Hollie Riddell
Nex.Pro
NEX.Pro is designed to reduce the risk of snow sports athletes sustaining a whiplash induced concussion on the ski slopes, through a compression garment which controls the angles of the neck throughout the whiplash mechanism, decelerating and absorbing the velocity of the impact.
After talking to Snow Sports NZ, I realised that there was a significant issue of concussions in snow athletes. While I couldn’t stop ALL concussions from happening, I could tackle one of the most common causes - whiplash induced concussions. NEX.Pro focuses on the experience of the user, ensuring that the protective functions do not compromise the user’s performance, comfort and range of motion.
My project worked under the tight parameters of reducing the severity of whiplash without restricting the movement requirements snow-athletes . I also wanted this project to be of use to all levels of the snow sports market, as this type of injury affects people of all skill levels. Through my research I found that there have been no other products on the market suitable for concussion protection in snow sports, where a lot of neck movement is required for field of vision. Existing products are, either too rigid or do not provide enough protection. Alongside this, a large number of people are now wearing helmets on the slopes but they are under the assumption that it will protect them from a concussion, when it primarily functions to protect you against blunt force trauma and lacerations.
Snow sports is not rocket science, and your protective gear shouldn’t be either. NEX.Pro’s simple but ground-breaking technology is accessible to every park rat and powder hunter that steps out onto the snow.
Nex.Pro consists of two key elements, the multi-density crash studs and the compression shirt. These elements work together to provide the athlete with the most functional and comfortable experience on the slopes.
The multi-density crash studs join with only slight angles separating them, allowing the neck support to control the maximum angle that your neck can extend to in a crash. These studs are made up of two different densities of urethane rubber, the outer shell being softer to help decelerate and absorb the velocity of the whiplash movement, and the inner core being much harder, so that the support will not continue to bend past a certain angle. This urethane rubber is an incredibly strong and durable material that is made to withstand the harshest of beatings.
The compression garment acts as the athlete’s base layer, with the technical fabric increasing blood flow and circulation, allowing 360 ° flexibility and with antibacterial and moisture-wicking properties. The base layer is a piece of equipment that even in Spring skiing conditions, a skier or boarder would not ride without. This means there is a lesser chance of them taking it off throughout the day or forgetting to put it on in the first place.
The garment also uses the BOA® dial system at the front neck to tighten and loosen the garment. This system is used allowing for a fast, effortless and precision fit. BOA® is made up of three parts: a micro-adjustable dial, super-strong lightweight laces, and low-friction lace guides.
Inspired by the wilderness, the NEX.Pro design has been driven by passion for the outdoors. Designed, tested and proven in the ultimate outdoor test lab – New Zealand – NEX.Pro is engineered to take on the elements.
