In 2006 S1 discovered roller derby at an LA Derby Dolls bout and immediately committed to supporting the sport and the skaters who drive it. Discovering flat-track derby shortly after only deepened our appreciation for every facet of this incredible sport and the amazing skaters who make it thrive. What began as admiration for the speed, athleticism, and fierce camaraderie on and off the track quickly became a mission: improve safety, design gear that meets derby’s unique demands, and invest in the community so that the skaters and the sport can continue to thrive.

Shifting the conversation on safety

Early on we noticed many skaters wearing non‑certified helmets — a risk we’d also seen in skateboarding and BMX. We set out to educate leagues and skaters about helmet certification and why it matters in a contact sport with repeated impacts. That work laid the foundation for product innovation and a broader safety culture within the community.

Product innovation shaped by skaters

Working directly with skaters and teams, we developed derby‑ready solutions that solved real problems on track:

Lifer Helmet — a dual‑certified design built to withstand both repeated smaller impacts and occasional high‑force hits, offering new levels of durability and protection tailored to derby.

Lifer Visor Helmet — verified as the first helmet of its kind specifically created for Roller Derby: a dual‑certified helmet integrating a hockey‑style visor to provide additional facial protection, adding functionality without sacrificing mobility. This industry milestone reflects our focus on practical, sport‑specific innovation. Patent # 10,349,698

“Cover Catcher” — a trademarked accessory and functional system installed on all the visors and replacement visors for our Lifer Visor Helmets was developed to help put on and keep helmet covers securely in place while playing; supported by functional patents that demonstrate our commitment to solving everyday derby challenges. Patent # 10,349,698

S1 Pro Knee — a slimmer, more comfortable, and more durable knee pad that uses advanced materials to deliver high-impact absorption with less bulk and less slippage.

S1 RAD Liners — Impact reducing sizing liners that add an additional layer of impact protection to a Lifer Helmet using impact reducing smart foam that in lab tests has proven to reduce directional impact between 7.5% and 16.5% depending on hit.

Photos by: Nitrate Fox

Supporting Roller Derby beyond products

From early on we invested financial and practical resources into leagues and individual skaters. By sponsoring teams and ambassadors, we helped legitimize the sport, channel product development through athlete feedback, and support the grassroots growth that has made modern roller derby possible.

Photo: Punkmarko

Impact and commitment

S1’s combined approach — education, targeted product innovation, and direct community support — helped raise safety standards and expand the availability of gear designed specifically for roller derby. Our innovations, patents, and trademarked solutions show a long-term commitment to addressing skaters’ needs on and off the track.

We’ve stood with roller derby through the daily grind to get better and in its biggest moments because we love the sport and the people who play it. Our goal remains the same: keep skaters safe, confident, and rolling for as long as they choose to play.

 

S1 — Protecting Roller Derby since 2006.