Abstract: An improved athletic helmet comprises an outer shell having an interior and an exterior surface, an inner liner attached to the interior of the outer shell, and a face mask attached to the exterior of the outer shell. In an embodiment, the face mask engages within a recess in the exterior surface of the outer shell for receiving the face mask. The face mask may comprise a flange for engaging the recess and attaching the face mask to the outer shell. Preferably, the flange of the face mask is substantially flush with the exterior of the outer shell. In one embodiment, the inner liner comprises a viscoelastic foam. In another embodiment, the face mask comprises a lightweight magnesium material.