Guardian Caps | Secure Support from Boards, Boosters and Donors
We get it – talking about money can be a tad bit awkward.
But, when the cause is as important as ours here at Guardian Sports, the mission is truly priceless. And that’s why we’re here to help.
At Guardian Sports, we’re committed to real, measurable impact. Every product we create is designed to elevate protection, performance and precision.
If you’re preparing to spark up a conversation with your school’s booster club, athletic donors or board members, these talking points will help you make a strong, informed case.
What is a Guardian Cap?
The Guardian Cap is a soft-shell, impact reducing helmet cover designed for football, lacrosse and hockey helmets.
Founded in 2010 by Erin and Lee Hanson, Guardian Sports emerged from over 20 years of experience in material science. The traditional hard-shell helmet hadn’t changed much since the 1960s — the Hansons saw the need for a modern, science-backed upgrade. And that upgrade became the Guardian Cap.
What are the benefits of Guardian Caps?
Which Guardian Cap is best for us?
- Guardian Cap XT – Original Cap; tested, validated and mandated; used by youth – college.
- Guardian Cap NXT – Original Cap; tested, validated and mandated; used by college and professional players who weigh 250+lbs.
- Guardian Cap XT 2.0 – Same science, same technology, sleeker design; used by youth – college.
- Guardian Cap NXT 2.0 – Same science, same technology, sleeker design; used by college and professional players who weigh 250+lbs.
What research supports Guardian Caps' benefits?
Guardian Caps don’t just talk the talk – they’re backed by independent studies, clinical research and on-field data. Ensure to your board, boosters and donors that the NFL’s Medical Director, Dr. Allen Sills, has to publicly support the use of Guardian Caps as “progress, not just policy.”
Rutgers – Clinical Youth Study
Conducted by Robert Heary, MD, Neurosurgeon
The study concluded that by using Guardian Caps and implementing safer tackling techniques at the middle school level will lessen the frequency of head impacts over the course of an entire season.
Virginia Tech
“Helmet shell add-ons have been shown to decrease linear and rotational acceleration, thereby helping reduce the risk of injury.”
BioCore – H.A.R.M. Testing
H.A.R.M. = Head Acceleration Response Metric
On average, the Guardian Cap NXT reduced H.A.R.M. by an average of 9%
Stanford – H.A.R.M. Testing
Overall, after incorporating Guardian Caps, H.A.R.M. values were reduced in laboratory impact tests by an average of: 25% at 3.5 m/s, 18% at 5.5 m/s and 10% at 7.4 m/s
NFL On-Field Data
According to the NFL, concussion numbers were reduced by 52% after introducing Guardian Caps.
Are Guardian Caps used by the NFL?
Yes! Boosters, boards and donors have continued to show appreciation of the NFL's use of Guardian Caps.
Guardian Caps have been part of the NFL’s evolution in player safety since winning the NFL HeadHealth TECH Challenge in 2017.
In 2020, Guardian Caps hit the fields for multiple NFL practices and data testing.
NFL owners announced in early 2022 that Guardian Caps would be mandated for all offensive linemen, defensive linemen, tight ends and linebackers during training camp practices.
“It’s really become a norm here. The players know the Caps. They’ve seen the data, it works. The Guardian Caps have become another piece of equipment that they take to practice. You think about all the head impacts that we’re reducing from players wearing them and it’s second nature now.”
A year later, the NFL expanded that mandate to include all contact practices and add running backs and fullbacks to the list of mandated positions. Wide receivers and defensive backs were added in 2024.
The NFL permitted the usage of Guardian Caps during games for the 2024 season. By the end of the season, 20 NFL players wore Guardian Caps in games and concussion numbers had decreased by 17% from the year before – the lowest numbers since head injury tracking began in 2015.
“We’ve got two years of data now showing significant concussion reductions in those players that wear Guardian Caps in the NFL."
How much do Guardian Caps cost?
It's what the board, the boosters and the donors want to know: how much?
Pricing depends on quantity, but affordability is a priority at Guardian Sports. Whether you’re outfitting a youth league or a varsity squad, our sales team will work with you to meet your needs.
Please contact a sales representative or visit our website to request a free quote today.
