New Riddell SpeedFlex Highlights the Future of Football Helmet Design and Innovation

ROSEMONT, Ill., Aug. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The future of football helmets has arrived. Riddell today officially introduced the SpeedFlex, a new helmet that reduces impact force transfer to the athlete by selectively adding flexibility to key helmet components. The latest offering from the world's leading helmet manufacturer also boasts improved sightlines, a new ratchet-style chinstrap attachment system and a cool, modern design for unparalleled performance.

"We're excited to formally introduce the SpeedFlex as the next milestone in Riddell's rich history of football innovations," said Dan Arment, president of Riddell. "With this helmet we sought to improve player protection while delivering tangible benefits to the athlete. We're confident these new features will quickly become design standards for Riddell, and raise the bar for football helmet performance and protective technologies across the industry." 

A DESIGN ROOTED IN RESEARCH
SpeedFlex boasts a significant design story built on more than 2 million points of data captured from Riddell's head impact monitoring technologies. Information gathered from the systems directed where and how Riddell engineers built flexibility into the shell and facemask. It also guided the strategic combination of composite energy materials used throughout the helmet.

This scientific data coupled with years of dedicated research, repeated on-field testing, and in-depth player feedback resulted in unique features like the new chinstrap system and interior liner that conforms to the shape of a player's head for greater comfort.

"At Riddell, we base our helmet innovations and advancements on science and research," said Thad Ide, Riddell's senior vice president of research and product development, and BRG Sports Advanced Concepts' division lead. "We don't simply stop at the information we find in the research field. We incorporate direct feedback from the playing field so athletes will have the best possible experience with the product."

MODERN AESTHETICS MEET ENGINEERING EVOLUTION
Riddell understands players' desire to look and feel confident when they strap on a helmet. Modern aesthetic modifications coupled with Riddell's vast engineering capabilities and deep-rooted knowledge of the game bring about a helmet that not only boasts a bold new look, but carries the protection benefits to match.

Other features unique to SpeedFlex and other Riddell helmets include: 

THE FLEX SYSTEM
Flexibility engineered into the helmet's shell, face mask and face mask attachment system reduces impact force transfer to the athlete

RATCHET-LOC RETENTION SYSTEM
A new ratchet-style chinstrap attachment system developed based on elite player feedback and designed for easy, efficient adjustments that can keep up with the game's faster pace and offer a new way to help secure proper fit each play

FIVE-POINT CUSTOM INFLATION
Five areas for air inflation (crown, back/side, occipital lock, jaw pads) for a custom fit

MODERN DESIGN
Cool, aggressive, streamlined shell design with fully integrated components and innovations for peak athlete performance and state of the art protection

HIGH STRENGTH SPRING STAINLESS STEEL FACE MASK
Thinner and lighter, high performance face mask improves sightlines and field vision for the athlete

COMPOSITE ENERGY MANAGEMENT
Strategic combination of padding materials inside of the helmet absorb impact energy and retain their position and purpose over extended durations of play

ALL-POINTS QUICK RELEASE
Face mask removal has never been easier or faster

PSIP
Patented Side Impact Protection is research-based, mandible protection that helps reduce the forces from side impacts.  Technology feature consists of side shell extensions combined with side liner systems

TRU-CURVE LINER SYSTEM
New interior liner that conforms to the shape of a player's head as well as fits the contours of the helmet shell (crown, back/side, occipital lock, face frame) for improved comfort and fit

OCCIPITAL LOCK
Cradles the head for a secure and customized fit

LINER ATTACHMENT SYSTEM
Removable padding system designed for ease-of-use when switching pads

The SpeedFlex is also the first helmet built from the ground up with Riddell's InSite Impact Response System – the company's latest head impact monitoring technology – in mind. InSite is designed for all levels of the game and is a unique technology that is integrated seamlessly into the liner of the helmet. It then monitors and alerts sideline staff when a player sustains a significant impact during a game or practice. InSite is available this football season and is compatible with the Riddell Speed helmet as well.

AN EYE ON THE FUTURE
Riddell has evolved with the game of football, having innovated to meet players' protective equipment needs for more than 80 years. SpeedFlex is the latest innovation that demonstrates Riddell's commitment to creating smarter performance and protection technologies that deliver tangible results.

The SpeedFlex is broadly available this September and can be currently seen on today's top collegiate and NFL players. As the game of football evolves, it is important that equipment technology outpaces the needs of the today's players. The SpeedFlex is another example how Riddell ushers the game forward with advanced helmet designs and developments that benefit every level of the sport.     

For more information visit www.Riddell.com/SpeedFlex or follow @RiddellSports on Twitter and Facebook.

About Riddell
Founded in 1929, Riddell is a premier designer and developer of protective sports equipment and a recognized leader in helmet technology and innovation. One of BRG Sports' most well-known brands, Riddell is the leading manufacturer of football helmets, shoulder pads and reconditioning services (cleaning, repairing, repainting and recertifying existing equipment). For more information, visit our website at http://www.riddell.com, like the Riddell Facebook page, or follow Riddell on Twitter @RiddellSports.

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SOURCE Riddell