I got this headgear for my son who just outgrew his last set of gear, This is great for him it is much softer than the century headgear that he used to use. He also is autistic so the harder headgear made him uncomfortable and had small ear holes. He describes this Headgear as his pillow head gear because it is so soft and comfortable. He will actually spar now in class without fighting to take his helmet off all the time. When I mention that this gear is softer I wan't to let you know that it also affords the same protection that the top of the line gear provides. Also the softer padding seems to keep the covers from cracking like normal gear.