The 7 Best BJJ and Wrestling Headgear Review in 2024

Ensuring your noggin and ears stay safe during practice is as important as picking the right Gi if you're all about keeping safe. Ignoring this tip could land you with cauliflower ear, which is something you'd certainly want to avoid.

The cauliflower ear is caused by constant blunt trauma, friction, and abrasions to the ear while grappling. This causes blood clots to form and results in a protruding and swollen ear. Furthermore, if left untreated, it can also cause deafness.

This makes one thing sure: a cauliflower ear cannot be a means of showing superiority or experience as a fighter. Instead, it weakens one’s performance due to excruciating pain and swelling.

Thus, proper BJJ headgear is essential to protect the ears and head from injuries, infections, scrapes, and burns.

Moreover, Jiu-Jitsu ear guards come with cushioning, multiple adjustable straps that sit comfortably around your head to give you support, protection, and improve mobility.

Hence, if you’d like to earn a badge of honor or show off, it is ideal to do so with your performance instead of a bad injury to your head or ears.

Here’s a guide detailing the top 7 BJJ headgear in 2024.

Top 7 Best BJJ and Wrestling Headgear to Prevent Cauliflower Ear in 2024

With a market full of Jiu-Jitsu gear, choosing the best BJJ headgear that matches your requirements for comfort and protection is difficult. Thus, our recommendations are backed by reliable market research, product comparisons, and user reviews to help you make an informed decision.

1.    Cliff Keen Fusion Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling Headgear

Cliff Keen is one of our recommended brands for buying high-quality BJJ headgear. It features a three-strap system that improves mobility while keeping your head and ears protected against injuries, especially cauliflower ear.

This product comes in an exceptional design that makes it sleek, breathable, and super comfortable. This Jiu-Jitsu ear guard is built for maximum protection with foam ear cups without adding any extra weight.

An impressive feature of this product is the soft lining that is highly durable and provides impeccable padding to absorb impact at all times.

Moreover, this headgear is equipped with easily adjustable straps that never cause pain or discomfort.

All of Cliff Keen's wrestling gears fall in the mid-range price category.

They are neither too expensive nor too cheap; instead, the pricing is perfect and quite reasonable for the high-quality technology and innovative designs the brand offers.

Feature of the Product

• Lightweight
• Easily adjustable
• Closed-cell foam lining
• Affordable Pricing
• Innovative design

Pros

• Extremely comfortable
• Suitable for children and adults
• Prevents pain, scratches, and burns
• Lightweight
• Easy maintenance
• Convenient chin pad

Cons

• May obstruct hearing

Verdict

Featuring an innovative design, closed-cell foam lining, and a breathable exterior, this Jiu-Jitsu ear guard is an exceptional product at a

2.    Matman Ultra Soft Wrestling Headgear

The Matman Ultra Soft Wrestling Headgear is a high-quality headgear that perfectly fits pro-Jiu-Jitsu practitioners who wish to prevent their gear from slipping off.

This product comes with a full-length snug-fit strap that allows wrestlers to wear it comfortably around their heads.

It wraps itself perfectly around the ears giving maximum coverage and protection. It does not slip and fits different users accurately. Plus, this headgear is equipped with plastic ear cups that easily protect your ears.

If your ears are prone to cauliflower ear or swelling, the fabric used in this product is very soft and offers to pay for superior protection. This way, you and your opponent are both protected against impact.

This product is available in 8 different colors. So you can easily select the color that suits your style.

Features of the Product

• Soft, durable fabric covering
• Easily adjustable with two velcro straps
• Two protective cups that avoid impact on the ears
• Effective ventilation

Pros

• Secure and comfortable fit
• Breathable and efficiently ventilated
• Available in 8 colors
• Standard size that suits different users

Cons

• Uncomfortable and hard chin strap

Verdict

Matman has impressed wrestlers with their BJJ headgear since it offers impeccable coverage, stunning color choices, accurate fitting, and proper ventilation.

3.    Adidas Response Wrestling Ear Guard

Adidas is a famous global brand that offers top-notch sports gear. Many may be unaware of this, but Adidas offers excellent Jiu-Jitsu headgear.

The Adidas Response wrestling headgear offers a chin cup and a pad that provide ultimate comfort during combat sports.

It features mold-injected plastic earpads equipped with foam, which makes the product durable and comfortable. No matter how blunt the impact, this Adidas BJJ headgear always has your back!

Instead of using the traditional chin strap that tends to bruise athletes' skin due to sweat accumulation, Adidas has equipped this product with a chin cup.

This prevents inflamed and irritated skin. Plus, it offers additional protection against injuries and blunt trauma.

Even though the Adidas Response Wrestling Ear Guard may seem expensive, it offers complete value for every penny. It's comfortable and exceptionally durable, even during heavy-duty grappling.

Feature of the Product

• 4-Strap Protection System
• Lightweight
• Soft Foam Lining
• Adjustable Straps
• Chin Cup and Padded Ear Cups

Pros

• Fits accurately
• Comfortable and breathable
• Absence of velcro to prevent burns and scratches
• Suits different age groups
• Sleek Design

Cons

• Not very easily adjustable
• Straps may become loose over time

Verdict

With 4-strap protection, soft-foam lining, and a convenient chin cup, Adidas has certainly outdone itself with wrestling equipment making this product one of the finest choices for pro wrestlers.

4.    Cliff Keen F5 Tornado Jiu-Jitsu Headgear

The Cliff Keen F5 Tornado headgear benefits athletes who spend extra long hours on the mat. It is equipped to protect against the grotesque cauliflower ear. It features hard plastic on the outside and firm foam on the inside.

Even though it is made using plastic on the exterior, it will not hurt your opponent. Moreover, this BJJ headgear features two flexible straps on the head for added comfort and a precise fit.

The F5 Tornado is quite airy, improving hearing no matter how hard you hit the mats. Additionally, this product features a chin strap that provides a snug and secure fit.

Overall, this is a value-for-money product with everything you expect from a top-quality Jiu-Jitsu ear guard.

Features of the Product

• Ultimate ventilation
• Perforated design for improved hearing
• Comfortable ear cups
• Plastic exterior coating for maximum protection
• Customizable

Pros

• Lightweight
• Adjustable Straps
• Improved Hearing
• Ultimate Ear Protection
• Breathable
• Highly Durable

Cons

• Thick equipment may cause sweating
• Straps tend to become loose over time

Verdict

Offering exceptional ventilation, ear and head coverage, and high-quality plastic coating, this Cliff Keen headgear is undoubtedly one of the best in the market.

5.     ASICS Aggressor Wrestling Ear Guard

This ASICS wrestling ear guard is yet another impressive product at an affordable price. It features a classic ASICS design with an innovative, mod-injected shell with gel lining to give you ultimate comfort and superior protection.

This Jiu-Jitsu headgear offers stunning resistance while allowing you to hear clearly. Besides its shock absorption feature, it is equipped with EVA molded guards to promote breathability.

This headgear is one of the most reliable products for professional tournaments due to its impressive durability.

Since it falls in the mid-range price category, it is loved by athletes around the world.

Offering great support, comfort, and protection, this ASICS product is a wonderful deal to consider!

Features of the Product

• High resistance and shock absorption
• Gel-lining
• Injection-molded shell
• Easily adjustable straps
• Classic ASICS design

Pros

• Secure and comfortable fit
• Traditional design
• Improved hearing
• 4-strap system

Cons

• Straps may become loose and ill-fitted over time.

Verdict

A comfortable fit, a traditional design, and a 4-strap system make this BJJ headgear an excellent buying option. It is ideal for beginners as well because of the comfort it offers.

6.    Cliff Keen E58 Wrestling Headgear

The Cliff Keen E58 Wrestling Headgear is one of this brand's classic products that has existed for over 50 years. With an incredible reputation in the market, this product lives up to its impeccable standards.

It is built to provide ultimate comfort, better shock resistance, and decreased grappling friction. It also features a 4-strap system to help secure and adjust your gear according to your needs.

Equipped with dense, protective foam, Cliff Keen has knocked it out of the park with their newest VNF foam for added comfort and protection.

It offers breathable padding while safeguarding your ears against cauliflower ear and other injuries and infections.

This product is lightweight, adjustable, and quite affordable.

It is available for children and adults, making it an ideal product.

Features of the Product

• 4-strap system
• VNF foam padding
• Wide range of colors
• Standard size designed to fit different users

Pros

• Affordable pricing
• Comfortable and breathable material
• Traditional design
• Secure fit
• Highly durable

Cons

• Straps are slightly stiff and rigid to adjust.

Verdict

Equipped with VNF foam and a 4-strap system, athletes can become unstoppable with this tremendous product since it protects effectively against injuries, especially the painful cauliflower ear.

7.    Roar BJJ grappling Ear Guard

Roar offers a stylish and comfortable design that offers the ultimate protection for pro wrestlers and BJJ athletes. It comes in a soft, breathable neoprene fabric that keeps your skin cool and dry.

It does not irritate your skin in any way and also features moisture-wicking properties.

This product has dense foam ear cups that offer tremendous comfort to the user on the mat.

Moreover, it features an R-lock closure system that ensures that the headgear fits accurately and remains secured no matter how hard you grapple.

It also has an elastic head strap to prevent your eyes from being exposed to sweat and safeguard your vision from being hampered.

This product is equipped with a sleek and comfortable chin strap that is easy to adjust and does not irritate the skin. Finally, Roar has added a bonus feature—a mouthguard that protects your teeth and lips.

Feature of the Product

• Lightweight
• Durable
• R-Lock System for a secure fit
• Elastic head and neck/chin strap
• Mouthguard

Pros

• Ear Holes help improve hearing
• Securely fastened elastic and velcro straps
• Dense foam for additional padding
• Comfortable and breathable material

Cons

• May obstruct vision after prolonged use
• Does not prevent effectively against headshots due to partial coverage

Verdict

Equipped with an R-Lock system and elastic straps, this Jiu-Jitsu headgear is a great choice for wrestlers since it also has a mouthguard attached.

 The Pros and Cons of Wearing BJJ and Wrestling Headgear

There are plenty of benefits to wearing BJJ headgear while training or competing in Jiu-Jitsu. However, even the best BJJ headgear is known to have a few shortcomings. Thus, we’ve listed all the pros and cons of wearing Jiu-Jitsu headgear below.

Pros:

All-round ear protection during grappling

It fits perfectly, leaving no room for unnecessary movement or shifts during practice

Foam lining keeps ears and heads comfortably

Vents ensure an airy yet secure fit

Durable straps to prevent cauliflower ears from forming

Sleek fit that does not cancel out hearing

Lightweight and does not hinder movement

Variety of designs and colors available for customization

Anti-moisture wicking fabric or foam lining to prevent sweat from obstructing performance or movement

Cons:

Issues with fitting due to different head and ear sizes

Strap adjustment may not be proper due to generalized sizes

Some designs lack air vents making the Jiu-Jitsu ear guard very stuffy

Some BJJ headgear are so thick and bulky that hearing is affected

Tight-fitting Jiu-Jitsu headgear may cause headaches

Many designs lack anti-moisture wicking fabric and result in excessive sweating

Some wrestling ear guards are made from low-grade plastic, which may cause skin infections.

Available colors may not be compliant with the IBJJF standards

Designs with less than three straps are not very durable and cannot stand heavy-duty matches or practice

What are the Factors to Consider When Buying a Bjj and Wrestling Head Guard?

Comfort:  The main purpose of a BJJ ear guard is to offer protection. However, if it is bulky and uncomfortable, it will affect your performance negatively.

Thus, Jiu-Jitsu headgear must always provide a comfortable and snug fit that helps you move as you would without it.

The ideal fitting comprises a strap that feels like an extension and is not a restrictive belt. Moreover, headgear must not hinder your breathing or movement.

Visibility:  Jiu-Jitsu ear guards inevitably hamper vision to a certain extent. However, the best BJJ headgear equips you with maximum protection while allowing your line of sight to be intact.

Finding the perfect headgear might seem like a task, but once you get the exact fit and material, it should help with minimizing vision obstruction.

Ventilation:  Unfortunately, BJJ ear guards do not focus much on this aspect. However, it is a very crucial factor that should not go unnoticed. Poor ventilation causes sweat and heat to build up around your head.

This will cause you to feel exhausted sooner than you can imagine. Thus, you should always opt for headgear that allows air to enter and escape smoothly.

Price:  For effective grappling ear protection, you need to purchase Jiu-Jitsu headgear that safeguards your brain and ears from injuries and blunt impact.

If you buy extremely cheap ear guards, you may be signing up for serious injuries and discomfort.

This is because low-quality headgear pinches your skin, lacks appropriate padding and fitting, and will also most likely fall off during grappling. You invest well in your BJJ ear guards.

Quality:  The quality of the Jiu-Jitsu headgear varies depending on your specific requirements.

However, if you wish to assess your wrestling ear guards' quality, you must check for impact resistance, durability, stitching, weight, and comfort.

The best wrestling headgear will not be super cheap, so you must be slightly flexible with your budget.

Material:  Wrestling ear guards are made using materials that are meant to provide protection to different parts of your head, including the ears.

Two kinds of ear guards are most popularly available for wrestlers— soft-shell headgear and hard-shell headgear.

Softshells are made using polymers or rubber to give maximum comfort. This is suitable for beginners and young Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. Hard shells are more lightweight and made from durable plastic. This is used in professional matches but can face restrictions in some tournaments.  

Features of Soft-Shell Headgear

Flexible

Comfortable

Custom-fit

No discomfort

Features of Soft-Shell Headgear

Durable

Lightweight

Better impact resistance

Better hearing

Traditional style and look

Straps:  The straps in the BJJ headgear are crucial for your performance since they determine the fitting to a large extent.

If you have straps that are loose or made from poor-quality fabric, you will be prone to infections and general discomfort during practice.

Ideally, a Jiu-Jitsu ear guard should have straps made of spandex or neoprene since these materials help in holding back beards and hair.

Safety:  Your first and foremost requirement for wrestling ear guards is safety. You need to protect your head and ears from injuries as you practice or compete.

To prevent cauliflower ear and other injuries or trauma to your head, you must purchase Jiu-Jitsu headgear that is tried and tested by athletes.

Fit and Adjustability:  When you purchase a Jiu-Jitsu ear guard, you must check its fitting. The best BJJ headgear is neither tight nor loose.

Instead, it fits perfectly around your head, giving your ears time to breathe while protecting them from injuries and improving hearing during matches.

Style:  Professional wrestlers are very particular about their style. This includes the kind of headgear they wear during matches.

To select a style that matches your uniform and personality, you can opt for different wrestling ear guards. However, it is recommended that you should select styles and colors that are approved by the IBJJF.

Protection:  Getting Maximum protection from head injuries and cauliflower ear is one of the primary reasons for wearing high-quality BJJ headgear.

Thus, you must opt for ear guards that come with durable padding and high-quality stitching that protects your head against trauma while also safeguarding your opponent from injuries caused due to contact.

Antimicrobial properties:  Not many Jiu-Jitsu ear guards offer antimicrobial protection.

Even though not compulsory, it is quite beneficial to purchase headgear with antimicrobial fabric since it allows sweat to dry quickly, leaving no scope for germs to cause infections.

Hearing:  Usually, BJJ headgear is known to obstruct hearing because of its bulky fit.

However, several ergonomic designs help you to hear clearly during practice or professional matches.

The design is a crucial element that decides whether you’ll have hearing clarity or not.

Durability:  The best BJJ headgear is durable and can stand the heavy-duty grappling test. Materials, stitching, and build quality are factors that determine the durability of ear guards.

BJJ Ear Guard Sizing Guide

Unfortunately, research is still lacking when it comes to one aspect of Jiu-Jitsu headgear. It is the sizing that bothers athletes globally since there is no fixed measurement available for ear guards.

Athletes around the globe have reported trying out several wrestling ear guards in an attempt to find an accurate fit.

Moreover, amateurs who do not have an excess budget in hand find it very tough to buy the right headgear that is comfortable and fits well.

Many athletes’ performances are negatively affected due to ill-fitting, loose, or in some cases exceedingly tight ear guards. This is because ear guards are usually available in standard sizes, such as small, medium, large, and extra-large.

Some brands also offer a single size that is said to fit everyone with adjustable straps. However, seldom do these brands get the fitting right because the straps tend to wear out with prolonged use.

They become loose with time and become poorly fitted, thus hampering movement, hearing, vision, and performance.

The best way to buy Jiu-Jitsu ear guards with near-perfect fitting is to check out the measurements in person. It is advisable to leave some room for ventilation when trying out headgear.

Summing Up

Besides safeguarding yourself from head injuries and preventing cauliflower ear, you need to purchase high-quality wrestling ear guards. Several gyms offer spare helmets for practice, but it is recommended to buy personal headgear to maintain hygiene and cleanliness.

Plus, using someone’s ear guard can cause skin infections and rashes, as well as cauliflower ear due to poor fitting and discomfort.

If you’re a professional athlete or aim to become one, owning top-quality BJJ headgear is essential for worry-free grappling.

With this guide, we’re certain we’ve equipped you with handy information about wrestling headgear and the best ones available in the market for you to choose from.

However, if we were to recommend our favorite product, we’d say that Cliff Keen has certainly caught our eye.

All of Cliff Keen’s products live up to their expectations and provide extraordinary comfort, style, and protection.

Among its wide range of products, the Tornado F5 is highly advanced and the most appropriate headgear for Jiu-Jitsu practitioners.

Furthermore, the Tornado F5 is customizable, affordable, and extremely convenient to wear and take off.

What are you waiting for?

Read our guide, have a look at all the wonderful products, and grab the best BJJ headgear today!

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