Hit N Move, a renowned innovator in the boxing gear industry, has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Virginia Tech’s Helmet Lab. This partnership aims to scientifically develop a smaller, safer, and superior headgear that promises to revolutionize the world of boxing.
Pioneering Safety Research at Virginia Tech
The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, distinguished for its expertise in injury biomechanics, is dedicated to injury prevention rather than treatment. The lab’s research focuses on identifying injury mechanisms, quantifying biomechanical responses to impacts, establishing tolerance levels, and assessing protective designs. While their studies encompass injuries to the entire body, a significant focus is placed on improving the understanding of concussions and reducing their occurrence.
Studying concussions presents unique challenges, as it is ethically impossible to produce human brain injuries in a laboratory environment. To overcome this, the Helmet Lab equips athletes, who are at higher risk of sustaining concussions, with sensors to collect biomechanical data in an observational manner. This approach allows researchers to quantify concussion mechanisms and analyze how these vary with age, sex, and environment. The outcomes of this research have led to improved helmet designs and the implementation of new safety rules in sports like football.
Since 2011, Virginia Tech researchers have been providing unbiased helmet ratings to help consumers make informed decisions when purchasing helmets. These ratings are the culmination of over 15 years of research on head impacts in sports and identify which helmets best reduce concussion risk. This work is conducted as part of Virginia Tech’s service mission and is completely independent of any funding or influence from helmet manufacturers.
Photo Courtesy: Hit N Move
The STAR Rating System
Virginia Tech’s Helmet Lab enhances industry safety standards with sports-specific impact testing and rates helmets on a 5-star scale. This scale helps consumers understand the relative differences in helmet protection in the context of reducing the risk of head injury. A helmet’s rating comprises two components: the STAR score and the number of stars.
STAR, which stands for Summation of Tests for the Analysis of Risk, calculates scores based on a helmet’s performance in a series of impact tests. These tests are sports-specific and cover a broad range of head impacts athletes are likely to experience. STAR is grounded in two fundamental concepts: the frequency of similar impacts people experience and the reduction of linear and rotational head acceleration to lower injury risk. Helmets with lower STAR scores offer better protection, and the scores are categorized into a 1-5 star rating system, with 5 stars representing the highest level of protection.
Hit N Move’s Air Armor Precision Headgear
The HIT N MOVE® Air Armor Precision Headgear marks a monumental advancement in boxing safety equipment. The company has completely reimagined traditional boxing headgear with a design that incorporates micro padding technology, prioritizing both protection and performance.
Hit N Move’s headgear is designed to be extremely light, ensuring it does not hinder the athlete’s natural movements and agility. Strategic padding placement in critical areas such as the chin, temple, cheeks, and back of the head eliminates the need for bulky padding, offering protection without compromising mobility.
Photo Courtesy: Hit N Move
The Collaboration
Hit N Move’s collaboration with Virginia Tech’s Helmet Lab aims to validate the safety and effectiveness of the Precision Headgear. The headgear has shown comparable safety to traditional options while being significantly more compact and providing better visibility.
This collaboration signifies a major step forward in boxing safety. Hit N Move welcomes competitors but aims to be recognized as the first to make a significant change in the boxing headgear industry. With Virginia Tech’s rigorous testing and validation, the Air Armor Precision Headgear promises to set a new standard in protective sports equipment.
Conclusion
The partnership between Hit N Move and Virginia Tech’s Helmet Lab exemplifies the power of combining innovative design with scientific research. By leveraging Virginia Tech’s expertise in injury biomechanics and helmet safety, Hit N Move has developed a headgear that not only meets but exceeds safety standards, offering boxers a superior level of protection and performance. This collaboration is poised to make a lasting impact on the world of boxing, setting new benchmarks for safety and innovation.
Photo Courtesy: Hit N Move
Published By: Aize Perez
