Headgear Care & Best Practices

X7 HEADGEAR

OUTER & INNER SHELL

- Wipe clean with a damp microfiber cloth dipped in plain water or water with a mild cleaning detergent solution if very dirty (if using a mild cleaning detergent wipe over a final time with a microfiber cloth dampened with water only to ensure all cleaning detergent is removed from headgear) 

INNER PADS & CHIN STRAP

- Periodically detach inner pads and chin strap from X7 and rinse or hand wash in cold water using mild cleaning detergent leaving to dry before re-fitting (always perform a final rinse if using detergent to ensure all cleaning detergent is rinsed off)

X11 & X7c HEADBANDS

- Wipe the 4 outer pads clean with a damp microfiber cloth dipped in plain water or water with a mild cleaning detergent solution if very dirty (if using a mild cleaning detergent wipe over a final time with a microfiber cloth dampened with water only to ensure all cleaning detergent is removed from headgear) 

- Periodically hand wash in cold water with mild cleaning detergent performing a final rinse to ensure all cleaning detergent is rinsed off and then hang to dry before wearing 

Proper positioning of sports headgear is critical for protection, comfort, and athlete compliance. Whether it’s for football, flag football, rugby, or soft-shell protective headgear, the following best practices are widely used by equipment managers and athletic trainers.

1. Position the Front Edge Just Above the Eyebrows

The front edge of the headgear should sit about 1" above the eyebrows.

Rule of thumb:
If the athlete raises their eyebrows and the gear moves, it's too loose.

2. Keep the Ear Holes Aligned

If the headgear has ear openings:

• The ears should sit centered in the holes
• The headgear should not push the ears forward or fold them

Misaligned ears usually mean the headgear is:

• tilted
• too small
• incorrectly strapped.

3. Fit to the Occipital Bone

The back of the headgear should sit just above the occipital bone (the bump on the back of your skull).

This helps:

• anchor the headgear
• prevent upward sliding
• stabilize during impacts

If it rides too high in the back, the gear will constantly shift forward.

4. Compression Should Be Even

Pressure points are a sign of poor positioning.

You want:

✔ Even compression around the head
✔ No gaps
✔ No hotspots

Athletes should feel secure, not squeezed.

5. Hair Considerations

Hair can affect fit:

Long hair

• Tie low ponytails above the headband or utilize the Pony Tail Port (For X7's).

Braids / buns

• Avoid bulky knots under padding.

Wet hair

• Can make headgear slip, so straps may need tightening.

6. Secure the Chin Strap (If Present)

The chin strap should be:

✔ Snug but comfortable
✔ Allow one finger of space between strap and chin
✔ Prevent the headgear from lifting when pulled upward

Test:
Try lifting the front of the headgear.
If it slides up easily → tighten the strap.

7. Do a Quick “Jump Test”

Have the athlete:

1. Jump
2. Shake their head side-to-side
3. Look up and down

If the headgear moves, you may need to change sizes.