The team knew it was no time to get complacent. “In the case of the Speed, it was joining the Revolution family of helmets, whereas our next innovation was a clean slate and anything goes – in the name of protection,” said Ralph Infusino, Product Design Manager for Riddell. The Speed helmet was recognized for its advanced design, enhanced side-impact protection and quicker-to-release face mask, but discussion with this group had shifted to solving new challenges and putting their creativity to the test. The team was proud of the engineering feat it had just accomplished, knowing the fruit of its labor would help make the game safer and more enjoyable for thousands of athletes. Immediately following the launch of the Revolution Speed helmet, the Riddell product development team gathered in its Rosemont, Illinois development lab.
With a host of innovative new features and benefits for athletes, the Revolution Speed would go on to earn the first 5-STAR rating awarded for protective helmet safety from Virginia Tech University. Just as the nation’s top colleges and NFL teams were taking the field for the 2008 season, the Riddell Revolution Speed helmet was making its debut on football fields across the country.
