Saturday, March 7, 2009

Helmet Innovations - Part 3: The new guy on the block

In 2008, we also saw the emergence of a new player in the helmet world. Xenith, a company founded by a former Harvard QB in Vin Ferrara has begun selling the Xenith X1.

Xenith X1 Press Release



The helmet has made massive changes to the interior padding by introducing the Aware-flow Shock Absorbers. These little disks release air based on the amount of force applied to the disk. Press down evenly and firmly and air flows out freely. Slam down on the disks and little air is released, providing more cushioning for the blow. After having been depressed, they refill with air in milliseconds.



In addition, the helmet has a unique bonnet and fitting system meant to hold snugly to each specific player, even those hard to fit heads. It will be interesting to see how the use of this helmet develops. I have spoken to one Div. 1 FBS equipment manager and he stated he had a couple of players in the helmet, but they did not like the way the helmet fit because the way it fit made it more and more difficult to take the helmet off and put it back on during a game. However, he had also heard from other equipment managers that their players loved the helmet. I know for sure North Carolina State and Utah each had a few players in the helmet for at least part of last season. I do not yet own this helmet and would like to very much. It is being sold for $350 in team sales. However, for an individual to buy the helmet, it will be around $500. You can read all about the company, their ideals and the helmet itself at their website:

Xenith

It has been fascinating to watch the development of the football helmet over the last decade. I am curious as to where things go from here. In addition, I am very interested to see what happens with the mini-helmet industry as the helmets on the field have changed so much. I think one of our next posts will examine what is available in mini-helmets.

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