Leather performance is defined by measurable physical properties — not just appearance. At Phenom, every leather used in our headguards is selected and validated for tensile strength, tear resistance, flex durability, colour fastness, and controlled softness. These characteristics ensure the leather retains its structure, finish, and feel through repeated impact, sweat exposure, and long-term use.

• Premium Italian Leather (300 Series): Sourced from Italy, this leather is treated in high-tech tanneries. The result is a "velvety" soft feel that is incredibly supple yet resilient. It resists cracking and maintains its integrity over years of rounds.
• Premium Leather (250/270/210 Series): For our core performance ranges, we use top-grain sections from the strongest areas of the hide. This ensures excellent shape retention and structural stability, avoiding the excessive stretch and premature softening commonly associated with lower-grade belly leather.
• Interior Lining: Unlike the smooth exterior, the inside of our leather headguards uses a semi-aniline or microfibre slightly textured finish. This provides essential grip, helping to minimise spin when you sweat. The 210 series features a suede lining for maximum grip.

Foam performance is defined by how effectively it manages impact energy while maintaining comfort and structural integrity over time. At Phenom, we use carefully layered foam systems to balance softness at the surface with controlled energy dispersion beneath, ensuring protection, fit stability, and durability through repeated sparring.

• Open Cell Foam (Inner Comfort Layer): The layer closest to the head is typically a high-quality open-cell foam. This soft, breathable material compresses under pressure to conform to the unique shape of the head, improving comfort, reducing pressure points, and creating a secure, custom-like fit.
• TPE Foam (Outer Layer - SHG-270): The foundation of the 270 Series’ ultra-light performance. We use advanced UK-manufactured TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) foams that are significantly lighter than traditional EVA while offering comparable shock absorption. This allows for reduced overall weight without sacrificing protective capability.
• XRD® Technology (Outer Layer - XHG-270): XRD® is an impact-reactive material that remains soft during normal movement but instantly hardens on impact to form a protective shell. This shell disperses force across a wider area rather than a single point, enabling a thinner protective profile while maintaining safety. “Feel the intensity of the sport, not the impact.”
• Closed Cell / EVA Foam (Outer Layer): Used in our core performance ranges, closed-cell EVA foams provide reliable structure and durability. These stiffer cells encourage impact energy to spread laterally across the headguard rather than concentrating at a single point, delivering dependable protection during sustained sparring.