VICIS Zero1 Helmet

[VFL10]

Came across this article today and wonder if/when UT will begin utilizing these state of the art helmets. Can't wait to see how this new helmet performs long term. I loved the last quote from Doug Baldwin.

“Then you have something sustainable … that's going to bring back the attention to the fun of the sport, and not necessarily the risks of the sport. It's going to help prevent injuries."

http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2017/08...-may-help-nfl-players-reduce-concussions.html

 

[Slowrunnertn]

Came across this article today and wonder if/when UT will begin utilizing these state of the art helmets. Can't wait to see how this new helmet performs long term. I loved the last quote from Doug Baldwin.

“Then you have something sustainable … that's going to bring back the attention to the fun of the sport, and not necessarily the risks of the sport. It's going to help prevent injuries."

http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2017/08...-may-help-nfl-players-reduce-concussions.html

I think UT is using some of these helmets this year for a select group of players. They are custom fit helmets and can not passed down like the traditional helmets. You also need to have multiple helmets for each player. One helmet for practice, one for a game and then a reserve in case one breaks during a game.

 

[Volunteer_Kirby]

Seems like a promising step forward. A helmet that absorbs more of the impact makes more sense. I think if the NFL starts to roll with it then the NCAA will naturally follow. Players want the best equipment, period - especially if it's going to improve safety. I wonder about the weight of it though - players might have a hard time transitioning if the material is more dense than the previous plastic shells.

Here is a follow up. Helmets were pulled at Oregon. So still in it's infancy stage.

http://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/index.ssf/2016/08/oregon_ducks_no_longer_wearing.html

 

[Skullbone]

$1500.00 each. Ouch. Still worth it, but ouch.

 

[Volunteer_Kirby]

"I went back to my (Riddell) Speedflex as soon as I could," defensive end Jalen Jelks said. "We were kind of like the test dummies for it anyway, so I think after they go back to the drawing block and have more people test it, it'll be a good helmet."

One player said he suffered a migraine headache due to the pressure from the front of the helmet, while another said it made him "nauseous." Several Ducks had already reverted to their old helmets prior to Vicis' decision to pull the helmets. The company will begin further testing.

The Zero1, like all helmets, uses four chin straps, but its design was different in that two connected inside the helmet, near the temples. Players said those interior chinstraps popped off repeatedly, however.

"As far as comfort and hitting it's not really doing a good job," said defensive tackle Austin Maloata, whose forehead featured two prominent bruises he said came from the helmet padding. "I've never seen that in such a small amount of time and I've been here three years."

From the article above

 

[Creeker]

It may be a safer helmet but it isn't going to do a lot for concussions. When you get hit and your head snaps back there is no helmet that can prevent the brain from shaking inside the skull.

 

[Volunteer_Kirby]

It may be a safer helmet but it isn't going to do a lot for concussions. When you get hit and your head snaps back there is no helmet that can prevent the brain from shaking inside the skull.

I worry about the shell material. I think too much absorption and you're possibly making it worse for the brain. The plastic shell today is slick enough to deflect certain impacts, which is ideal. If they can keep that feature, yet still retain a (more) absorbent padding underneath then perhaps they've taken a good first step. Still though I think theyve got a long way to go with helmets but they are at least taking baby steps now. Need to rethink the materials used, maybe even develop a "smart helmet" with some type of magnet or absorbent fluid to lighten the blow, who knows knows how it will come? Maybe NASA or F-1 has a solution or a new material they're working with.

 

[OrangeByBirth]

I am admittedly old school. J believe helmets contribute to concussions rather than prevent them. The helmet has become a weapon rather than protection. Birdcage face masks and encapsulated padding make it easier to stick your head into a hard hit.

 

[VFFL@THE BEACH]

I am admittedly old school. J believe helmets contribute to concussions rather than prevent them. The helmet has become a weapon rather than protection. Birdcage face masks and encapsulated padding make it easier to stick your head into a hard hit.

Before my time in H.S. we had a coach that refused to give up the leather helmets. Basically because the same reason you quoted, with less protection guys are less likely to use their head as a weapon.

Think about it, did you consistently play backyard, tackle football without pads the same way you played with pads? Of course not.

Go Vols!

 

[ChismsHeadband]

I am admittedly old school. J believe helmets contribute to concussions rather than prevent them. The helmet has become a weapon rather than protection. Birdcage face masks and encapsulated padding make it easier to stick your head into a hard hit.

Watched a thing on Viceland about a former Ravens OL Eugene Monroe supporting a legal marijuana initiative for player safety.

You nailed it in regards to fundamental problems with helmets. 1) they're made into weapons rather than protection, and 2) they only protect the skull, not the brain.

Monroe has fronted $80k of his own money towards researching the effects of CBD on the recuperation of the brain after concussions. Note that this is different from the THC compound that makes people high. CBD has no impairing effects.

Of course he was released, likely with some of that reasoning being his advocacy, seeing as how the league is azz-backwards for the most part.

 

[vols-1]

"Turning football helmet design on its head"

that's deep bro....

 

[IndianapolisVol]

Hey you guys on here think weed should be legal?

 

[midtnvol2]

Kansas City Chiefs QB Alex Smith was wearing this helmet in their 1st preseason game last night.

 

[Volunteer_Kirby]

Kansas City Chiefs QB Alex Smith was wearing this helmet in their 1st preseason game last night.

Will be interesting to see how the players like or dislike it once theyve addressed the comfort issues. So far most guys have found it too uncomfortable with awkward pressure points on the head.