NOCSAE Standardized Testing: All Batteries
The JX1 has undergone continuous third-party lab testing at a NOCSAE-certified laboratory. All performance specifications set forth by NOCSAE were passed with the use of Jackal Jaw's JX1 in accordance with all standardized tests and use of current NOCSAE-certified helmets from each helmet manufacturer. Testing details below, along with side-by-side results from novel Blunt Jaw Impact Force Absorption testing between Jackal Jaw and the traditional leatherette chin strap.
The Jackal Jaw JX1 is an unaffiliated, independent aftermarket chinstrap for use in the sport of field lacrosse. Jackal Jaw is not endorsed by, sponsored by, or otherwise partnered with any lacrosse helmet manufacturer. NOCSAE does not have a category for add-on equipment. Therefore, Jackal Jaw's JX1 is not eligible for NOCSAE certification on its own. For this reason, we had a NOCSAE certified laboratory test Jackal Jaw's JX1 according to the proper protocols to ensure its use did not affect the helmet’s ability to pass the NOCSAE standard. All helmets tested passed the requirements for recertification with Jackal Jaw's JX1. Jackal Jaw's JX1 was tested on the NOCSAE Lacrosse ND041-15m24 Twin-Wire Drop Test using the recommended NOCSAE headform. Jackal Jaw's JX1 test results remained below the peak Severity Index (SI) threshold of 1200 SI for all locations and drop velocities set by NOCSAE, including each of the 11.34 ft/s tests not to exceed 300 SI. Jackal Jaw's JX1 was tested on the NOCSAE Lacrosse ND041-15m24 Helmet Stability/ Retention Testing (Chin Cup). Using the correct NOCSAE headform, the JX1 underwent positional stability tests. Upon completion of the tests, each helmet remained on the headform, as required. Jackal Jaw's JX1 was tested on the ND045-17m24 NOCSAE Lacrosse Standard Impact Test using the recommended NOCSAE headform. This test impacts the helmet’s facemask at 70 mph at two locations using a NOCSAE-certified lacrosse ball. All NOCSAE lacrosse helmet certification tests were completed with current NOCSAE-certified helmets from each manufacturer. All performance specifications were passed when using Jackal Jaw's JX1.
Blunt Jaw Impact Testing: A New Category of Protection
Jackal Jaw's JX1 was tested on a Blunt Mandible Impact Test Battery using the Hybrid III headform with embedded mandible sensors. The headform was impacted directly on the lower mandibular region with a linear ram impactor. When tested against the traditional leatherette chinstrap, Jackal Jaw's JX1 decreased overall metric values of Peak Rotational Acceleration (Rad/s2), Peak G-Force (G), Mandible Force (LBF), and Head Injury Criterion (HIC15) on each of the five incremental speeds tested (1.9 m/s, 3 m/s, 3.5 m/s, 4.1 m/s, 5.1 m/s). To date, these decreased metrics represent the largest data gap between Jackal Jaw's proprietary force dissipation technology and the traditional leatherette lacrosse chinstrap.
Jackal Jaw's JX1 was tested on a Blunt Mandible Impact Projectile Test Battery using the Hybrid III headform. The headform was impacted directly on the lower mandibular region with a NOCSAE-certified lacrosse ball at 70 mph, 85 mph, and 100 mph. Jackal Jaw's JX1 decreased overall metric values of Peak Rotational Acceleration (rad/s2), Peak Linear Acceleration (PLA), Peak Rotational Velocity (rad/s), and Head Injury Criterion (HIC15) when compared to the traditional leatherette chinstrap.
Why This Matters for Players
Jackal Jaw recognized a significant gap in laboratory testing of lacrosse helmets. The reason for this gap was clear; a sport-wide lack of jaw protection across every helmet offered on the market. If all helmet companies fail to protect the jawline, then why would they ever push for standardized testing to highlight this unprotected area of the head? They wouldn't, so we had the jaw impact testing completed at one of the most technical, highly-reputable injury biomechanics laboratories in North America. The force attenuation results between the Jackal Jaw JX1 and the Traditional Leatherette chin strap were significant. Jackal Jaw decreased all major impact parameters by a firm margin. For context, when the traditional chinstrap was tested on the headform, the force transfer was so substantial that testing was suspended for the two highest speeds due to sensor thresholds reaching their limit and the potential for the technical equipment to be damaged. When Jackal Jaw was tested, the JX1 completed all testing speeds and did not approach sensor limits.
Lacrosse is a dangerous sport. Serious and potentially fatal injuries can occur; including traumatic brain injuries, facial lacerations, mandible fractures, subdural hematomas, skull fractures, dental damage, neck injuries and death. No single piece of protective equipment cannot protect players from sustaining serious and catastrophic injuries.
Visit our Technology page for the complete lab testing breakdown.
