By: Maria Williams

Every other moon, a new or established company claims to have invented the most innovative sports equipment—only to fail to deliver on the self-set expectations. Boxing and combat sports athletes know this phenomenon all too well and have had good reason to stick with the equipment that has served them over time. Now, there seems to be a brand and product that is looking to truly make a change.

In an innovative collaboration, Virginia Tech University and Hit N Move have embarked on a journey to test and validate the performance of boxing headgear. This initiative marks a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of boxers, as there is currently no standardized testing for headgear in the sport. Leveraging Virginia Tech’s expertise as a world-class helmet testing facility, this project aims to bring scientific rigor to the evaluation of boxing equipment.

The Testing Process & Study Design

The testing process was meticulous and adapted from football helmet testing methods. The researchers used a weighted pendulum wrapped in a 16oz padding to simulate the force of a punch. Initially, Ozhan Akcakaya, the founder and CEO of Hit N Move, personally tested the headgear by delivering stiff jabs and hard crosses to the testing apparatus. This hands-on approach allowed for initial observations and adjustments.

Subsequently, the team transitioned to using the pendulum for more consistent and repeatable results. They recorded the energy levels transferred to different parts of the head, specifically targeting the chin, forehead, and temple. This comprehensive approach ensured that the data collected was robust and reflective of real-world conditions.

Clear Takeaways & Comparable Results

The study involved testing five different variants of headgear: one without headgear, Hit N Move’s precision headgear, a well-known British brand’s headgear, USA Boxing labeled headgear, Japanese headgear, and two types of Mexican headgear. Each headgear was subjected to impact tests on the jaw, forehead, and temple, with three trials conducted for each area. In total, over 90 tests were performed, providing a wealth of data for analysis.

The results were revealing. Hit N Move’s headgear demonstrated astounding performance in certain areas while showing comparable results in others. The standout feature of Hit N Move’s product was its ability to offer protection equivalent to other leading brands but with significantly less bulky padding. This finding is particularly important as it addresses a common concern among boxers regarding vision obstruction and the overall comfort of the headgear.

In all striking areas and testing categories the headgear developed by Hit N Move scored comparable levels of protection. ‘Comparable’ is the scientifically correct wording for results that are so close. For the significantly lighter and slimmer headgear to score comparable results when it comes to protection, is absolutely astonishing.

Photo Courtesy: Virginia Tech / Hit N Move

Endorsement and Implications

Virginia Tech’s endorsement of Hit N Move’s claims is a testament to the rigorous testing and impressive results. The ability to provide comparable protection with less bulk is a significant advancement in boxing safety equipment. The reduced size and weight of Hit N Move’s headgear enhance the wearer’s field of vision and overall comfort, potentially reducing the risk of injury due to obstructed vision or cumbersome gear.

However, the headgear hasn’t only received the backing of renowned scientific institutions, but also of those who matter the most in this conversation – the athletes. 

With several professional gyms participating in tests, sending athletes through multiple rounds of sparring, the feedback was impressive. Amateur and professional boxers agreed that the lightweight and ultra-slim designer makes a significant difference to the performance while keeping up with the protection of common headgear models. 

Customer reviews from the first dispatch after launch seem to approve these test results and opinions. With some mentioning that they have put the headgear through a few dozen rounds of sparring, enthusiastically reporting about a new gained confidence due to the protection and compact design.

Editor Dean, a boxer who trains in Mexico, had the chance to spar with the new headgear and said ‘(…)it would be truly surprising if the market was able to ignore this one and not react to it. The brand is known for high quality, but so are other brands that have come out with headgear without really doing anything new. So, my expectations were very realistic, to be honest. However, this is a game-changer. I have gained so much confidence simply because I have a perfect field of vision and can move at the same pace, with the same positioning of my guard, as I do when I don’t wear headgear. In the past, I had been training with a cheek covering (Mexican brand) headgear, which definitely impaired both my vision and breathing slightly, plus the bulk and additional weight impacted my movement. I would get hit a lot more than I do now, and when I got hit, it took a very little sting out of the punches. I genuinely believe that this is a historic invention in the field, and I have been telling all my gym and sparring partners about it. Of course, it’s currently on the pricier side, but my brain is worth that relatively small extra investment any day of the week.’ 

Photo Courtesy: Virginia Tech / Hit N Move

Setting a New Benchmark for Safety Standards

This collaboration between Hit N Move and Virginia Tech sets a new benchmark for safety standards in boxing. By applying scientific principles and rigorous testing methodologies, they have paved the way for more reliable and effective headgear. The impact of this project extends beyond just one company; it heralds a new era of safety and innovation in boxing equipment.

The success of this initiative highlights the potential for further advancements in sports safety gear. With the proven efficacy of the adapted testing methods, other sports and protective equipment could benefit from similar approaches. The goal is to ensure athletes’ safety without compromising performance or comfort, a balance that Hit N Move’s headgear has successfully achieved.

As the boxing community continues to evolve, the contributions of companies like Hit N Move and research institutions like Virginia Tech are crucial. Their collaborative efforts not only enhance the safety and performance of boxing gear but also inspire confidence in the sport’s future. With continued innovation and dedication, the safety of boxers worldwide can be significantly improved, making the sport more accessible and enjoyable for all.

Published By: Aize Perez