Top Brands That Dominate the Wrestling Headgear Arena

When it comes to wrestling, choosing the right headgear is crucial for both safety and performance. Top brands have dedicated years to crafting headgear that offers optimal protection and comfort for wrestlers of all skill levels. From advanced material technology to ergonomic designs, the marketplace is filled with options that cater to the diverse needs of athletes. Curious to find out which brands lead the pack in excellence and innovation for wrestling headgear? Check out the list below to discover the best options available.

Illustration of wrestling headgear

Best brands of wrestling headgear in 2025

Asics

ASICS has been a prominent brand in wrestling since 1955, offering a range of headgear, including the Aggressor, Old School, and Conquest models, all designed with adjustable straps and high-impact resistant padding for excellent protection; while not holding the majority market share, ASICS is recognized as a top brand alongside Cliff Keen and Adidas for providing reliable headgear, and the ASICS Gel Wrestling Headgear uses a GEL cushioning system for added comfort and ear protection without obstructing hearing; their headgear is available in various styles for both youth and adults, with the Old School model being a long-time favorite among wrestlers, and they offer a variety of colors to match individual or team preferences.

Cliff Keen

Cliff Keen, the original inventor of wrestling headgear, has been a leading producer for over six decades, with their patented designs like the Signature headgear remaining a top-seller for over 60 years and a 4.4% expected CAGR in the headgear segment in North America; their innovative products, including the 43% lighter Tornado headgear developed with NASA research, are favored by wrestlers of all levels, and in 2013, 9 out of 10 NCAA champions wore Cliff Keen headgear. You can explore their products at Cliff Keen's website.

Adidas

Adidas, a leading brand in sports apparel, is recognized as a top producer of wrestling headgear, offering the Response model with an ergonomic design and adjustable straps for a secure fit, ensuring maximum protection and comfort for wrestlers of all levels; this headgear includes soft foam covers and an injection-molded plastic cup to minimize interference during matches, and it is available in a variety of colors for individual and team orders. You can find the Adidas wrestling headgear on the WrestlingMart website.

Matman

Matman, established in 1969, is a reputable producer of wrestling headgear, offering various models like the Dynasty and Halo, known for their durable construction and comfortable fit. Some models feature adjustable straps and soft foam coverings, and have been used by the U.S.A. wrestling teams in 6 past Olympic Games.

Brute

Brute, a trusted name in wrestling, has been producing high-quality headgear for years, offering superior ear protection and comfort, with models like the E-12 and Classix II being popular choices among wrestlers. They are known for their lightweight and durable designs, ensuring athletes can perform without the worry of injury, and they are considered a reliable brand for both youth and adult athletes, with many positive reviews from wrestlers who have used them and have been mentioned as a recommended brand in online forums. Their headgear, designed to be adjustable, fits a variety of head sizes, making them a versatile option for athletes at different levels. You can find their products at: Brute Wrestling E12 Headgear.

Matguard

Matguard, established in 2007, is a leading brand in sports antibacterials, providing wrestling headgear and other athletic equipment with a focus on hygiene and protection; their products, including helmet and pad disinfectants, utilize a patented 70% isopropyl alcohol formula to kill 99.9% of germs and prevent skin infections, making them a popular choice for athletes looking to avoid MRSA and other bacteria. While Matguard does not manufacture the headgear itself, they provide cleaning and disinfectant products for headgear, with their helmet and pad sanitizing wipes being a top seller. Matman, a separate company founded over 50 years ago, produces wrestling headgear that is easily adjustable, breathable, and designed for maximum comfort and protection. You can find Matguard's cleaning products here.

Nike

Nike, a prominent brand in athletic wear, is also recognized as a top producer of wrestling headgear, offering a range of durable and comfortable options for athletes of all levels, though specific market share percentages are not widely published; while Nike has been involved in wrestling gear since the 1970s with their signature shoes, they are more recently recognized as a great producer of wrestling headgear, alongside brands like Adidas and Cliff Keen, and their wrestling headgear can be found at various retailers. You can explore their products further here.

WrestlingMart

WrestlingMart has established itself as a premier provider of wrestling headgear, offering superior protection with high-density foam padding and a robust outer shell, ensuring safety and comfort for wrestlers of all levels since 2002. Their throwback headgear combines a vintage aesthetic with modern features, boasting a 4.86 out of 5-star customer rating from 7 reviews, and is constructed with durable materials, reinforced stitching, and secure fastening with adjustable straps for a customizable fit. WrestlingMart's headgear also features six ear holes for better hearing, and their products are available in various colors, allowing for personalization and style on the mat. With 95% of 5-star reviews according to some sources, it's a highly recommended choice for both beginners and experienced athletes. You can find their products on their website: WrestlingMart.

KO Sports Gear

KO Sports Gear is a leading brand in wrestling headgear, known for its innovative designs that prioritize comfort and security, featuring adjustable velcro straps for a universal fit, protective padding to prevent cauliflower ear, and ventilated ear holes for enhanced hearing, making their headgear a versatile option for wrestling, MMA, and BJJ training; though some customers have noted the headgear can be stiff, it is generally considered a good choice for youth wrestlers, and has been preferred by some over higher-end brands. KO Sports Gear is dedicated to providing athletes with high-quality, innovative equipment designed to enhance performance and ensure safety, with a mission to empower athletes to reach their full potential, and offer a "Fit Great" guarantee. You can explore their products on their website.

Cliff Keen Youth

Cliff Keen Youth is a top producer of wrestling headgear, notably with their Signature series, which has been a best-seller for over 60 years due to its comfortable and protective design. The youth version features a smaller shell and uniquely engineered foam padding, while the Tornado model is 43% lighter, and both offer adjustable straps for a secure fit, ensuring young wrestlers have the best possible gear for safety and performance. Many customers consider Cliff Keen to be the best brand in wrestling with excellent quality. You can find their products on their website.