Ice hockey helmets are an extremely important part of ice hockey because they protect players from impacts to their head and skull. Hockey is a high-intensity sport that involves a large amount of body contact and it can result in dangerous concussions if a high quality and secure hockey helmet is not worn.
There are dozens of great helmets to choose from, but only five of those products have earned a rightful place on this list. Ice hockey helmets that earned a spot on this countdown are among the best in the industry.
They feature a mixture of factors that combine a solid product for hockey players. These factors usually include comfort, safety features, quality, and overall price.
Each individual product has its own particular benefits that it focuses on. Some helmets are designed for specific sturdy designs that limits the amount of head movement.
There are also specific goalie helmets that feature heavy duty cages to ensure that its face mask can handle an impact from a high velocity hockey puck.
Top 5: Ice Hockey Helmets Review
Product Image & Rating (Out Of 10) | Product Name | Price |
|---|---|---|
9.9 | ||
9.8 | ||
9.6 | ||
9.4 | ||
9.1 |
Bauer has earned its right to have this Bauer IMS 5.0 Helmet featured as number one. One reason that this helmet is so popular is because it features multiple design choices for players to choose from.
There are also enhanced safety features and adjustments that can be utilized so that a perfect size is achieved. It is highly rated among customers and clocks in as an extremely affordable and high quality option.
Pros
Cons
Hockey goalies will appreciate this particular product because it is specifically designed with them in mind. This mask is designed to stop high velocity hockey pucks because goalies face a much more demanding task when it comes to stopping an ice hockey puck.
There are many occasions during a game where a goalie might face a shot that is aimed towards their head. This face mask is constructed to eliminate chances of an injury from a hockey puck impact. A strong face mask is placed on the helmet to ensure that it remains heavy duty and durable. It is optimized for protection so that goalies don't have to worry about potential injury during a game.
This is an extremely durable product while still retaining an affordable price range. There are many custom designs available for customers to choose from when finalizing their purchase.
Pros
Cons
This Bauer Prodigy Helmet is designed with younger hockey players in mind. There are multiple safety features that ensure enhanced protection so that large impacts reduce risk of an injury. This one is extremely comfortable and fits perfectly on most young players. There are limited color and size choices, though. With that being said, youth players over 13 might want to consider an adult helmet instead of a junior helmet.
While this might be somewhat leaning towards a higher price range, it is important to remember some of Bauer's goals when they constructed this particular hockey helmet. This product was created with high quality materials and safety features so that it would receive positive feedback from customers.
Pros
Cons
WARRIOR is known for producing high quality hockey equipment products, and they did exactly that when constructing and designing this WARRIOR PX3H5 Ice Hockey Players Helmet. An optimized design ensures that players will always be comfortable and safe when participating in ice hockey activities.
Foam is used within the interior head compartment so that effects from a high velocity impact is reduced as well as a chance of a concussion taking place. A secure and safe helmet like this should be a positive sign to customers that are looking for this type of product.
There are multiple size options as well as a wide selection of color options. Customers can also decide whether they want a face mask cage or whether they would prefer not including one with their purchase.
Pros
Cons
This particular option is perfect for beginners or those just starting out with ice hockey. It features a slick white helmet design that focuses on being comfortable and lightweight so that players can feel comfortable when playing.
A facial mask and cage is fully equipped so that players are protected from hockey sticks and hockey pucks. A neck strap and mouth guard attachment is included for players that find that as a necessity.
From a value perspective, this is a perfectly affordable hockey helmet that is capable of providing hockey players with safety and comfort without asking for a significant monetary investment.
Pros
Cons
best ice hockey helmet - Buying Guide
After evaluating several of these ice hockey helmet products, it is clear that there are many great choices to select from when trying to find a high quality helmet for your needs.
There are some for kids, adults, players, and goalies all within this countdown of products. Some may be more closely suited with your personal needs when compared to some others. It is important to balance out all of your required specifications that you are looking for before committing or finalizing to a particular product.
These are all designed to keep players safe when playing ice hockey. If safety is your most important priority, you will want to look at ice hockey helmets that feature enhanced safety features like specialized interior foam or ear covers to reduce risk of injuries.
Now is your chance to find an ice hockey helmet that works for you! All of these products are great choices depending on your needs, but certain brands or designs may be more affordable, which can be an important factor for customers on a budget.
official top 5 review's Tips To get better at ice hockey
Ice hockey refers to one of the finesse games that requires a combination of power, speed, and teamwork. For this reason, players are always at risk of developing injuries, some of which can be fatal.
However, the art of developing these injuries depends on factors such as
• The player`s position
• The level of participation
• The behaviors in the field of play
• The protective gear at hand
Other factors include
• An individual's susceptibility
• Pre-existing injuries
• The style of play
In most cases, the frequency in games determines the level of injuries in each case. The art of developing injuries does not necessarily mean you will never play again. The article will thus focus on some of the tips you can utilize to get better at ice hockey.
Here are some of the tips to get better at ice hockey.
Speaking Out
The art of being loyal to a team is essential. The aspect relates to the fact that ice hockey requires more of teamwork. However, you do not have to keep suffering in the name of being loyal to the team. In other words, in case you develop an injury, speak it out.
"I would rather watch my team lose rather than develop more complications that might halt my career," claims Stuart.
Concussions are some of the injuries that hockey players develop without losing their consciousness. As a player, you need to be informed of the typical signs and symptoms of the condition. If you are not feeling well or have developed any form of migraine in the field, speak it out.
Your coach and parents should be informed of your suffering. Any player experiencing any signs of concussions should be evaluated by a medical personnel. The aspect is critical as one may develop serious health complications in left untreated.
Pre-season Screening
Before stepping out for any game or even before you put in your protective gear, subject yourself to screening. As a player, make it personal and look for an experienced physician or rather a trained athlete for an inductive screening.
The aspect is critical, as you will realize when and how you developed an injury. Also, you will be in an excellent position to understand whether you fit for a particular game. You may identify some existing injuries or uncover deficiencies that might expose you to danger.
Screening is also protective. In other words, after inductive testing, your trainer or rather, your physician may offer some suggestions that will make you fit for the game. He or she may recommend some medications or direct you on how to avoid injuries.
Set some time and also perform a self-examination exercise before starting any game. Even if you love the game, you might end up suffering forever. It is wise to skip a game or two for the sake of your health.
Even if you play a significant role in your team, relaxing may boost your morale in the next game. You may have to speak to your coach early before the game start. Safeguarding your future is more relevant than winning a single game as a team.
Programming your Sporting Activities
Sports can be addictive. At times one may feel sick for skipping a game or two. However, it is wise to program your art of playing to minimize physical overload.
The best way of being a professional player is by practicing. However, your mental and physical fitness is of the essence. Playing daily can be essential. But, you might develop some health issues related to physical overload.
The art of identifying a program is critical. You need to set out some time where you can relax and enjoy watching other players. Your body too requires time to heal and realign itself.
Physical overload affects an individual's art of concentration. The aspect is detrimental as one may develop severe injuries due to loss of focus. You may easily miss a protective element and suffer severe damage in the long run.
The art of programming one's playing moments plays a critical role in preparations. In other words, you will be physically and mentally ready for the next game. Such preparations allow one to keep and utilizes all the protective tips in the bid of safeguarding one's health.
Protective Gear
Always protect yourself while in the field of play. Avoid careless attacks as the game is relatively dangerous. You need to be creative even as you look for scores.
Also, it is good to obtain protective equipment that is of high quality. Damaged or worn out protective gear may expose you to danger. You need to avoid over-sized and undersized equipment as you may suffer a blow as you look for a win.
Checking your protective equipment should be among the list of activities to be done before starting any game. Check whether you are comfortable with the tools at hand. Ensure that all your body parts are well covered before stepping out for a game.
Invest heavily in protecting your body. The aspect may call one to purchase many gears that are relatively safer. Do not risk a win and expose your body parts for injuries.
As you look for quality, consider your movement. The art of having some swift moves is critical in avoiding unnecessary injuries. It is worth noting that some players might be so aggressive. Such players are well avoided by players that are relatively fast in evading danger.
Of course ice hockey helmets are the most important, protecting the head. Choose from one of our recommendations above!
Enforcing Rules
As a player, it is wise to demonstrate some mutual respect and sportsmanship to opponents and officials. In other words, even if your rights are violated, you do not have to over-react and cause chaos. Address everyone with respect.
The aspect is linked to the fact that there are cases where players become aggressive and unruly. Such behaviors cause them to over-react and engage in fights. Such reactions may expose you to severe injuries in the name of looking for a win or favor.
The art of enforcing rules calls for following a course of treatment to ensure successful healing. Seek the necessary guidance from coaches before returning to the field of play. Subject yourself to all the required rules and avoid the chaos that might leave you injured.
Using one hand
As a prayer, keep one hand to the stick as much as possible. Avoid the art of using both hands while striking as you might lose your balance. Freeing a hand from the stick increases one's speed and accuracy.
The right balance is vital in avoiding injuries.
You can quickly avert aggressive players and score swiftly while in balance. Also, a proper balancing mode in the field minimizes the art of falling hence developing a few or no injuries.
The art of crossing over your hands can be dangerous. You might lose your balance, and it might be challenging to entangle your feet once you fall. Therefore it is wise to practice the art of using a single hand, especially when the game's frequency is high.
If you develop a hand injury, do not ignore it. There are cases where players overlook a small injury that claims their career in the long run. In other words, you may end up losing your balance and fall and develop some severe injuries that might deny you a chance to enjoy the game forever.
Creativity
All games are not similar. However, for one to succeed in any sport, the art of being creative is essential. You need to understand when to run and when to slow.
Work on your moves to increase your coordination. You may require some training to understand the kind of opponents you might face and ways of avoiding them. Although your focus should be on winning, do not forget about your health.
Creativity calls for using the right moves and striking when necessary. Being a quick thinker helps in making swift moves. Such creativity allows one to score goals, win the puck and minimize cases of falling.
It is also essential to run the flow of the game. Creativity calls for one to get concerned with keeping the puck in the opponents' zone that favors you. The aspect is critical as your opponent might work as your attacker and help you win a score.
Creativity also calls for one to consider his position. In other words, the prominent position dictates a game's frequency. You might be forced to change your location and adjust accordingly. Such moves are critical in avoiding unnecessary injuries.
Shooting is both technical and mental. Always shooters aim at scoring. However, there are cases where you might be forced to avoid shooting and minimize the chances of developing an injury.
Avoid a goal-scoring attitude in the field. The aspect is dangerous as you may forget some safety tips as you look for goals. Develop some sense of self that requires more of sober and creative minds before making any decisions. Such an attitude guarantees one's safety, even in fast and aggressive games.
Avoid being too emotional to lose a game. Take it easy and prepare for the next game. The aspect is linked to the fact that you might take it personally and develop some coordination issues.
Also, you need to sober to be creative. The art of transferring grudges from one game to the other exposes one to danger. Having such attitudes affects an individual's sensitivity and one might attack an opponent carelessly and develop some severe injuries.
Experts such as Kirk McLean claim that "sometimes it can be hell out there…" especially after losing. But that is not the end of life. As long as you are sober and healthy, you can make up for the next game.
Protect your Sensitive Parts
Although ice hockey is more of a mind game, your body plays a critical role in enhancing your safety. In other words, learn to protect every part of your body as you play. Your hands help in maintaining your balance and playing.
You need the hands to point out your opponents. Also, in case you fall, your hands will touch the ground first. Therefore, protecting them guarantees one's safety in the field of play.
Your legs will drive in the field. They are what propels you as you engage your opponents. Any distraction affecting your legs exposes you to danger.
Comfort is of the essence in such a game. For this reason, you should wear well-fitting shoes. The aspect is linked to the fact that the game is relatively fast and small pumps might overheat and invite injuries.
Engage in exercises that will strengthen your leg. Weak legs might expose you to immense suffering as your mobility will be limited. Strong legs also reduce the art of falling in case of an unexpected attack.
Also, do not fear a backward crossover. Since your legs are on the ice, a backward crossover might be safer. Also, it is wise to bend your knee deeply rather than allowing your whole body to fall. The aspect will enable one to feel as if sitting on a stool rather than falling from a wall.
You need to utilize your 100 % body weight to drive your outside leg. You should cut ice in what resembles a letter "c" to minimize falling. There are times when you might be forced to form a big 'X' with your legs on full extension.
Your face needs to be protected. Avoid reaching your opponent while striking. There are cases where sticks slide out of one's hand, and they might land on your face.
In a nutshell, ice hockey can leave you paralyzed for a better part of your life. The aspect is linked to the fact that you can develop injuries that might claims their career. Therefore, the art of being creative while in the field of play is critical in minimizing cases of injuries.
Also, you need to understand different therapies critical in addressing some of the injuries one might develop while playing. Always be respectful and avoid the chaos that might expose you to danger. A self-examination before any game is essential in preventing unnecessary complications that might even claim your life.
Commonly Asked Questions
Why is wearing a helmet important when playing ice hockey?
An ice hockey helmet is an essential piece of equipment that you will always want to wear when you're out on the ice. There are multiple opportunities for injury during a hockey game, from being slammed into the wall, hit with a puck, falling on the ice, or hit with another player's stick.
If your head is the part of your body that gets hit, it could lead to an open skull fracture or concussion. However, when you wear a helmet, you are significantly reducing the chance that an impact to your head will be as serious. Helmet absorb nearly all of the impact from a collision, protecting your brain and head.
Why does my hockey helmet hurt?
There may be a few reasons your hockey helmet hurts your head. First, you could be wearing an incorrect size. Check the fit to ensure it is snug, but not too tight, for your head.
Another possible cause for the pain may be that your helmet needs to be adjusted. A professional could help you properly adjust the helmet to make sure it is sitting properly on your head. They may also be able to trim down some of the foam or add more if there is too much or too little in any one spot.
Are helmets required in the NHL?
Yes, NHL players are required to wear a helmet. They have been mandatory in the sport since 1979.
How should a hockey helmet fit?
In order to do their job and protect your head, helmets should have a very snug fit. If you can move or loosen the helmet just by shaking your head, it is too loose.
You should be able to adjust the fit of your helmet using the screws or adjustment tabs. Having a friend or teammate provide an additional adjustment once the helmet if on your head can help ensure that it fits correctly.
A properly fitting help should come down to just above your eyebrows. There should be no gaps in the helmet. If so, you will need to readjust the helmet or look for a different model that delivers a better fit.
Another key detail when wearing a helmet is to make sure the chin strap is properly strapped and adjusted. The chin strap help keep the helmet on your head, and if it is too loose, your helmet could fall off. When checking for the fit of your chin strap, you should not be able to get more than two fingers between the strap and your chin.
So, bottom line, you want your helmet to stay in place and feel snug on your head. It should not be painful to wear though. However, seeing some redness on your head when you take the helmet off is fine.
What is the difference between and expanded polypropylene and dual-density vinyl nitrile helmet?
When you start looking for a new ice hockey helmet, you'll likely notice that there are two main types: expanded polypropylene (EPP) helmets and dual-density vinyl nitrile (VN) helmets.
EPP helmets are made using a special foam that is also used for bicycle helmets. This foam is lined using a softer foam designed to make the helmet more comfortable and ensure a snug and proper fit for the user.
One of the benefits of an EPP helmet is that they can be more easily adjusted to achieve a good fit for your head. However, EPP helmets also cost more than VN helmets, so you'll have to consider that as well.
Softer foam is used in the lining of a VN helmet. The foam will show indentation marks temporarily when pressed down on. A VN helmet is the cheaper helmet option to consider.
While VN helmets cost less than EPP helmets, both types are able to deliver good protection to your head. As long as you choose a certified helmet, it should be able to do its job and protect you from impacts.
How often should I get a new hockey helmet?
Hockey helmets can last for a long time, but they are not designed to last forever. Overtime, the foam can degrade and become less effective.
When you purchase a helmet, take note of the certification dates. By the end of the helmet's certification, you will need to purchase a new helmet.
You may need to purchase a new helmet before the certification period runs up as well. If your helmet is starting to feel uncomfortable or doesn't fit properly, it likely means you should start looking for a new one.
Unlike some helmets, such as bicycle helmets, hockey helmets do not have to be replaced after every major impact. The foam in a bicycle helmet crushes down in the event of a crash, rendering it unusable. Ice hockey helmets, on the other hand, use a different type of foam that can offer protection against more than one fall or impact.
Can I buy a used hockey helmet?
No, buying a used hockey helmet is not a good idea. Helmets are only certified for a specific amount of time, and when you buy a used helmet you may not know whether the certification has expired.
If you were to purchase a used hockey helmet, you also couldn't be confident that it would still deliver maximum levels of protection. It may have sustained a major impact that will affect its ability to protect your head.
Additionally, as helmets age, the foam and plastic can decay, becoming less effective at offering adequate protection for your head.
Does a hockey helmet prevent a concussion?
Hockey helmets may prevent concussions, but their main job is to protect your head from a skull fracture. Concussions are caused by rapid head movements that result in your brain moving back and forth in your head. Whiplash is one way you can sustain a concussion.
Helmet manufacturers have been working to design helmets that will offer protection against concussions, but there hasn't been enough research done yet to know whether a helmet can actually prevent you from getting a concussion.
Is it still possible to get a head injury if you wear a hockey helmet?
Yes, while helmets offer great protection for your head and brain and significantly reduce the chances of sustaining an injury, it is still possible that you may still get injured. Even when wearing your helmet on the ice, be sure to make safe choices and don't take unnecessary risks.
Can I purchase a helmet in a size up for my child?
No, a helmet is one purchase you will not want to size up in anticipation of your child 'growing into it.' If a helmet is too loose, it will not be able to properly do its job of protecting your child's head. If they fall or are struck on the ice, this could lead them to experiencing a brain injury.
However, one benefit of many children's helmets is that they are designed to grow with your child. Numerous models come with multiple fitting pads that will allow you to customize the fit of the helmet to fit your child's growing skull. This can save you from having to purchase a new helmet as frequently.
What is a cage helmet?
A cage helmet is designed to provide additional protection for your face and protect it from an impact. As the name suggests, a cage helmet has a cage design that goes over your face. The grid lines on the cat will stop hockey sticks, pucks, or another player's body from making contact with your face.
What should I do to take care of my ice hockey helmet?
An ice hockey helmet won't need a lot of special care to keep it in good shape. You should not leave it in your hockey bag between games or practices. Rather, it should be removed to dry thoroughly and protect the components from getting rusty.
Buying a helmet repair kit to have on hand can help you adjust your helmet and tighten or replace any screws that need it.
How much does an ice hockey helmet cost?
Ice hockey helmets can cost anywhere from around $60 to $350. Typically, if you're just looking for a standard helmet, you can expect to pay between $60 and $300. If you want a full cage helmet, you'll spend a little more, probably somewhere between $90 and $350.
As long as the helmet you purchase is certified, it is considered safe to wear on the ice. However, there will be some noticeable differences between a lower end helmet and a higher end model. Higher end helmets will likely be more comfortable, promote better airflow, and look more attractive.
