Here at Nagano Skate we provide athletes with high quality cut resistant protection which we call, IMPERIUM.
This material is held to the highest standards and is tested to the limit to meet quality protection characteristics. Our IMPERIUM is EN 388:2016+A1:2018 and ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 certified.
What does this mean?
Across various industries the EN 388 and ANSI certifications are used to test various materials to determine their resistance. When these fabrics undergo specific stress in a lab-controlled scenario, a specific rating is given to that material.
The American Standard:
- In 2016, ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and ISEA (International Safety Equipment Association) introduced cut ratings. Their rating system ranges from an A1 certification to an A9 certification. This method aims to more accurately replicate real-life scenarios of accidental cuts or slashes.
- These ratings indicate the level of force required to cut through a material using a straight blade. In the worlds of speed skating and hockey, these two tests have proven to be invaluable markers to help certify proper safety equipment in sport.
The European Standard:
- The European cut-resistant standard, known as the EN388 Test, performs several tests to assess the protective level of materials.
- In ice sports, a “coup” resistance test, a tear resistance test as well as an abrasion resistance test are required for safety and certification purposes.
- The protection levels range from 1 - 4 or 1 - 5 (depending on the specific EN388 test), indicating the number of cycles (blade strikes, sandpaper rubs, etc.) needed for a material to show signs of wear. A higher number signifies better resistance.
*** For more information about our specific products and certification results, please contact us by visiting our website. NaganoSkate.com ***
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As per the 2021 ISU Communication No. 2400, short track speed skaters are required and/or recommended to wear cut-resistant clothing depending on their level of competition. It is the athlete's responsibility to confirm their minimum requirements.
Here at Nagano Skate, we offer two models of full-body cut-resistant suits and various cut-resistant accessories, including neck protection, ankle protection, and racing gloves. These accessories adhere strictly to ISU requirements outlined in ISU Communication No. 2586, which mandates the use of "cut-resistant gloves or mitts".
Additionally, ISU Communication No. 2477 has recently introduced recommendations and specific requirements for certain long track speed skating disciplines. Our products and accessories meet these requirements.
Our products are tested to the highest standards accepted by the ISU (EN388:2016), and we also ensure compliance with American Standards (ANSI/ISEA 105-2016). The latter standard is recognized by certain North American Hockey Leagues and Organizations, enabling our new line of hockey protection clothing to meet specific regulations.
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Our dedicated team at Nagano Skate Inc. is committed to achieving excellence and upholding the highest safety standards in the industry.
Today, we will review these tests and highlight the key features that determine the rating and certification of our material:
EN 388:2016+A1:2018 and ANSI/ISEA 105-2016
- Abrasion Resistance
- Using sandpaper, our IMPERIUM is subject to abrasion. This is achieved by adding pressure to the material. The protection level ranges from 1 - 4, based on how many turns it takes for a hole to form in the material. A higher number means better abrasion resistance.
- Cut Resistance, “Coup Test”
- Cut proof protection is evaluated by running a knife’s edge over our material until it successfully cuts through. The protection level is rated from 1 - 5, with 5 being the highest. If the material dulls the knife during the test, the ISO 13997 (TDM test) is used instead. (See note below)*
- Our IMPERIUM 3.0 line of protection clothing dulled the knife in the EN 388:2016 test and therefore needed to pass the ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 (TDM Cut Resistance) Testing procedure.
- Tearing Strength
- The force needed to rip a specific material is measured in a lab-controlled setting. This testing method is designed to replicate a real-world scenario.
- The EN 388:2016 protection level is rated from 1 - 4, with 4 representing the strongest material.
Does our IMPERIUM protection interest you? Try our new DiamondDust level 4 anti-cut suit! (combinaison anti-coupure DiamondDust niveau 4) Incorporating fine diamond powder, this innovative product combines safety and comfort to provide you with maximum protection.