How does the F7 AiR compare to the Riddell SpeedFlex and Riddell Axiom?Updated 3 days ago

The main difference between the Schutt F7 AiR and the Riddell SpeedFlex are its impact testing scores. According to Virginia Tech, which is widely considered the best third-party, independent helmet testers, the Riddell SpeedFlex ranks 24th a 4.49 rating, which is a "3-star" helmet rating. The Schutt F7 AiR has a 0.92 score and received a "5-star" rating. The lower the score, the better. (Ratings as of March 2026)

The F7 AiR utilizes an onboard air lock system, which allows the player to perfect their fit with the push of a button, without the need for a handheld air pump.

The F7 AiR features internal buckling columns called "RFLX-S," which help absorb impact before it reaches the player's head. The Riddell SpeedFlex uses standard foam.

The SpeedFlex was launched in 2014 and the F7 AiR was launched in 2025. A freshman football player wearing the SpeedFlex in 2026 would have been two years old when it was released. 

Despite the F7 AiR's greater safety ratings, they are both the same price at $499.99.

The biggest differences between the Schutt F7 AiR and the Riddell Axiom is its price, size, weight, and style. The Schutt F7 AiR is also three years newer than the Axiom.

The F7 AiR (0.92) and Axiom (0.85) offer near identical independent testing scores, and both helmets are named 5-star by Virginia Tech. However, even though the impact protection and safety is almost equal, the Riddell Axiom costs almost $1,000, and the Schutt F7 AiR costs only $499.99. The Riddell Axiom costs twice as much for the same impact protection.

Additionally, the Axiom is larger than the F7 AiR. Because of the Axiom's larger shell, it cuts down on the athlete's field of vision, both left-right vision and up vision. The F7 AiR is a competitive advantage on the field over the Axiom by allowing the athlete to simply see more.