ALBION, HOME OF THE australian BAGGY GREEN

Albion is proud to be the maker of the great sporting icon "The Baggy Green".
The baggy green has been worn by Australian Test Cricketer's since around the turn of the twentieth century, although once supplied to a player as part of their kit, and frequently re-issued, it only began it's journey as an irreplaceable item, not to be re-issued around the 1990's.

Albion still hand makes and embellishes the baggy green for the Australian Cricket Team, and other Elite Cricket teams around the world.

Albion makes 30,000 caps a year, but only one dozen of the baggy green... More coming soon

Albion: Protecting Cricket’s finest

The cricket helmet has gone a long way since Tony Grieg first batted in his motorbike helmet in the 1977/78 Packer’s World Series First.    Albion have been there every step of the way and the latest Albion design has reached a far superior level just as the level of play has increased since the first Packer’s World Series.

It’s ironic that the professional development of the sport has run parallel to the advances in design technologies.  Originally helmets were crafted on a version similar to the equestrian helmet with only paper designs to guide the way.  Our latest design was constructed using high-level CAD technology, and 3D Modelling.   Today’s players are also fine tuned to meet the increasing demands of professional competition through their advanced sports training.

Whilst it took a while for the original helmet to be accepted, now most players rarely stand at the crease without it.  As it is with any profession it’s about protecting your best assets.

Now in 2009, with the release of the long awaited Albion NXT helmet, the Australian design has set the benchmark for styling, performance, innovation and foremost protection.

Traditionally cricket Helmets have been a simple outer shell and a series of padded layers to achieve the preferred fit. Albion took a whole new perspective and talked to the players in the Australian Cricket Team in structured group meetings to determine the primary objectives for the product. An extensive research and development program was then undertaken to design the world’s best Helmet for the world’s best Cricket Teams.

Extensive research and exploration lead the development of an articulated shell which adjusts to the shape of the head to provide an unparalleled personalised fit. The unique head adjustment mechanism draws the rear shells together for a superior fit and retention. The adjustment mechanism is operated from inside the helmet with a tuning key. The same key is used to adjust the position of the grill. In the unlikely event the key is lost a common coin will suffice.

The unique face grill is made from Titanium wire for weight reduction and enhanced strength. The design has been refined to follow the contours of the jaw line, reducing the overall size thus allowing for greater head movement, improving player stance and line of sight. The grill adjustment fasteners are located internally for safety and aesthetics, creating a more streamlined dynamic look, another unique and innovative feature.

Airflow and cooling directly reflect on Player performance. A uniquely designed ventilation system was developed and incorporated into the mechanical assembly to significantly increase the airflow, the fabric covered front branding panel provided the basis for the air intake to be located directly on the players forehead, drawing in cool air in from the front and exhausting the hot air out the back. The fabric covered branding panel is aesthetically integrated with the high impact Polypropylene shell assembly. The clever blend of materials allows for an emblem to be embroidered and displayed on the front of the Helmet. Our research uncovered that players wanted a high-tech helmet that could also uphold the prestigious history of cricket and the iconic Australian Baggy Green Cap.

New Cooltech comfort pads allow the players to adjust the padding to get an exact fit. Super absorbent frontal pads made from Quick Wik toweling draw the moisture away from the players forehead so players stay dryer during play.

The Albion NXT is the only cricket helmet on the market with a V-shaped dual anchor point chin strap. The dual point chin strap is not only more comfortable for the players but also minimises the chance of the helmet shifting position during play. The Quick Strap Release mechanism allows on field adjustment and allows players can remove the helmet without taking their bulky batting gloves off.

The NXT Helmet is engineered to protect a player against the impact from a 156g cricket ball propelled at up to 160 kph through a light weight high-impact Polypropylene shell. The helmet not only protects it provides superior moisture management and increased airflow for cooling and hydrating, optimising player performance.

Albion: Created for the best.
CREATED, not imitated.