Is it OK to apply Vaseline to the outside of a football helmet to reduce friction and rotational forces on impact?

Answer 1

It sounds a bit messy; personally I would be concerned that when I am not wearing my helmet, and put it away with the rest of my football uniform, Vaseline is accidentally going to get smeared on my clothing. I doubt that the Vaseline coating on a helmet would actually make very much difference in the kind of impact your helmet would experience, although in theory I agree that there would be less friction. A much better strategy would be to avoid getting hit in the first place, if you can. But everything considered, I see no reason why you could not put Vaseline on your football helmet if you so desire. Also note that Vaseline is flammable, so be careful about wearing your Vaseline coated helmet when lighting up a cigarette (which you should not be doing anyway) or birthday candles, etc.