The differences between the adult and youth UA, or Under Armour, Defender chin straps are only some slight size variations due to producing models designed for adult and youth football players. The chin strap on a football helmet is an essential component, as it helps keep the helmet in place and plays a key role in protecting the player's teeth, jaw and skull from injury, such as a concussion. The UA Defender chin strap is available in one size for youth players and one size for adult players.
Construction
The UA Defender chin strap has the same construction in the youth and adult models. The cup, which fits under the chin, has a hard nylon shell with form-fitting white EVA padding and Under Armour's Heat Gear fabric that is designed to allow moisture to quickly evaporate. The two-prong end straps have snaps that attach to the helmet and are made of high-density webbing with PVC coating. The snaps/strap adjuster clips are made of stainless steel.
Size Differences
The UA Defender chin strap youth model has a smaller chin cup than the adult model. The youth chin cup is 5 inches long. The adult chin cup is 5.5 inches long. The end straps, designed to attach to a snap above and below the ear hole on each side of the helmet, are the same length for youth and adult models -- 9.5 inches for the top strap and 7.5 inches for the bottom strap.
Helmet Sizing
Choosing the appropriate UA Defender chin strap will depend on the size of football helmet with which it will be used. Youth and adult helmets typically follow the same size ranges: small, up to 6½ head size, up to 20 3/8-inch head circumference; medium, 6½ to 7 head, 20 3/8 to 22 circumference; large, 7 to 7½ head, 22 to 23½ circumference; and extra-large, 7½ to 8 head, 23½ and up circumference.
Availability
The UA Defender chin strap was discontinued as of 2011 from Under Armour's product line. However, the UA Defender remains available as of July 2011 through sporting goods retailers and online suppliers. It was made in five color models -- based on the dominant color of the chin cup -- of white, black, red, royal blue and navy blue. The original retail price was $19.99. The UA Defender was replaced for the 2011 football season by Under Armour's ArmourFuse model chin strap.
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