Costs/Benefits of "Pricey Headgear"

jdennis82 · April 26, 2014

Since we know there are new helmets on the horizon for our Mean Green...

Had a meeting to discuss new #MeanGreen helmets yesterday. Difference of opinion in the room. Matte or gloss finish?
— Eric Capper (@Eric_Capper)
April 17, 2014

I found this article interesting as it takes a look at the expense and benefits (monetarily and otherwise) of the trend.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/eye-on-college-football/24538862/helmet-hustle-a-look-at-how-schools-buy-and-sell-pricey-headgear

Obviously, we've seen that the Baylor approach didn't work when attempting to sell the HOD helmets but I think we did gain a brand recognition bump similar to what FAU did as our HOD bowl helmet drew some attention to our victory from media outlets that wouldn't have even made a passing mention of the game.

Christopher Walker · April 26, 2014

I'd rather see the discussion turn towards higher quality/functionality/safer helmets like what Arkansas is getting into to measure force of impact and predict the potential for concussions as the game goes on.

'Cause you can still get that while getting the awesome designs too.

North Texas Shep · April 27, 2014

I would love one of those helmets for my future man cave. Actually, I would love any helmet with the SOW on it. I can only assume we will be seeing a lot more of the SOW on helmets and uniforms in the future.

jdennis82 · April 27, 2014

I'd rather see the discussion turn towards higher quality/functionality/safer helmets like what Arkansas is getting into to measure force of impact and predict the potential for concussions as the game goes on.
'Cause you can still get that while getting the awesome designs too.

Agree completely.

For a look at some of the new helmet technology out there (and comparative costs)...

The InSite software measures HITsp, a head-impact metric encompassing how violently a player's head moves after contact, impact duration, and location. The technology is based on the HIT System and Sideline Response System.

When a player is hit, a five-point sensor (called a player unit) located in the helmet liner measures the impact. If the impact (or series of impacts) falls outside of an acceptable range, the sensor issues a wireless alert, which is received on a monitor by a coach or staff member on the sideline. This data can also be accessed later via computer.

Like InSite, the HIT System is a network of sensors inside helmets, which alerts sideline staff to the number of hits -- and potentially serious hits -- a player takes. A study conducted by Duma and others, published by the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine in January 2005, showed the merits of detecting acceleration traces, in addition to just a number of hits and severity of impact.

Virginia Tech has used the HIT System for 11 years, and Brown, Dartmouth, North Carolina, and Oklahoma also use it. But it isn't more widespread due to costs, which are around $50,000 to $60,000, according to a January report by al.com's Jon Solomon. InSite could be significantly less expensive; it costs $150 per player plus a $200 alert monitor, which would come out to just under $13,000 for an 85-player roster.

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/helmet-football-concussion-2014-3#ixzz304XcEu1n

At some point, the degree to which a program is behind/current/advanced in this area will be a key component while out on the recruiting trail.

GMG24 · April 28, 2014

Dennis, being able to tell mom, player, family, coach that the team is behind safety research and up to the latest info on player safety as it impacts rest of life could sway a few recruits agreed!!