Gaining Momentum
How do you penetrate a competitive and saturated market? Go in it, to win it. Rawlings went back into the game full throttle. Their goal was to create an aesthetically conservative helmet with an unconventional padding system. They were targeting not only the players on all levels, but also the coaches, equipment managers, and even Mom. Part of their strategy was to ensure that everyone involved in the game could see the advantages of this new helmet.The NRG series (Neuro Responsive Gear) - was set to be the flagship brand name for the full Rawlings helmet line. Development focused on the entire helmet from the inside out. After countless iterations of concepts, 2D patterns, CAD and multiple levels of prototypes to verify size, shape, fit and coverage, the innovative features of the Rawlings NRG Quantum helmet emerged.
Beauty is on the Inside
Internally, the NRG series is constructed with a unique protection system of communicating channels that dissipate impact force. The first layer of pressurized pods absorbs the bulk of the force from a blow. The second layer provides a custom fit tailored to each individual player. These pods utilize proprietary XRD foam due to being one of the best materials for shock attenuation. XRD technology dissipates the impact force to the skull without structural breakdown.
Post Game Report
In 2012, The Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings™ by Dr. Stefan Duma, professor of biomedical engineering and head of the Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, announced that the NRG Line was recognized with the highest-possible, “Best Available” 5-Star ranking. That marked the first year any Rawlings football helmet was tested and rated as Rawlings’ re-entry into the marketplace. The results from Virginia Tech's STAR testing protocol affirm Rawlings' long-lasting heritage of innovation in athlete protection.
Setting the Standard
In the world of baseball, the Rawlings name is trusted, respected and has set the bar for protective gear from the beginning. As players become stronger, balls are pitched faster and hit further, their protective gear must also evolve. Without a current standard in place, Rawlings wanted to set the new helmet standard in Major League Baseball and implement a MLB batting helmet to protect against high-speed pitches up to 100mph.
Baseline Drive
Priority Designs worked with Rawlings’ design team to develop the S100 helmet. Both teams understood the internal helmet structure had a direct impact on the exterior design process. The challenge of designing a traditional helmet, maximizing protection, while maintaining a low profile, was at the forefront. Integration of design and engineering was paramount. Form followed function where protection was less crucial. The aggressive lines surrounding the helmet capture the true speed and intensity of being in the batter’s box. The ventilation holes were placed across the crown for optimal air circulation. Purposeful emphasis was placed on the composite insert that absorbs the energy in high impact areas.
A Step Further
By revealing the internal helmet structure, it immediately communicates the method of protection to the batter. This internal housing is constructed using the Advanced Impact Management System (AIMS), comprised of Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) liner and a composite insert built into the frame that enables the retention of the protective oval shape. The combination of the EPP and Poron® XRD™ materials offer maximum protection to absorb high impact force, while a composite inset supplements durability in critical impact locations. The AIMS also includes Outlast® and Pro-Dri® foam padding technologies that work together to keep the batter cool, dry and comfortable throughout the game.
Changing the Game
MLB saw the benefits of the design and the S100 helmet is now required equipment for all Minor League Baseball players as of spring 2010. This helmet later inspired the design for the new Rawlings S100 Pro Comp helmet that is actively used among MLB professional athletes.
