Topic: Study: Leather helmets as safe as modern ones

[FrChris]

Interesting news about the football helmets we use and used to use...

Upon first glance, the statement is almost laughable: Old-time leather football helmets provide as much -- if not more -- protection from concussions as do their modern counterparts. But considering the source of the research, laughter is not likely the reaction of most of the football world.

A team of researchers at the venerable Cleveland Clinic recently tested 11 modern-day and two decades-old leather helmets and found that indeed advancements in helmet technology may not have much impact on concussions at all.

[Gebre Menfes Kidus]

Interesting news about the football helmets we use and used to use...

Upon first glance, the statement is almost laughable: Old-time leather football helmets provide as much -- if not more -- protection from concussions as do their modern counterparts. But considering the source of the research, laughter is not likely the reaction of most of the football world.

A team of researchers at the venerable Cleveland Clinic recently tested 11 modern-day and two decades-old leather helmets and found that indeed advancements in helmet technology may not have much impact on concussions at all.

I've often thought about this, and it makes sense. In the days of the leather helmet, players would lead with their shoulder rather than their head when making tackles. But now players are inclined to trust too much in the protection of the helmet, and they often wind up leading with the crown of the helmet as they make a tackle. Of course, there are now rules against leading with the helmet, but it has become so instinctive that many players are having difficulty readjusting.


Selam

[J.M.C]

In the museum where I work there is a miner's helmet from the 1950s made from compressed cardboard. Apparently they were quite common.






ps: the place where I work is much more interesting than I've made it sound. It's brilliant.