Elevate Your Game From the Top Down

CHICAGO, Oct. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The next evolution of football helmet technology has arrived: introducing the Riddell 360. From a brand grounded in gridiron innovation, the Riddell 360 highlights the newest protection and performance benefits, allowing athletes at all levels to elevate their game from the top down.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121018/NY95264 )

Elite players at every level are turning to Riddell for its helmet's enhanced comfort features and increased protection benefits when it matters most – on game day. Many of the country's top high schools, colleges and NFL players have selected the Riddell 360 to meet their head protection needs. Programs like Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas State, Oregon, Florida, Florida State, Miami (FL) and Oklahoma are donning the new helmet.

"Riddell is leading the way to develop the most advanced equipment technologies that help elevate player performance at all levels," said Dan Arment, president of Riddell. "The Riddell 360 combines decades of fine-tuned helmet innovation with the newest developments in protection and comfort designed to meet the demanding needs of today's athletes."

Von Miller, Denver Broncos outside linebacker and 2011 Defensive Rookie of the Year, has also opted for the Riddell 360 this season.  He stresses the importance of preparation, including helmet selection:  "Picking the right helmet, for me, is about looking good and feeling protected," Miller said. "When you're comfortable, you play well. And you have to be properly protected in order to play well on a consistent basis."

The Riddell 360 uses strategically placed hinge clips and a flexing facemask to reduce forces from frontal impacts and redirect energy away from the head. An enhanced occipital lock cradles the head for the ultimate in comfort, fit and stability. At a time when the rules of the game are evolving and helmet retention is vital to remaining in the game, this feature helps a properly fit helmet stay on the athlete's head.

The helmet's aggressive new design includes extreme detailing and oversized vent holes to allow for more air circulation around the player's head. The hexagonal liner system includes a removable, moisture resistant overliner, keeping players comfortable and ready to play down after down. The new innovations found in the Riddell 360 helped earn it the highest possible 5-STAR Helmet Rating from the engineers at Virginia Tech.

Riddell is bringing players even closer to the game to demonstrate how protection and preparation translate into game day performance. Get behind the scenes with the Riddell 360 and hear from personnel at some of the nation's top teams on what it really means to prepare, protect and perform at www.Riddell360.com.

About Riddell

Founded in 1929, Riddell is a premier designer and developer of protective sports equipment and a recognized leader in helmet technology and innovation. One of Easton-Bell Sports Inc.'s most well-known brands and the Official Helmet of the NFL®, Riddell is the leading manufacturer of football helmets, shoulder pads and reconditioning services (cleaning, repairing, repainting and recertifying existing equipment). For more information, visit our website at http://www.riddell.com, like the Riddell Facebook page, or follow Riddell on Twitter @RiddellSports.

SOURCE Riddell