The Best Football Helmets For Preventing A Concussion

Research into sports injuries has begun to concentrate on how to prevent concussions. A study funded in part by NFL Charities discovered that most concussions result from blows to the side of the head, not the front or the top, and industry leaders have made some changes to helmets in response to that.

Riddell's Revolution Helmet

Riddell introduced its Revolution helmet in 2002. It adds thickness to the sides and holes in the top are designed to release body heat and balance weight. A study by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center reported that the Revolution reduced the rate of concussions among high school players by 2.3 percent over standard helmets, but the study was financed by Riddell. The NFL has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Riddell, but permits its players to choose any helmet they like.

Schutt Sports Group DNA Helmet

The Schutt Sports Group followed Riddell's Revolution helmet with its own safety-improved model, the DNA helmet. The DNA incorporates plastics technology used to protect military paratroopers. Several NFL players have elected to use it, but because of the NFL's licensing agreement with Riddell, Schutt's logo on their helmets is covered up by the player's team name so that it does not appear on television.

Bike Athletic Company's Pro Edition

Sales of the Pro Edition fell after the Schutt Sports Group and Riddell introduced its new helmets. Introduced in 1999, the helmet does not include new protective technology against concussions, but it is of lighter weight so players are better able to keep their heads up to avoid contact and spinal injuries, according to a 2005 story in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review titled "NFL Equipment Causes Controversy."

Unintended Consequences

Because of the new helmets, NFL players have become more inclined to make head-first tackles. This resulted in the NFL stepping up its policy against such hits. The league fined three players during one weekend in October 2010.

Ongoing Efforts

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., continued efforts to upgrade football helmets for youth players in 2010. New Mexico is one of nine states that added legislation by 2010 to prevent any student athlete from returning to play within a week after suffering a concussion and without clearance from a doctor. Udall petitioned the Consumer Product Safety Commission to differentiate between helmet standards for young players and for professional players and to address concussions incurred by other means besides a direct blow to the head.