RDX Head Guard Sizing & Buying Guide

Introduction

Head guards aren't one-size-fits-all, and a poor fit genuinely undermines the protection they're meant to offer — too loose and it shifts on impact, too tight and it affects vision and comfort through a whole sparring session. If you're buying your first head guard, here's how to get both the size and the right type correct.

Quick note on shipping: our RDX boxing gear ships to UK addresses only, with free delivery on orders over £50. Outside the UK? Have a look at our RARP-ID activewear range, which ships worldwide.

Quick answer: Measure your head circumference just above the eyebrows and ears, then check it against the specific head guard's size chart — sizing varies between models. A correctly fitted guard should sit snugly without shifting when you move your head, cover the temples and back of the skull, and not obstruct your vision. Competition head guards (like IBA-approved models) have stricter regulated designs than general sparring guards.

How to Measure Yourself Correctly

Wrap a soft tape measure around your head just above the eyebrows and ears, at the widest point of your skull — this is the measurement most head guard size charts are built around. Take the measurement with hair in its normal training state (tied back if that's how you'd wear it training), since loose hair can add a false inch or two to the reading. Always check this measurement against the specific head guard's own chart, since sizing genuinely varies between models and isn't standardised across the category.

The Quick Comparison: RDX Head Guard Range

Model	Best For	Key Feature
RDX Head Guard AS1	General sparring, amateur training	Balanced protection and visibility
RDX Head Guard IBA	Sanctioned amateur competition	IBA-approved for official competition use
RDX Head Guard T15 Noir	Sparring with added cheek protection	Extended cheek coverage for extra facial protection

General Sparring vs Competition-Approved Head Guards

A general sparring head guard, like the RDX AS1, is built for everyday training use — solid protection, good visibility, and a comfortable fit for regular sessions. A competition-approved model, like the RDX IBA, is built to meet specific governing-body regulations for sanctioned amateur bouts, which can affect padding placement, design, and even permitted colours. If you're only ever training, a general sparring guard covers your needs; if you're stepping into sanctioned competition, check your specific event's headgear requirements before assuming your training guard qualifies.

Cheek Protectors: Worth the Extra Coverage?

Models like the RDX T15 Noir add extended cheek coverage beyond a standard head guard's temple and forehead protection, which genuinely matters for boxers who've experienced cheek or jaw discomfort in previous sparring, or those sparring at higher intensity regularly. The trade-off is typically a very slight increase in bulk and marginally reduced peripheral awareness compared to a more minimal guard — a sensible trade for the added protection in harder sparring, less necessary for light technical rounds.

Safety Considerations

• Never spar in a head guard that shifts or slides during movement — recheck sizing or strap adjustment before continuing
• Confirm your specific competition's headgear rules well before your bout — not every general sparring guard meets competition approval requirements
• Replace head guards showing compressed or cracked padding — visual wear is a genuine safety signal, not just a cosmetic one
• A head guard doesn't replace proper technique or controlled sparring intensity — it reduces risk, it doesn't eliminate it

Choosing the Right Head Guard

Factors to Consider

Measure your head circumference accurately before ordering, and check it against the specific model's chart rather than assuming a size carries across products. Decide whether you need competition approval or general sparring protection before choosing a model, since this affects which guards are actually suitable for your purpose.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is assuming any head guard is fine for sanctioned competition without checking specific approval requirements — many general sparring guards genuinely aren't compliant. A close second is prioritising a tight "secure" fit over comfort and vision, when a properly sized guard shouldn't need to be uncomfortably tight to stay in place.

FAQs

How do I measure my head for a head guard?

Wrap a soft tape measure around your head just above the eyebrows and ears, at the widest point, then check that measurement against the specific head guard's size chart.

Do I need an IBA-approved head guard for training?

Not for general training — a standard sparring head guard is sufficient day-to-day. IBA approval matters specifically for sanctioned amateur competition.

Why does my head guard keep slipping during sparring?

This usually means it's oversized or the strap isn't adjusted tightly enough. Recheck your measurement against the size chart and ensure the strap is secured properly before your next session.

What's the difference between a cheek protector head guard and a standard one?

Cheek protector models add extended coverage around the jaw and cheek area beyond standard temple and forehead protection, useful for harder sparring or anyone with previous facial discomfort in training.

Conclusion

A head guard only protects you properly when it's sized and fitted correctly — measure your head circumference, check the specific model's chart, and decide whether general sparring protection or competition approval matters for your training. Get the fit right first; everything else is refinement.