Riddell’s New ND6 Football Line — Engineered for Youth Football Players

Riddell, the forerunner in football helmet technology and sports protection, showcased the Riddell ND6 Helmet Line, its next-generation youth football helmets.

The helmets in the Riddell ND6 line for the Fall 2026 playing season meet the new ND006 youth helmet performance standard established by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE), ahead of the standard’s effective date of September 1, 2027.

Riddell’s ND6 line includes SpeedFlex ND6, Speed ND6 and Jet ND6 models, designed and engineered for youth football players who have not yet reached the high school level.

The ND6 name originates from the ND006 standard, which introduces updated performance requirements recommended by NOCSAE specifically for youth athletes. NOCSAE develops and publishes performance standards for football helmets and related equipment used across the sport. The ND006 standard includes requirements recommended by NOCSAE specifically for youth athletes, including a maximum helmet weight of 3.5 pounds and impact performance specifications tailored for youth football players.

Riddell’s ND6 line (SpeedFlex ND6, Speed ND6, and Jet ND6) offers unique features for different players, teams and programs and will meet the ND006 standard.

“Player protection is always our top priority,” said Thad Ide, chief product officer at Riddell. “By introducing the ND6 helmet line more than a year ahead of the 2027 effective date, we’re reinforcing our industry leadership by helping the football community access new helmet technology sooner. This early launch gives leagues, coaches, and parents time to understand the new standard and begin transitioning to compliant Riddell helmets.”

The helmets will be available in-store through major sporting goods retailers, including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Academy Sports + Outdoors and Scheels.

Also new for the 2026 season, Riddell has introduced the Riddell SF Echo. The varsity helmet features the iconic look of the SpeedFlex, with advanced energy-management liner components, inflatable face frames, and additional features and technology upgrades.

Image courtesy Riddell