Virginia Tech announces football helmet ratings for reducing concussion risk | Virginia Tech News | Virginia Tech
BLACKSBURG, Va., May 10, 2011 – Virginia Tech released today the results of a new rating system of adult football helmets that is designed to reduce the risk of concussions. One currently manufactured helmet received the top “5 star” rating, and a total of five helmets received the very good “4-star” rating.
This biomechanical impact data study on football helmets represents the first time researchers have provided the public with comparative test results.
The information is based on a new evaluation methodology that incorporated eight years of data and analysis, quantifying head impact exposure and risk of concussion. The testing data showed that the overall best helmet currently available to the public is the Riddell Revolution Speed, which earned the only “5-star” rating.
The next category includes five very good performing helmets that were all given a “4-star” rating: Schutt ION 4D, Schutt DNA Pro+, Xenith X1, Riddell Revolution, and Riddell Revolution IQ, according to Stefan Duma who directed the project.
“Our goal was to develop a thorough test matrix that would provide consumers with valuable biomechanical data in order to make educated decisions about which helmet to purchase,” said Duma, a Virginia Tech professor of biomedical engineering and head of the Virginia Tech — Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences.
I just did some checking on these helmets. The youth ranges from around $170 to $250. With the only 5 star, the Riddell Revolution Speed coming in fully equipped for around $220 directly from the Riddell Web sight. I really like the direction that the Xenith XI is headed and the completely new way of lining the helmets. I think they are headed in the right direction.
I am old school and like Riddell. My oldest is wearing an older Revolution and he loves it. We are ready to buy two of the Revolution Speeds for this fall. I am trying to locate the DFW Riddell rep. I am hoping to get a team or quantity discount. I ordered my last one from the Shop Riddell website. I have several players wear the Xenith and was uncomfortable for a few games before breaking in right.
We recently bought 20 new Riddell Revo Speed and Revo Edge helmets from the Colorado Riddell rep. All the kids love the way they fit and the comfort that the Speed offers. This will be my son’s first year in tackle so I wanted to get him something affordable for dad and comfortable and safe for son. In the Speed I found that. The local rep should be able to offer you a reasonable discount as we were able to get 20 for around $90 for the Edge and $130 for the Speed. Happy Hitting!!!