New Helmet Technology

[3rdPersonPlural]

From Alan Scwartz's article in the New York Times on Saturday (10/27)

"Vin Ferrara, a former Harvard quarterback, was looking for an aspirin in his medicine cabinet when his eyes fixed upon a ribbed plastic bottle used to squirt saline into sinuses. Ferrara squeezed the bottle, then pounded on it — finding that it cushioned soft and hard blows with equal aplomb, almost intelligence........Rather than being lined with rows of traditional foam or urethane, Ferrara’s helmet features 18 black, thermoplastic shock absorbers filled with air that — not unlike his squirt bottle — can accept a wide range of forces and still moderate the sudden jarring of the head that causes concussion. Moreover, laboratory tests have shown that the disks can withstand hundreds of impacts without any notable degradation in performance, a longtime drawback of helmets’ traditional foam."

The big question is which Helmet manufacturer is going to license this superior technology for lacrosse helmets?

More about the helmet at http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/27/sports/football/27helmets.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slogin

or

www.xenith.com

or

http://press.page2go2.com/0209737.html

The other big question: Would parents/players/teams/schools pay double for a helmet that is better than any other available model?

[OldGoalie]

I think this is essentially what Cascade is using in its new Pro7 helmet. The "seven" technology seems to be little discs that create air pockets.

[fenwicklax89]

I think this is essentially what Cascade is using in its new Pro7 helmet. The "seven" technology seems to be little discs that create air pockets.

the pro7 doesnt use air though, and relies on polymer discs/columns that compress.

[OldGoalie]

the pro7 doesnt use air though, and relies on polymer discs/columns that compress.

OK, but the principle is still very similar:
http://www.releasedfromcaptivity.com/7.php

As far as willingness to pay, I think you'll find parents at the high end of the market willing to shell out the money for this type of advancement, but many middle class folks who won't be able to afford it. The founder states this in the article, i.e. that he is really not targeting the school systems, but rather parents with additional income to pay for them.

With respect to licensing the technology, I don't know that it would be worth it, as I don't think there is anything "magical" about the technology. The barrier to copying the concept is relatively low for the the major helmet manufacturers.

[bigdale9]

hig paid white color families who really think their kids need this technology will probably get it if it comes out on a lax helmet. the concept is not new its just been a while comming until it got used in football helmets

the price kinda reminds me of the new $1000 riddell that can tell you how hard you get it in terms of g's

[*ROCKSTAR_LAX*]

thats actually kinda close to the riddells. $350 a piece, dammmm...

[customizedlax]

OK, but the principle is still very similar:
http://www.releasedfromcaptivity.com/7.php

As far as willingness to pay, I think you'll find parents at the high end of the market willing to shell out the money for this type of advancement, but many middle class folks who won't be able to afford it. The founder states this in the article, i.e. that he is really not targeting the school systems, but rather parents with additional income to pay for them.

With respect to licensing the technology, I don't know that it would be worth it, as I don't think there is anything "magical" about the technology. The barrier to copying the concept is relatively low for the the major helmet manufacturers.

but is it worth it to shell out that kinda cash in order to reduce concussions?

[Garor]

but is it worth it to shell out that kinda cash in order to reduce concussions?

It might be.

Concussions are serious injuries that can end athletic careers, not to mention affect your scholastic life. I think people are just starting to learn the long term effects of concussions. Concussions can be very detrimental effects to sleeping habits, concentration and mood.

Your brain wasn't designed to take an impact to your skull. I'd shell out 350. It is my only brain afterall.

[fenwicklax89]

the price kinda reminds me of the new $1000 riddell that can tell you how hard you get it in terms of g's

i just google searched that. that thing is intense. its got a wireless antenna for the sideline to read impacts right after they happen.