SEATTLE — A new football helmet with an exterior shell that can absorb hits like a car bumper and has four layers of protection was unveiled on Tuesday by Seattle-based VICIS, which hopes the benefit of protection will offset an expensive purchase price.

The company introduced the helmet at the AFCA convention in San Antonio this week. The ZERO1 helmet is expected to be available for testing by NCAA and NFL teams this spring with the idea that it will be available for purchase and use for the 2016 football season, according to VICIS CEO Dave Marver.

“We’ve had the benefit of being able to talk to NFL and NCAA equipment managers, athletic trainers and players over the last couple of years. I didn’t expect the reaction would be all that different. The helmet passes the eye test or the mirror test ... when they hear it’s a safer helmet they assume it’s going to be an ugly helmet and it’s anything but.”

The unveiling of the helmets comes after two years of research and development by the company.