It also carries with it a certain amount of risks when you have to face fast bowlers or field in close wickets. Cricket Helmet- A very much important gear for cricketer. Cricket helmets have changed a lot with time, utilising some of the best materials and design to ensure maximum safety as well as breathability. In today’s blog, we will look at why cricket helmets are so important and some crucial aspects of it to consider when selecting one along with tips on how you can make sure your helmet lasts a while.
The Place of Cricket Helmets
The introduction of the cricket helmet in late 20th century was a major step forward for player protection. Players were completely exposed to head injuries while playing before helmets became a norm during the course of bouncers, lethal deliveries and unfortunate contact with bat or ball. Subsequently, batsmen and fielders near to the bat have been required by law to wear helmets in most professional cricket games today.
1. Basic purpose of the cricket helmet is Impacts Protection: The main reason to wear a cricket batting mask. A hard cricket ball travelling at speeds of 145 kmph or more can inflict injuries as severe as concussions, fractures or even fatal conditions. If and when those hits do come, helmets are engineered to take in as much of the force they carry before it reaches vulnerable parts of your skull.
2. Facial Protection: Most modern helmets have full-face guards, typically made from steel or titanium to keep away a direct hit. Especially for batsman who is playing fast bowler and fielding close to the bat.
3. Confidence Boost: A helmet not only protects a player but at the same time makes him feel confident. This leaves the player to concentrate their performance in batting, wicketkeeping or fielding without worrying about that a small ball can enter his head and do some collateral damage.
Those are some essentials features of Cricket Helmets
In order to ensure safety and comfort, few features of cricket helmets should be considered in making a choice. Here’s what to look for:
1. Shell Material
Helmet shell This is the outermost line of protection for your helmet. The majority of helmets are made out of ABS plastic, and then there is fiberglass or carbon fiber.
- ABS Plastic: ABS plastic is a common material for helmet shells because it is strong and economical. It offers good protection and is used in helmets from a range of brands with high-to-affordable price tags.
- Fiberglass: These helmets are super light and offer higher safety when compared to ABS plastic. They are used by most professionals because of their durability.
- Carbon Fiber- Carbon fiber helmets are some of the lightest and strongest choices out there. The more protection these has the tends to be in a higher end helmet, most helmets with enhanced padding are those used by elite players.
2. Face Guard
The face guard is an essential part of the helmet, i. e., used to save our facial skin but give us a clear vision as well. Steel or Ti face guards are the most common.
- Steel face guards are tough as nails, and tougher still where impact resistance is concerned. They cost not as much as titanium guards yet weigh somewhat heavier.
- Titanium Face Guards: Sporting the same protective capabilities as steel, titanium has a weight advantage which can really help when spending long periods in such gear.
- Fit: Opt for helmets with face guards that are adjustable, as these will let you adjust the helmet to fit your head and have a clouded understanding of how close the guard should be from doors.
3. Padding and Lining
The inner padding and lining of the helmet serve as an important role in both comfort & protection. The padding is great at absorbing some of the shock and snuggling your ankle securely.
- Foam Padding: Almost all helmets come with high-density foam padding that molds to your head shape, providing comfort and impact absorption.
- Moisture-Wicking Lining: A good percentage of modern helmets are lined with a moisture-wicking lining that helps keep your head cool and dry throughout long innings.
- Washable and Removable Padding: Some helmets have perks of removable padding which can be washed, ensuring the helmet is clean and lasts longer.
4. Ventilation
Cricket is not like football or other faster game; cricket be a physic hard and in hot humidity. A helmet needs enough to fluids in it also means that the players will feel comfortable as they play.
- Ventilation Holes- Helmets with ventilation holes or channels for air flow let you stay cool and keep fresh hair when wearing a helmet.
- Cooling: Some helmets have air flow technology that funnels cold weather on the top of your players head and thus any hot air out ensuring a more comfortable game.
5. Fit and Adjustability
Proper fitting is essential for your safety and comfort. Different helmets are available in different sizes, while most come with adjustable settings for better fitting.
- Size Options: Helmets are also available in various sizes, depending on which one you choose. Most helmets range from small to extra-large. You should make sure you are getting the right size helmet so that it will stay securely on your noggin.
- Top Features- Adjustable Chin Strap: Almost all helmets have an adjustable chin strap that makes sure the helmet stays in place on your head. The strap should not be difficult to wear and prevent movement.
- Rear Adjustment Mechanism: This is where some helmets have the above mentioned adjustable should be able to fine-tune and snug up at that fit for optimum comfort while security. —
Best Cricket Helmet Buying Tips
You simply need to consider these tips while buying cricket helmet.
1. Level of Play – The level at which you are playing cricket obviously will have an impact on your helmet choice. If you are professional player or having faster bowler then always go with the helmet which have slightly higher protection on top of head for example carbon fiber and titanium.
2. Comfort The key thing with helmets is that it must be comfortable as you might have to wear a helmet for long periods. Seek helmets that have plenty of cushion, ventilation and fit securely. Spray on a few models to see what fits best for your noggin.
3. Safety: Make sure that the helmet is compliant with world best safety standards, such as British Standard BS7928:2013. This simply means that the helmet has passed tests to demonstrate safety in an impact.
4. Helmet Brand: Buy a helmet of good-branded which offers for best quality and safety features. Masuri, Shrey and Gray-Nicolls brands are very reliable with some great designs for helmets in cricket.
5. Cost: The price of cricket helmets can vary a lot so whatever your budget. Sacrificing safety to save money is no bueno. You will need the right helmet if you want to protect yourself on the field.
Caring for Cricket Helmets
Like anything, looking after it can be the difference from your cricket helmet being a risk to ineffective protector of our head so make sure you:
Cleaning: Wipe down the exterior of your helmet with a damp rag in between those uses to get rid of dirt and sweat. Treat it nicely—don’t go using harsh chemicals on the poor stuff. The inside padding should be washed according to the helmet manufacturer’s instructions as some helmets have removable pads that can be cleaned.
Storage: Store a helmet in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Do not store it in a hot car or any place too moist as that can wear down the materials over time.
Frequent Checking: Be sure to carefully examine your helmet on a daily basis before you use it for any visible evidence of destruction, like shell cracks or bent face guards. If you observe any damage, then the helmet needs to be replaced right away because with that there is no protection.
A good helmet should be replaced every few years, even if it seems to be in great condition (this number will vary based on how often you are using the helmet). But the materials can break down over time, and your helmet won’t be as effective. From about a decade-old or so (depending on who you ask), it’s recommended to get rid of that trusty headgear.
Conclusion
The cricket helmet is main protective equipment for the cricketer while playing on field, which help to safety of head and facial injuries. Thanks to technology the helmet of today is a very safe, comfortable and high performance equipment that provides absolute security for players on Hudson River Derby.
Select your cricket helmet based on the features being offered — both in terms of shell material, face guard, padding and ventilation along with fit. One of the best investments you can make for your on-field safety is by purchasing a top-of-the-line helmet from a manufacturers like Riddell. Be sure to take care of your helmet, inspect it periodically for wear and tear before buying a new one once it has served its purpose.