Xenith
Xenith is an American brand of American football helmets and shoulder pads. AFG does not list any Xenith helmet, but two products from its Velocity shoulder pad range: the adult Velocity 2, injection-moulded with a full arch and designed for quarterbacks, running backs, receivers and defensive backs, and the Velocity Back Plate, which protects the lower back and comes in youth and adult sizes. Since 2025 Xenith's assets have belonged to Riddell, and the brand's website now points visitors to Riddell's: check availability with retailers before making your choice.
United States · www.xenith.com
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Products
Velocity 2 shoulder pads
DB · QB · RB · WR Availability not confirmed
About Xenith
Xenith was founded by Vin Ferrara, a former Harvard quarterback turned doctor, who had suffered several head injuries during his playing career. After three years of research and development, the brand launched its first helmet in 2009. The company was based in Detroit, Michigan. In April 2025 Riddell announced that it had acquired Xenith's assets, and the brand's official website now directs visitors to riddell.com.
Xenith products in our catalogue
Xenith is best known for its helmets, but the two products we list belong to its Velocity shoulder pad range.
Velocity 2
The Velocity 2 is an adult shoulder pad with a universal fit, injection-moulded, with a full arch that gives All Purpose-style coverage. Xenith presents it as a versatile pad for quarterbacks, running backs, receivers and defensive backs. Its main features:
- redesigned caps for better shoulder coverage;
- low-profile sternum plate;
- removable deltoid pads;
- neoprene collar and high-density impact foam;
- Traditional Fit System belt.
Xenith quotes a weight of 3.60 lb (about 1.63 kg) in size L and a 2-year warranty.
Velocity Back Plate
The Velocity Back Plate protects the lower back. It attaches with adjustable coated nylon straps and, according to Xenith, fits all of the brand's shoulder pads and most other makes. It comes in Small for youth players and Large for adults.
How to choose
If you play a speed position or line up on both sides of the ball, the Velocity 2 matches the use Xenith intends. For sizing, measure across the back from one AC joint to the other with a soft tape measure, then check the chart: S 16–17 in, M 17–18 in, L 18–20 in, XL 20–21 in. The back plate is an add-on: it can be fitted to a Velocity 2 or to another brand's shoulder pads, in the size that suits the player. As Xenith's assets were taken over by Riddell in 2025, check availability with retailers.
Reading our Xenith product pages
Each Xenith page in the AFG catalogue shows offers from European retailers, with the price in euros and the date on which the offer was last checked. Technical specifications come only from verified sources, first and foremost the manufacturer's website: anything we have not been able to confirm is simply left out. Links to retailers are affiliate links and are clearly labelled as such.
Frequently asked questions
Does AFG list Xenith helmets?
No. We list two products from the Velocity range: the Velocity 2 shoulder pads and the Velocity Back Plate.
Is Xenith owned by Riddell?
Riddell announced in April 2025 that it had acquired Xenith's assets, and Xenith's official website now points to riddell.com.
Will the Xenith back plate fit another brand's shoulder pads?
According to Xenith, the Velocity Back Plate fits all of its shoulder pads and most other makes.