Traditional collars function by prohibiting motion. If a player can’t move, they can’t play the game and will not wear it regardless of how well it works. Kato Collar does not inhibit the player's motion in any way, allowing for full active range of motion. Instead, it keeps the head from reaching those extreme points where injuries occur after impact of any kind, not just a blow to the head. While providing all the same remedies for neck injuries as legacy collars, its unique design decelerates the helmet after impact by up to 30%. It reduces the forces that are believed to cause concussions.

No. Vision, speed, and mobility are not impaired by wearing the collar. The collar enables full range of motion. In fact, players who wore the collar were more confident on the field, and second-guessed hits and plays less because they didn't feel constricted.

We approach concussion prevention through gear, training, and innovation. As an organization, we believe that this systematic approach to the safety of athletes is how we play a role in reducing the risk of concussions, stingers, and other contributors to CTE. And Kato Collar is just the beginning of our dedication to innovation.

Players enjoy free range of motion until they prepare to engage another player. As the player engages the shoulder pads, the collar is raised up. The deceleration pads start to cradle the helmet, decelerating the head/helmet whether the impact is direct or indirect, acting similar to an airbag in an automobile.

The collar helps prevent the stretching of nerves in the neck and shoulder through deceleration of the head and reducing the distance the head travels during engagement. Players who wore the collar after suffering from burners and stingers in the past immediately experienced less of them and they eventually disappeared altogether.

We have not tested the collar in every shoulder pad. However, the design is vendor agnostic and should be compatible with every adult-sized Large and larger shoulder pad.

Currently, the collar comes in one size. The collar is sized to match adult Large or larger shoulder pads. A prototype was worn by a player with a 23” neck and it fits great. As a rule, the collar could be worn on players that are 175+ pounds.

Yes, we will offer a range of sizes for pads. Pads will range from a thickness of 1” to 1.5”, allowing varying neck lengths. There should be clearance between the helmet and the pads to allow active range of motion (AROM) until engagement. It’s also about player preference. Speed and skill positions may want to be completely certain there is no impact on AROM while fielding punts or turning to throw or catch a pass. Please ask us about the availability of these sizes.