Certor’s new helmet technology targets safer play for NFL and youth football

As concerns over head injuries in football continue, a new helmet from Certor, the parent company of Schutt, is gaining attention for its performance in NFL safety tests.

The company says its latest design could play a key role in reducing the risk of concussions at all levels of the game — from peewee to the pros.

NFL Helmet Testing: Data-Driven and Rigorous

Four of Certor’s helmets ranked in the top five of the NFL’s latest helmet safety test. The test was developed in partnership with a lab called Biocore and is based on extensive real-world data.

“It is a very rigorous test that the NFL has developed in coordination with the lab called Biocore,” said Certor CEO Jeremy Erspamer. “It's based on tons of data collected by the NFL in terms of the types of hits players receive, the type of injuries that have been noted both in practice and in games.”

Erspamer said the impact test uses a range of speeds and angles to simulate the hits NFL players take on the field.

“It is meant to replicate the types of impacts that they would receive, particularly in a game environment,” he said.

Innovation in the F7 Pro: Lightweight, High-Performance Protection

One of Certor’s newest helmets, the Schutt F7 Pro, stood out in this year’s rankings — not just for safety, but also for weight.

“It’s also the lightest helmet model in those top five,” Erspamer said. “We've kind of achieved that lightweight design along with that protection.”

The key innovation is in the padding system.

“The technology that goes in there is what we call micro lattice structures,” he said. “They're basically 3D-printed padding structures that have a very unique micro lattice design that keeps weight out, yet maximizes that energy absorption.”

Focus on Youth: Tailoring Helmets to Different Levels of Play

While the NFL test is designed specifically for professional athletes, Certor is adapting its designs for younger players. Erspamer said helmet safety must be tailored to the level of play, especially for teenagers and youth leagues.

“Studies have shown that in each of those categories, they sustain different types of impacts, certainly different rates of speed on impact,” he said.

To meet those needs, Certor will launch high school and youth versions of the F7 Pro later this year.

“It really is more designed to absorb the types of impacts that are received on that level,” Erspamer said. “Protecting the youth, protecting the future of this game is something we’ve dedicated ourselves to.”

For more information, visit the NFL's website or read the full study below.