Football Helmet Safety Stays Ahead Of The Game

Sixty years after helmets became standard equipment in the National Football League, two innovative manufacturers are jostling for dominance along the line of scrimmage.

Riddell and Schutt Sports are butting heads to establish a position of prominence in the field of helmet safety. From the high school level to NFL stadiums, these two manufacturers are using new designs and technology to compete for market share.

“In the world of commerce, competition is good because it forces people to develop better products,” Bucs offensive line coach Bill Muir said. “The same holds true in the field of helmet technology. It’s been a very responsible evolution on everyone’s part.”

Leather helmets were the equipment of choice on NFL fields until the 1950s, when facemasks were introduced and synthetic lightweight headgear came into vogue.

In 2002, Riddell released its Revolution model ($175), with a pad system designed to reduce the number and severity of concussions.

The computer-designed helmet featured a protective shell that extended to the jaw area, added protection on the side and included inflatable padding for a better fit.

“The Revolution helmet was a big leap forward,” said Thad Ide, Riddell’s vice president of research and development. “We’ve shown at the high school level that our newer helmets reduce the risk of concussions by 31 percent.”

Riddell has a licensing agreement with the NFL and Ide said 83 percent of NFL players wore Riddell helmets in 2007.

Schutt has made significant strides and the introduction of the ION4D and the Air XP helmets ($200) have created an industry buzz. Both models feature SKYDEX pads that act as shock absorbers.

“Schutt has come out with some helmets that have made real strides,” said Jeremy Lees, the University of South Florida’s football equipment manager. “The XP is a great helmet and it will definitely take the place of the traditional helmet. The ION4D also represents the next level, with the facemask integrated into the helmet.”

Schutt has utilized materials developed by the U.S. military, using cushioned pads built to minimize the impact of helmet-to-helmet hits that have caused serious head injuries at all levels of football.

“Using those pads is like using little tennis balls to dissipate the force,” said Glenn Beckmann, marketing and communications manager for Schutt Sports. “Ultimately, we all want the same thing - we want football to be as safe as possible for the players. Our research and development staff works hard with trainers and equipment managers to give them the best product possible.”

According to Beckmann, Schutt boasts a 60 percent helmet market share at the Division I level, including an exclusive agreement with the Bulls.

Both manufacturers emphasize the importance of a proper fit in maximizing the performance of each helmet.

In addressing concussion issues, Riddell began equipping its new helmet line with sensors that could measure the magnitude and direction of a collision. Data can be uploaded to a computer and analyzed in an effort to minimize the impact of violent collisions.

“The competition between Schutt and Riddell has made both companies better,” Lees said. “I’m sure Riddell’s going to come up with something in response to the Air XP.”

From integrated faceguards to visors and eyeshields, helmet technology has tried to keep pace with bigger, stronger bodies colliding at faster speeds.

“It’s been a constant evolution,” Muir said, “and the biggest difference between now and 30 years ago is that helmet manufacturers and the NFL are more safety conscious. Everyone knows that at the end of the day, it’s still a collision sport.

“Unfortunately, people are going to be put into certain situations, not by design but by consequence, and there will always be some injuries. But I feel confident moving forward that the things that can be eliminated or minimized will be.”

- Ira Kaufman, Tampa Tribune