Best Buy Guide: Headgear boxing & kickboxing – entry-level range

It should come as no surprise that headgear is important in most martial arts. Fight2Win offers more than 50 different headgear models for boxing, kickboxing and thai boxing. Precisely this wide selection makes choosing difficult—which is why we have created this updated best-buy guide.

We have divided the headgear into three segments: budget, advanced and top-tier. This is part one: the budget segment—the best headgear for athletes who are just starting out or do not want to invest too much, but still want good protection.

What do we look for?

1. Fit—comfort during use and how well the headgear fits the contours of the head. Everyone’s head is different, so personal preference always plays a role here.
2. Protection—the extent to which the headgear does what it is designed to do: protect the head, cheekbones, ears, back of the head and face. Protection and fit strongly influence each other.
3. Visibility—a very important factor. There is always a trade-off between visibility and protection. Visibility is an active form of protection: the goal remains to avoid getting hit in the first place.
4. Ease of use—how easy is it to adjust the headgear to your size and fit? And how easy is it to put on and take off with regular use?
5. Build quality—the materials used, finish and durability. We also look at details such as laces and hook-and-loop fasteners.

We rate each model on a scale of 1 to 10. Our selection is based on customer experiences, external reviews, popularity and our own expertise. Price is not a scoring criterion—the models have already been preselected for the budget segment.

Best Buy: Budget Headgear

1. Rival RHG2 Hybrid (black, white, blue, red)
2. XPRT XHG10
3. Rival HG20 Classic
4. King Pro Boxing HG / HG1
5. Rival RHG60F 2.0
6. King Pro Boxing Revo 1

1. Rival RHG2 Hybrid

The Rival RHG2 Hybrid is the thinnest and lightest headgear in the Rival Boxing Gear collection—and at the same time, the top scorer in this test. The Hybrid concept combines the maximum field of vision and light weight of amateur competition headgear with the added benefit of cheekbone protectors like those found on traditional training headgear. Available in black, white, blue, and red.

The RHG2 has been a favorite among boxers for more than 20 years—and that is no coincidence. Rival CEO Russ Anber designed this model with human anatomy as the starting point. The result: headgear that fits like a glove, offers maximum visibility, and still provides all the essential protection.

Fit - Score: 8/10

The fit of the RHG2 Hybrid is excellent for headgear in this segment. The dual hook-and-loop closures, combined with the classic lace-up closure on top, allow for precise adjustment to any head shape. The buckle chin strap provides the smoothest fastening in this test. The microfiber inner lining feels comfortable—even during longer training sessions. The only drawback: the laces require a little patience when making the initial adjustment.

Protection - Score: 8/10

The traditional large cheekbone protectors offer maximum protection for the nose and eyes. The multi-layer foam padding is high quality for this segment. The chin strap keeps the headgear in place when taking punches—a point where budget models often fall short. The RHG2 is made entirely of leather, which benefits the durability of the padding.

Visibility - Score: 9/10

This is where the RHG2 Hybrid truly excels. The improved eye openings provide an exceptionally wide field of vision for headgear with cheekbone protectors. The Hybrid concept is smart here: you get the protection of traditional training headgear, but the visibility of a competition model. The best score in this test for this criterion.

Ease of Use - Score: 8/10

The dual hook-and-loop closures make daily use simple. Once adjusted with the laces, you can simply put it on and fasten the hook-and-loop straps. The buckle under the chin is the fastest and most reliable chin fastening system in this test.

Build Quality - Score: 8/10

Made entirely of soft leather with a microfiber inner lining—the best materials in this segment. The finishing is neat: the stitching, hook-and-loop straps, and buckle are all high quality. Rival has delivered consistent quality for more than 20 years, and the RHG2 is a good example of that. Loox score: 4.9/5 stars (14 reviews).

2. XPRT XHG10

The XPRT XHG10 is the latest headgear from the Dutch brand XPRT Fight Gear—and immediately one of the best value-for-money options in this segment. Made entirely of leather, Designed in the Netherlands, with a modern streamlined design that prioritizes visibility and lightweight use. For those who find the Rival RHG2 too expensive, the XHG10 is the logical choice.

Fit - Score: 7/10

The XHG10 has a good basic fit. The dual horizontal hook-and-loop closures, combined with the classic lace-up closure, provide sufficient adjustment options. The microfiber lining is comfortable. The fit is slightly less precise than that of the Rival RHG2 due to its somewhat wider construction, but it works perfectly well for most head shapes.

Protection - Score: 7/10

The cheek protectors are well positioned, and the multi-layer foam padding provides sufficient cushioning for training use. The chin strap with hook-and-loop closure keeps the headgear in place. Slightly less padding volume than the King HG, but sufficient for recreational and advanced use.

Visibility - Score: 8/10

The XHG10 performs strongly here. The streamlined design and improved eye openings provide a wide field of vision—better than the King HG and RHG60F. XPRT's modern approach—lighter materials, less bulk—pays off here.

Ease of Use - Score: 8/10

Easy to put on and take off. The hook-and-loop closure under the chin works quickly and reliably. Once adjusted with the laces, it is very comfortable for daily use. Comparable to the Rival RHG2 in this regard.

Build Quality - Score: 7/10

Made entirely of leather—a step above synthetic leather. The finish is neat for the price. XPRT Fight Gear is a Dutch brand that has been delivering quality gear for years, and the XHG10 fits that tradition. No Loox reviews available yet—new model.

3. Rival HG20 Classic

The Rival HG20 Classic stays true to the traditional Mexican design — the style that was the standard in the boxing world for decades. Smaller cheek protectors provide maximum visibility, combined with top-quality leather and Rival’s renowned finish. An F2W Pick and best seller in our range.

The HG20 is slightly heavier than the RHG2 Hybrid (470 g vs 360 g) and has a somewhat more traditional fit. For athletes who appreciate the classic design and want proven Rival quality, this is the choice.

Fit — Score: 8/10

The HG20 offers an excellent fit thanks to the combination of hook-and-loop adjustment at the back and the traditional True Fit lace closure on top. The strap under the chin provides additional adjustment options. The microfiber inner lining is comfortable, and the headgear stays in place no matter how hard you train.

Protection — Score: 7/10

The smaller cheek protectors provide slightly less cheek protection than the King HG, but the overall padding quality is higher. Rival’s multi-layer foam padding is of better quality than King’s in this segment. Good protection for the back of the head and the ears.

Visibility — Score: 7/10

The newly adjusted eye and forehead opening provides a good field of vision. The small cheek protectors do not obstruct your view. Slightly less open than the RHG2 Hybrid, but clearly better than the King HG and RHG60F.

Ease of Use — Score: 7/10

Once adjusted with the laces, the HG20 is easy to put on and take off using the hook-and-loop closure. The strap under the chin is an extra step but also provides added security. Comparable to the King HG in this respect.

Build Quality — Score: 8/10

Top-quality leather, microfiber inner lining, and a refined finish. The HG20 is an F2W Pick and best seller — and for good reason. Loox score: 5.0/5 stars (2 reviews). Customers specifically mention the good protection, visibility, and adjustment options.

4. King Pro Boxing HG / HG1

The King Pro Boxing HG and HG1 are essentially the same model—the HG is available in black, while the HG1 comes in army green. Both are Made in Thailand and made from Skintex—a very strong, durable, and lightweight synthetic material. The King HG scores highest for protection in this test thanks to its thick cheek protectors and memory foam padding.

The King HG is at the upper end of the budget segment but clearly offers more protection than the Revo 1. For athletes who prioritize protection, this is the best choice in this segment.

Fit - Score: 7/10

The King HG fits well. The lace-up closure on top, combined with the hook-and-loop closure at the back of the head, provides good adjustment options. The cheek protectors fit snugly in the right places. The memory foam padding adapts to the contours of the head—a clear plus.

Protection - Score: 8/10

Best protection score in this test. The thick cheek protectors, good ear protection, and chin protector provide excellent overall protection. The memory foam padding absorbs impacts better than standard foam. For athletes who do a lot of sparren and want maximum protection, the King HG is the best choice in this segment.

Visibility - Score: 6/10

The thick cheek protectors that make the King HG so good in terms of protection cost it points here. Visibility is adequate but clearly more limited than with the Rival models and the XPRT XHG10. This is the classic trade-off with headgear: more protection = less visibility.

Ease of Use - Score: 7/10

Once adjusted with the laces, the King HG is easy to put on and take off. One point to note: the laces can get caught in the hook-and-loop closure—a known issue with headgear featuring a lace-up closure. This is easily solved with separate quality laces.

Build Quality - Score: 7/10

Skintex is a solid synthetic material—less premium than leather, but durable and lightweight. The finish is appropriate for the price. Made in Thailand—King Pro Boxing has years of experience producing martial arts gear.

5. Rival RHG60F 2.0

The Rival RHG60F 2.0 is the entry-level model from top brand Rival Boxing Gear. It is for those who want the Rival name and quality but want to invest less than they would in the RHG2 Hybrid or HG20 Classic. The RHG60F has a substantial volume—larger than the other models in this test—which is both an advantage and a disadvantage.

Major plus point: the extra-thick padding at the back of the head—unique in this segment. Disadvantage: the substantial volume limits visibility, and the fit is less precise than that of the more expensive Rival models.

Fit - Score: 5/10

The fit of the RHG60F is its weakest point. Its substantial size means the headgear is more likely to rotate and shift when struck than the other models. The lace-up closure and wide hook-and-loop closure at the back of the head do provide adjustment options, but the generous sizing makes achieving a perfect fit difficult.

Protection - Score: 7/10

The protection is more than adequate. The padding is soft and thick—good for beginners. The extra-thick layer of padding at the back of the head is a unique advantage that the other models in this test do not have. The ears sit deeply recessed in the design. The chin protector does not transition completely smoothly.

Visibility - Score: 5/10

The substantial volume of the RHG60F clearly limits visibility. There is little ergonomic design to support maximum visibility. This is the clearest difference compared with the more expensive Rival models.

Ease of use - Score: 6/10

The wide hook-and-loop closure is comfortable and easy to fasten. Once adjusted with the laces, it is perfectly suitable for daily use. Its substantial size makes putting it on slightly more awkward than with the more compact models.

Build quality - Score: 6/10

Synthetic leather—the materials do not feel premium, but they do what they are supposed to do. For beginners who do not sparren intensively, this is more than sufficient. The Rival name guarantees a basic level of quality.

6. King Pro Boxing Revo 1

The King Pro Boxing Revo 1 is the ultimate entry-level option in this test—and that is exactly who it is aimed at. The Revo line is King Pro Boxing's economy line, designed for athletes who are just starting out or are looking for an extra headgear for occasional use. Extremely competitively priced, with sufficient quality for beginners.

Big advantage: no laces—just put it on and fasten the Velcro straps. This makes the Revo 1 the most user-friendly headgear in this test for everyday use.

Fit - Score: 6/10

The fit is adequate for an entry-level model. When taking punches, the headgear will rotate and shift more easily than models with a lace-up closure—that is inherent to headgear without laces. The basic shape is correct and all basic requirements are met.

Protection - Score: 6/10

The padding is comfortably soft but offers less shock absorption than the more expensive models. There is ear protection with a strap running over it (a design once introduced by Winning Japan). The chin protector does not connect completely smoothly. Sufficient for beginners to get started.

Visibility - Score: 5/10

Visibility is just about adequate. The difference compared with the more expensive models is clearly noticeable here. For beginners who do not sparren intensively yet, this is acceptable.

Ease of use - Score: 7/10

This is where the Revo 1 excels. No laces—just put it on, fasten the Velcro straps, and you're ready to go. The simplest and fastest headgear in this test to put on and take off. Ideal for athletes who do not want to fiddle with laces.

Build quality - Score: 5/10

The materials feel and look inexpensive—that is also to be expected from an entry-level model. It does what it needs to do. For occasional use, this is acceptable. With intensive use, the quality will deteriorate more quickly than with the more expensive models.

Conclusion: which headgear is right for you?

The Rival RHG2 Hybrid is the best all-rounder in the budget segment. Full-grain leather, lightweight, maximum visibility, and available in 4 colors — the best choice for most athletes. Loox's 4.9/5-star rating confirms this.

Choose the XPRT XHG10 if you're looking for the best value for money. Full-grain leather at a competitive price, good visibility, and a modern design from a Dutch brand.

Choose the Rival HG20 Classic if you like the traditional Mexican design and proven Rival quality. F2W Choice and Best Seller — Loox's 5.0/5-star rating.

Choose the King HG / HG1 if protection is your priority. The best protection score in this test, thanks to memory foam and thick cheekbone protectors. Made in Thailand.

Choose the Rival RHG60F 2.0 if you want Rival's entry-level model with unique extra padding at the back of the head.

Choose the King Revo 1 if you're looking for a true entry-level model without the hassle of laces — just put it on and you're ready to go.

Still not sure? Visit our showroom — we'd be happy to help you make the right choice.

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How do you measure your head circumference?

Use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of your head at the widest point—just above the eyebrows at the front and just above the ears at the sides. Keep the measuring tape horizontal. Unsure between two sizes? Choose the larger size—a slightly roomier headgear is better than one that is too tight.

Please note: not all models are available in every size. The King HG and HG1 are only available in M and L. The Rival RHG2 Hybrid Blue and Red are available in M and L. The other models are available in S to XL.

This is a GENERAL SIZE CHART; each product has a specific size chart for that model.