Jen Schro recently posted a few pics of Easton gear she has a hand in designing. One of the most encouraging things I saw was the helmet. It looks like they will be making a couple of important changes from the current M-series helmets. The padding appears to be a departure from the rigid liner with a thin comfort layer, and will now be a material that allows more compression under impact, allowing for better impact absorption and dissipation. The other big change is that the rigid cage mounting points at the forehead have been eliminated, which means impact energy will be transferred to the ear and cheek mounting points. I would like to see some type of resilient mount, but this is already a big step up for Easton.
For comparison, the All-Star helmet already includes the design features indicated above, and includes some resiliency in the mounting of the cage. The Wilson Pro Stock eliminates the forehead mounts and has decent padding, but no resiliency in the cage mounting. Schutt's padding is good, but they use the forehead cage mounts. Mizuno's padding is reasonable, but also has the forehead cage mounts. The only helmet that might compare with the much-loved Wilson Shock FX2.0 for head protection might be the Force3. I'm still hoping to see one in person.
The new Easton gear is reportedly going to be available in Summer of '19.
For comparison, the All-Star helmet already includes the design features indicated above, and includes some resiliency in the mounting of the cage. The Wilson Pro Stock eliminates the forehead mounts and has decent padding, but no resiliency in the cage mounting. Schutt's padding is good, but they use the forehead cage mounts. Mizuno's padding is reasonable, but also has the forehead cage mounts. The only helmet that might compare with the much-loved Wilson Shock FX2.0 for head protection might be the Force3. I'm still hoping to see one in person.
The new Easton gear is reportedly going to be available in Summer of '19.