VICIS helmets to be tested in spring collegiate and professional football games
Helmets augmented with special technology that aims to decrease instances of concussions will be tested in college spring games and the new professional Spring League.
VICIS helmets, which claim to lessen impacts to the head that have been linked to concussions, will use the information collected during the several games to continue the development of the product.
Taylor Soper of GeekWire reports that 20 NCAA programs and 25 NFL teams will use VICIS helmets in spring practices this year. In addition, The Spring League will use the helmets as well.
While it’s not yet possible for any helmet to completely protect players from suffering concussions, the unique outer shell of the VICIS helmet could reduce the chances of the brain shifting in the skull upon impact.
For this product to be widely utilized not only in the professional and major college ranks but scholastic and youth levels of football as well, the success of its concept will have to be proven. The helmets as they stand today cost $1,500. That’s an investment that most small college and high school football programs simply can’t afford right now.
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A big part of what could help decrease the cost would be additional capital and development. Both of those require money. There has been significant investment in the product to this point, $28 million to be exact, but proving the helmets can make a significant difference in player safety would be advantageous for that interest as well.
That’s why the fact that these helmets are going to be worn by many individuals in live-contact situations is such a huge deal for VICIS. After this spring, it will have the data it needs to further the development and marketing of the product, if that data shows the desired results of course.
With a new production facility and certification from the NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment), the time has come for VICIS to expand its business. If the results of these spring game tests are favorable, that may be all the sales pitch that the company needs.