Peer-Reviewed Study Proves That Chinstraps Matter – and Guardian FLEX SoftShox Chinstrap Leads Them All

 A new peer-reviewed study published by the Biomedical Engineering Society offers the first scientific proof that chinstraps make a measurable difference in facemask impact severity. Researchers tested chinstrap models on American football helmets at both low and high impact velocities, measuring each one’s effect on the Head Acceleration Response Metric (HARM), a brain injury risk metric.

The results confirmed two things: chinstrap design plays a critical role in how helmets reduce facemask impacts, and the Guardian FLEX Softshox Chinstrap outperformed every other chinstrap tested.

Guardian FLEX Chinstrap showed a 35% reduction in HARM at 3.0 m/s & is 100% backed by peer-reviewed science.

At the study’s low impact velocity of 3.0 m/s, the Guardian Flex Chinstrap reduced HARM by 35%, which was the lowest value of any chinstrap tested.

Guardian FLEX Chinstrap showed a 31% HARM Reduction at 7.3 m/s

The advantage held at the study’s high impact velocity as well. Researchers noted: “Chinstrap N [Guardian FLEX Softshox Chinstrap] offered a significantly lower HARM than all other chinstraps at both test velocities.”

How Guardian FLEX Chinstrap Design Reduces HARM

Researchers found a strong relationship between increased protection and chin cup liner thickness as well as bottom strap length. The study noted “Chinstrap N [Guardian FLEX Softshox Chinstrap], which had a chin cup liner thickness more than double the thickness of any other chinstrap, had the lowest HARM at 3.0 m/s.”

The study concluded, “We identified a chinstrap model that reduced the same risk metric across both low and high impact velocities.” That model was the Guardian FLEX Chinstrap (Chinstrap N), which delivered the lowest HARM scores at both test velocities and was the only chinstrap to significantly outperform all others across both speeds. As the only chinstrap in the study featuring a hydraulic shock absorber, the Guardian FLEX also incorporates a 15mm liner- more than double the thickness of any competitor- and the longest bottom straps (125mm), providing a unique combination of impact management and fit.

First-Ever Safety Chinstrap, Incorporating Hydraulic Technology

The Guardian FLEX SoftShox Chinstrap is the first and only safety-focused football chinstrap powered by advanced SoftShox hydraulic technology. Engineered to keep players in the game and performing at their best, this game-changing chinstrap sets a new standard in football helmet technology.

From the creators of the Guardian Cap, Guardian Sports is once again leading the charge in athlete protection. Research shows that approximately 50% of all football helmet impacts occur at the facemask, an area where today’s helmets critically underperform. The Guardian Chinstrap was built specifically to close that gap, delivering an unmatched combination of comfort, secure fit, and superior impact absorption so players can compete harder, longer, and with total confidence at every level.

PRODUCT BENEFITS

• First-Ever Football Safety Chinstrap: The Guardian FLEX is the only football chinstrap on the market built with SoftShox hydraulic technology, setting a new standard in football helmet protection and player safety
• Superior Comfort & Secure Fit: Engineered for all-day wearability with a chinstrap fit that stays in place through every play, so athletes never have to choose between comfort and protection
• Reduces Facemask Impact Hits: Designed to absorb and deflect the force of facemask-to-facemask collisions — the #1 under-protected impact zone in football, accounting for ~50% of all helmet hits
• Up to 35% Reduction in HARM (Head Acceleration Response Metric): Lab-tested and proven to reduce dangerous head acceleration forces, making it the top-performing chinstrap for concussion-risk reduction
• Universal Fit: Works seamlessly with virtually every football helmet brand on the market (excluding Xenith), making it an easy upgrade for players at every level *does not fit youth players
• SoftShox Hydraulic Shock-Absorbing Technology: Powered by cutting-edge hydraulic suspension technology that combines the cushioning of a waterbed with the force-dampening power of fluid displacement for next-level head protection