Hockey Helmets

A hockey helmet is one the most important pieces of protective equipment a player can wear. Hockey helmets protect the very vulnerable head and face. Be careful, therefore, when you are buying one. Choose a youth hockey helmet with as much care you would in selecting one for an intermediate or senior player. Remember, it is all about you. Choose a hockey goalie helmet using different criteria from other player demands. In any case, do not purchase one simply because of the hockey helmet decals. The color is also not as important as whether the helmet is a comfortable fit and provides correct face protection.

Who wears it – Eric Lindros wears a Bauer 5500, Jason Black a Bauer 4500 and Vincent Le Cavalier, and Joe Thornton, CCM Vectors, may provide a clue, but not necessarily, one meant for you. You should think beyond the professional approval and merchandising. You have to consider other aspects. Look for specific hockey-related seals of approval: the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC), the Canadian Standard Association (CSA) and Communaute Europeene (CE).

Another factor is segmentation. Hockey helmets are either in one or two pieces. The latter configuration allows for greater adjustments. Take into consideration, as well, a third component – the cage, shield or combination of the two. These devices provide face protection. The Bauer hockey helmet with cage is one example of proper face and head protection.

In general, hockey helmets, whether they be Bauer hockey helmets, a Cascade ice hockey helmet, a CCM hockey helmet or a mission hockey helmet provide similar features. Most helmets have two layers of padding- a rigid and a soft lining. The former, closest to the outer shell absorbs impact; the soft inner rests of your head. That is the reason why a fleece hockey helmet is still protective. It is the outer shell and the rigid second layer that acts as the barrier between your head and a major impact. The exact fabric used in the inner lining differs from brand to brand.

Take Cascade hockey helmets. A cascade hockey helmet, (a field hockey helmet for female goaltenders, for example) comes in a wide range of colors, is well constructed, strong and comfortable. CCM boasts similar qualities and relies on a VN foam liner while Joffa 395 has a dual density liner. Mission intake has a tipple padding beneath a Dynamo liner, while Itech usually uses a gelfoam liner and Nike-Bauer dual density cell flex foam. What is important is to have protection, fit and comfort, no matter what company is the manufacturer. Avoid the phony warrior hockey helmet ny times or even warrior hockey helmet. There is no such beast.

Take care the fit is proper, the front end extending abut one finger length above your eyebrows. The chinstrap will just grace your skin. Most companies offer soft straps to decrease irritation. Wear the helmet snug but not too tight. Choose a cage that allows your maximum protection and visibility. Try on several different options before you buy. Never tamper with the bars.

If you decide to opt for a shield, be aware of the ventilation problem. Many shields fog up if you breathe too heavily. There is extra care involved in their maintenance, as well. They can scratch if improperly stored or transported. This can transfer into extra expenses.