Custom Gear for a Championship Run
PROTECT3D, a Durham‑based startup, has become a quiet powerhouse in the world of sports medicine, delivering custom‑fit protective gear that is printed in three dimensions and tailored to each athlete’s anatomy.
When an injury occurs, athletic trainers simply point a smartphone or tablet at the affected area, capture a quick scan, and send the data to the company’s printers. The resulting brace, splint or separator can be ready in as little as fifteen hours for teams located nearby, a speed that has attracted the Carolina Hurricanes and several other professional franchises.
Kevin Gehsmann, the company’s founder and chief executive, says the rapid turnaround is only part of the appeal. “What really matters is that the equipment fits the player like a second skin,” he explains, noting that the Hurricanes’ deep playoff run has made the partnership especially meaningful for him as a lifelong fan of the franchise.
Doug Bennett, the Hurricanes’ head athletic trainer, has demonstrated the technology in recent press briefings, showing how the team integrates 3D‑printed thumb splints, shoulder separators and rib protectors into its treatment regimen. “The contouring is unmatched,” Bennett says, “and the players report a level of comfort that standard gear simply can’t provide.”
PROTECT3D’s portfolio extends beyond hockey; the same workflow supports athletes in the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLS and even collegiate competitions. The company boasts a 48‑hour turnaround for most orders, and its Durham headquarters houses a fleet of specialized printers that can produce a full suite of protective devices on demand.
While the Vegas Golden Knights are not currently among its customers, the startup’s reach is expanding across North America, promising a future where personalized safety equipment becomes the norm rather than the exception.