How to choose a cricket helmet

A good cricket helmet sits snug, lets you see the ball clearly and stays put when you move. Here is what to check before you buy, and the helmets and grilles in our range.

Which helmet option do you need?

A full helmet for new batters, or a fresh grille for the one you own.

Navy cricket batting helmet with a steel grille
COMPLETE HELMET

A full batting helmet with shell and grille fitted.

What to prioritise
Ready to bat

Cricket Helmets

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Titanium replacement grille for a cricket helmet
TITANIUM GRILLES

Lighter replacement grilles to refresh a worn helmet.

What to prioritise
Light and strong

Cricket Helmets

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Coated steel face guard for a cricket helmet
STEEL FACE GUARDS

Coated steel guards, a tough and budget friendly choice.

What to prioritise
Hard wearing

Cricket Helmets

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Cricket helmet face guard with two slots and four holes
SMALL OR MEDIUM

Grilles in small and medium to match your shell.

What to prioritise
Size matched

Cricket Helmets

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White cricket batting leg pad
BATTING PADS

Leg guards in junior, youth and adult sizes.

What to prioritise
Protect your legs

Cricket Pads

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Kashmir willow cricket bat
BATS

English and Kashmir willow bats for juniors and adults.

What to prioritise
Find your bat

Cricket Bats

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What matters in a cricket helmet

A snug, steady fit

Measure around your head just above the eyebrows and match it to the size guide. The helmet should sit level, with the peak just above your eyes, and not rock when you shake your head.

A recognised safety standard

Cricket Australia recommends helmets that meet the current British Standard, BS 7928. Check the product details or label, and ask your club or association what they require.

The right grille gap

The gap between the peak and the grille should be small enough that a ball cannot pass through. Grilles are made for specific shells, so a replacement must match your helmet's brand, model and size.

Comfort you will forget about

Look for soft padding that sits evenly and a chin strap that clips firmly without pinching. A comfortable helmet is one you will keep on for every ball you face.

Mistakes to avoid

Buying a size to grow into

A loose helmet can slip over your eyes or shift on impact. Buy for the head you have today, especially for junior players.

Mixing grilles and shells

A grille from another brand or model may not fit or protect properly. Only fit a replacement made for your exact helmet.

Keeping a helmet after a big hit

A heavy blow can damage the shell or grille even when nothing looks wrong. Have it checked, and replace parts when in doubt.

Helmet options at a glance

OptionBest forCheck before buying
Complete helmetNew batters, or anyone replacing an old helmetHead measurement and safety standard
Titanium grillePlayers who want a lighter face guardMade for your helmet's brand, model and size
Coated steel grilleClub and junior players after a tough, lower cost optionSlot and hole pattern matches your shell
Small or medium grilleMatching a replacement to your current helmetThe size printed inside your helmet

Look after your helmet

  • Let the helmet air dry after every game or session, out of direct sun and away from heaters.
  • Wipe the padding with a damp cloth and mild soap, and remove the pads to wash if the design allows.
  • Check the grille screws and chin strap before each match, and tighten anything that has worked loose.
  • Store it in its own space in your kit bag so heavy bats and balls do not dent the shell or bend the grille.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find the right cricket helmet size?

Wrap a soft tape measure around your head about 1cm above the eyebrows and over the widest part at the back, then compare it with the size guide on the product page. When you try the helmet on, it should feel snug all round, sit level with the peak just above your eyes, and stay put when you nod or shake your head. If it moves, try a smaller size or adjust the fit system. Juniors should be sized for their head today, not for next season.

What is the difference between titanium and steel grilles?

Both do the same job of stopping the ball reaching your face. Titanium is lighter for its strength, so the helmet feels less front heavy over a long innings, but it usually costs more. Coated steel is heavier and very durable, which makes it a sensible choice for club, school and junior cricket. Pick the material that suits your budget, then make sure the grille is made for your helmet.

Do cricket helmets need to meet a safety standard?

Cricket Australia recommends that batters, wicketkeepers standing up to the stumps and close fielders wear a helmet that meets the current British Standard, BS 7928. Many associations and clubs make this a rule, so check with yours before match day. Look for the standard on the product details or the label inside the helmet, and ask us if you are unsure.

When should I replace my helmet or grille?

Replace or have the helmet checked after any heavy blow, even if you cannot see damage, because the shell and liner can be weakened inside. Also look for cracks, a bent or loose grille, worn padding or a strap that will not hold. A helmet that no longer fits snugly, often the case as juniors grow, should be replaced too.

Can I fit any replacement grille to my helmet?

No. Grilles are designed for particular shells, and the slot and hole pattern, size and fixing points need to match your helmet. Fitting the wrong one can leave a gap a ball can pass through. The replacement grilles in our range are made for specific helmet models in small and medium, so check the product name and description against your helmet before you order.

Ready to bat with confidence?

Find a helmet that fits well, or refresh the one you trust with a new grille.

Free delivery on orders over $150. Members get our lifetime warranty.

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Batter practising in the cricket nets