Industrial design firm Studio RedEye has successfully collaborated with XTECH Protective Equipment to create the next generation of football shoulder pads specifically designed for elite NFL players and top collegiate athletes. The partnership resulted in the innovative X2 Protective Football Shoulder Pads, which represent a significant advancement in player protection technology for professional and high-level amateur football.
The revolutionary shoulder pads are built around XTECH's patented swivel pivot system, featuring an innovative design that allows the upper shell to expand during the fitting process. This unique mechanism makes the pads significantly easier for players to put on while ensuring they maintain a locked-in, secure fit throughout gameplay. The design addresses one of the most common challenges faced by professional athletes when dealing with protective equipment that must balance accessibility with security.
Studio RedEye's role in the project focused on developing detailed 3D CAD models for the shoulder pads, carefully integrating the patented pivot system while maximizing both ergonomic fit and shell strength. The design team utilized advanced simulation modeling and comprehensive ergonomic studies to ensure the shoulder pads could withstand extreme forces up to 1,500 pounds while conforming comfortably to the human form. The final CAD model successfully balanced structural integrity, flexibility, and manufacturability to meet the demanding requirements of modern professional football.
The X2 shoulder pads have demonstrated proven performance on the field and have been widely adopted by NFL players and top college programs across the country. Athletes and coaching staff have praised the pads for their exceptional combination of mobility, protection, and custom fit capabilities. The design specifically addresses the realities of high-impact play that characterizes professional and elite collegiate football.
At the collegiate level, the shoulder pads have gained significant trust and adoption among high-performance football programs. The innovative design supports athletes at every level of competitive play, helping maintain optimal protection through repeated high-force impacts without sacrificing the range of motion that is crucial for athletic performance. This balance between protection and mobility represents a major breakthrough in sports equipment design.
The Core77 Industrial Design Resources directory also features several other prominent design companies that specialize in various aspects of product development. These include Ammunition, founded in 2007 and led by partners Robert Brunner and Matt Rolandson, which focuses on creating innovative design solutions. Zack Group LLC operates as an award-winning brand and package design firm specializing in visual revitalization projects.
Additional featured companies include HS Design, which believes in future-focused teamwork across multiple disciplines, and Sundberg-Ferar Product Innovation Studio, which helps leading durable product companies transform concepts into market-ready products. Bluemap Design, founded by Simon Yan in 2001, operates as a multi-disciplinary product development firm, while Tactile, established in 2004, specializes in blending physical and digital design solutions. Open Design rounds out the featured companies by partnering with teams to deliver fresh thinking and award-winning products for passionate audiences.
