Gladiat8r: a modern take on Roman battle-gear

Gizmag.com ^ | 1/27/09 | Gizmag.com

[Reaganesque]

This intriguing helmet concept from Canedo Studio and spotted by Yanko Design is said to be inspired by the protective headwear worn by Roman Gladiators and we mention it mainly because, well, it's a very cool design. Although on one hand it may look like an industrial brain slicer, the design is indeed intended to protect one's noggin, with weight being distributed evenly across the arch structure to reduce pressure on the bridge of the nose.

According to Yanko Design, the helmet is adjustable via a range of rubber attachments that brace the ribs on the frame.

Breathe-ability certainly wouldn't be an issue and presumably the weight of the helmet could be significantly reduced by using this ribcage approach. It may not be ideal protection from a well aimed broadsword, but we're sure that Colosseum treading gladiators would have appreciated the extra glare protection.

Pics:

[Reaganesque]

While the concept is kinda cool, I must admit, the main reason I posted this was so I could say:

"I AM SPARTICUS!!!!"

[MS.BEHAVIN]

PING!

[QenBirQeni]

LMAO.

[OKSooner]

Spartacus.

[ClearCase_guy]

I'm thinking that a downward slice of a sword from an opponent standing directly in front of you would do more than a little damage.

But I guess that's not what most people are concerned about.

[McGruff]

Looks like an upside down Vegamatic. Does it slice and dice and make curly fries?

[Poison Pill]

I can picture John Kerry wearing one now.

[Made In The USA]

Quoting the great Norm Abram: ...and remember, there is no more important safety rule than to wear safety glasses.”

[Ramius]

Interesting design. Not good for swords, clearly. As a bike helmet I’d be concerned about how much leverage that low neck exerts on the top of the spine, in the case of a sharp blow to the forehead. Could be a real effective neckbreaker. Like a pop-top. :-)

But it has some interesting potential.

[MD_Willington_1976]

MADNESS

[EQAndyBuzz]

Needs a cross rib across the center.

[Old Flat Toad]

Cool looking,yes. Functionally it’s useless. There’s no shock absorbing liner. Plop that thing on a watermelon and smack it with a 2x4. Get out mop and bucket.

[infowarrior]

I'm thinking that a downward slice of a sword from an opponent standing directly in front of you would do more than a little damage.

Indeed, it would, and in my 10 plus years as a combatant in the Society for Creative Anachronism, I discovered early on that it was one of the quickest sword strokes imaginable, with sheer gravity doing he bulk of the work...

the infowarrior

[Reaganesque]

Whoops! Spartacus it is! Maybe I should have said Kirk Douglas?

[Bratch]

So you DO like gladiator movies.

[AngryJawa]

Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t see the military abandoning Kevlar for these,

[WOBBLY BOB]

[allmendream]

That is why the best helmet for deflecting a downward head blow is one with a stiff horsehide crest (like a mohawk), the hair matting slows the sword stroke before it glances off (hopefully) your helmet.

The SCA. Good times. Guard your young sisters from the Pirate parties. Carry a big stick.

[allmendream]

[Xenophon450]