Most Helmets Are Too Hard. Strategic’s ERT™ Solves That.
Traditional cycling helmets are designed to pass certification tests—and that’s a good thing. But there’s a tradeoff: to handle the extreme impacts required for lab testing, most helmets use high-density EPS foam. While effective in catastrophic crashes, this material often feels more like a brick than a cushion in the lower-speed impacts that happen most often.
That’s where ERT™ (Energy Reduction Technology) comes in.
ERT is Strategic Sports’ proprietary low density layer, engineered to do what EPS alone cannot. It begins absorbing energy the moment impact occurs—well before traditional foam starts to compress. The result? Better energy management in the crashes riders are most likely to experience.
What the Data Tells Us
Helmet certification standards allow up to 300 g’s of linear acceleration to reach the brain—simulating a high-speed, high-force impact. That level of energy requires stiff, dense foam to pass. But real-world crash data tells a different story.
These are not severe collisions—they’re typical of everyday crashes. Yet many helmets are too rigid to absorb that energy effectively. The solution isn’t to eliminate EPS, but to add a low density layer that extends protection across a broader range of impact forces.
Why a Low Density Layer Matters
EPS excels in high-energy situations. But it takes significant force to activate its impact-absorbing properties. In contrast, ERT™ starts working at lower thresholds—precisely where many common crashes occur: slipping on gravel, tipping over at slow speed, or clipping a curb.
By combining EPS with ERT, Strategic Sports delivers dual-density protection that helps reduce both concussive and sub-concussive forces—without compromising performance in severe impacts….because Softer is Smarter.
How ERT™ Works
ERT is a soft, flexible polymer molded into a grid-like structure and placed between the head and the EPS shell. It compresses both linearly and laterally, absorbing direct impacts and rotational energy.
Key Benefits of ERT™
Activates instantly, at low g-force levels for earlier energy absorption
Manages angular acceleration without added mechanical or hard parts
Seamlessly integrates into cycling, snow, equestrian, motorsports and industrial helmet designs
Consistently performs across a wide range of crash scenarios
Internal and third-party testing show that ERT-equipped helmets perform as well as—or better than—those using competitive rotational energy management technologies, without the added complexity or weight.
The Softer, Smarter Way to Manage Rotation
Many helmets rely on layered slip systems to manage rotational forces. While effective in some cases, these systems can add bulk, increase manufacturing complexity, and may not address low-g linear impacts.
ERT works differently. Its soft, deformable structure naturally compresses in multiple directions, mitigating both linear and rotational energy in one integrated solution—no moving parts required.
A FIve Star Difference
In many cases, Strategic engineers can take a helmet design with average impact test performance and elevate it to a 5 Star Virginia Tech rating …just by adding ERT.
The Strategic team incorporates the placement of ERT padding in the most prevalent real world impact zones in accordance with VA Tech’s crash data research. And unlike other impact mitigation systems, ERT doesn’t impede ventilation, add bulk or weight, and the plush blue pads actually improve fit and comfort overall.
Proven. Scalable. Ready for Your Brand.
Strategic Sports was among the first to implement low density materials in helmet design. With over a decade of development and real-world validation, ERT™ is now trusted by leading brands in cycling, snow, motorsport, equestrian, and beyond.
Whether you’re updating an existing model or launching a new one, ERT offers a proven, flexible platform to enhance protection—without complicating helmet construction.
We’re ready to help your brand deliver helmets that go beyond certification—and meet the demands of today’s riders.