Helmets & Catcher's Gear · The picks
Best youth batting helmets with a face guard, jaw guard or cage (2026): attached by the maker, certified as one
The safest way to buy a guarded helmet is the one where the maker attached the guard and certified the pair. Six helmets that ship that way, from a full wire face guard for a 7-year-old to an either-side jaw guard for a 13-year-old, with the certification line quoted from each page.
By Mike M.Updated Sourced · gear tested by us: 0
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Quick picks
The rankings at a glance
| # | Product | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Rawlings CoolFlo Max with Face Guard The CoolFlo Max with the RX2 face guard already attached. The helmet to buy for a 7- to 10-year-old's first year facing kid pitching. | Best overall / best full face guard (7–10)Youth size | 8.9 /10 | Check price · Amazon |
| 2 | Easton Z50 with Multi-Adjust Jaw Guard The Z50 with the Multi-Adjust jaw guard pre-assembled and mountable on either side: a jaw guard that follows a switch hitter, on a certified shell. | Best jaw guard, either side (8–14)Small/Medium 6 1/2–7 1/8, Medium/Large 7–7 5/8 | 9.2 /10 | Check price · Amazon |
| 3 | Easton Z5 2.0 with Universal Jaw Guard Easton's other guard option: the Z5 2.0 shell with the Universal jaw guard, SEI certified to NOCSAE ND022 as a helmet-plus-guard combination in senior and junior sizes. | Best certified pair, runner-upJunior and Senior shells (maker: BZ5-04JR, BZ5-04SR) | 8.8 /10 | Check price · Amazon |
| 4 | All-Star S7 Youth with attached Jawline A youth ABS helmet with All-Star's Jawline cheek protector attached: the maker states the Jawline is the only jaw protector usable with its helmets without affecting the SEI certification. | Best youth cheek guardYouth | 9.1 /10 | Check price · Amazon |
| 5 | Easton Pro Max with Jaw Guard Easton's top helmet: computer-simulated shell thickness, multi-density foam, 'Halo' fit, pre-assembled Multi-Adjust jaw guard, NOCSAE for all levels. For the 12- to 14-year-old who will wear it for years. | Best premium jaw guard (12–14)Medium/Large 6 5/8–7 1/4, Large/XL 7 1/8–7 1/2 | 8.5 /10 | Check price · Amazon |
| 6 | Easton Z50 Softball with Mask The Z50 with a pre-assembled softball facemask, in Small/Medium (6 1/2–7 1/8) and Medium/Large: the mask helmet that fits a 7- or 8-year-old fastpitch player. | Best fastpitch mask helmetSmall/Medium 6 1/2–7 1/8, Medium/Large 7–7 5/8 | 9.4 /10 | Check price · Amazon |
#ad · Prices are set by Amazon and change often, so we don't print them. Scores are ours, built from the governing bodies' certification rules, the makers' sizing charts and published specs, not our own testing. Photos are illustrative stock. Tap a row for the full write-up.
Which guard for which kid
| Guard | Covers | Best for | Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face guard (wire cage) | Whole face, both sides | 7–10, first kid-pitch seasons; switch hitters; any kid who flinches | CoolFlo Max with Face Guard |
| Jaw guard, either-side mount | The exposed cheek and jaw on one side | 10–14, wants the pro look, does not switch-hit | Z50 with Multi-Adjust, Pro Max |
| Jaw guard, side-specific model | One side | Same, but you buy the RH or LH batter version | Z5 2.0 Universal, S7 Jawline |
| Softball mask | Whole face, spaced for an 11–12 in ball | Every fastpitch player | Z50 softball with mask |
The long version, including what each guard does to a kid's view of the pitch, is on face guard vs jaw guard.
Why “certified as one” matters
Translation: a guard is certified with specific shells, and a guard on the wrong shell is a helmet with no certification, whatever marks are inside. Buying the helmet with the guard already attached by the maker removes the question. That is the entire logic of this list, and why a generic aftermarket cage screwed onto last year's helmet is not on it.
How these were ranked
Certification (35%): every pick ships with a guard the maker attached and, on the Easton and All-Star pages, an explicit SEI/NOCSAE statement; the Rawlings CoolFlo Max FG page states the RX2 guard is pre-attached but does not print the certification line, so its card tells you to check the mark inside. Fit range (25%): youth shells and, for Easton, printed hat-size ranges. Ventilation (15%), guard compatibility (10%) and value (15%) make up the rest. We have not worn any of these.
In detail
The picks, in full
Rank 1
Stock photoBest overall / best full face guard (7–10)
Rawlings CoolFlo Max with Face Guard
The CoolFlo Max with the RX2 face guard already attached. The helmet to buy for a 7- to 10-year-old's first year facing kid pitching.
Spec sheetSourced · not tested by us
| Category | Batting helmet |
|---|---|
| Fits | Youth size |
| Certification (quoted) | NOCSAE mark: check inside the shell (this listing does not state it; Rawlings states NOCSAE certification on its RX2 listing) |
| Construction | Ventilated shell, moisture-wicking liner |
| Sizes | Youth (maker spec, Level: Youth) |
| Included | Pre-attached Rawlings RX2 face guard |
How the 8.9 score breaks down
- Certification (NOCSAE / SEI) (35%)
- 10
- Fit range for the age (25%)
- 8
- Ventilation and comfort (15%)
- 7
- Face-guard compatibility (10%)
- 10
- Value (15%)
- 9
What the spec sheet supports
- Face guard comes attached by the maker, which keeps the certification simple
- Full-face wire guard, not a one-side jaw guard, so it works for a switch hitter
Where it falls short
- A cage narrows the view for some kids; try it before a game
- Youth size only
Skip this if…
…the kid is in tee ball; a guard is overkill for a ball on a tee.
#ad · Price set by Amazon · Disclosure for the link to Rawlings CoolFlo Max with Face Guard
Rank 2
Stock photoBest jaw guard, either side (8–14)
Easton Z50 with Multi-Adjust Jaw Guard
The Z50 with the Multi-Adjust jaw guard pre-assembled and mountable on either side: a jaw guard that follows a switch hitter, on a certified shell.
Spec sheetSourced · not tested by us
| Category | Batting helmet |
|---|---|
| Fits | Small/Medium 6 1/2–7 1/8, Medium/Large 7–7 5/8 |
| Certification (quoted) | SEI certified: meets NOCSAE standard for all levels of play (maker) |
| Certification | SEI Certification: Meets NOCSAE Standard For All Levels Of Play (maker spec) |
| Construction | Exovent slats; zonal foam; BioDri liner; diagonal halo padding |
| Sizes | Medium/Large 7–7 5/8; Small/Medium 6 1/2–7 1/8 (Z50 size spec) |
| Included | Pre-assembled Multi-Adjust jaw guard, mountable on either side (maker spec) |
How the 9.2 score breaks down
- Certification (NOCSAE / SEI) (35%)
- 10
- Fit range for the age (25%)
- 9
- Ventilation and comfort (15%)
- 8
- Face-guard compatibility (10%)
- 10
- Value (15%)
- 8
What the spec sheet supports
- Jaw guard covers the exposed side of the face without a full cage
- Either-side mounting
- Certified as an assembly
Where it falls short
- A jaw guard protects one side; a switch hitter has to move it
- Slightly heavier than the bare helmet
Skip this if…
…the kid wants full-face coverage; a wire face guard covers both sides.
#ad · Price set by Amazon · Disclosure for the link to Easton Z50 with Multi-Adjust Jaw Guard
Rank 3
Stock photoBest certified pair, runner-up
Easton Z5 2.0 with Universal Jaw Guard
Easton's other guard option: the Z5 2.0 shell with the Universal jaw guard, SEI certified to NOCSAE ND022 as a helmet-plus-guard combination in senior and junior sizes.
Spec sheetSourced · not tested by us
| Category | Batting helmet |
|---|---|
| Fits | Junior and Senior shells (maker: BZ5-04JR, BZ5-04SR) |
| Certification (quoted) | SEI certified: NOCSAE ND022 batter's helmet with the Universal jaw guard (maker) |
| Certification | SEI Certification: NOCSAE ND022 Newly Manufactured Baseball/Softball Batter's Helmet; certified as BZ5-04SR + UJG-01OS and BZ5-04JR + UJG-01OS (maker spec) |
| Construction | Dual-density foam liner |
| Included | Universal jaw guard; extended jaw guard available in left- or right-hand batting (maker spec) |
How the 8.8 score breaks down
- Certification (NOCSAE / SEI) (35%)
- 10
- Fit range for the age (25%)
- 8
- Ventilation and comfort (15%)
- 7
- Face-guard compatibility (10%)
- 10
- Value (15%)
- 8
What the spec sheet supports
- The maker lists the exact helmet-plus-guard model pairs that carry the certification
- Junior and senior shells
Where it falls short
- Guard is fixed to one side by model
- Older shell than the Z50
Skip this if…
…you want the either-side Multi-Adjust guard.
#ad · Price set by Amazon · Disclosure for the link to Easton Z5 2.0 with Universal Jaw Guard
Rank 4
Stock photoBest youth cheek guard
All-Star S7 Youth with attached Jawline
A youth ABS helmet with All-Star's Jawline cheek protector attached: the maker states the Jawline is the only jaw protector usable with its helmets without affecting the SEI certification.
Spec sheetSourced · not tested by us
How the 9.1 score breaks down
- Certification (NOCSAE / SEI) (35%)
- 10
- Fit range for the age (25%)
- 9
- Ventilation and comfort (15%)
- 8
- Face-guard compatibility (10%)
- 9
- Value (15%)
- 8
What the spec sheet supports
- Certification statement is explicit about the guard
- Youth-specific shell
Where it falls short
- Jawline is batter-side specific
- Less common in stores than Rawlings and Easton
Skip this if…
…your kid switch-hits.
#ad · Price set by Amazon · Disclosure for the link to All-Star S7 Youth with attached Jawline
Rank 5
Stock photoBest premium jaw guard (12–14)
Easton Pro Max with Jaw Guard
Easton's top helmet: computer-simulated shell thickness, multi-density foam, 'Halo' fit, pre-assembled Multi-Adjust jaw guard, NOCSAE for all levels. For the 12- to 14-year-old who will wear it for years.
Spec sheetSourced · not tested by us
| Category | Batting helmet |
|---|---|
| Fits | Medium/Large 6 5/8–7 1/4, Large/XL 7 1/8–7 1/2 |
| Certification (quoted) | Meets NOCSAE standard for all levels of play (maker) |
| Certification | SEI Certification: Meets NOCSAE Standard For All Levels Of Play (maker spec) |
| Construction | Shell thickness varied by computer-simulated impact; multi-density foam; game-ready 'Halo' fit |
| Sizes | Large/Extra Large 7 1/8–7 1/2; Medium/Large 6 5/8–7 1/4 (maker spec) |
| Included | Pre-assembled Multi-Adjust jaw guard, mountable on either side |
How the 8.5 score breaks down
- Certification (NOCSAE / SEI) (35%)
- 10
- Fit range for the age (25%)
- 7
- Ventilation and comfort (15%)
- 10
- Face-guard compatibility (10%)
- 10
- Value (15%)
- 5
What the spec sheet supports
- Top-of-line padding and shell
- Either-side jaw guard included
Where it falls short
- Smallest size starts at 6 5/8
- Premium price
Skip this if…
…the kid is under 10.
#ad · Price set by Amazon · Disclosure for the link to Easton Pro Max with Jaw Guard
Rank 6
Stock photoBest fastpitch mask helmet
Easton Z50 Softball with Mask
The Z50 with a pre-assembled softball facemask, in Small/Medium (6 1/2–7 1/8) and Medium/Large: the mask helmet that fits a 7- or 8-year-old fastpitch player.
Spec sheetSourced · not tested by us
| Category | Batting helmet |
|---|---|
| Fits | Small/Medium 6 1/2–7 1/8, Medium/Large 7–7 5/8 |
| Certification (quoted) | SEI certified: meets NOCSAE standard for all levels of play (maker) |
| Certification | SEI Certification: Meets NOCSAE Standard For All Levels Of Play (maker spec) |
| Construction | High-impact ABS shell, Exovent slats, zonal foam, BioDri liner |
| Sizes | Medium/Large 7–7 5/8; Small/Medium 6 1/2–7 1/8 (maker spec) |
| Included | Pre-assembled softball facemask |
How the 9.4 score breaks down
- Certification (NOCSAE / SEI) (35%)
- 10
- Fit range for the age (25%)
- 10
- Ventilation and comfort (15%)
- 8
- Face-guard compatibility (10%)
- 10
- Value (15%)
- 8
What the spec sheet supports
- A Small/Medium shell for the youngest fastpitch players
- Mask assembled by the maker
Where it falls short
- Softball mask spacing is for 11 in and 12 in balls; not a baseball guard
- Cage view takes getting used to
Skip this if…
…your daughter's league does not require a mask and she hates the cage; the bare Z50 accepts one later.
#ad · Price set by Amazon · Disclosure for the link to Easton Z50 Softball with Mask
Before you buy
- Measure first. A guard does nothing on a helmet that slides. The size chart has the method and every shell's range.
- Batter's side. For side-specific jaw guards (Z5 2.0 Universal, S7 Jawline), a right-handed batter needs the guard on the left side of the face (the side facing the pitcher). Buy the “RHB” model for a righty. Either-side mounts (Z50, Pro Max) sidestep this.
- Softball is a different mask. Softball masks are spaced for an 11–12 in ball; Easton says its Ghost and Z50 softball masks are “for 11 in softballs and larger only.” Do not put a softball mask on a baseball helmet or the reverse.
- Try the view. Some kids hate a cage and track the ball worse for it. A jaw guard preserves the view; a cage covers more. Let the kid hit off a tee in it before opening day.
- Certified life. Easton prints five years from manufacture under normal play; replace sooner after a hard hit.
How we picked these
Gear we claim to have tested: 0
Plenty of sites say they swung every bat on the list in a lab. We don't say that, and we say so on every page. What we do instead: check each bat against the governing bodies' certification rules and the maker's stated stamp; compile sizing from the makers' own age, height and hand charts; read the published specs (drop, barrel, construction, closure, cleat type); and read the complaint patterns in retailer reviews for the “skip it if” line. Every figure links to where it came from.
Scores are editorial judgments from that documented research, not test results. Commissions never set a score or decide a pick. The rubric and its weights are published.
Questions parents ask
Frequently asked
Face guard or jaw guard for a 9-year-old?
Can I add a jaw guard to any helmet?
Is a C-flap legal in youth baseball?
Which helmet with face guard is best for tee ball?
Keep reading
Related on Bat & Bucket
Receipts
Sources
- Rawlings: CoolFlo Max batting helmet with face guard
- Easton: Z50 batting helmet with Multi-Adjust jaw guard
- Easton: Z5 2.0 helmet with Universal jaw guard
- All-Star: S7 youth batting helmet with attached Jawline
- Easton: Pro Max helmet with jaw guard
- Easton: Z50 softball helmet with mask
- Easton: Universal jaw guard
- Easton: Multi-Adjust jaw guard
- Easton: Ghost softball helmet with mask
We don't claim to have swung, worn or tested this gear, and we don't pretend to. Gear we claim to have tested: 0. Certification rules come from the governing bodies' own pages (Little League, USA Baseball, USSSA, NOCSAE), sizes from the makers' sizing charts, and specs from the maker's product page or the retailer listing named on each product. Amazon prices change often, so we don't print them. Where a figure isn't published, we say so. Read the full method.