If you’re considering buying Gold BJJ headgear then this is the post for you. While my ears don’t have any major signs of cauliflower ear, I’ll sometimes wear headgear if they get sensitive. So let’s take a look how Gold BJJ measures up.
Key Takeaway: Gold BJJ headgear is ideal for Brazilian jiu jitsu. It stays put and doesn’t cause unnecessary discomfort for you or your training partners (unlike other harder headgear). It’s a solid choice for protecting your ears without getting in the way of training.
Our Review
| + Pros / – Cons |
|---|
| + Softer and ideal for BJJ |
| + Doesn’t cause unnecessary discomfort for sparring partners |
| + Easy to adjust |
| + Comes with mouth guard |
| + / – Uses velcro straps (may come undone more easily than plastic straps) |
| – Can get a bit hot during training |
My Personal Experience: Like any headgear for Brazilian jiu jitsu, it takes some time to get used to. For me, after about 2 weeks of wearing it during a couple sessions, I began not to notice it, but it was definitely a bit uncomfortable in the beginning. Aside from causing my head/ears to run slightly hotter, I strongly recommend it for jiu jitsu.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Comfort: The Gold BJJ Headgear is just more comfortable than harder headgear for both you and your training partners
- Durability: I’ve used this head gear on and off for the past year and haven’t noticed any major issues aside from the Gold BJJ label peeling.
Disadvantages
- Fit Adjustment: Unlike headgear that uses plastic straps (like Cliff Keen) you may have to continually adjust Gold BJJ headgear since it uses velcro straps.
- Breathability: I found it to cause me to sweat more around my head and ears. This, however, may be a personal issues since I’m usually one of the more sweaty people on the mat.
Harder vs Softer Headgear for Brazilian jiu jitsu?
Harder head gear is much more common in wrestling (like those from Cliff Keen). While softer head gear may offer slightly less protection, they are strongly preferred for jiu jitsu.
| Feature | Hard Headgear (like Cliff Keen) | Soft Headgear (like Gold BJJ) |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Hard plastic outer shell | Soft, flexible materials |
| Protection | High impact resistance | Cushions against impacts |
| Adjustability | Adjustable straps for fit | Elastic material for snug fit and velcro straps |
| Comfort | May feel bulkier | Generally more comfortable |
| Ear Protection | Rigid protection for ears | Soft cushioning for ears |
| Usage in BJJ | Less common due to rigidity but still sometimes used | More common, less restrictive |
| IBJJF Compliance | Typically not allowed | Also not allowed |
| Durability | Very durable | May be less durable than harder headgear |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Aesthetics | More noticeable, bulkier look | Sleeker, less noticeable |
Comparison with Competitors
If you prefer softer headgear like these from Gold BJJ some other soft options are those from:
- ROAR
- Matman
If you prefer harder, more wrestling style headgear you should checkout:
- Cliff Keen (the standard)
- ASICS
Price Point Comparison
Gold BJJ Headgear offers a competitive price point in the market and is pretty average. Its cost is comparable to the Cliff Keen Signature and the ASICS Ear Guards, which are marketed towards the same athletic audience. The only headgear that is more affordable is the one by Roar.
| Headgear Model | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| ROAR-INT | $ |
| ASICS Restrained | $$ |
| Gold BJJ | $$ |
| Matman | $$ |
| Cliff Keen Signature | $$ |
| Cliff Keen Two-Tone Signature | $$$ |
| Cliff Keen Fusion | $$$ |
Feature Comparison
Here is a table some of the features of the most popular headgear models for wrestling and bjj:
| Headgear Model | Material | Adjustability | Ear Protection | Comfort Features | Durability | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold BJJ | Soft fabric | Elastic/Velcro | Soft ear cups covered with fabric | Soft/Lightweight | Moderate | Ideal for BJJ |
| Matman | Soft fabric | Elastic/Velcro | Soft ear cups covered with fabric | Lightweight | Moderate | Great for both wrestling/bjj |
| Cliff Keen Two-Tone Signature | Nylon/Spandex strap system | Plastic Straps | Hard molded ear cups | Air vents for breathability | High | Signature headgear with two-tone design |
| Cliff Keen Signature | Foam shell | Plastic Straps | Hard molded ear cups | Chin cup for added comfort | High | Classic wrestling headgear design |
Maintenance and Care
Cleaning Instructions
After use, the GoldBJJ Headgear should be cleaned following these steps:
- Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth to remove surface dirt and sweat.
- Hand wash (or gentle machine wash) with mild soap or detergent
- Air dry the headgear completely before the next use to prevent mold and odor buildup.
Caution: We recommend avoiding machine drying as it can degrade the materials and affect the fit.
Storage Tips
To store the GoldBJJ Headgear:
- Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent material degradation.
- Avoid folding the headgear as it can deform the shape and impact its fit.
- Use a breathable bag for storage to allow air circulation and prevent the growth of bacteria.
Final Thoughts
The Gold BJJ Headgear is ideal for Brazilian jiu jitsu training. It offers protection without getting in the way or adding unnecessary discomfort for you or your training partners.
Like any headgear it will take time to get used to, but if you feel your ears getting sensitive or showing signs of cauliflower ear, these should be one of your top picks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should one look for in BJJ headgear to ensure adequate protection?
The key features one should seek in BJJ headgear include shock-absorbing padding, a secure fit that does not shift during training, and coverage that shields the ears from impacts that can lead to injuries like cauliflower ear.
Can You Wear Headgear in BJJ Competitions?
No, most bjj organizations like the IBJJF or ADCC do not allow you to wear headgear during competition.
How does the Gold BJJ headgear compare to other leading brands in terms of comfort and fit?
Gold BJJ headgear is often recognized for its snug yet comfortable fit, minimizing movement during grappling sessions. Its design focuses on balancing protection without compromising the user’s comfort, which is consistent with the offerings from other top-rated brands.
Is the Gold BJJ headgear effective at preventing cauliflower ear during training?
While wearing headgear is the most effective method for protecting against cauliflower ear, it, of course, does not guarantee 100% success at prevention.
Gold BJJ headgear is constructed with the aim of preventing cauliflower ear, offering padded protection that is designed to absorb the kind of impacts that cause the condition.
Can users expect long-term durability from the Gold BJJ headgear when used regularly?
Constructed for regular use, the Gold BJJ headgear is made with durable materials meant to withstand the rigors of consistent training. Reviews suggest that it maintains its structure and function over time, indicating good durability.
What feedback do users on Reddit and Amazon have about the Gold BJJ headgear’s performance?
User feedback on platforms such as Reddit and Amazon generally highlight the headgear’s comfort and protection, with many users noting its ability to stay in place during training and its effectiveness in preventing ear injuries which was my same experience when using it during training as well.
Are there any well-known competitors or alternatives to Gold BJJ headgear that offer similar quality?
Several brands offer competitive products to Gold BJJ, including Roar, Matman, Adidas, Asics, and Cliff Keen, which are also known for their quality headgear. Each brand provides different features that cater to varying preferences and requirements.
Zack is an avid jiu jitsu practitioner and martial arts nerd. He currently holds a brown belt in BJJ. When not on the mats or in the gym, he can be found going for walks with his wife, attempting (and often failing) to train his dog, and frequently obsessing over a specific hobby only to forget about it a week later.
