Help before you buy
Buying guides
Checklists, fit help, and comparisons for choosing your child's sports gear.
11 guides across 6 sports
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11 guides
Football
NOCSAE ND006 Youth Football Helmets: What Changes in 2027
football
NOCSAE ND006 Youth Football Helmets: What Changes in 2027
NOCSAE ND006 takes effect September 1, 2027. Learn what changes, how to verify certified youth helmet models, and what families should check now.
8 min read
Read guide ->Updated Aug 25, 2026
Football
The 2026 High School Football Mouthguard Rule: What Actually Changed
football
The 2026 High School Football Mouthguard Rule: What Actually Changed
NFHS still requires mouthguards in 2026 and now restricts non-protective or hazardous attachments. Learn what changed before buying.
7 min read
Read guide ->Updated Aug 25, 2026
Hockey
Youth Hockey Neck Guards in 2026: Rules, Certification, and Fit
hockey
Youth Hockey Neck Guards in 2026: Rules, Certification, and Fit
A current guide to USA Hockey and Hockey Canada neck-guard rules, HECC and BNQ certification, proper throat coverage, and 2026 replacement checks.
8 min read
Read guide ->Updated Aug 25, 2026
Hockey
First Hockey Season Gear Checklist for Kids
hockey
First Hockey Season Gear Checklist for Kids
A practical first-season hockey gear checklist for parents, including what to buy, what to measure, and where used gear is risky.
7 min read
Read guide ->Updated Aug 25, 2026
Baseball
Is My Child's Baseball Bat Too Heavy?
baseball
Is My Child's Baseball Bat Too Heavy?
How parents can tell when a youth baseball bat is too heavy, even if the length chart looks right.
6 min read
Read guide ->Updated Aug 25, 2026
Soccer
Youth Soccer Cleats vs Turf Shoes
soccer
Youth Soccer Cleats vs Turf Shoes
How parents should choose between soccer cleats, turf shoes, and indoor shoes for youth players.
6 min read
Read guide ->Updated Aug 25, 2026
Football
Youth Football Helmet Fit: What Parents Should Know
football
Youth Football Helmet Fit: What Parents Should Know
A parent-focused guide to football helmet measurements, fit checks, and why age is not enough for helmet sizing.
6 min read
Read guide ->Updated Aug 25, 2026
Golf
Junior Golf Clubs Buying Guide for Parents
golf
Junior Golf Clubs Buying Guide for Parents
How parents should choose junior golf clubs by height, weight, and beginner swing control.
6 min read
Read guide ->Updated Aug 25, 2026
Soccer
What Size Shin Guards Does My Child Need? Age and Height Chart
soccer
What Size Shin Guards Does My Child Need? Age and Height Chart
Kids' shin guard sizes by age and height, including common starting points for 8-, 10-, and 12-year-olds plus at-home fit checks.
5 min read
Read guide ->Updated Aug 25, 2026
Football
Youth Football Visor Guide: Rules and Fit
football
Youth Football Visor Guide: Rules and Fit
Check football visor rules, exact helmet compatibility, and installation before buying a shield for a youth or high school player.
6 min read
Read guide ->Updated Aug 25, 2026
Volleyball
Youth Volleyball Knee Pads: Size and Fit Checks
volleyball
Youth Volleyball Knee Pads: Size and Fit Checks
Why age alone cannot determine a youth volleyball knee pad size, plus the exact chart, measurement, and movement checks that do.
5 min read
Read guide ->Updated Aug 25, 2026