How Does The Guardian FLEX SoftShox Chinstrap Work?
Why Facemask-to-Facemask Hits Matter
Traditional helmets and chinstraps were not designed to actively absorb energy at the facemask connection. A large portion of impacts in football happen to the front of the helmet and facemask area. Studies note facemask impacts are a leading source of higher severity hits
What Happens in a Facemask-to-Facemask Hit?
Two players facemasks collide
The energy from the collision travels through the facemask into the helmet shell and then into the head
The hydraulic component of the Guardian Chinstrap absorbs the energy at impact and lowers the acceleration and the HARM (head acceleration response metric).
How the Guardian Chinstrap Helps
The Guardian Chinstrap, powered by SoftShox, adds an impact-absorbing element at the front of the helmet. That element compresses and dissipates energy during facemask-to-facemask impacts, so less energy reaches the head. Testing shows up to a 35% reduction in HARM (Head Acceleration Response Metric) vs typical chinstraps.
Compare to Other Chinstraps on the Market
Traditional Chinstrap
- Purpose: secure the helmet to the head
- Construction: mainly for fit, not engineered to absorb large facemask impacts
- Result: limited energy absorption, more of that hit energy transmits to the helmet/head
Guardian Chinstrap
- Purpose: keeps the helmet secure and includes engineered hydraulic/soft-shock elements to absorb impact energy
- Construction: integrated SoftShox/hydraulic style pads that compress and dissipate force at the chinstrap
- Result: testing data shows up to 35% reduction in HARM metrics
Why Choose Guardian Chinstrap?
Research shows 50% of impacts occur to the facemask. The Guardian Chinstrap, powered by SoftShox, achieved the lowest mean HARM, reinforcing its ability to mitigate dangerous forces more effectively than standard chinstraps. It is worn by athletes of all ages, from youth to professionals. What are you waiting for?
