How does the ZERO2 compare to the Riddell SpeedFlex and Riddell Axiom?Updated 6 hours ago

The main difference between the VICIS ZERO2 and the Riddell SpeedFlex are its impact testing scores. According to Virginia Tech, which is widely considered the best third-party, independent helmet testers, the Riddell SpeedFlex ranks 24th a 4.49 rating, which is a "3-star" helmet rating. The VICIS ZERO2 has a 0.73 score and received a "5-star" rating. The lower the score, the better. (Ratings as of March 2026) The VICIS ZERO2 TRENCH, the lineman-specific model, has a 0.52 score.

The ZERO2 utilizes a one-of-a-kind soft outer shell that bends and deforms, similar to a car bumper. This allows the helmet shell itself to better absorb impact before it reaches the player's head. The SpeedFlex has a traditional hard shell.

Additionally, the ZERO2 utilizes a pod fit system (DLTA Pods), that allows for the athlete to get a custom fit out of the box by swapping out the pods for different thicknesses in different parts of the helmet. For example, if someone has a wider head but a lower head, the athlete could put in thinner pods on the sides and thicker pods on the top, allowing for a near-perfect fit without the need for a custom 3D scan. The SpeedFlex allows for no customization without a 3D scan. 

The SpeedFlex was launched in 2014 and the ZERO2 was launched in 2021. A freshman football player wearing the SpeedFlex in 2026 would have been two years old when it was released. 

The biggest differences between the VICIS ZERO2 and the Riddell Axiom are its price, size, weight, and style.

The VICIS ZERO2 (0.73) and Axiom (0.85) offer near identical independent testing scores, and both helmets are named 5-star by Virginia Tech. However, even though the impact protection and safety is almost equal, the Riddell Axiom costs almost $1,000, and the VICIS ZERO2 costs only $679.99, a difference of $320 for better protection from the ZERO2. 

Additionally, the Axiom has a larger shell size than the ZERO2. Because of the Axiom's larger shell, it cuts down on the athlete's field of vision, both left-right vision and up vision. The ZERO2, with its industry-leading field of view, is a competitive advantage on the field over the Axiom by allowing the athlete to simply see more.