection, which is important during the game.
What’s the Difference Between Them?
First things first, these helmets differ in design. The cricket models have a full face grill and neck guard for added protection against high-speed and up-high ball deliveries, while the baseball models have no grills at all. They have a much simpler design and have no face protection.
Another great difference lies in the neck protection, where helmets for cricket have one, and the others don’t. And lastly, the cricket models are designed to withstand fast-moving ball impacts delivered at super high speeds. The baseball models, on the other hand, can offer protection only from accidental hits from a batted ball and nothing else.
