New York Giants Wear New Helmet in Super Bowl - Schutt Sports Introduces Latest Helmet Technology on Football's Grandest Stage

Litchfield, Illinois (PRWEB) January 29, 2008 -- When the New York Giants take the field on Sunday in Arizona, several key players will be wearing the latest technology in football helmets - the ION 4D from Schutt Sports. The new helmet will be easy to spot on the field because of its unique design. Four of the Giants were chosen to field test the new helmet from Schutt Sports, an Illinois manufacturer. Players wearing the ION 4D include starting tackle, David Diehl (66), offensive linemen Grey Ruegamer (65) and Guy Whimper (79), as well as long snapper Jay Alford (93). Giant's equipment manager, Joe Skiba, commented, "They all love them - the best helmet they've worn."

According to Dave Rossi, Chief Marketing Officer of Schutt Sports, "This new generation of helmets surpasses anything on the market because it uses TPU cushioning instead of traditional foam padding. TPU gives the player more protection under game conditions." The most noticeable difference is a shock absorbing "Energy Wedge" on both sides of that helmet that reduce face mask impacts by 15%

In independent testing, the new ION 4D was up to 55%* more effective than the closest competitor's helmet. Rossi explains, "At 72 degrees, TPU Cushioning absorbs about the same amount of force as traditional foam padding, but the only time the inside of a helmet is at 72 degrees is when it's hanging in a locker. The temperature inside a player's helmet during a game or practice can exceed 105 degrees. Our research shows that helmets with TPU Cushioning are up to 40-55%* more effective at reducing the force of an impact than helmets with traditional foam padding."

Rossi said the Giants were enthusiastic about field testing the ION 4D prior to the start of this season. "The Giants equipment staff is always working to find the very best equipment available for their players. They recognize the benefits the ION 4D helmet has to offer. If they were not 100% confident that this helmet is better, than they would never have allowed it on their players."

*based on test results from an independent research lab

ION 4D FACT SHEET

Background:

Schutt Sports, Inc. is the world's leading maker of football helmets and faceguards, owning 54% market share for helmets (at all levels: youth, high school, college and professional) and over 75% for faceguards. As an unlicensed vendor to the NFL, Schutt has still been able to garner nearly 30% market share.

Technology:

The ION 4D is the third technologically advanced helmet Schutt has introduced in the last four years. The DNA helmet was brought to the market in 2004 and this year, along with the ION 4D, the AiR XP traditional shell helmet.

Benefits:    

*Nothing Tests Better*

The ION 4D is the best scoring helmet we've ever tested (including the Riddell® Revolution®) in reducing the force caused by impacts. In testing at an independent research lab, the ION 4D absorbed up to 55%* more impact than the Revolution®.

*Cushioning That's Proven Superior to Foam*

Part of the technology built into the ION 4D, the TPU Cushioning system has been proven superior to traditional foam padding and does not take a "set" the way older, traditional foam will. TPU Cushioning is molded into the shape of the helmet, which produces better protection with more protective hemispheres than ever before.

*Protection When You Need It Most*

When temperatures inside a player's helmet rise above 100°, which is typical during practice or games, the TPU Cushioning system in the ION 4D absorbs up to 40%-55% more impact than helmets with traditional foam padding, including the Riddell® Revolution®.

*Shock-absorbing Faceguard*

The ION 4D features the Energy Wedge Faceguard?, the first faceguard that is integrated into the helmet and acts as shock absorber - reducing the force of impacts to the faceguard by 15%. This innovative design also features the SWING-FREE? release for easy faceguard removal.

*based on test results from an independent research lab

ION 4D, AiR XP and DNA Pro are trademarks of Schutt Sports, Inc.

Riddell is the trademarks of Ridmark Corporation

Revolution Helmet are the trademarks of Riddell, Inc

NFL is the registered trademark of the National Football League

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