This is the second part of our best-buy guide for helmets. We have divided the helmets into 3 price ranges, and this part covers the segment with the most choice, where you can also expect a bit more from a helmet.
Subdivision by price range
Since the available budget is often a determining factor in the choice, we have divided the helmets into 3 price ranges: top 3 headguards up to 100 euros , up to 200 euros, and the absolute top class above 200 euros .
We will continue with the second category (up to 200 euros) and will cover the other categories in future blogs.
In addition, we have a separate category specifically for people looking for full face protection: the head protectors with face-bar.
Criteria for scoring head protectors*
When evaluating head protection, we look at what we consider to be the most important features of a head protector: fit, protection, and visibility. We will score the head protectors based on these criteria.
- Fit: By fit, we mean comfort during use, but especially how well the head protector fits the contours of the head. This brings us to an important point: everyone's head is different, so there's also a matter of personal preference or the shape of your head.
- Protection: The level of protection refers to the extent to which the head protector fulfills its intended purpose, namely protecting the head, cheekbones, ears, back of the head, and face. Therefore, the level of protection is also linked to the fit, as these properties influence each other.
- Visibility: Visibility during use is also a very important factor when choosing a head protector, and a trade-off is always made with the level of protection. Visibility is a more active form of protection, as the goal remains to avoid being hit in the first place.
- Ease of use: The extent to which the head protector is easy to adjust to your personal measurements and fit. Also, the ease of putting it on and taking it off during regular use.
- Build quality: The materials used, finish, and sturdiness of the head protection. We also look at details such as the laces and Velcro straps.
At the time of writing, Fight2Win offers a selection of 50 different head protectors for boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai. *From this selection, we choose the top 3 based on customer experiences and feedback, external product reviews, popularity, and our own expertise.
Best Buy: Headgear for boxing and kickboxing up to €200
- Rival HG30
- Hayabusa T3
- Twins HGL3
1. Rival Boxing HG30
The HG30 is definitely one of our favorite head protectors and excels in many aspects that you can and want to expect from a good head protector.
The Rival head protector comfortably fits within the set budget of €200, but is still one of the top performers in its class. It's simply a very high-quality head protector of excellent quality with a very comfortable fit. The Rival HG30 head protector has everything you look for in a good head protector: thick cheekbone protectors, ample visibility, and pleasantly soft ear protection.
One of the features that really makes the HG30 stand out is its closure system. While the laces are adjustable for the best possible fit, the secret lies in the Velcro straps at the back of the neck. These are not horizontal, but slightly diagonal. When you fasten them, the head protector follows the contours of the back of the head for an optimal fit.
Fit of Rival HG30 (Score: 8/10)
The fit of the Rival HG30 is simply excellent. The model clearly distinguishes itself from both budget and premium head protectors due to its snug fit. This is partly due to the adjustable laces, but the secret lies mainly in the clever extra Velcro straps at the top of the neck (towards the back of the head). The cheekbone protectors are well-shaped and positioned correctly, as is the opening for the ears.
Protectie Rival HG30 (Score: 8/10)
The Rival HG30's protection is very good. The padding throughout the entire head protector is exceptionally thick. The filling used feels firm yet soft enough. The aforementioned cheekbone (zygomatic) protectors are extra thick, providing an added advantage. Because they are so thick, the nose also receives some extra protection as a bonus. The ears are also very well protected by thick padding and the extra horizontal strap over the ear recesses.
Zicht Rival HG30 (Score: 7/10)
The visibility provided by the Rival HG30 is excellent, despite the extra-thick cheekbone protectors. This clearly demonstrates that these head protectors belong at the top of the high-end class. It's often a trade-off between optimal visibility and maximum protection.
Super protection and good visibility! Gives a lot of confidence during sparring.
Ease of use Rival HG30 (Score: 7/10)
The Rival HG30 is also very user-friendly. Only the first time do you adjust the head protector with the laces. After that, you simply tighten it with the Velcro strap at the back of the head. The final step is to fasten the metal buckle under the chin for maximum headgear stability. Incidentally, the buckle is neatly concealed behind the leather.
Rival HG 30 build quality (Score: 8/10)
The build quality of the Rival HG30 is more than adequate. The materials used feel sturdy and smooth. The finish is also quite satisfactory, although there is naturally a difference compared to top-of-the-line head protectors. Of course, those are also at a completely different (much higher) price point.
Unfortunately, the Rival HG30 head protector suffers from the same problems as many head protectors that use laces. The laces sometimes get caught in the Velcro, and the standard laces provided aren't of the highest quality. However, this is easily solved by purchasing high-quality replacement laces and/or laces in your preferred color.
Features of Rival HG30:
| Material | Leather |
| Closing | Hook and loop fasteners & laces |
| Sizes | S, M, L, and XL |
| Weight | approx. 385 g |
Pros:
+ Excellent fit thanks to adjustable features and clever Velcro straps
+ Excellent protection thanks to extra thick padding on cheekbones and ears
Disadvantages:
- Shoelaces can fray
View in webshop:
External sources:
2. Hayabusa T3
The Hayabusa T3 headgear is the result of extensive research by this innovative and forward-thinking brand, designed for combat athletes who want high-quality, modern materials. It offers excellent quality at a fair price for both beginners and advanced users.
Hayabusa is known for its innovations and clever material solutions in the martial arts world. This headgear is no exception, benefiting from a unique and revolutionary closure system: the T3-cross closure system.
The Hayabusa T3 features excellent cheekbone and ear protection, and optionally a chin guard. Hayabusa offers two similar head protectors in various designs. Putting it on and taking it off is done with revolutionary Velcro closures, eliminating the hassle of laces. This is a truly brilliant and user-friendly system.
Hayabusa T3 Fit (Score: 7/10)
The Hayabusa T3 fits well. The revolutionary closure system allows the headgear to be adjusted to fit almost any head shape. The ears fit into recesses and are therefore securely in place. We do find the headgear with the chin guard quite bulky. The simple closure system ensures a good fit, and the Hayabusa headgear will hardly shift, unless it's hit with considerable force.
Hayabusa T3 Protection (Score: 7/10)
The protection offered by the Hayabusa T3 head protector is sufficient. However, due to its light weight, it doesn't provide the same level of protection as heavier head protectors or those in the truly professional class. For beginners and semi-advanced users, it's more than enough to start with. The ears are integrated into the overall design and covered with mesh panels. As mentioned, this model is available with and without a chin guard.
Received good service, happy with the product.
Hayabusa T3 Visibility (Score: 6/10)
The visibility provided by the headgear is sufficient, but not entirely optimal. This is especially true with the headgear that includes a chin guard. Here, you clearly notice that ease of use comes at the expense of other aspects.
Ease of use Hayabusa T3 (Score: 10/10)
The Hayabusa T3 is very easy to use. You don't need to adjust anything with laces. Just put them on, fasten the Velcro straps, and you're done.
Hayabusa T3 Build Quality (Score: 7/10)
The build quality of the Hayabusa T3 is adequate, but doesn't feel particularly premium. To be fair, this is likely due to the use of very lightweight materials, which of course benefits wearing comfort. The Hayabusa headgear is made of the renowned Vylar-2, which is incredibly durable and stronger than most types of leather.
Features of Hayabusa T3:
| Material | VYLAR®-2 |
| Closing | T-cross hook and loop fastener |
| Sizes | SM, L-XL |
| Weight | approx. 430 g |
Pros:
+ Very easy to put on and take off
+ Good fit and wearing comfort
Disadvantages:
- No premium look and feel
View in webshop:
External sources:
3. Twins HGL3
Finally, we also have head protection from the Thai premium brand Twins Special: the HGL3. This is a trusted choice for those familiar with the Thai brand. Simply stable quality at a very reasonable price.
The HGL3 also has a lacing adjustment for an optimal fit, but for regular use, you simply use the wide Velcro closure at the back of the head. So just put it on and fasten it.
The padding on the back of the head is a nice plus, as is the extra-wide Velcro closure, which is very easy to fasten. Despite the sturdy cheekbone protectors, the Twins' visibility is more than sufficient. However, the head protector is only available in sizes S, M, and L, so it won't fit everyone. To put it mildly, Thai brands generally don't produce materials that fit loosely.
Twins HGL3 Fit (Score: 6/10)
The fit of the Twins HGL3 is adequate to good. However, not everyone will find the largest size to fit. If the Twins fits, it's a fine head protector. The caveat we add is that it often happens that either the cheekbones fit perfectly and the chin area doesn't, or vice versa.
The helmet fits well, but when I'm sparring and taking hits, it keeps sliding all over the place. I have to constantly readjust my helmet during sparring.
Protection Twins HGL3 (Score: 7/10)
The protection offered by the HGL3 head protector is more than sufficient. The padding is also adequate; the filling is firm enough and provides sufficient cushioning. For beginners and advanced users, this is more than enough. If you want top quality for very intense sparring, you'll need to go up a class.
Zicht Twins HGL3 (Score: 7/10)
The Twins helmet offers excellent visibility when the laces and fit are properly adjusted. Again, the Twins helmet doesn't stand out in this area, but performs consistently well. Despite substantial cheekbone protection, there is sufficient visibility with a wide viewing angle.
Ease of use Twins HGL3 (Score: 8/10)
The Twins HGL3 is easy to use. You can adjust it to your head size with laces. Once that's done, it's simply a matter of putting it on, fastening the Velcro straps, and you're ready. A nice feature is that the Velcro on this head protector is very wide, making it easy to grip.
Build quality Twins HGL3 (Score: 7/10)
The build quality of the HGL3 head protector is decent for the price range. The material looks very much like real leather, but is actually synthetic leather. The workmanship is of the quality you'd expect from Thai products: simply very good.
Features of Twins HGL3:
| Material | Synthetic leather |
| Closing | Hook and loop fasteners & laces |
| Sizes | S, M, L |
| Weight | approx. 390 g |
Pros:
+ Sufficient protection
+ Thick padding on the back of the head
Disadvantages:
- Available up to size L, this won't fit everyone.
View in webshop:
External sources:
SCOREBOARD*
| Model | Fit | Protection | Visibility |
| HG30 | 8 out of 10 | 8 out of 10 | 7 out of 10 |
| T3 | 7 out of 10 | 7 out of 10 | 6 out of 10 |
| HGL3 | 6 out of 10 | 7 out of 10 | 7 out of 10 |
| Model | Convenience | Construction | OVERALL |
| HG30 | 7 out of 10 | 8 out of 10 | 38 out of 50 |
| T3 | 10/10 | 7 out of 10 | 37 out of 50 |
| HGL3 | 8 out of 10 | 7 out of 10 | 35 out of 50 |
* The scores are based on customer experiences and feedback, popularity, external product reviews, reviews and our own expertise.
CONCLUSIONS
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Rival HG30 |
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Score: 38 out of 50 |
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| Price indication: | €130 - €170 | |
| Pros: | Excellent fit, highly adjustable, lots of protection. | |
| Disadvantages: | Shoelaces can fray. | |
| Best choice for: | Serious athletes who want good face protection. | |
| Shop now | ||
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Hayabusa T3 |
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Score: 38 out of 50 |
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| Price indication: | €130 - €180 | |
| Pros: | Modern design, easy to use. | |
| Disadvantages: | No luxurious appearance. | |
| Best choice for: | Athletes who appreciate innovation and lightweight materials. | |
| Shop now | ||
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Twins HGL3 |
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Score: 34 out of 50 |
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| Price indication: | €110 - €130 | |
| Pros: | Reliable quality, made in Thailand. | |
| Disadvantages: | Runs small, not suitable for everyone. | |
| Best choice for: | Fighters who love tradition and reliability. | |
| Shop now | ||
View all headgear for boxing, kickboxing and Muay Thai in our webshop: headgear >> headgear up to 200 euros
