Category: Movie

The Rawlings Rev1x is one of the most highly anticipated gloves in recent memory… so much so that we produced an “Origins” short film about it in July:

The hype has been building ever since Francisco Lindor broke out the Rev1x during Spring Training last year. With all this hype, the Rev1x came with some very high expectations. We have the 11.75″ Rev1x REV205-9X in hand to give our honest opinion on Rawlings’ new futuristic ball glove. Here’s the video, and read on for more details…

Meet the Rawlings Rev1x. The model we have is the 11.75″ pitchers pattern, the REV205-9X. The Rev1x features Rawlings’ tried-and-true Heart of the Hide leather on the palm paired with the new rubbery backing. One of the most revolutionary features is the 3D printed thumb and pinky inserts. Rawlings claims that “unlike traditional gloves’ wool padding – that breaks down and gets floppy over time – these 3D-printed pieces provide variable stiffness that lasts and lasts”. Whether these inserts will stand up over time will remain to be seen. All of this new innovation comes at a price. All Rev1x models come in at $400, a substantial jump from the Heart of the Hide line that shares the base leather. This poses the question, is the Rev1x worth it?

LOOKS

We will start this review like I do all of my first impression reviews, with the looks of the glove. The glove we were sent is by far the most understated out of the initial four Rawlings released. This pitchers piece is all black leather with the new synthetic back featuring a variety of gray tones. Anything new and different will create a polarizing effect. Some people love it and some people hate it.

Personally, I am a big fan of how the Rev1x line looks. The striped design across the back of the fingers matches the futuristic vibe of the Rev1x. As I mentioned, this is the most understated glove that Rawlings released in their initial Rev1x launch. I am more of a fan of the louder color combos for this particular. The crazy colors seem to fit well with the Rev1x’s new design. While this glove is understated by Rev1x standards, it will still stand out on any ball field. It is a simple but very clean look that is hard to dislike. The carbon fiber looking X on the two-piece web is also a very cool touch. This model has an almost minimalistic look with the lack of laces paired with the muted colors and the simplistic “Rawlings” wrist patch.

FEEL

Next, let’s talk about how the glove feels. The first thing I noticed when I took this glove out of the box is how comfortable it is. The thumb and pinky loops are removed and replaced with very padded sleeves which feel great. Every finger stall, as well as the finger pad, are also super plush and add to the level of comfort. The elastic wrist strap also fits very snug, I just worry about that loosening up over time.

You can see the padded thumb and kind of see the padded pinky in this picture but it also shows off the laceless palm which removes any weird pinching the palm lace might cause. The leather quality is as expected from Heart of the Hide, it is high quality steer-hide leather. The new backing feels rubberized and durable. Synthetic materials are always a tricky balance between durability and weight savings or looks but, initially at least, this material feels like it will last. That being said, this glove did not come super stiff and was fairly easy to close. straight out of the box.

PATTERN

The glove Rawlings sent over to WPW is the REV205-9X. For those who know Rawlings stamping know that means this is an 11.75″ PRO200 pattern with the two-piece X web. The PRO200 pattern is one of the most popular patterns Rawlings offers. Apart from the PRO303 outfield model, the PRO200 is the only model Rawlings released during the initial drop (the FL12 was also dropped but is just a rebranded PRO200).

This PRO205 pattern felt familiar but the changes that come with the Rev1x did produce a slightly different feel, in my opinion. The glove feels like it wants to close a bit more shallow than other PRO200 patterns I have seen but did retain the general bowl shaped feel PRO200 enthusiasts will recognize. The pocket will be fairly deep and should allow you to conceal the ball well on the mound. The 3D printed thumb and pinky inserts are quite stiff and want to retain a fairly straight look. I have tried to add a slight flare but the glove wants to return to its naturally straight state.

DAY 1 THOUGHTS

All of this begs the question, is the Rev1x worth the $400 price tag? I am a firm believer that “value” is in the eye of the one spending the money. I am not going to tell you to go buy it or not, I am just going to provide my opinion so you can draw your own conclusions. The best thing I can relate it to is buying a phone. If you’re the type of person who buys the new iPhone every time it comes out, you have a much different view than the person who is still rocking with their iPhone 6.

The Rev1x contains a lot of “new tech” in the world of baseball gloves. This newness come at a price, like all innovation does. The Heart of the Hide leather base is high quality steer-hide that is battle tested. A stock HOH comes in at $280 with limited edition models hitting the $300 price point. I think the $400 price tag is high, but justified. Obviously, everybody wants things to be cheaper but this glove isn’t going to be for everyone. Rawlings didn’t release this glove to make it the only one on the field but to bring innovation to the world of baseball gloves. While the Rev1x is not for everyone, I see the upside and like the innovation.

I am going to work this one in over the next few weeks to see how the glove breaks in. Stay tuned for a follow up post. If you have a Rev1x, let us know your thoughts on the glove in the comments below. If you want to get your hands on a Rev1x, you can shop the four available patterns from Rawlings website.

As always, if you are a company who wants us to do an honest product review, comment below or hit us up on the WPW IG page.

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Today, Patrick Mahomes and Adidas football unveiled the QB’s first signature shoe – The Mahomes 1.0 Impact FLX. It was only a matter of time before the face of the NFL and Adidas got his own shoe. Mahomes dreamed of having his own signature shoe as a kid and now that dream is a reality. Here is everything we know about the shoe, the collection and upcoming release.

About the Mahomes 1.0 Impact FLX

Adidas describes these shoes as “Dedicated to a legend in the making. These adidas football shoes are part of the Patrick Mahomes collection. Wear them in the weight room or as an everyday pair. The clean upper rides on a wavy, nubbed outsole that provides traction on a variety of surfaces. Boost offers incredible energy return, whether you’re running the bleachers or simply moving from point A to point B.” They feature Mahomes’ brand new logo on the tongue and his secondary logo on the insole.

These shoes are football cross trainers and were co-created with Mahomes every step of the way. Mahomes’ dynamic foot movements highly influenced the fit and function of the shoe. The traction on the bottom is made for football players working out in the weight room or on the turf. These shoes also feature TPU overlays on the upper which is gonna give players a lock down fit and plenty of stability. The upper of the shoe is made from a ripstop stretch woven collar which is gonna give you a sock-like fit. Lastly, these have the Adidas Boost in the heel which is gonna give players a comfy, but responsive feel. To me, these look like a shoe you can feel confident working out in but they’re versatile enough to wear for your day-to-day life, too.

The Mahomes 1.0 Impact FLX will release 8/23 for $130 in this team solar green/cloud white/core black colorway.

About the Mahomes Collection

The new Mahomes 1.0 Impact FLX is insane but just one piece of this collection. In this Mahomes collection is plenty of other sports gear and some lifestyle clothing. Along with the kicks, there are shirts, hoodies, joggers, shorts, socks and even a headband – just like Mahomes wears on gameday. The whole collection drops 8/23 on Adidas.com.

This Adidas hoodie showcases Mahomes’ new logo on the front and his secondary logo on the sleeve.

That’s everything we know on the new Adidas Mahomes 1.0 Impact FLX and his new collection! Check out the rest of Mahomes locker here and let us know what you think about these new sweet kicks!

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Before every NFL season, the NFL collaborates with the NFLPA to thoroughly test every helmet on the market. These helmets go through extensive laboratory research to evaluate which ones best reduce head impact severity. No helmet can fully eliminate the risk of a concussion but here are the ones that have been tested to be the most effective.

IMPORTANT: Keep in mind that the NFLPA testing and results is completely catered to NFL impact and that impact may differ from collegiate, high school and youth football. For a list of the top 5 youth helmets, click here.

With that being said, let’s count down the Top 5 helmets rated by the NFL and NFLPA.

5. Schutt F7 UR1

The Schutt F7 UR1 is the most innovative and newest helmet in the Schutt lineup. The F7 UR1 is Schutt’s custom fit model designed to fit a players’ head perfectly. The custom fit process uses a custom pressure map of a player’s head, utilizing ten, full-contact sensors. During the fitting process, the player will put on a Schutt F7 that will collect the pressure map data and create a diagram of the 20 different sized Opti-Fit inserts. These 20 inserts are custom to the player and can be re-configured as needed ensuring players’ have a custom fit all the time. Check out this video below to watch the process.

Now that we’ve talked about the internals of the Schutt F7 UR1, let’s talk about the outside – the shell. The shell of the F7 UR1 is the same as all of the other Schutt F7 models. The shell features Schutt’s innovative “Tektonic Plates” on the top of the helmet. These plates move independently from the rest of the shell that helps disperse rotational force and protect your head. These plates pair with Schutt’s “TPU” (thermoplastic urethane) cushioning which is one of the most advanced cushioning systems in the game and absorbs heavy impact. The TPU is the blue plastic you see around the plates on top. While the shell looks a little odd, and is a pain to put decals on, it’s proven to be very effective. Check out how the Tektonic Plates and TPU work below.

The Schutt F7 UR1 is one of the most expensive helmets in the game. The F7 UR1 is listed at $1,499 on the Schutt site, but I can’t find an option to actually purchase it. Since the custom fit process is so extensive, you likely need to call Schutt to plan a fitting session and to buy the helmet. You can shop similar Schutt F7s for $500-$1000 but those aren’t on the same level as the F7 UR1. Still, they’re great helmets.

4. Vicis 01

When it comes to innovation and helmet research, Vicis remains king. The company invests so much money into the testing and development of their technology, that the company went bankrupt in late 2019. They’re now back in action and better than ever, but let’s talk about the original, the Vicis 01.

The Vicis 01 was the first helmet from Vicis and debuted in 2016. It was quickly rated as one of the best helmets on the market and even 5 years after it’s initial release, makes this Top 5 list. What makes this helmet special is its’ super flexible shell and innovative padding. The helmet has 4 layers of protection, check out the diagram below.

The first layer is the Lode Shell. This shell is much more flexible than other shells on the market. The shell itself flexes on impact absorbing a lot of the contact. The second layer is the RFLX. The RFLX layer is made of tiny little structures that collapse to absorb impact and prevent it from getting to your head. The little beams inside fold from an “I” shape to a “C” shape on impact. Then, the third layer is the Arch Shell. This is simply a lightweight, flexible material that bonds RFLX to the fourth layer, the foam liner. The Foam Liner is military grade foam that provides a soft and comfortable fit on the inside of the helmet. The Vicis 01 is one of the most technologically advanced products to ever hit the gridiron. The Vicis 01 is no longer for sale but you can get the Vicis 02 which we will cover later on this list.

3. Xenith Shadow XR

Xenith is one of the most underrated helmet brands on the market. The Xenith Shadow XR is the latest innovation from Xenith and came out in Spring 2020.

Underneath the lightweight, advanced polymer shell is one of the most advanced contact absorbing innovations in the game. Inside the Xenith XR is something called “Rhenon.” These Rhenon cells are what make this helmet special. The Rhenon material is intelligent enough to cushion soft impacts, but strengthen against big hits. Not only do these cells compress to absorb big hits, they also have the ability to move side to side to absorb rotational force. This material will work well in the scorching Texas summer or the frigid Green Bay winter. They do an amazing job dispersing different types of impact effectively which is one of the main reasons they are #3 on this list.

Now let’s talk about a feature unique to Xenith’s helmets. That one-of-a-kind feature is their 360 Adaptive Fit system. Unlike other football helmets, the chinstrap actually wraps around your entire head. Most helmets chinstraps simply buckle up in 4 places on the side of your head. Xenith chinstrap straps go around to the back of your neck so when you tighten up or buckle your chinstrap, it tightens up all around. It gives you a custom fit without paying the price of a custom fit helmet. Not only does this ensure a custom fit, it also feels lighter on your head because it has a lower center of gravity. This custom fit will give you better balance and reduce the fatigue on your neck while wearing the helmet.

The Xenith Shadow XR is the most affordable helmet on this list. It retails for $459 on Xenith.com.

2. Riddell Speedflex (3 Models)

The Riddell Speedflex has been the most recognizable and most popular helmet in the game since its’ debut in 2014. The helmet is so impressive that 3 different versions are on this NFL list.

For all 3 Speedflex models, the shell and overall helmet structure remains the same. The Speedflex has a flexible, polycarbonate shell. The flex panel on the front of the helmet, along with the rest of the shell, flexes upon impact to absorb contact. Another piece of tech protecting you is the Patented Side Impact Protection. The PSIP helps protect players from hits from the side. This helmet also has a very unique Cam-Loc retention system. Riddell revolutionized the way players buckle up their chinstraps. These straps act similar to a ratchet strap – you can pull them tight and then push a button to release it. The Cam-Loc system doesn’t slip and won’t unbuckle during play like your traditional chinstraps.

As for the padding, first let’s talk about the highest performing Riddell Speedflex, which offers the Speedflex Precision-Fit Diamond. Riddell Precision-Fit is a process that utilizes 3D scanning technology to craft a helmet personalized for the individual player. Each pad is custom made for a player for a totally custom fit.

Not only is the padding in the Riddell Speedflex Precision-Fit Diamond custom fit, it’s also made from one of the most innovative manufacturing processes on the planet, Digital Light Synthesis by Carbon. (Note: The same tech is used in Rawlings new REV1X, which we featured in a recent YouTube video.) In a press release, Carbon talked about their partnership with Riddell, “Riddell and Carbon have partnered to bring customized, digital design innovation to head protection through Riddell’s new Diamond helmet platform. Powered by Carbon, the new platform features a 3D printed lattice liner that is digitally manufactured using Carbon’s proprietary Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) technology. The technology is initially available in the Riddell SpeedFlex Precision Diamond helmet model, which features Riddell’s Precision-Fit head scanning and helmet fitting process. The result is next-generation head protection for today’s athletes–a customized, 3D printed helmet liner precisely contoured to the athlete’s head.”

Once you combine the innovative shell we described earlier with the Carbon DLS custom padding, you get one of the best performing helmets ever. Unfortunately, we can’t seem to find a place to get your own Precision-Fit Riddell Speedflex Diamond unless you’re in the NFL.

The next Speedflex on the list is the Riddell Speedflex Precision-Fit. This is the same shell and Precision-Fit technology that we talked about earlier. The only difference is that this version does not have the Carbon padding. This “‘flex” has the regular Riddell Speedflex padding and still scores incredibly well. The padding is custom fit to a players’ head providing a perfect fit and lots of protection. Again, I can’t seem to find any Precision-Fit models for sale from Riddell.

The final Riddell Speedflex in this Top 5 list is the Riddell Speedflex Diamond. This helmet has the super innovative Carbon padding but it’s not a precision fit. Still, a top helmet on this list and you CAN find this helmet from Riddell for $499.99.

1. Vicis 02 (3 Models)

This is the second Vicis helmet on this list, so I won’t waste my time telling you how innovative and cutting edge they are. Let’s talk about the three Vicis 02 models, because they are the top 3 helmets on the NFL and NFLPA list.

Let’s begin the with #3, the regular Vicis 02. The Vicis 02 is everything the Vicis 01 is and more. There are four layers to the helmet. First, the super flexible outer shell, the Deformable Outer Shell. This shell responds similar to a car bumper and flexes more than any other helmet available. It absorbs the impact, protecting your head. The next layer is the updated RFLX 2.0. RFLX, carried over from the Vicis 01, is Vicis’ system of pillars that bend to absorb impact and then spring back into place. For the Vicis 2.0, they slightly altered the pillars to lighten the helmet while increasing strength. The next layer is the Reinforced Inner Shell. The inner shell has been engineered through data collected from hundreds of head shapes to optimize fit accuracy, maximize player comfort, and accommodate a wider range of players. The final layer is the DLTA Fit System. These are their pad pods that are completely interchangeable ensuring every player can have a custom-fit feeling helmet.

The Vicis 02 is the safest helmet you can purchase right now. You can get one from Vicis for $699.

Now, the second highest helmet on the NFL and NFLPA list, the Vicis 02 Trench. This helmet is basically the exact same helmet as the Vicis 02 but with an extra external pad. This is the first position specific helmet to ever hit the market. Its built for lineman. That extra frontal pad is built for the low velocity impact that lineman face every single snap. Check out the stats on the Vicis 02 Trench below.

The Vicis 02 Trench is available from Vicis for $799.

It’s finally time to talk about the highest rated helmet by the NFL and NFLPA, the Vicis 02 Matrix. The first three layers on the Vicis 02 Matrix are unchanged from the previous two Vicis 02s featured here, but what makes this helmet special is the Matrix padding.

According to Vicis, “The Matrix system is a microfilament structure which is a replacement to the DLTA fit system for the Matrix helmet. Matrix provides ultimate flexibility in the fitting process without having to wait for a custom manufactured helmet. By providing multiple unique fit contours per location and adjustable comfort top layers, the MATRIX pods are ready for gameplay out of the box. This allows for immediate fit feedback from players that can be adjusted at any time.”

The Vicis 02 Matrix is unavailable to the public now but Vicis plans to release them in 2022.

There are the the top 5 helmets rated by the NFL and NFLPA. Its important to reiterate that these laboratory results are completely based off of NFL level impacts and impacts vary by level of play. For youth helmets, check out our top 5 list here. Let us know what you think and if you have experience with any of these super safe helmets, please comment below!

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