So, I got kind of obsessed trying to figure out exactly what helmet Nick Bosa straps on every game day. You see him making plays, that helmet’s always front and center, right? Seemed like a simple question at first.
I started off just watching some Niners games again, pausing the screen like a crazy person. Trying to get a good look. From far away, it kinda looked like a lot of modern helmets. Maybe a Riddell? Hard to tell with the decals and the speed of the game. My eyes aren’t what they used to be, either.
Then I figured, easy peasy, I’ll just search online. Wrong. That turned into a rabbit hole. I kept finding stuff, sure, but it was all over the place. Some sites said one thing, fan forums argued about another. Lots of pictures, but they were from different years, different angles. Some looked like one model, others slightly different. Was he switching helmets? It was confusing.
Digging Deeper
I spent way too much time looking through image search results. Zooming in on pictures from Getty Images, AP photos, stuff like that. Trying to match the shell design, the vent patterns, the facemask attachment points. You start noticing tiny details when you stare long enough.
- Looked at the front bumper area.
- Checked the shape near the temples.
- Tried to see the make or model name anywhere (usually hidden or covered).
Honestly, why was I spending my Saturday afternoon on this? Well, I got into this silly debate with my brother-in-law during the last family dinner. He was going on about Myles Garrett’s helmet, and I was like, “Nah, Bosa’s setup looks cleaner.” Then he asked what model it was, and I drew a blank. Felt kinda dumb, you know? So I had to find out. Couldn’t let him win that one.
After getting frustrated with generic search results, I started looking for more specific stuff. Like, equipment manager interviews, behind-the-scenes photos from training camp, that sort of thing. Found a couple of forum threads where hardcore gear heads were discussing player setups. Those guys notice everything.
Finally Getting Somewhere
Someone in one of those threads posted a super clear, high-resolution picture from the sidelines. You could practically count the stitches on the uniform. And boom, there it was. Clear as day, you could make out the distinct shape and features.
It’s the Riddell SpeedFlex. Pretty much confirmed. Looks like the Precision-Fit version most of the time, which makes sense. Those are custom-fitted using scans and stuff, top-tier gear for a top-tier player.
So yeah, that’s the story. Took way more effort than I expected for such a simple piece of info. You’d think this would be easier to find, but I guess not. Anyway, now I know. And my brother-in-law owes me a beer.
