Ok, I grew out of my old helmet and I need a new one. I was looking around and obviously want one that protects me the most. I came across the "Rawlings Mach Carbon" which is rated for 90MPH. The protection looks great but the only thing holding me back is the price. Is it really worth paying $170? If it is worth it, I have no problem but I don't want to buy something that is essentially the same as another model. The other helmet I am considering is the EvoShield XVT ($60). Am I better off with the Mach Carbon or the EvoShield?
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High school batting helmets have to be NOCSAE certified. I wouldn’t spend beyond what is needed for certification.
I purchased the mach at a sports superstore. I had a store discount that made it digestible for me. I also rationalized that the $$$ spent on keeping his eggs from scrambling was worth it since I already spent far worse on bats, gloves etc.
I bought the Rawlings for my son but I don’t remember spending that much. I thought it was closer to $100. I could be wrong though. My thinking is the same as 2022NYC. All Star also has a solid helmet that won’t break the bank.
My advice( take it for what its worth)is: 1. Get a chin guard( a teammate of my son took a high fastball and had broken facial bones).2. Comfort and fit are super important. Even though a helmet says it'll fit you, it may not feel comfortable( see if you can try it on, or at least make sure you can return it, if its not comfortable).
Definitely buy the flap. I wish there a more neck protection. My son is like a giraffe and turned his head in on high cut fastball and it tagged him on his neck. Luckily it missed the bone but he was sore for several days.
I took RJM’s advice and didn’t spend the $170 on the Mach Carbon. Instead I got the Evoshield Luxe XVT for $60. Also took Adams Baseball and 2022NYC’s advice on the chin guard. Thank you guys!