According to a recent LinkedIn post from Carbon, helmets incorporating the company’s 3D printing technology continue to achieve leading results in NFL and NFLPA laboratory testing. The post notes that the Riddell Axiom 3D model is ranked No. 1 for the third consecutive year and that this is the sixth straight year a Carbon-enabled helmet has held the top spot.
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The post also indicates that the top three helmets on the 2026 testing leaderboard use the Carbon platform and are reportedly the only models exempt from Guardian Caps during practice. Five of the top 10 helmets are described as leveraging Carbon technology, including the new Riddell SpeedFlex True 3D, which combines a traditional shell with 3D-printed lattice protection.
For investors, the testing results highlighted in the post suggest that Carbon’s technology is gaining traction as a performance and safety differentiator in the premium football helmet segment. Strong positioning within NFL-approved equipment could reinforce Carbon’s pricing power, support recurring demand from leading brands like Riddell, and offer a reference case for expanding the technology into adjacent sports and protective equipment markets.
The emphasis on products exempt from additional protective coverings may further enhance the perceived value of Carbon-enabled designs among professional teams and athletes. If this performance edge translates into broader adoption and long-term supply relationships, Carbon could strengthen its competitive moat in 3D-printed lattices and deepen its role in high-spec, regulated safety applications.