Ryan Dunleavy

Staff writer

With greater attention than ever before being devoted to player safety in football, helmet manufacturer Schutt Sports has developed a new product that is ahead of the curve.

And Rutgers football is buying in.

The Vengeance Z10 helmet is a better fit for the players, is significantly lighter than other helmets on the field, and utilizes the latest technology in impact absorption, according to Schutt.

About 25 percent of Rutgers players wore Schutt brand helmets last season, with several trying out the Vengeance Z10.

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The Z10 features a titanium face guard and weighs slightly more than three pounds, while most helmets weigh 4-5 pounds.

The Helmet Stabilization System in the Z10 provides a more secure, “locked-in” fit for the players, which has made it a popular upgrade among players who have made the switch, according to Schutt.

“As players have become better educated on helmets, they’re instinctively beginning to equate better fit with better protection,” said Glenn Beckmann, director of marketing communications for Schutt.

“The best helmet for any player of any age is the helmet that fits him the best, and the Z10 gives players a better, more customized fit. We can't wait to see many of the Scarlet Knights players in a Schutt Z10 next season.”

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The Z10 also uses TPU Cushioning instead of foam inside the helmet to help absorb the impact. Schutt says helmets with TPU Cushioning absorb more impact across a wider range of temperatures than any others on the market.

Rutgers alumni in the NFL who wear a Schutt helmet include Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Kenny Britt, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandon Coleman, Cincinnati Bengals free agent wide receiver Mohamed Sanu, and New England Patriots linebacker Jonathan Freeny and cornerback Logan Ryan, according to the company.

Quarterbacks Eli Manning (Giants), Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers) and Cam Newton (Carolina Panthers) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown are other NFL stars who turn to Schutt.

Staff Writer Ryan Dunleavy: rdunleavy@gannettnj.com