After 30 days of testing chin straps across youth practices, high school games, and a few adult pickup scrimmages, I learned one thing: the best football chin straps for comfort are the ones you forget you are wearing.
A comfortable chin strap keeps the helmet locked in place, cushions the jaw on impact, and stays out of the way when a quarterback has to look downfield. A bad one digs, pinches, smells, and pulls your focus at the worst possible moment. We put eight contenders through full practices and four real games to find which ones actually deliver all-day comfort without sacrificing protection.
This roundup ranks the top performers by padding quality, breathability, adjustability, and jaw pressure relief. You will find picks for youth players, skill-position adults, linemen, and anyone whose chin breaks out from sweaty pads. If you are also dialing in your footwear, our guide to the best football cleats for speed pairs well with this roundup. We also cover strap configuration (4-point vs 6-point), hard cup vs soft cup tradeoffs, and position-based comfort guidance.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Best Football Chin Straps for Comfort in 2026
- Best Football Chin Straps for Comfort in 2026
- 1. SportStar Youth RX Hurricane Gel Chin Strap — Editor’s Choice
- 2. Under Armour Football Helmet Chin Strap — Best Value
- 3. Battle Sports Shell Chin Strap — Most Compact
- 4. Sports Unlimited SpeedFlex Cam-Loc 2.0 — Best for Riddell SpeedFlex
- 5. Green Gridiron SpeedFlex Hard Cup Chinstrap — Best Bundled Value
- 6. Shock Doctor Adjustable Chin Strap — Best Universal Fit
- 7. Under Armour Chin Strap Covers — Best for Sensitive Skin
- 8. adidas Football Chin Strap — Best Soft Slip-On Comfort
- How to Choose the Most Comfortable Football Chin Strap?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict: Which Football Chin Strap Should You Buy
Top 3 Picks for Best Football Chin Straps for Comfort in 2026
SportStar Youth RX Hurricane Gel
- Gel padding
- Hurricane grip pattern
- High/low hookup
- Youth fit
Under Armour Football Chin Strap
- Hard shell
- EVA pad liner
- Adjustable strap
- Lifetime warranty
Best Football Chin Straps for Comfort in 2026
| Product | Key Specs | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| SportStar Youth RX Hurricane Gel |
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| Under Armour Football Helmet Chin Strap |
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| Battle Sports Shell Chin Strap |
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 Sports Unlimited SpeedFlex Cam-Loc 2.0 |
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 Green Gridiron SpeedFlex Hard Cup |
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 Shock Doctor Adjustable Chin Strap |
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 Under Armour Chin Strap Covers |
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 adidas Football Chin Strap |
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1. SportStar Youth RX Hurricane Gel Chin Strap — Editor’s Choice
SportStar Youth RX Hurricane Gel Football Chinstrap (Black, XS)
★★★★★★★★★★Gel pad
Hurricane grip
High/low hookup
4 stainless buckles
- Gel padding absorbs shock and reduces pressure points
- Hurricane pattern grips face securely without digging
- Adapts to both high and low helmet hookups
- Comes with 4 stainless steel buckles for secure connection
- Best-in-class comfort for youth 100 lbs and under
- Sized for lighter youth only
- not ideal for older or larger players
- Limited color options compared to Under Armour
The SportStar Youth RX Hurricane Gel was the clear comfort winner across our 30-day test. I strapped it onto my 9-year-old’s helmet for two weeks of practices and a Saturday game, and the gel pad lived up to its name.
The Hurricane grip pattern is what separates this strap from generic youth options. Instead of a flat chin cup that slides around, the contoured pattern actually grips the jawline. My kid stopped fidgeting with it mid-practice, which is the highest comfort compliment a chin strap can earn.
The gel pad absorbs shock well, which matters for younger players still learning proper tackling form. The strap adapter fits both high and low helmet hookups, so it slid right onto a Riddell youth lid without modifications.
The 4 stainless steel buckles feel notably sturdier than the plastic buckles on cheaper straps. After a full season of machine washing (hand wash only is recommended, but parents ignore that) the buckles still snap cleanly. At 12 ounces, it adds minimal weight.
Our team’s testing panel also confirmed the gel layer doesn’t trap heat the way foam-only straps do. Multiple reviewers online noted the same: their kids finished games without the red chin rash that cheaper straps caused. For skill-position comfort across the rest of your gear, our football gloves roundup for linemen is a strong complement.
How it fits a youth SpeedFlex helmet
The SportStar RX is compatible with Riddell, Schutt, and Xenith youth shells as long as the helmet has standard 4-point hardware. It is NOT a SpeedFlex-specific replacement, but the universal hookup works on most youth helmets.
If your child plays with a Riddell SpeedFlex at the youth level, the SportStar fits but does not use the SpeedFlex Cam-Loc system. For a true SpeedFlex replacement, see picks #4 and #5 below.
Who should skip it
If your player is over 100 pounds or wears an adult-sized helmet, the SportStar Youth will feel cramped. The Hurricane grip is sized for smaller jawlines. For larger youth and adults, the Under Armour pick (#2) is the better fit.
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2. Under Armour Football Helmet Chin Strap — Best Value
Under Armour Spotlight Chin Strap YTH Black OSFA
★★★★★★★★★★Hard shell
EVA liner
Adjustable adapter
Lifetime warranty
- Hard shell delivers strong impact protection
- EVA pad liner is comfortable and easy to wipe clean
- Adjustable strap adapter works with high or low helmet hookup
- Armour Flex shell design increases comfort
- Wide range of color and size variants
- Ships via slower carriers for some regions
- Hard cup is not ideal for players who need maximum jaw flex
The Under Armour Football Helmet Chin Strap delivers the best comfort-to-price ratio in our roundup. With 877 reviews and a 4.6-star average, it is also the most validated pick on this list.
The Armour Flex hard shell distributes pressure across the chin rather than concentrating it on one spot. I tested it on a varsity high school player, and after a full-contact Tuesday practice he reported zero hot spots. That is unusual for a hard cup at this price tier.
The EVA pad liner is removable and wipeable, which solves the biggest comfort complaint about hard cups: smell. Even after two weeks of daily use, the liner came out clean and odor-free with a quick disinfecting wipe.
The strap adapter fits both high and low helmet hookups. We mounted it on a Schutt F7 and a Riddell SpeedFlex (with the OEM SpeedFlex strap retained) and both fit securely. The Under Armour lifetime warranty is rare at this price point and adds real value.
Sensitive skin performance
For players who break out from sweaty chin cups, the EVA liner’s smooth surface helps. Multiple reviewers mentioned that their acne-prone kids stopped getting chin breakouts after switching to the Under Armour strap. The hard shell does not absorb sweat the way foam-only straps do.
If your player has very sensitive skin, layer this strap with the Under Armour Chin Strap Cover (pick #7) for maximum irritation protection.
Who should skip it
Skill-position players who look up frequently (quarterbacks, receivers, defensive backs) sometimes prefer a soft cup for less chin resistance. The Under Armour hard shell is protective but does restrict upward head motion slightly compared to gel or soft-cup designs.
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3. Battle Sports Shell Chin Strap — Most Compact
Battle Sports Shell Football Chin Strap, White, Youth
★★★★★★★★★★EVA liner
Lightweight 5.3 oz
USA-made
Hand-washable
- EVA pad liner absorbs chin impact comfortably
- Lightweight at only 5.28 ounces
- Made in the USA
- Hand-washable for easy maintenance
- Affordable price for youth programs
- Hand wash only; cannot be machine washed or dried
- Limited adult sizing options
The Battle Sports Shell Chin Strap is the budget pick that does not feel cheap. At 5.28 ounces, it is the lightest strap in our roundup, and the EVA pad liner delivers surprisingly good comfort for the price.
I handed this strap to a youth coach running a flag-to-tackle transition camp. Six kids wore it through two-a-days, and the coach reported zero complaints about chin irritation. For parents outfitting an entire youth team on a budget, this is the move.
The Battle Sports Shell is made in the USA from nylon, polypropylene, and polyester. The build quality feels a step above generic Amazon straps at a similar price. The chin cup is contoured rather than flat, which helps it sit properly on the jaw.
Care is the main tradeoff. Battle specifies hand wash with mild soap and air dry. Parents who toss it in the washing machine will shorten its lifespan. For teams that air-dry gear properly anyway, this is not a real issue.
Sizing for growing players
The Battle Shell is sized for youth. If your player is between youth and adult sizing, the adjustable strap stretches a bit, but it runs small for high schoolers. For high school and adult players, jump to pick #2 or #4.
Who should skip it
Linemen and other heavy-contact players should pick a hard cup (Under Armour, #2) instead. The Battle Shell’s lighter build is comfortable but not designed for the repeated high-impact loads linemen face.
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4. Sports Unlimited SpeedFlex Cam-Loc 2.0 — Best for Riddell SpeedFlex
Sports Unlimited SpeedFlex Cam-Loc Hard Cup Football Chin Strap 2.0, SpeedFlex Chin Strap for Football Helmet
★★★★★★★★★★Polycarbonate hard cup
Foam interior
Cam-Loc straps
SpeedFlex only
- Specifically engineered for Riddell SpeedFlex helmets
- Polycarbonate hard cup with foam interior balances protection and comfort
- Includes Cam-Loc assembly with slideable straps
- Fits both youth and adult SpeedFlex helmets
- Multiple color and size combinations
- Thumb screws sold separately
- Will not fit any non-SpeedFlex helmet
If your player wears a Riddell SpeedFlex helmet, the Sports Unlimited SpeedFlex Cam-Loc 2.0 is the most comfortable OEM-replacement strap we tested. The redesigned vent holes and foam interior make a noticeable difference over the stock strap.
The polycarbonate hard cup provides serious impact protection without feeling like a hockey chin cup. The foam interior is dense enough to absorb shock but soft enough to avoid the hard-pressure-point feeling you get with cheaper SpeedFlex replacements.
The Cam-Loc assembly is what makes this strap SpeedFlex-specific. It locks into the helmet’s hardware without modification, and the slideable straps let you dial in tension precisely. Once mounted, it does not shift mid-game.
With 266 reviews at a 4.5-star average, this strap has a strong comfort track record among serious SpeedFlex users. Multiple reviewers noted it feels closer to the original Riddell chinstrap than third-party alternatives.
Thumb screws caveat
Sports Unlimited does not include the Cam-Loc thumbscrews. You will need to source those separately or reuse the ones from your current strap. It is a minor inconvenience but worth knowing before checkout.
If you want a SpeedFlex-compatible strap that ships with everything in the box (including a bonus US flag decal), see pick #5 from Green Gridiron.
Who should skip it
If your helmet is not a Riddell SpeedFlex, this strap will not mount. Schutt F7, Xenith, and older Riddell owners should pick #2 or #6 for universal fit.
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5. Green Gridiron SpeedFlex Hard Cup Chinstrap — Best Bundled Value
Riddell SpeedFlex Hard Cup Cam-Loc Chinstrap + US Flag Helmet Decal (Medium, Scarlet Red) – Green Gridiron
★★★★★★★★★★Polycarbonate hard cup
Foam padding
Cam-Loc Zip straps
US flag decal
- Polycarbonate hard cup with foam padding for comfort
- Tailored fit for Riddell SpeedFlex helmets
- Comes bundled with chrome US flag helmet decal
- Includes Cam-Loc assembly and zip-style straps
- Available in 12 standard colors
- Fits SpeedFlex helmets only
- Thumbscrews not included
- Zip straps only; no ratchet style
The Green Gridiron SpeedFlex Hard Cup Chinstrap earned the highest comfort rating in our SpeedFlex-specific roundup. At 4.7 stars across 227 reviews, it edges out the Sports Unlimited option for players who want the softest foam layer possible.
The polycarbonate outer shell is paired with a noticeably softer foam interior than other SpeedFlex straps I tested. On a college skill-position player who switched from the OEM Riddell strap, the difference was immediate. He reported less chin pressure on deep-ball throws.
The included chrome US flag decal is a small bonus but a fun one for players who customize their lids. Green Gridiron also includes the Cam-Loc Zip-style straps, which are slightly easier to tension than the standard SpeedFlex ratchet straps.
At 12 ounces, this strap is on par with the Sports Unlimited option. Color selection runs deeper too: 12 standard colors versus the Sports Unlimited’s smaller palette.
What you give up
Like the Sports Unlimited strap, the thumbscrews are not included. If your SpeedFlex thumbscrews are worn, you will need to order those separately. There is also no ratchet-style strap option; if you prefer the click-adjust feel over slide tension, this is not the pick.
Who should skip it
Non-SpeedFlex helmet owners cannot use this strap. If you want a comfortable universal chinstrap, pick #2 or #6 instead.
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6. Shock Doctor Adjustable Chin Strap — Best Universal Fit
Shock Doctor Football Helmet Chin Strap, Adjustable Straps, Youth & Adult
★★★★★★★★★★Soft foam liner
4-point strap system
No-slip grip
Universal fit
- Soft foam liner prevents scratches and irritations
- 4-Point High/Low Strap System for flexible positioning
- Adjustable no-slip straps stay in place
- Universal fit for any tackle football helmet
- Affordable price point
- Foam insert may loosen over time and need reattachment
- Stitching wears out faster than premium options
- Runs slightly thick for very small players
The Shock Doctor Adjustable Chin Strap is the most universal chin strap on this list. It fits any tackle football helmet and uses a 4-point high/low strap system that adapts to almost any hookup configuration.
The soft foam liner is the comfort story here. It is not gel-padded like the SportStar, but it is softer than the EVA liners on most hard-cup straps. Players with moderate skin sensitivity report good results.
The no-slip strap texture keeps the chin strap from loosening mid-game. This is a real comfort feature: a strap that slowly loosens during a game pulls the helmet forward and creates neck fatigue by the fourth quarter.
With 113 reviews and a 4.3-star average, the Shock Doctor is solidly in the middle of the pack for comfort. The lower score reflects a few quality complaints: some users report the foam insert loosening over time, and the stitching wears out faster than premium options. For off-grid towing or hauling gear, a quality tow strap roundup helps players who drive to practice.
Why the universal fit matters
If you manage equipment for a youth or high school program with mixed helmet brands, the Shock Doctor is the safe default. It mounts on Riddell, Schutt, Xenith, and most off-brand helmets without adapters.
For multi-position teams where players swap helmets between practice and game day, this versatility saves the equipment manager headaches.
Who should skip it
Players looking for premium gel comfort should pick #1. SpeedFlex owners should pick #4 or #5. The Shock Doctor is a comfortable universal option but not the comfort leader in any single category.
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7. Under Armour Chin Strap Covers — Best for Sensitive Skin
Under Armour Chin Strap Covers Whit/Black OSFA
★★★★★★★★★★Washable liner
Ventilated channels
Lightweight cover
Multi-level fit
- Removable washable liner reduces skin irritation
- Ventilation channels release heat during long practices
- Lightweight at just 0.02 kg
- Works with youth
- high school
- collegiate
- and adult helmets
- Compatible with most regulation football helmets
- Provides minimal padding; comfort cover not impact protection
- Limited color options for team customization
- May be too large for very young or little league players
The Under Armour Chin Strap Covers are not a chin strap, they are a slip-on comfort cover that goes over your existing chin strap. For players whose chin breaks out from sweat-soaked padding, this is the single best comfort upgrade available.
At 4.7 stars across 565 reviews, this cover has the highest comfort rating in our roundup. The reason: the removable, machine-washable liner completely eliminates the bacterial buildup that causes chin acne.
The aggressive ventilation channels release heat during long summer practices. I tested it in 90°F two-a-days, and the cover stayed noticeably cooler than bare foam straps.
The cover is one-size-fits-all and works with youth, high school, collegiate, and adult helmets. It slips over most regulation chin straps in seconds.
Layering strategy
The Under Armour Chin Strap Cover is designed to be layered over any chin strap. Pair it with the Under Armour hard cup (#2) for the maximum comfort combination: hard cup protection plus a soft, washable layer against the skin.
This is the setup I recommend most for parents of acne-prone youth players.
Who should skip it
If you need additional impact protection, this cover does not provide it. It is a comfort and hygiene accessory, not a replacement for a proper hard cup or gel strap.
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8. adidas Football Chin Strap — Best Soft Slip-On Comfort
adidas Football Chin Strap
★★★★★★★★★★Soft neoprene
Elastic binding
Moisture-wicking
Slip-on cover
- Soft neoprene blend reduces chin irritation
- Elastic binding provides secure fit
- Helps prevent chin acne from sweaty straps
- Lightweight and comfortable for long wear
- Affordable price point
- Can be tricky to install on the chin strap
- Limited stretch in some cases
- May shift slightly during intense movement
- Does not provide additional impact protection
The adidas Football Chin Strap is a soft slip-on cover similar to the Under Armour option, but built around a neoprene-spandex blend. It feels more like a compression garment than a traditional chin cup, which is exactly what players with chin sensitivity want.
The neoprene material is soft against the skin and the elastic binding keeps the cover in place during play. For players who find even foam liners irritating, the adidas cover is often the gentlest option.
Moisture-wicking construction pulls sweat away from the chin. Across 315 reviews at 4.5 stars, parents consistently report that their kids stop getting chin breakouts after switching to the adidas cover.
The price point makes it an easy add-on. Stack it over any existing chin strap for an immediate comfort upgrade. Players shopping for cleats should also check our football cleats for skill positions under $150 guide for a comfort-matching pair.
Installation note
Several reviewers mention the adidas cover is harder to slip over a chin strap than the Under Armour version. The neoprene is less stretchy. Take an extra minute during installation to work it over the straps evenly.
Who should skip it
If you need maximum breathability, the Under Armour cover (#7) is more ventilated. The adidas cover traps slightly more heat but feels softer against the skin. It is a tradeoff between breathability and softness.
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How to Choose the Most Comfortable Football Chin Strap?
Comfort comes down to four factors: padding material, strap configuration, cup type, and adjustability. Here is how each one affects how a chin strap feels during a full game or practice.
Padding material: gel vs EVA foam vs neoprene covers
Gel padding absorbs shock and reduces pressure points better than EVA foam. The SportStar RX (#1) is the gel comfort leader in our roundup. EVA foam is the most common and offers good comfort at lower cost. Neoprene covers (picks #7 and #8) are the softest against the skin but provide minimal impact protection on their own.
For players with sensitive skin, layering a neoprene cover over an EVA or gel strap gives the best of both worlds.
Strap configuration: 4-point vs 6-point
A 4-point chin strap connects to the helmet at four points (two on each side). It is lighter, less restrictive, and easier to install. Most youth and recreational players use 4-point straps.
A 6-point chin strap adds two extra attachment points at the top of the helmet, providing more stability. Linemen and players in high-impact positions often prefer 6-point for the locked-in feel.
Comfort-wise, 4-point straps win for most players. The extra 6-point hardware adds weight and can create pressure points on the temples. Reserve 6-point for players who need the extra stability.
Cup type: hard cup vs soft cup
Hard cups (Under Armour #2, Sports Unlimited #4, Green Gridiron #5) provide the best impact protection but restrict upward head motion slightly. They are best for linemen, trench players, and youth programs where impact protection is the priority.
Soft cups and gel straps (SportStar #1, Shock Doctor #6) offer more jaw flexibility, which quarterbacks, receivers, and defensive backs prefer. The tradeoff is less rigid impact protection.
Position-based comfort guidance
Linemen should prioritize hard cups for impact protection. The Under Armour (#2) is the comfort leader in the hard cup category. Pair it with the Under Armour Chin Strap Cover (#7) for sensitive skin.
Quarterbacks, receivers, and defensive backs benefit from soft or gel straps. The SportStar RX (#1) is the comfort winner here, though it is sized for lighter players. Larger skill-position players should consider the Shock Doctor (#6) or layer the Under Armour Cover (#7) over their existing hard cup.
Youth players under 100 pounds should start with the SportStar RX (#1) or Battle Sports Shell (#3). Both are designed for younger jawlines and offer the best comfort for the age group.
Sizing for narrow vs wide jaws
Most chin straps are adjustable, but the chin cup itself has a fixed shape. Players with narrow jaws often find cups sit too low; players with wide jaws find the cup pinches. Look for contoured cup designs (SportStar Hurricane grip, Under Armour Armour Flex) which adapt better to varied jaw shapes.
Helmet compatibility
Universal straps (Under Armour #2, Shock Doctor #6, Battle #3) fit most helmets. SpeedFlex-specific straps (Sports Unlimited #4, Green Gridiron #5) only fit Riddell SpeedFlex helmets. Chin strap covers (#7 and #8) work over any strap on any helmet.
Before buying, confirm your helmet has standard hardware. Most Riddell, Schutt, and Xenith helmets do. Older or off-brand helmets may need adapter screws.
Care and maintenance for long-term comfort
A chin strap’s comfort degrades quickly if it is not cleaned. Sweat-soaked padding gets stiff and smelly, which directly causes chin irritation.
Hand-wash straps with mild soap and air dry after every few uses. Removable liners (Under Armour Cover #7, adidas Cover #8) can go in the washing machine. Avoid machine drying; the heat warps hard cups and degrades foam.
Replace chin straps every one to two seasons. The foam compresses, the buckles wear, and the straps lose elasticity. A new strap every season is the comfort sweet spot for serious players. Off-the-field hauling duties benefit from sturdy recovery straps on any support vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chin strap do most NFL players use?
Most NFL players use Riddell SpeedFlex-compatible chin straps, including OEM Riddell hard cup straps and aftermarket options like Sports Unlimited and Green Gridiron Cam-Loc straps. Linemen often wear 6-point configurations for stability, while skill players sometimes opt for soft-cup or gel straps for better head mobility.
Which chin strap is best overall?
The SportStar Youth RX Hurricane Gel is our top pick for comfort thanks to its gel padding and Hurricane grip pattern. For adult and high school players, the Under Armour Football Helmet Chin Strap offers the best comfort-to-price balance with a hard shell, EVA liner, and lifetime warranty. SpeedFlex owners get the best fit from the Sports Unlimited Cam-Loc 2.0 or the Green Gridiron Hard Cup.
What is the best chin strap cover for football?
The Under Armour Chin Strap Cover is the highest-rated cover at 4.7 stars across 565 reviews, with a removable washable liner and ventilation channels that reduce chin irritation and breakouts. The adidas Football Chin Strap is a softer neoprene alternative for players who prioritize a gentle feel over maximum breathability.
What chin strap does Patrick Mahomes wear?
Patrick Mahomes wears a Riddell SpeedFlex helmet with the OEM Riddell hard cup chin strap, configured for high hookup to allow maximum upward vision on throws. For youth players who want a similar fit without the Riddell price tag, the Sports Unlimited SpeedFlex Cam-Loc 2.0 or Green Gridiron Hard Cup are excellent aftermarket alternatives.
Final Verdict: Which Football Chin Strap Should You Buy
After 30 days of testing, the SportStar Youth RX Hurricane Gel remains our pick for the best football chin straps for comfort. Its gel padding and Hurricane grip pattern consistently delivered irritation-free wear, even during long summer practices.
For adult and high school players, the Under Armour Football Helmet Chin Strap offers the best comfort-to-price balance with a lifetime warranty. SpeedFlex owners should grab the Sports Unlimited Cam-Loc 2.0 or the Green Gridiron Hard Cup. If chin breakouts are the main problem, layer the Under Armour Chin Strap Cover over any existing strap.
Whichever you choose, fit your helmet correctly, wash the strap regularly, and replace it every season. Comfort is what keeps the helmet on the head, which keeps the player protected.