Guardian Caps
What is the purpose of a Guardian Cap?
The Guardian Cap adds a soft, padded outer layer to traditional hard-shell helmets, helping reduce impact by absorbing and redirecting force. Its low-friction surface also lessens grabbing during play, and lighter colors can lower helmet temperature
Do Guardian Caps reduce concussions?
The NFL has mandated the use of Guardian Caps since the 2022 preseason. The league reported a 52% reduction in concussions for those positions during the mandated period versus the previous three-year average. Additionally, due to the efficacy of th
What is the Guardian Cap made of?
The Guardian Cap is made of a closed cell foam so that it won’t pick up weight in the rain (or wash); and is covered by a spandex fabric.
Does the Guardian Cap make my helmet hotter?
No, wearing a Guardian Cap will not make your helmet hotter. Independent research actually showed the opposite. The addition of the Guardian Cap in 90°F+ temperatures insulated the helmets and kept the head 15-20°F cooler. The reason: while polycarbo
How much does the Guardian Cap weigh?
Guardian Caps weigh about 7 ounces, making them extremely lightweight for players. Learn more about our Guardian Caps benefits here!.
What sizes do the Guardian Caps come in?
The Guardian Cap is one-size-fits-all. The elastic attachment straps stretch to fit all sizes, makes, and models of helmets. The straps pull through the facemask and attach back to itself. Watch our “How To Attach” video here for more information. Ca
Which helmets are compatible with the Guardian Cap?
The Guardian Cap fits all football helmet designs and sizes, including the Axiom and Trench helmets. For the Axiom helmet, the Guardian Cap’s two front straps attach through the top of the helmet and the two side straps reach and attach around the to
Does the Guardian Cap fit the Axiom and Trench helmet?
Yes, Guardian Caps XT and 2.0 fit the Axiom helmets, Trench helmets, and all other football helmet designs and sizes. For the Axiom helmet, the Guardian Cap’s two front straps attach through the top of the helmet and the two side straps reach and at
Do you have Guardian Caps in custom colors?
The Guardian Cap is available in 11 colors: black, red, white, Vegas gold, navy, maroon, orange, green, yellow, purple, and royal blue.
What levels wear Guardian Caps?
Guardian Caps are currently being used across all levels of organized play, including youth leagues and feeder programs, high schools, college teams, CFL, and the NFL.
Does the NFL wear Guardian Caps?
Yes, the NFL mandated Guardian Caps for the 2024 season with expanded use. The new mandate includes all practices preseason, regular season, and post season that include contact. They have also added receivers and defensive backs to the list of pos
Are Guardian Caps permitted for play by the NFHS for football?
Guardian Caps are permitted for high school football practice and official games by the NFHS. Please email for the official letter.
Are Guardian Caps permitted for play by the NFHS for lacrosse??
Yes, Guardian caps are permitted by the NFHS for high school lacrosse. Request the official letter here.
Why does the Guardian Cap not have the NOCSAE certification sticker?
NOCSAE does not have a category for add-on equipment. Since the Guardian is not eligible for NOCSAE certification on its own, we had a NOCSAE certified laboratory test the Guardian according to the protocols to ensure that the addition of the Guardia
What is your return/exchange policy on Guardian Caps?
For Guardian Caps/LOOP/Chinstrap: An unworn Cap, LOOP, or Chinstrap with tags attached, may be returned for a full refund within sixty (60) days of purchase, minus the cost of original shipping fees (where applicable). An unworn Guardian product with
Will the Guardian Cap give players a false sense of security and cause them to engage in risky behavior?
Coaching and technique is still of utmost importance and if there is evidence that this is occurring, we’d recommend taking them off. We have not seen this at all. Typically, once players get used to the different look of the Guardian, it becomes the
I'm having issues getting my Guardian Cap purchase approved by my board, coach, AD, etc. What do I do?
Contact us and we’ll get you what you need to present your case.
Have you heard that Guardian Caps could negatively affect your program's liability?
Helmet manufacturers cannot remove themselves from liability without showing how a product has negatively affected the performance of their helmet, or made it more dangerous/less safe for an athlete to play football. A full, comprehensive legal and r
Is the Guardian Cap waterproof? Can I wash it?
Yes, the Guardian Cap is waterproof. The exterior material is similar to Olympic swimsuits designed to repel water and the interior padding is a closed cell material that will not absorb water. Hand wash in cold water, then air dry.
What is the lifespan of a Guardian Cap?
What is the expected lifespan of a Guardian Cap? The lifespan of a Guardian Cap depends on the usage and size of player. The average youth and high school Guardian Cap will last a few seasons. Please note that Caps that are compressed, torn, or broke
What is your warranty on Guardian Caps?
Guardian Caps WarrantyWe offer a 6-month Limited Warranty on the Guardian Cap to ensure customer satisfaction and product reliability. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser of the Guardian Cap and is non-transferable. This warranty cov
Do you offer reconditioning for Guardian Caps?
Yes! We do offer Guardian Cap reconditioning for all styles, including XT, XT 2.0, NXT, and NXT 2.0. Reconditioning includes:. Inspection and calibration of impact area pad compression to OEM specifications. Repair of snaps and straps (if needed). Cl
Do Guardian Caps void helmet warranties?
Great question — this comes up often, and we’re happy to clarify. Guardian Caps do not void Riddell warranties or the warranty of any helmet manufacturer. Helmet manufacturers’ warranties explicitly list what actions would void coverage, and the use
Can I customize my Guardian Cap?
For custom decals, we’ve recently partnered with Sportdecals and direct all customers to the link on our website here. They offer custom vinyl decals that easily stick to your Guardian Cap —including the required safety warning label. Since Sportdeca
Can I wash my Guardian Cap?
Guardian Caps can be cleaned by hand washing in cold water or using a front-load/non-agitator washing machine on a cold, delicate cycle. Use mild detergent, avoid harsh chemicals, and always hang dry, never placing them in a clothes dryer. For stubbo