Riddell 360

          Riddell has taken off in the football helmet industry with its new Riddell 360 football helmet. This by far is my favorite football helmet out of all helmet manufacturers. The prevention of concussions is at the top of any football discussion in today’s society. A concussion is temporary unconsciousness caused by a blow to the head. The goal of the Riddell 360 is to improve the health of the player. The 360 is currently being used by certain teams on the college, pro and high school level. The new facemask hinge clips reduces the impact from the front of the head. Blows to the frontal lobe are the most common impacts causing concussions.

         Virginia Tech did a series of helmet ratings designed to measure an adult football helmet's ability to reduce the risk of concussion. In a recent examination of the 360, the study concluded that the Riddell 360 and other new helmet technology performed best among the helmets they tested. The President of Riddell stated: “We are pleased that the design and engineering of our helmets has once again been validated by this study. We judge our football helmets across many different metrics, and it's terrific to see that we fared well with Virginia Tech's rating system. What this study shows is that the football helmet industry is continuing to advance and produce more protective helmets."

   The new design includes:

•        Advanced Frontal Protection for a reduction in forces from frontal impacts by dispersing energy through the face mask attachment system and energy-managing results.

•        Flex Face Guard flexes to reduce force transfer from frontal impacts.

•        Hinge Clips are strategically placed on the side to help disperse energy from frontal impacts.

•        All-Points Quick Release cuts face mask removal time and allows for rapid and easy access to player.

•        Hexagonal Liner System with energy managing foam, inflatable back/neck/side and crown liner provides comfort and stability on the player's head.

•        Removable, moisture-resistant antimicrobial overliner.

•        New Aggressive Shell design with extreme detailing that includes oversized vent holes to allow more air to circulate around the player's head.

•        Enhanced frontal and mandible protection offers excellent energy attenuation to help reduce forces from side and frontal impacts.

•        Enhanced Occipital Lock cradles the back of the head for the ultimate in fit, comfort and stability.                                                                               (Riddell 360 Helmet)

          I’ve played football my entire life. I wish Riddell came out with this technology sooner. Throughout my high school career, I suffered through many concussions. Every concussion has different symptoms and I’ve had them all from a level 1 to a level 3. Technology in sports is only increasing. Schutt and Riddell are the leading developers in helmet technology but as of 2012, Riddell is on top. Ive worn Schutt helmets in the past and on every big blow, the helmet pops right off. I ordered this helmet to play in this years season but as of now i still am not able to play.