Science & Testing

Science and Testing

How We Made the G8RSkin

The G8RSkin^TM Shiesty 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 Shiesty is 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 Shiesty receives the remaining impact energy in a less localized collision. The G8RSkin Shiesty 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 Shiesty 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 Shiesty 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 G8RSkin^TM, where only 17 athletes may experience a concussion for the same hit if they were wearing a G8RSkin^TM; 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 G8RSkin^TM, where only 3 athletes may experience a concussion for the same hit if they were wearing a G8RSkin^TM; 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

Endorsed By Sports Experts

“G8RSkin™ was built upon the latest scientific insights and cutting-edge engineering, representing a significant step forward in mitigating the risk of concussions in sports. As a specialized medical professional with a primary focus on concussions and their impact on athletes, I understand the dire need for innovations that prioritize athlete safety. Having dedicated years of study to head injuries and their repercussions, I am deeply impressed by the thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail the G8RTech team utilized developing the G8RSkin product. The G8RTech team’s goals directly align with my mission to safeguard athletes’ brain health and overall well-being starting as early in athletes’ careers as possible.”
Dr. Audrey PaulPediatrics and Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Member of the G8RTech Medical Advisory Committee
“Over the course of my extensive career, I’ve witnessed the evolution of equipment aimed at enhancing player safety, and G8RSkin undoubtedly stands as a game-changer in attempting to minimize the frequency and severity in concussion injuries. I enthusiastically recommend integrating G8RSkin into athletes’ gear arsenal to take a proactive stance in minimizing concussion risk and fostering a safer, more secure playing environment. The innovative approach taken by the team at G8RTech aligns perfectly with the core of my responsibilities – safeguarding athletes from potential injuries. It’s thoughtful design, incorporating state-of-the-art materials and engineering, showcases a deep understanding of the biomechanics involved in impact. This, in turn, translates to a significant reduction in concussion risk, which is of paramount importance in today’s sports landscape.”
Jay BrunettiDirector, Equipment Operations San Francisco 49ers
Member of the G8RTech Advisory Board
“Through my experience providing medical care for teams across several different sports, I have seen a dire need for new advancements in concussion prevention. G8RTech’s products are leading the way in the fight to reduce the risk of concussions and other sports-related injuries substantially. I am quite honored to play a role in their efforts.”
Dr. Andrew SalehHead Medical Team Physician for San Diego Loyal, Gulls & Legion
Member of the G8RTech Medical Advisory Committee
“As a dedicated team doctor, entrusted with the health and safety of athletes, I am excited to recommend G8RSkin^TM. I have concluded that G8RSkin’s proprietary solution represents a significant advancement in the ongoing effort to minimize the risk of concussions in sports and so, am pleased to serve on the Medical Advisory Committee for G8RTech. Tested at the Southern Impact Research Center G8RSkin effectively redistributes energy from violent impacts while minimizing the rotational forces on the head that contribute to concussions. With years of experience addressing concussions and their impact on players, I understand the critical need for innovative solutions that prioritize athlete well-being. From a medical perspective, the G8RSkin aligns perfectly with our goal of promoting athletes’ health and career longevity. Recommending the G8RSkin is a proactive step in a safeguarding athletes from potential long-term consequences of head injuries.”
Dr. Charles PopkinTeam Physician, USA Hockey
Member of the G8RTech Medical Advisory Committee
“There is a need to not only raise awareness of the sequelae of concussions (hormonal shifts included), but to start by reducing concussions themselves. There is great value in pairing a strong evidence-based approach with addressing unmet needs of athletes.”
Dr. Tamara WexlerMD, PhD
Member of the G8RTech Medical Advisory Committee