How to Choose Head Protection

Headgear is categorized based on the degree of facial coverage and intended use. The basic types, which cover the entire selection available at acrasport.cz, are clearly described below.

The most common style, which protects the forehead, cheeks, ears, and the top of the head. The face remains uncovered, giving you a full field of vision and allowing for natural breathing. The ideal choice for everyday training on the heavy bag and kick pads, basic sparring, and beginners.

Suitable for: boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai—training, sparring.

From our selection:

• RDX F6 KARA Headguard, Black
• RDX T15 Noir Cheek Protector Headguard

It features side padding over the cheeks that better absorbs hooks and straight punches to the cheekbones. Suitable for more intense sparring where the opponent targets the cheeks. It maintains a clear forward view.

Suitable for: boxing, kickboxing – advanced sparring.

From our selection:

• RDX AURA PLUS T-17 HEADGUARD

It combines a classic padded mouthguard with a removable metal or plastic face cage. This protects the nose, teeth, and cheekbones from direct blows. The cage can be removed, giving you two options in one product. It’s suitable for MMA, kickboxing, and Muay Thai, where head kicks are allowed.

Suitable for: MMA, kickboxing, Muay Thai—sparring with a higher risk of contact.

From our selection:

• RDX T1 Headguard with Removable Face Cage, Black
• RDX T1 Headguard with Removable Face Cage

Highest level of protection—a rigid bar across the bridge of the nose or full-face coverage. Eliminates the risk of broken noses and facial injuries. Used during intense sparring and competitive training. Field of vision is partially restricted, so it takes some time to get used to it.

Suitable for: boxing, taekwondo, competitive training.

From our selection:

• RDX APEX Boxing Headgear with Nose Guard
• RDX L2 Mark Pro Headguard with Nose Guard

A special category for amateur competitions and tournaments. These protective gear items meet the strict standards of the IBA (formerly AIBA) or IMMAF. They typically feature more distinctive colors (blue/red) to help identify the corners and have specific padding dimensions. If you compete, always check the rules of your association.

Suitable for: amateur boxing – competitions.

From our selection:

• IBA-approved RDX headguard for amateur competitions, blue
• IBA-approved RDX headguard for amateur competitions, red

The right size is essential. The helmet must not slide down over your eyes or be too tight. Measure the circumference of your head with a tape measure above your eyebrows and across your ears. Approximate sizes available from RDX:

• S – circumference approximately 51–54 cm
• M – circumference approximately 54–57 cm
• L – circumference approximately 57–60 cm
• XL – circumference approximately 60–63 cm

Maya Hide™ (synthetic leather) – a premium RDX material, as durable as genuine leather but better at handling sweat and moisture. Suitable for intense daily training.

ConvEX Skin / Super Skin – a more durable PU surface with a more pronounced texture that absorbs impact and is built to last.

Kalix Skin / synthetic leather – excellent value for money for beginner athletes.

High-quality padding is key to effective protection. Look for multi-layer foam, which gradually absorbs the impact energy. Single-layer foam is less effective but sufficient for light training.

Velcro – the most common type; quick to put on and take off; adjustable. Suitable for all skill levels.

Combined chin strap and rear adjustment strap – greater stability during intense sparring.

If you're working out in a warm environment or at a high intensity, look for protective gear with ventilation panels or a breathable inner lining (microfiber, satin). This reduces sweating and prevents unpleasant odors.

Get a mid-range open-face headguard made of Maya Hide or high-quality PU leather. You don’t need a full-face helmet—you’re just starting out with lighter sparring. Ideally, pair it with a mouthguard.

Recommended product: RDX F6 KARA Head Guard, Black

Choose a headguard with cheek pads or a removable face cage. Thicker padding on the cheeks will significantly reduce the impact of hook punches. Make sure it’s securely fastened—the headguard must not slip during dynamic movement.

Recommended products:
RDX AURA PLUS T-17 HEADGUARD
RDX T1 Headguard with Removable Face Cage

You need a headguard approved by your federation (IBA for boxing, IMMAF for MMA). Be sure to check your federation’s rules before making a purchase.

Recommended products:
IBA-approved RDX headguard for amateur competitions, blue
RDX AS1 HEADGUARD

Mixed martial arts requires a headguard with a cage or a removable face shield, since kicks to the head and elbows are permitted. The cage prevents direct strikes to the nose and jaw.

Recommended products:
RDX T1 Headguard with Removable Face Shield, Black
RDX APEX Boxing Headgear with Face Shield

✔ Fit Test: After putting it on, shake your head and simulate evasive movements. The helmet should not move more than one centimeter. If it slides down over your eyes, it is too big.

✔ Try it with your mouthguard: Always put on the headguard only after inserting your mouthguard—this will help you verify the correct fit of the straps under your chin.

✔ Proper care extends its lifespan: After each workout, wipe the inside with a damp cloth and let the headguard air out. Do not store it in a sealed bag—bacteria thrive in moisture and darkness.

✔ Replace it in a timely manner: The padding loses its shock-absorbing properties after 2–3 years of intense training or when visible deformation occurs. A damaged headguard does not provide the protection it should.

✔ Combine with other protective gear: A headguard alone does not provide comprehensive protection. Supplement it with a mouthguard, and if necessary, hand guards and shin guards.