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1940: Innovation without commercialization

• Raymond V. Roberts Invents the first wrestling specific headgear

1950s: The Birth of Dedicated Wrestling Headgear (Cliff Keen Dominance)

• 1958: Cliff Keen Original E41 Headgear
  Introduced by Cliff Keen Athletic (founded 1958 by University of Michigan coach Cliff Keen). This was the first purpose-built wrestling headgear, patented in 1958-1959.
  Innovative Features: Soft foam ear pads with a 4-strap vinyl system (top, back, and chin) for adjustable fit; focused on absorbing impacts to prevent blood buildup in the ears (cauliflower ear). It set the standard for all future designs by prioritizing lightweight protection over makeshift bandages.
  Photo: Vintage E41 model on Cliff Keen site (shows bulky foam with straps).

1970s-1980s: Durability Upgrades and Early Minimalism (Cliff Keen, Brute, Matman Entry)

• 1970s: Cliff Keen Halo Headgear
  Introduced in the 1970s (exact year ~1974 based on catalogs).
  Innovative Features: Minimal ring-like (halo) band with attached ear pads and fewer straps for a thinner, lightweight profile; aluminum inserts for rigidity while reducing bulk compared to the E41. It influenced later minimalistic designs but was less protective overall.

  Late 1970s: Brute Early Hard-Shell Headgear

• Introduced ~1978 after Brute's founding in 1967 (expanded into headgear post-1978 acquisition). Models were unnamed or basic "Brute Ear Guards."
  Innovative Features: Hard plastic shells with foam padding and ventilation holes for breathability; adjustable 4-strap system for secure fit. Emphasized American-made durability for training, similar to contemporaries but with energy-absorbing focus.
  

• 1969-1980s: Matman Original Headgear
  Introduced ~1969 with Matman's founding (early models in the 1970s-1980s).
  Innovative Features: Hard inner plastic shell covered by soft foam exterior; 5-point adjustment straps for customizable fit. Provided maximum impact absorption in a classic look, blending durability with comfort for freestyle/folkstyle.
  Photo: Matman Original (soft foam over hard shell).

1990s: Padded Technology Improvements (Morgan, Adidas, ASICS Entry, Brute/ Matman Updates)

• 1990s: Morgan Gladiator Headgear
  Introduced ~1990s (over 30 years old by 2020s references).
  Innovative Features: Extra-thick foam padding with forehead extension for neck strengthening and mental toughness; lifetime guarantee, molded/assembled by hand in USA. Unique for training emphasis, though bulky; first in two colors.
  Photo: Morgan Gladiator (padded with forehead bar).

• Late 1990s: Adidas Response Ear Guard (AE100)
  Introduced ~late 1990s/early 2000s (as Adidas expanded wrestling line post-1949 founding).
  Innovative Features: Low-profile ear cups with soft foam cover; 4-strap adjustable design weighing 6.9 oz for lightweight mobility. Focused on ventilation and minimal bulk, making it versatile for competition.
  Photo: Adidas Response AE100 (sleek black with branding).

• Late 1990s: ASICS Gel Wrestling Headgear (ZW900 Series)
  Introduced ~late 1990s/early 2000s (ASICS wrestling shoes from 1955, headgear expansion then).
  Innovative Features: Neoprene-covered foam with GEL cushioning for shock absorption; perforated for ventilation and sound clarity. Innovative silicone-based gel reduced impact, setting a new comfort standard.

• 1990s-2000s: Matman Halo Headgear
  Introduced ~late 1990s (building on 1969 founding).
  Innovative Features: Thin halo band with flexible plastic and soft padding; adjustable straps for low-friction fit. Unique for grappling/BJJ crossover, minimizing skin irritation.
  Photo: Matman Halo (minimal ring design).

• 1990s-2000s: Brute Classix 2 Headgear
  Introduced ~1990s-2000s (old-school line).
  Innovative Features: Energy-absorbing hard shell with ample ear space; adjustable straps for retro durability. Focused on traditional protection with modern tweaks like better hearing.
  Photo: Brute Classix 2 (hard shell with vents).

2000s: Lightweight Tech Integration (Cliff Keen Tornado, ASICS Quantum, adiSTRIKE, Brute E12)

• 2006-2009: Cliff Keen Tornado Headgear (F5 Model)
  Innovative Features: 43% lighter than predecessors; NASA-inspired airflow research, PowerTab straps, Greater Audible Sound tech for ventilation/hearing. Sleek rounded cups with color options.
  Photo: Tornado F5 (translucent colorful design).

• 2008: Adidas adiSTRIKE Headgear
  Innovative Features: Advanced padding and ergonomic design for max protection/comfort; two-tier strapping for custom fit. Versatile for wrestling/MMA, with built-in ear guards.
  Photo: adiSTRIKE model (full coverage with straps).

• Early 2000s: Brute E12 Headgear
  Introduced ~2000s
  Innovative Features: Optimized ear space without impairing hearing; lightweight shell with ventilation. Cutting-edge auditory clarity and impact dispersion for competition.
  Photo: Brute E12 (vented lightweight shell).

• 2011: ASICS Quantum Headgear (ZW600)
  Innovative Features: Compression-molded straps and spacious ear cups for non-bulky fit; unisex one-size with lightweight focus. Emphasized comfort and minimalism.
  Photo: ASICS Quantum (padded straps design).

2010-2015: Soft Fabrics (Matman Dynasty, ASICS Old School)

• Mid-2010s: Matman Dynasty Headgear
  Innovative Features: Ultra-soft neoprene-covered foam over multi-layered padding; breathable, adjustable for wrestling/BJJ/MMA. Reduced abrasion and irritation, family-run USA production.
  Photo: Matman Dynasty (soft black neoprene).

• 2010-2013: ASICS Old School Ear Guards (ZW451)
  Innovative Features: Retro 4-strap with fabric-covered foam and GEL padding; Velcro adjustments, hole patterns for sound. Blended classic look with modern gel shock absorption.
  Photo: ASICS Old School (retro straps with foam).

2016-2026: Head Impact Reduction Era

• 2017-2019: LDR XP-4 Headgear
  Introduced by LDR Headgear LLC (founded by Hall of Famer Larry Marchionda).
  Innovative Features: Patented ConTek foam for head impact/concussion reduction; extended coverage (temples, forehead, cranium), lightweight/waterproof. Tested best in studies for brain safety.
  Photo: LDR XP-4 (extended foam coverage).

• 2016: BATS-TOI Mercado Headgear (Original)
  Introduced by BATS-TOI (founded by Mario Mercado).
  Innovative Features: Patented foam structures for optimal protection; two-tier cable strapping for custom fit, beyond-ear coverage. Versatile for multisport, won NYU startup award.
  Photo: Original Mercado (full coverage helmet-style).

• 2018-2020: BATS-TOI Mercado III
  Innovative Features: Upgraded foam and strapping; computational design for better impact dispersion. Focused on comfort and ear/head protection.
  Photo: Mercado III (sleek profile with cables).

• 2020s: BATS-TOI Mercado V
  Innovative Features: AI/computational design with 3D-printed components; NFHS-official, multisport (wrestling, BJJ, football). Enhanced ventilation and fit.
  Photo: Mercado V (AI-engineered structure).

• 2022-2025: BATS-TOI Mercado 5 (M5)
  Innovative Features: Patented impact material with 3D printing/HP MJF tech; full-head coverage, built-in sensors for tracking (in some variants). Made in USA/Italy, official NFHS partner since 2025. Represents peak innovation in concussion mitigation.
  Photo: Mercado 5 (next-gen foam and straps).

• 2025-2026: LDR Earguard XP (Soft Toughness Update)
  Introduced by LDR Headgear LLC as a new version for the 2025-26 season. This is an updated iteration of the Earguard XP line, building on the original XP-4.
  Innovative Features: All Foam Single Injected Material called "Soft Toughness" – the lightest weight design yet, more comfortable, easy-to-adjust straps, and simple to clean. Retains patented ConTek material for impact absorption, with extra protection for temporal and cranium areas to mitigate concussions; emphasizes acoustical protection and all-day wear comfort. Available in various color strap options, priced at $69.95.
  Photo: LDR Earguard XP Soft Toughness model (lightweight foam with colorful straps).

• 2026: ShotShield and TopShotShield