By: Sheri Smith/SmithPRO LLC
We’ve seen the logo everywhere. We’ve heard the buzz about
the new helmets coming
"The 100X Helmets are
the first helmets specifically designed for bull riders.
It is a rider-based helmet. Bull riders helped us design
it.” Cris Welch said. He and Cody McGee are owners and founders of 100X Helmets.
The design of the helmets started from scratch and wasn’t
taken from the shell of another sport. There are two designs being
manufactured; one made out of carbon fiber and another ABS plastic.
Watch this video to find out details on the construction and
efficiency of this design.
https://youtu.be/32LwvcpNLyE
Everyone wants to know when these revolutionary helmets will
be available.
“We listened to the bull riders, to the ones who will be
wearing it and made the decision to make a few more changes towards the end of
the production schedule.”
Welch continued that it was a matter of integrity and
quality. While the helmet could be in production sooner, 100X Helmets decided
to wait until they felt they were coming out with the best helmets to protect
their customers.
This is the fifth round of prototypes, each costing between
$6,000 - $12,000. 100X Helmets is
committed to do what it takes, as long as it takes to produce an excellent
product.
“Because we made additional changes after NFR, we didn’t do
our selves any favors as far as production schedule what we did do is assure
ourselves that the helmets would meet the expectations, performance and desires
of the individuals as more important. We made the changes and the next design
of the helmet. We want to make sure we put the best helmet out.” Welch said.
Obviously, this is a decision that has consequences, one
being a delay in production. The projected sale date is set back to later this
spring which was a hard pill to swallow for the owners who are ready to get
their revolutionary product into the hands of their customers. Yet, while we
are all anxious for the 100X Helmets, everyone would agree that rushing a
product through development, approval, and production at the cost of quality is
something no one wants including the owners of 100X Helmets.
100X Helmets owners
will be heading to China Feb 23-29th to oversee the stringent ASTM
Testing which is the most extreme standard for helmets. This will be one of
three testings done on the helmets. The first is done by the manufacturer, the
second by the ASTM Testing facilities, and the third in a testing facility in
New York.
The battery of tests are done in four settings; Ambient
setting, frozen helmet, submersed in water, and heat setting. Doing the tests
in these four different settings helps to guarantee that the helmet is
structurally sound in all conditions and that no part of the helmet
deteriorates or has a reduction in performance.
“It’s not just if it breaks, but also if it is elastic
enough to move 3 cm. – then it is a fail.” Welch said.
The helmet has to pass all four phases of testing to be
approved.
Welch, “We are trying to not even be close to the standard.
We are trying to be far better than the standard.”
Production is expected to begin after the testing in China
and will take 4-6 weeks for completion.
“There is no one that wants the helmet out more than us.” Welch
said. Yet, 100X Helmets is not willing to cut corners to rush production. This
helmet will exceed testing requirements and meet the design requirements and
requests of its users. It will meet the expectations of youth, high school,
college, and professional bull riders around the world. According to the 100X
Helmets co-owner, this helmet is made for the beginner bull rider, the
occasional bull rider, and the career bull rider - basically anyone who gets on a bull.
To stay up to date with the details, production schedule,
and sales of 100X Helmets go to:
http://www.100xhelmets.com
New website coming soon…
