Are you ready for some NFL football helmet collecting? The next best thing to watching your favorite team battle on the gridiron is collecting its replica helmets. Sports memorabilia has become a multi-billion dollar business, with NFL football merchandise becoming some of the most popular and valuable type on the market. Whether you want to start a collection as a pastime or earn some extra cash, collecting NFL helmets is an excellent means to achieve your goal. Here are some basic steps to get you started:

Step 1

Determine which helmets you want to collect. This step can be more involved than you might initially assume. You can engage in several types of collections, such as:

• All 30 NFL teams

• NFC or AFC teams

• Throwback helmets

Ultimately, the choice is yours. Of course, no “perfect” collection exists. However, determining which helmets you want to collect, will allow you to focus your search for NFL replica helmets.

Step 2:

Select whichever sized helmets you wish to collect. NFL replica helmets can range from NFL mini helmets to nfl full size helmets. The mini versions can be amazingly detailed, and include an array of features including realistic face masks and chin straps.

Step 3:

Start searching for sources of NFL replica helmets. You could consider sports memorabilia shops or even online auction sites. However, both of these options have some major drawbacks. Sports memorabilia shops tend to specialize in replica helmets for local teams. Thus, if you want your collection to include a diverse number of squads, you may have difficulty when shopping at local sports memorabilia shops. Secondly, buying through online auction sites can be somewhat risky as well. One major issue is that there is no guarantee that the seller will actually ship the product!

Ultimately, online retailers are generally a better option. This will allow you to secure new replica helmets in mint condition. Furthermore, shopping online is much more convenient, allowing you to avoid heavy traffic (car traffic, that is), long lines, and rude sales clerks. Also, online companies can avoid many of the operating costs that offline companies have, allowing them to pass the savings to you.

Step 4:

Add throwback helmets, including proline helmets, to your collection. Throughout their histories, several NFL teams have changed their helmets’ colors and designs. “Throwback” helmets have become quite popular with collectors, with replica helmets becoming increasingly more valuable. You can add some variety to your collection by including some attractive throwback NFL helmets. Numerous teams that have altered their colors and logos throughout their histories include:

· Baltimore Ravens

· Denver Broncos

· Los Angeles Rams

· New York Jets

· Philadelphia Eagles

· Seattle Seahawks

· Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Step 5

Add autographed replica helmets to your collection. These special helmets will help to add pizzazz to any collection. In fact, they not only look great, but also tend to be worth more than non-autographed helmets.

In addition to collecting helmets with autographs printed on them, you can also buy helmets that players have signed personally. Such helmets can be somewhat pricey, depending on the player who signed it. Another option would be to request an NFL player to personally sign a helmet.

Step 6

Protect your NFL replica helmets.

As with other types of sports memorabilia, NFL replica helmets are an investment. Thus, it is important to protect your investment. That involves storing the helmets in display cases. Such display cases are available in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from mini helmets to full-size helmets. Furthermore, it is important to periodically clean the helmets, to ensure that they maintain an out-of-the-box appearance. Here are some basic steps for cleaning official nfl helmets:

· Use lint-free wipes or a soft brush to remove any dirt

· Add light polish to fix minor scratches

· Clean it by using a mild detergent

· Rinse

· Dry by using a towel

· Use a buffer cloth

If you love the NFL and collecting sports memorabilia, then consider collecting NFL replica helmets. With a wide array of helmets available, it is definitely nearly as thrilling as watching your favorite helmet-clad players on any given week of the NFL season!