Short answer: If you want the most protection available, buy CLOUD Halo. It is ranked #1 on the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab's flag football headgear ratings with a 5-star rating. If your athlete refuses to wear anything they can feel, or you want the lowest-profile option, buy CLOUD Halo Lite. It weighs about 2.5 ounces, is also 5-star rated, and is ranked #3 on the same list. There is no wrong choice between them - both meet Georgia's 5-star requirement and both are made in America.
CLOUD Halo vs. Halo Lite at a glance
| CLOUD Halo | CLOUD Halo Lite | |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Tech rating | 5-Star, ranked #1 | 5-Star, ranked #3 |
| Weight | About 4 oz | About 2.5 oz |
| Profile | Full soft-shell coverage, thicker padding | Streamlined, low-profile |
| Coverage | Forehead, temples, back of head | Forehead, temples, back of head |
| Sizing | One size fits all (youth and adult) | One size fits all (youth and adult) |
| Colors | 10 team colors | Black |
| Price | $69.99 | $64.99 |
| Made in | USA | USA |
| Best for | Maximum protection, team orders in school colors | Athletes who want to forget it's on, pickleball, 7v7 |
What's actually different
The two share the same soft-shell design philosophy and the same full circumferential coverage. The difference is padding thickness and weight. Halo carries more padding, which is why it scored highest of everything the lab tested. Halo Lite trims the profile and the weight to about 2.5 ounces. It gives up a small amount of impact performance in exchange for a headband you stop noticing after the first drill - and it still earned the same 5-star rating.
Choose CLOUD Halo if...
- You want the highest-rated flag football headgear the Virginia Tech lab has published.
- You're a coach or athletic director outfitting a team and want school colors.
- Your league is contact-adjacent (7v7 with heavy traffic, older or bigger athletes).
- Your athlete has already had a head knock and you're not interested in trade-offs.
Choose CLOUD Halo Lite if...
- Your athlete has refused to wear headgear before because it felt bulky or hot.
- You play in heat and want the most breathable option.
- You want head protection for pickleball, 7v7 passing leagues, or practice.
- You want 5-star rated headgear at the lower price point.
Do both meet the Georgia GHSA requirement?
Yes. Georgia requires 5-star Virginia Tech rated headgear for sanctioned girls flag football, and both CLOUD Halo and CLOUD Halo Lite carry that rating. Read the Georgia rule explained →
Can you mix them on one team?
Yes. Plenty of programs buy Halo for the roster and let individual athletes opt into Lite if they prefer it. There are no minimums on either product, so you can order any quantity or mix. Coaches: team orders start here.
Frequently asked questions
Is CLOUD Halo Lite as safe as CLOUD Halo?
Both are 5-star rated by the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, which is the top tier the lab awards. Halo ranked #1 and Halo Lite ranked #3 on the published flag football list, so Halo performed better in lab testing, but both sit in the same 5-star group.
Does one size really fit youth and adults?
Yes. Both use a stretch soft-shell design that fits youth through adult heads. See the fit and sizing guide if you're between sizes on other gear.
Which is better for pickleball?
Halo Lite. It's the lighter, lower-profile option and doesn't look like a helmet on the court. More on headgear for pickleball →
Where can I verify the ratings?
On the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab's flag football headgear ratings page. We explain how the ratings work in Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings, Explained.
Shop CLOUD Halo → | Shop CLOUD Halo Lite →
CLOUD Athletic is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Virginia Tech or the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab. Ratings referenced are published independently by the lab and can be verified at its website. No protective equipment can prevent all injuries, including concussions.