At eleven to twelve, your kid is going to outgrow his helmet. The question is whether you upgrade or buy new. It matters.
The size rule A helmet should fit snug on the sides and back. Two fingers of space on the front. If it slides when you push it side to side, it’s too big. If you can’t get two fingers in front, it’s too small.
At this age, kids grow at different rates. Some need a new helmet every season. Some make it two years.
New versus used If the helmet is two years old or older: buy new. Helmet foam deteriorates. It loses padding. You can’t see it, but it’s happening.
If it’s under two years and still fits: a refurbished helmet from a sporting goods store is fine. They clean the old padding, check the shell for damage, and put new foam in. Seventy-five dollars instead of one-fifty.
The brand question Schutt and Riddell are the standards. Don’t go cheaper. A helmet is the one piece of equipment you don’t go budget on. The fit matters more than anything else. Cheap helmets don’t fit right on multiple head shapes.
What you’re paying New helmet: one fifty to two hundred. Refurbished: seventy-five to one hundred. Don’t buy at the mall. Don’t buy at a big-box store. Go to a sporting goods specialty shop. They fit it right. They’ll adjust it when he shows up in August if it shifts.
The rule If he wore it last season and it still fits, check with the coach. Some programs swap them. Some you own. Ask before you buy.
The window May or June. Before July camp. Not in August when everyone’s buying at once. You’ll pay more and selection dies.
Order early if you need it. Get it fitted. One less variable when season starts.