Learn More About The Company
We are a family-owned company with 20+ years of experience in material science.
At Guardian Sports we have a true passion for protecting athletes, and we aim to continually develop technologies that can enhance sports equipment. Our goal remains the same: advance technologies to bridge the gap between the products that athletes deserve/need and what is currently available on the market.
Erin and Lee Hanson started Guardian in 2011 with one goal in mind – innovating equipment to better serve athletes. Their 20+ years of experience owning and operating a material science and technology company enabled them to create the Guardian Cap – now used by over 200,000 youth, high school and college athletes nationwide and mandated by the NFL. The purpose of the Cap is to reduce the force of impact upon collision experienced by football and lacrosse players, and to prove that soft-shell helmet technology is superior to that of a hard shell. This project stems from our passion for player safety, foundation in material sciences and the generally accepted physics behind impact reduction.
Our team continues to build the Guardian brand and recognition in the sporting goods industry. In addition to the Cap, we have re-engineered the lacrosse ball by developing PEARL.
The first PEARL was engineered in 2015 to address the greasing issue with rubber lacrosse balls; the Guardian team introduced the American made PEARL X, a greaseless game day ball.
The team expanded the PEARL line in 2018 by creating PEARL NX balls – practice balls that limit rebound, do not grease, and do not affect muscle memory during practice. PEARL NX balls are the same size, weight, and softness as PEARL X official game balls, so players no longer have to practice with a ball that’s heavier, smaller, or harder.
In 2019, the Guardian team once again innovated in the lacrosse ball market and introduced the PEARL LT textured game ball; the first game-day certified textured lacrosse ball. PEARL LT’s slight texture prolongs its grip and delays the effects of greasing in tough conditions.
In 2022, the PEARL team introduced the first ever dual colored lacrosse ball. PEARL DUAL X, is our newest lacrosse ball innovation that provides better tracking using it’s unique 50/50 color design. Just like PEARL X, PEARL DUAL X is the same greaseless, made in the USA lacrosse ball but the first lacrosse ball with a distinct dual color design. PEARL DUAL X’s unique 50/50 color produces a strobe effect while spinning, revealing the speed and direction of spin on each of your shots.
Late in 2022, PEARL also introduced PEARL X in Optic Yellow that provides better visibility and tracking on the field, in your backyard and on game film. Optic Yellow was chosen as the color of choice for tennis balls and was adopted by the PLL in 2021 to increase visibility on TV. Our Optic Yellow is a PEARL X ball – greaseless, made in the USA and game-day certified.
Guardian continues to innovate the lacrosse ball and create products that are reliable, consistent, and innovative.
OUR PROCESS
At Guardian Sports our design process begins with concepting that incorporates the multidisciplinary perspectives of our staff, partners, and clients. Since each project is unique, our design process is flexible to fit any need and works with any size company. Our clientele ranges from independent inventors to established brands. Whether you have an idea you want to bring to life, or are looking to add an innovative product to your company’s mix, we have you covered.
PHASE 0
LEARN
Guardian will schedule a kickoff meeting to introduce all team members, discuss all pertinent information, and provide a Q&A forum for design input. The kickoff meeting will also serve as an opportunity to align overall project/product/design goals and intentions for all parties.
PHASE 1
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
Guardian will brainstorm, ideate, and create a range of design concepts based on the project’s scope. The goal of Phase 1 is to illustrate unique design directions that address project requirements. These include: core functionality, ease of use, distinctive/quality styling, human elements, ergonomics, technical feasibility, among others.
PHASE 2
CONCEPT REFINEMENT
Based on the client’s feedback from the Phase 1 review, we will refine the selected concept to reflect all necessary functional and aesthetic changes. The concept will be modified to enhance overall design, ergonomics, feature sets, material selection, finishes, and basic part geometry. This final refinement will allow for full alignment with product goals.
PHASE 3
ENGINEERING
Based on the refined concept from Phase II, our engineers will develop the control drawings for the design. Multiple reviews with the client will ensure the technical documentation is aligned with the product requirements and the design intent from Phases 1 and 2.
PHASE 4
PROTOTYPING
Guardian will coordinate in-house/trusted partner prototyping in order to verify and validate the final design concept prior to production. We will work with the client on adjustments until the desired goals are achieved. Additionally, Guardian has partnered access for impact and safety standards testing.
PHASE 5
MANUFACTURING
Guardian provides complete manufacturing support. We will work with our trusted manufacturing partners to develop the best production strategy based on the project.
OUR WORK
At Guardian Sports we approach each project with a problem-solution-result strategy. Our portfolio displays our product development thought process.
At Guardian we are first and foremost scientists and engineers working to improve sports equipment.
We have several projects that have made it to consumers either through our sales team or through consulting projects.
Climbing holds that weren’t durable
Solution
Durable, polyurethane rock climbing holds
Result
Aragon Elastomers manufactures 90% of the rock holds in the USA and supplies top climbing hold retailers with the strongest, most reliable and innovative product on the market.
Since been divested by PlayCore Corporation in 2021
Current infill options are abrasive, contain dangerous chemicals, and get very hot
Solution
Bio-based, non-abrasive, cooler infill
Result
A US-made, lower cost, cleaner & safer playing surface for athletes
There was only one cast urethane golf ball because it was patented. Other brands wanted to have a similar ball as it was the best ball in golf but didn’t want to infringe on the patents.
Solution
The best way to not infringe on a patent is to work with the person who wrote the patent. Shenshen Wu was a brilliant chemist who worked for 27 years at the largest golf ball manufacturer. She invented the #1 golf ball in the sport. She wrote over 200 patents around the cast urethane golf ball. After retirement, she came to work with us. We created a cast urethane cover that performed as well or better than the #1 ball that did not infringe on any of their patents. We obtained our own patents.
Result
Our cast urethane golf balls exhibit excellent cut and sheer resistance while providing long distance off drivers and high spin off short irons. It is now being private labeled for several recognizable golf brands.
OUR TEAM
