OT: U-shaped slot in forehead region of helmets?
I haven't seen this discussed yet, and a quick Google search turned up nothing, but I noticed after watching a bit of the ND and MSU games that some of the players seem to have a U-shaped something right in the forehead region of the helmets. It looks like a cut through the plastic, but I can't be sure. I'm assuming this is some kind of head injury prevention thing, but does anyone have information on it? Has this been used before? Do any of the Michgan players have it?
I probably missed information on this somewhere along the way, so delete if needed.
September 12th, 2015 at 8:58 PM ^
It's just a new helmet design. I believe that middle section is free floating and has extra padding under.
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
September 12th, 2015 at 8:59 PM ^
I coach high school football and most of our players have those helmets. They are supposed to be safer and help prevent major head injuries.
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
September 12th, 2015 at 8:59 PM ^
Noticed this on a lot of helmets this year, was wondering the same thing.
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
September 12th, 2015 at 9:00 PM ^
It's the Riddell Speedflex helmet. I think I've seen a Michigan player wearing one, but I can't remember who.
September 12th, 2015 at 9:19 PM ^
#89 Ian Bunting was wearing it today.
http://a1.espncdn.com/photo/2015/0912/ncf_e_mich-osu3__r8154_2_2048x210…
September 12th, 2015 at 9:07 PM ^
Yeah, that's it. Surprised I haven't seen more coverage on this. The article you linked is from just over a year go...is this the first or second year for these helmets?
September 12th, 2015 at 9:18 PM ^
How much coverage were you expecting?
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
September 12th, 2015 at 10:04 PM ^
Some, I guess?
This is a pretty radical change from standard design, and counterintuitive in my opinion so I'm really intrigued by it. I'm in no way saying it doesn't work, but as a stress engineer, I wouldn't expect it to.
September 12th, 2015 at 10:22 PM ^
This has been around for a while
September 13th, 2015 at 12:46 AM ^
As a stress engineer you'll appreciate that each leg of the "U" terminates in a circular hole.
September 12th, 2015 at 9:56 PM ^
Looks like it would help dissipate the energy to the back.
September 12th, 2015 at 10:48 PM ^
about testing for steroids
September 12th, 2015 at 9:07 PM ^
I just saw that an independent NFL study has shown that Xenith Helmets made in Detroit is the safest helmet. I wonder if any teams will switch.
September 12th, 2015 at 9:19 PM ^
I had one in high school and I loved it. It was really comfortable too
September 12th, 2015 at 9:14 PM ^
I think I heard the announcers in one game say it's to help prevent concussions
September 12th, 2015 at 9:23 PM ^
There isn't a helmet that can stop the brain from smacking around inside the human skull from a hit.
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
September 12th, 2015 at 9:24 PM ^
Nobody said stop. Help prevent, key words there
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
September 12th, 2015 at 10:50 PM ^
If there were helmets that could prevent/ lessen the probability of concussions, I'm pretty sure everybody would use them.
September 12th, 2015 at 9:15 PM ^
I have seen several Michigan players in these, but couldn't tell who. They were very noticeable in the first game.
September 12th, 2015 at 11:09 PM ^
buweeee buweeee buweeee!!!!!
September 12th, 2015 at 11:20 PM ^
It makes players more aerodynamic and let's them run faster.
September 13th, 2015 at 2:54 AM ^
Do teams allow players to pick which helmet to wear? With all the attention on concussions and injury prevention you would think teams would use the best evidence based research and testing to select the best helmet for their players.
September 13th, 2015 at 10:12 AM ^
Players have about 5 options to choose from and they decide. All the attention on concussions is exactly why the don't select the helmet for the players... becomes a liability issue if you force someone to where a specific helmet and then they get hurt while wearing it.
September 13th, 2015 at 9:02 AM ^
You first have to remember that not every head is shaped the same, and that a Schutt may fit you far better than a Riddell, or a Xienith, or a Russell, etc.
Riddell and Schutt still lead the way in helmet technology and sales. All of the rest are nowhere close to these two giants.
September 13th, 2015 at 9:33 AM ^
It flexes to (supposedly) help prevent concussions
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad