Description:

Imagine you are the last line of defence. There’s a striker bearing down at you, a hockey ball hurtling towards you at highway speeds, and your whole team is depending on you. From school fields to Olympic stadiums, putting your body on the line to make the saving play demands absolute confidence in the protection, agility, and vision afforded by your equipment.
The OBO next generation helmet range meets the unique needs of field hockey keepers at all levels of play with a product that is uniquely theirs, visually and technically delivering on their promise of “GOOD SHIT THAT REALLY WORKS”.

Distinctive angular features draw from traditional hockey keeper helmets, augmented heavily with biophilic design reminiscent of protective structures found in nature that provide strength and resilience. Scallop shells found during a beach walk in the Coromandel afforded a unique, down-to-earth inspiration within this process. Rounded corners match the foam protective gear found throughout OBO’s goal keeper range, and when combined with bold branding and vibrant shell colours the ⅂ⱯNOIꞱNƎΛNOƆNՈ aesthetic becomes uniquely OBO.

The new helmet’s testing protocol SET THE GOLD STANDARD for field hockey helmet safety, scoring OBO a world first European Conformity (CЄ) approval for their youth helmet. Extensive impact testing of the foam padding allowed for the use of cost-effective ABS shells, bringing the helmet to OBO’s Entry-Level and Fast-Track Improvement ranges while maintaining critical impact performance. Based on the ABS helmet, but re-specified in every aspect, the new carbon fibre model meets the demands of Olympic level players for OBO’s top-end range. Fun fact: Field hockey balls can move at 140km/h. Yes, a cannon was used for testing and yes, the footage is awesome.

OBO is all about delivering what players really want, with products DESIGNED FOR GOALKEEPERS, BY GOALKEEPERS. Ergonomic testing and feedback with users from youth sports to Olympic level teams fine-tuned sizing and weight specifications. The robust front cage promotes wide viewing angles and clear eye-lines. Refined foam placement increases comfort and safety. The integrated, pivoting Polycarb throat protector improves ergonomics. A streamlined, holistic design minimises distractions so players can focus on the game. World leading comfort, performance, and accessibility allow the helmet to empower and protect generations of amazing goal keepers at all levels.

OBO’s success speaks for itself, representing New Zealand product design on the world stage at the 2024 Olympics where 71% of all field hockey goalkeepers competing in Paris wore OBO kit. At the Los Angeles Olympic games, all OBO goal keepers will be rocking the OBO Carbon Helmet!