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Revolution Helmets

Riddell Revolution helmets are a line of football helmets designed to provide optimal protection for their users. The Revolution’s design has been proven to reduce the risk of sustaining head injuries during football games. These helmets are currently used by 83% of the players in the National Football League. The most recent model is the Revolution Speed helmet. This model can come equipped with Riddell's HITS Technology. This technology consists of a sensor in the helmet that relays data regarding the severity of each hit to a computer system.

=Injury Prevention=

Revolution helmets have been proven through studies to reduce the risk of head injury. One major study on the helmet’s effectiveness was conducted by a team from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The research compared the Revolution helmet with other models. 2,000 high school players participated in the study which took place over the course of three years. Research showed that 5.4% of the athletes wearing the Revolution helmet suffered a concussion during a game as opposed to 7.6% of the players wearing the older model helmets. High school players wearing the Revolution helmet were 31% less likely to experience a concussion.

=Revolution Speed Helmet=

The most recent addition to the Revolution series of helmets is the Revolution Speed helmet. This helmet improves upon older Revolution models to create a better defense against concussion.

Design
The helmet is designed around the head’s center of gravity. Since most concussion-causing impacts occur on the side of the head and face, the helmet features mandible extensions. This feature extends the cover of the jaw line. The helmet is lined with a custom fit cellular air pad system. Polyurethane and synthetic rubber foam are also used inside the helmet. The shell of the helmet is made up of a polycarbonate alloy. For the lightest weight, a titanium face guard is attached to the helmet.

=Hits Technology=

Revolution helmets can now come equipped with Head Impact Telemetry Systems or HITS technology. Six accelerometers are placed inside the helmet. The accelerometers measure the force, location and direction of an impact on the helmet. Along with the accelerometers in the helmet are a microprocessor and a radio transmitter. When a player’s head accelerates due to a collision, the acceleration is registered and brought up on a computer. A three-dimensional image of the head will show the location of contact using an arrow. A bar graph is used to indicate the force of the blow. Players and staff can evaluate the collisions using the graph. The analysis may suggest that a player seek medical attention; however, researchers have found that there is no way of being sure which impact might lead to a concussion.

=History=

Head injury has always been a serious issue in the game of football. An estimated 5 percent of high school players suffer concussions each year. There is also evidence to suggest that football players are exposed to the kind of brain damage called chronic traumatic encephalopathy. As a response to the growing concern over head injuries, equipment maker Riddell spent four years developing the original Revolution helmet. The Revolution was a fitting name considering the helmet marked the first significant remodel in 25 years. This helmet was first distributed in 2002. Since its release, the helmet has grown in popularity and use among consumers. As of 2007, Riddell has sold 750,000 Revolution helmets.

=References=