Key Takeaways
- Twin brothers Xavior and Ilyaas Motley, former Division I players, founded ARMA to address glove fit and durability issues
- Company uses 3D scanning technology to create custom-fitted gloves with silicone-based materials
- Partnered with NFL twins Shaquem and Shaquill Griffin
- ARMA markets what it calls the “first exo structure glove” for sports, gaming, and training applications
- Product targets multiple markets including athletics, esports, and fitness training
- Custom-fit approach could address common equipment challenges faced by youth athletes
Athletic Background Drives Innovation
Twin brothers Xavior and Ilyaas Motley built ARMA from their direct experience as Division I football players. The brothers identified recurring problems with conventional gloves during their athletic careers: poor fit, frequent tearing, and slipping during use.
“To make the best gloves in the world and make it personal,” explains Ilyaas Motley, describing the company’s mission. Rather than accepting existing market options, the twins developed their own solution using advanced manufacturing techniques.
Their athletic background provides practical insight into performance requirements across different sports and training environments. This firsthand experience shapes ARMA’s product development approach, focusing on real-world usage scenarios rather than theoretical improvements.
Technology and Manufacturing Process
ARMA’s production process centers on 3D scanning technology to create individually fitted gloves. The company captures precise hand measurements to manufacture custom products for each user, moving away from standard sizing approaches used by traditional glove manufacturers.
The gloves use silicone-based materials engineered for durability and performance. ARMA describes its product as featuring “exo structure” technology, though specific technical details about this design element were not provided in available materials.
The manufacturing approach allows customization across different applications, with products designed for sports, gaming, training, and workshop use. This broad application range reflects the company’s view that hand protection and performance enhancement needs span multiple industries and activities.
Potential Impact on Youth Sports Equipment
Custom-fit equipment could address several challenges common in youth sports. Growing athletes often struggle with properly fitted gear, particularly in programs with limited equipment budgets or size options.
Traditional glove sizing frequently results in compromise fits for young athletes, potentially affecting performance and comfort during training and competition. Poor-fitting gloves can impact grip strength, dexterity, and overall confidence during skill development.
ARMA’s scanning-based approach could provide more precise fits for youth athletes across different hand sizes and growth stages. This technology might prove particularly valuable in sports requiring fine motor control and grip precision, such as baseball, football, and various training activities.
The durability focus also addresses practical concerns for youth sports programs, where equipment replacement costs and frequency matter for program sustainability.
Market Positioning and Applications
ARMA positions itself across multiple market segments, targeting athletes, gamers, and general fitness users. The company’s approach reflects the convergence of sports technology, esports equipment, and general performance gear.
The gaming market represents a significant opportunity, as competitive esports continues growing among younger demographics. Professional and amateur gamers often invest in specialized equipment for competitive advantages, making custom-fit gloves a logical product extension.
Traditional sports applications remain central to ARMA’s mission, building on the founders’ athletic background. The company’s broad application approach suggests recognition that hand performance and protection needs extend beyond single-sport specialization.
Looking Ahead
ARMA’s entry into custom-fit gloves reflects broader trends toward personalized sports equipment and advanced manufacturing in athletics. The company’s technology approach could influence how other equipment categories consider customization and individual athlete needs.
For youth sports specifically, the success of custom-fit approaches could demonstrate demand for more individualized equipment solutions. This might encourage other manufacturers to explore similar technologies or prompt sports programs to prioritize proper equipment fitting.
The founders’ athletic background and direct problem-solving approach provides credibility in competitive sports markets. Their success could encourage other athlete-founded companies to pursue technology-driven solutions for equipment challenges.
ARMA’s development also highlights opportunities for innovation in established product categories, where incremental improvements often dominate rather than fundamental redesigns.
via: indiegogo / arma gloves
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