Riddell SpeedFlex vs. Xenith Epic

The Riddell SpeedFlex and the Xenith Epic are the flagship football helmets of their respective brands, carrying the highest price tags and offering protection that ranks them as two of the best in the game today.

While impact studies by both Virginia Tech and the NFL place these helmets in the top performing groups offering the best protection, the way they protect couldnÆt be more different. The SpeedFlex builds on the more traditional model of filling a helmet with padding and air to lessen impacts and provide a correct fit.

Xenith has tossed conventional thinking aside and created a helmet that offers a customizable fit by placing pads inside a bonnet within the shell. ItÆs long been the mindset of Xenith to use a system like this in their helmets and many players prefer the comfort it provides. In the Epic, the pads - or shock absorbers û have multiple walls to break down even more energy than in previous models. The new absorbers led to improved results in the Virginia Tech ratings over previous Xenith helmets. The pads conform to a variety of head shapes through the tightening of the chinstrap and the pads arenÆt fixed to the shell in any way.

The SpeedFlex also features an innovative chinstrap that helps to provide a better fit. The chinstrap has a Ratchet-Loc system that gives the helmet a more secure fit and is easier to adjust on the fly.

Both helmets are easily recognizable by their shells. The SpeedFlex features a crumple zone front panel that makes it stand out on the field. The panel also helps with impact absorption, collapsing up to 1/4ö to help lessen impacts in the front of the helmet. The Epic is one of the most ventilated helmets and the pattern of vent holes in the back form the Xenith logo, making it easy to spot.

Both helmets score incredibly high in impact studies and offer top-quality protection. While both deliver similar results, the choice on which helmet is more comfortable and suits your style is up to you.