Science & Testing

How We Made the G8RSkin

The G8RSkinTM was developed using agile methodology, emphasizing a continuous cycle of testing, learning, and iterating. Extensive testing across multiple independent helmet labs and a multisport pilot program led to numerous design improvements. These enhancements, informed by athlete feedback and expert advice, ensured optimal protection and wearability. The final design was validated through rigorous testing at the Southern Impact Research Center (SIRC)* and field tests during Spring football, ahead of its May 2024 launch.

*This does not represent an endorsement of G8RTech or its products on part of Southern Impact Research Center, an ISO 17025 certified independent lab. The above statement merely notes the location of testing and laboratory that produced a series of accelerometer and HARM values. All calculations and metrics were carried out by G8RTech based of the values produced, but these calculations and any accompanying claims do not represent the work or endorsement of Southern Impact Research Center.

Impact-Absorbing Polymer: Your New Safety Layer 

The G8RSkin products are designed to dissipate the energy of impacts and in doing so reduce the forces and accelerations experienced by the head during collisions. After a helmet bears the brunt of a collision and spreads the impact energy over an increased surface area, the G8RSkin receives the remaining impact energy in a less localized collision. The G8RSkin temporarily hardens upon impact, dissipating the energy in the process, before returning to its pliable and flexible state before the athlete can even feel the difference. The G8RSkin maximizes this dissipation effect using proprietary materials and designs that allow it to maximize the effected surface area and take full advantage of its protective materials. As a result, the G8RSkin reduces the acceleration of the head as compared to the helmet alone, which is linked to reducing the risk of concussion and CTE.

G8RSkin Shiesty Compared to Guardian Caps

Demonstrated to provide better protection from collisions compared to helmets alone* 

*As shown by laboratory testing done at an independent laboratory and not live, real world conditions.

No Data Found

*The above table represents data collected during laboratory testing at an independent laboratory and not live, real world conditions. Two additional locations, side and face mask offset, were tested and showed negligible change in concussion risk. The above represents the average concussion risk across all 3 speeds for each location tested.

Test Results

Side Upper

79.68% Reduction

Facemask Side

56.66% Reduction

Offset Front

37.08% Reduction

Rear Offset

31.14% Reduction

*Represents relative concussion risk reduction compared to helmets alone as shown by laboratory testing at an independent laboratory and not live, real world conditions.

Helmets Alone

With G8RSkin

What the Data Tells Us

For the side upper location at the highest speed hit, if 1,000 athletes took a hit of this nature, 85 athletes may experience a concussion not wearing the G8RSkinTM, where only 17 athletes may experience a concussion for the same hit if they were wearing a G8RSkinTM; a relative concussion risk reduction of 79.08%
For the facemask side location at the medium speed hit, if 1,000 athletes took a hit of this nature, 14 athletes may experience a concussion not wearing the G8RSkinTM, where only 3 athletes may experience a concussion for the same hit if they were wearing a G8RSkinTM; a relative concussion risk reduction of 82.19%

Testing Protocol and Metrics

The Shiesty was evaluated using two different performance metrics. First, is the Combined Probability of Concussion metric (or concussion risk) developed by the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab and utilized within their STAR METHODOLOGY. This metric utilizes the resultant peak linear and rotational acceleration values from each collision to assess the concussion risk for any given hit. The above graphs and results demonstrate the concussion risk values by location averaged across the three speeds tested while also showing the relative concussion risk reduction at each location.

Second, is the HARM metric utilized by the NFL and Biocore for evaluating impacts to the head (see protocol here). HARM stands for Head Acceleration Response Metric and represents the combination of the HIC (a metric based on the linear accelerations during impact) and DAMAGE (a metric based on the rotational accelerations during impact). The G8RSkin Shiesty had up to a 36.5% reduction in the HARM value.

Testing Location Definitions

Emulating Hit To The Top Side Of Head

Emulating Hit To Jaw Bone

Emulating Hit To The Forehead

Emulating Hit To The Back Of The Head Or Falling And Hitting Back Of Head

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