Do not want to get into the whole Helmet rating and saftey debate (there is enough online already). His high school provides helmets and pads. But, his academics are probably at a higher level than his football skills. Just looking for better protection or comfort. If a product can provde both at a resonable cost, I dont mind trying to get them. He actualy makes the money to pay for them by recycling broken car parts that we replace at my shop, or helping me part out wrecked or broken cars that I get.
The helmet was ordered in his team color and they provide the decals, so no big issues there.
The Xenith helmet was less than the Riddell ones most of the kids are using. The shoulder pads are expected to be $200 and I have a 20% coupon they offered several months ago, thats $160. The cleats most of the kids wear now cost that much. The pads have not been released for sale yet.