New Football Helmet Design

[CJworks]

I remember someone making this point, and it's rung true with me since then whenever I see anything about new helmet designs/head injuries in football: All these new helmets and such like seem give players the idea that they can now lead with their heads more often because there's a perception that there's less of a chance they'll get hurt (because the helmet is extra safe, etc). Back when there were no facemasks and only leather helmets, I'm sure it was far less safe. However, tackling was different too and players knew their heads needed a little more protection, so they didn't just try to spear the guy they were after. (They wrapped him up, etc.) Now, big hits get highlights and fame and so on and the media doesn't help by eating up those highlights.

I realize that's pretty rant-y of me, but I think it's as much a culture thing as it is an equipment thing.

You couldn't be more right. Better helmets only make the problem worse in the long run, unless they are accompanied by a change in the culture.

There's an economic theory that proves your point correct. Anyways, one parallel example to your point was the seatbelt. Accidents actually went up with the seatbelt. Yes, lives were saved because of it, but people also began driving more recklessly.

Interesting. I wonder if the same was true with the advent of air bags?

I agree. the more leeway you give the players, the more dangerous the sport becomes.

[ONUV]

did penn state have anything to do with this?

[powersurge]

wow.....that helmet looks terrible.

if people want to make football safer they'll make the players pull little flags from each other's waists to stop a play. Seeing that just isn't going to happen we'll just have to live with the fact that football is just a violent activity where injuries simply just happen. whats next? a foam body suit?

[neo_prankster]

While this helmet design may lower the risk of concussions, there's no helmet anywhere in football (youth, prep, college or pros) that'll prevent head or neck injuries. Read the warning label on your mini helmets if you don't believe me.

The helmet design in this thread will probably go the way of the Edsel and Sega 32x/CD combo.

[AJM]

wow.....that helmet looks terrible.

if people want to make football safer they'll make the players pull little flags from each other's waists to stop a play. Seeing that just isn't going to happen we'll just have to live with the fact that football is just a violent activity where injuries simply just happen. whats next? a foam body suit?

While I did start this post, I agree with you 100%. I mainly just found the helmet and stories interesting.

I feel that the whole discussion involving concussions should be chalked up to "occupational hazard". Sure, some steps should be taken to prevent defensive players from making tackles with malice, or intent to injure. However, injuries are part of the game.

[neo_prankster]

wow.....that helmet looks terrible.

if people want to make football safer they'll make the players pull little flags from each other's waists to stop a play. Seeing that just isn't going to happen we'll just have to live with the fact that football is just a violent activity where injuries simply just happen. whats next? a foam body suit?

While I did start this post, I agree with you 100%. I mainly just found the helmet and stories interesting.

I feel that the whole discussion involving concussions should be chalked up to "occupational hazard". Sure, some steps should be taken to prevent defensive players from making tackles with malice, or intent to injure. However, injuries are part of the game.

Injuries will always be part of sports.

After all, no pain, no gain.

[BlueSky]

I think it makes great sense from a safety standpoint. However, the seams where the plates come together run right through wear teams' helmet logos would be placed. I suppose the stickers could be placed directly over the seam, but it may wrinkle after a collision. I don't think that teams would like to cut their logo.

Yeah, that'd be crazy.

yeah it would look pretty horrible take some getting used to

FYP

wow.....that helmet looks terrible.

if people want to make football safer they'll make the players pull little flags from each other's waists to stop a play. Seeing that just isn't going to happen we'll just have to live with the fact that football is just a violent activity where injuries simply just happen. whats next? a foam body suit?

While I did start this post, I agree with you 100%. I mainly just found the helmet and stories interesting.

I feel that the whole discussion involving concussions should be chalked up to "occupational hazard". Sure, some steps should be taken to prevent defensive players from making tackles with malice, or intent to injure. However, injuries are part of the game.

Injuries will always be part of sports.

After all, no pain, no gain.

I'm sure Darryl Stingley agreed with your view.

[TopCat]

Gee, I'd take the higher risk of concussion as long as I wouldn't have to wear that thing. This is 2010, can't they make something safe and stylish?

[mania]

Gee, I'd take the higher risk of concussion as long as I wouldn't have to wear that thing. This is 2010, can't they make something safe and stylish?

No offense, but if you really think that, you're a :censored:ing idiot.

[TopCat]

Gee, I'd take the higher risk of concussion as long as I wouldn't have to wear that thing. This is 2010, can't they make something safe and stylish?

No offense, but if you really think that, you're a :censored:ing idiot.

I wasn't really serious, just trying to make a point. It's ugly as hell.

[kwhey]

Oh my God. We can't have a decal on the helmet. Why don't we just all go have a big cry about it.

[kwhey]

I'm sure Darryl Stingley agreed with your view.

Jack Tatum was (and still is) a bitch.

[jstraper]

Either (as was mentioned) an added thin "shell" layer covering the "plates" (like how the outer cosmetic layer of a bicycle helmet covers the styrofoam), or perhaps a thin layer made from fabric or silicone that has the colors and logos printed would be fine.

Heck, make the surface of the outer "skin" have enough grip to allow for decals.

[uk-owns-iu]

I just get this feeling that we're going to see piping in helmet designs like we do on uniforms now. There will be piping stripes going over these seems that run around the helmet instead of just down the middle.

[BlueSky]

I'm sure Darryl Stingley agreed with your view.

Jack Tatum was (and still is) a bitch.

Actually he died last month. I'm no Tatum fan but as I remember it that was not a dirty hit.

[ltjets21]

Look up Xenith,best helmet on the market and looks pretty standard.

[andrewharrington]

yeah it would look pretty horrible

What I'm suggesting is that they would not fit the decal to wrap the seam like that. They would simply apply the decal over the seam. If they can do this on a Revo Speed, I think they'll be okay applying a decal over this tiny seam.

[BBTV]

That SF helmet really doesn't look that bad. Once you get used to it, you won't even notice the seams in there. It's like the button placket of a baseball jersey, as a previous poster mentioned.

[jimbojohnny56]

Tatum hit was about as dirty as it gets. Guy going over the middle uncatchable ball preseason game, C'mon man.

[jimbojohnny56]

TC 2.0 you obviously never played football or been concussed because if you had and there was anything that would prevent it you would welcome it no matter the look.