Since 2011, Virginia Tech researchers have been providing unbiased helmet and headgear ratings that allow consumers to make informed decisions when purchasing protective equipment. The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, widely recognized as the prominent testing lab for helmet/headgear safety and protection in sport, recently conducted its second-ever testing of soccer protective headbands and equipment. The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab tested 23 different products of which they purchased themselves. Virginia Tech Helmet Lab’s STAR evaluation system states that headbands with more stars provides a reduction in injury risk compared to headgear with fewer stars.
On Saturday, July 20, 2019, Virginia Tech Helmet Lab announced that Gamebreaker’s new soccer headband which is named “Gamebreaker AURA” was the #1 rated protective headband for soccer in the world. The Gamebreaker AURA earned 5-stars as well as carries the largest coverage score out of the top-rated products with 60% coverage. Coverage is defined by the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab as the percent area of the head form covered by the headgear.
On April 30, 2018, Virginia Tech Helmet Lab cited in an article they posted “…soccer players still have one of the highest head injury rates in sports: one study indicated that more than 60 percent of soccer players reported concussion symptoms annually. Concussion rates for girls’ soccer rival those in boys’ football. Soccer headgear could help prevent some of those injuries, according to ratings just released by the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab” (Full Article).
“We are extremely proud to be able to provide soccer players with our five-star rated technology while still offering them comfort in a soccer headband style,” said Mike Juels, CEO and Founder of Gamebreaker. “Our sole focus has been about protecting players and providing them with opportunities to compete while using the highest level of protection. Soccer is such a great sport for girls and boys of all ages and we are committed to supporting them in their passion to play the most popular sport in the world.”
Gamebreaker AURA retails for $59.99 and is offered in a variety of colors with the option to place team/league logos on the headgear and both models are machine washable. Gamebreaker works directly with leagues and teams to provide reduced pricing rates for bulk purchases.