01The idea
Stop treating the shell as one rigid object. Riddell engineered flexibility into the shell, the mask and the joint between them, so part of an impact is absorbed by the helmet deforming rather than passed straight through it.
SpeedFlex
In OnField's Real Helmet Collectibles
About the SpeedFlex shell
SpeedFlex2014 to present
- Announced
- 26 August 2014
- Replaced
- Riddell 360, 2012
- Shell
- Flex panel, front crown
- Mask mount
- Hinged clip
- Retention
- Cam-Loc ratchet chinstrap
- Sold as
- Authentic, Mid-Size, Mini
- In stock
- 228 helmets
- From
- $110
Spot it: A cut flex panel in the crown above the mask, and a hinged clip where the mask meets the shell.
02The three tells
A visible panel cut into the front of the crown. A hinged clip instead of rigid mask bolts. A ratchet chinstrap Riddell calls Cam-Loc, developed from player feedback.
03Built around sensors
It was the first Riddell helmet designed from the start around InSite, the impact-monitoring system that sits in the liner and alerts sideline staff to significant hits.
04How fast it took over
About 80 percent of NFL teams adopted it in its first season, along with most major college programmes. If you are collecting a club as it looks now, this is usually the honest shell.
05Why there is no Replica
The hinged hardware is the helmet. Simplify it and what you have is a Speed, so the Replica line is Speed only. A Replica listing will never say SpeedFlex.
Shop 228 SpeedFlex helmets
Sources: Riddell newsroom, SpeedFlex launch (first-party announcement, 26 August 2014) · Crain's Chicago Business, 2014 (adoption by about 80 percent of NFL teams) · Riddell, SpeedFlex catalogue. Checked 14 September 2026.
Every helmet we sell is a collector display piece. None of them is protective equipment and none should be worn for play at any level.