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Hockey Goalie Helmet - help? Tips?

Garfinkel1

Registered User
Jun 28, 2008
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So, from 5-14 I played roller hockey every season. Some times on two teams at a time. I played Ice hockey as well from like 5-9. At 11 I switched to Goalie in Roller Hockey and was great. It wasn't a super competitive league but I was voted on the all-star team every year.
Anyways, I stopped playing at 15 when I moved to greece...

I'm 21 now living in the US and I've been playing Pick up hockey and started getting pretty decent (my skating was terrible at first)... So I want to try Goalie now. I have all the pads I need except..

The helmet. I tried Play-it-again sports for used goalie helmets but they didn't have any left. I am scared to buy a used one online because I am afraid it will smell like absolute ****.

Any advice on what Helmet to get? I guess I have to buy a new one. I want the cheapest helmet I can while still being safe. Some of the kids that show up to the pick up games have LAZERS of a shot..

I don't feel like paying 150$ for one.
 
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So are you playing roller hockey or ice hockey?

For ice hockey, a goalie mask with a decent level of protection will run around $300. Look up smaller companies, like Hackva. Their entry-level masks can withstand bombshells and keep your head safe. Stay absolutely away from any Itech/Bauer mask with a model number that begins with 1 or 2... the 1200, 1400, 2500, etc. There are a number of reported concussions on GSBB, and some of these masks have been recalled by Itech for being unsafe (even after receiving CSA certification). These cheap, cheap masks go for $150 new. Do a search for "widowmaker" on the GSBB and you'll find out why they're so cheap.

I'd also shy away from combos -- player helmets and cages, like Hasek and Osgood had -- because the cages tend to be thinner and the helmets aren't designed to take repeated impacts from pucks. Many helmets also have ridges and nooks where the puck can "catch" and deliver all the impact to your head -- a mask is rounded off and the puck would most likely deflect off, only delivering a small fraction of the impact to your skull. Ear and neck protection is also an issue with helmet/cage combo -- there is little to none of it. The only combo I'd recommend is the Warwick, because the helmet is designed for goaltenders and the cage is thick (these run close to $1000, though). Definitely don't just go to the local hockey store and buy a random helmet and cage for $50 and think you're safe.

If you're absolutely tight for money, buy a used goalie mask. Make sure there's no chips or cracks. You can wash it and the smell shouldn't linger; if it does, the smell if most likely in the foam, and you can order replacement foam for around $50.

If you're playing roller hockey, then some of these options are probably safe, even the cheap Itech masks. Make sure whatever head protection you have properly covers your head, including your ears and your throat. Buy a dangler for $30 if necessary.

Don't cheap out. Debt is temporary, brain damage isn't.
 
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I havnet played roller goalie in 6 yrs and never played Ice goalie. I don't want to drop 300, suck abd not want to play and waste my $$.
 
I second the Hackva idea, for no more than you pay you get excellent protection and durability. The only other "cheap" mask I'd consider is an Olie 2000 (aka MA2000), I had used this model for 6 years and at worst I've gotten a few ringers from hard shots. My Olie has held up very well and I'd recommend it for anyone on a budget, at the same time you should consider spending a few extra bucks and get a Hackva because it is truly superior as far as protection goes.

Check around the GSBB, there is no better goalie gear information resource that you'll find.
 
densetsu said:
So are you playing roller hockey or ice hockey?

For ice hockey, a goalie mask with a decent level of protection will run around $300. Look up smaller companies, like Hackva. Their entry-level masks can withstand bombshells and keep your head safe. Stay absolutely away from any Itech/Bauer mask with a model number that begins with 1 or 2... the 1200, 1400, 2500, etc. There are a number of reported concussions on GSBB, and some of these masks have been recalled by Itech for being unsafe (even after receiving CSA certification). These cheap, cheap masks go for $150 new. Do a search for "widowmaker" on the GSBB and you'll find out why they're so cheap.

I'd also shy away from combos -- player helmets and cages, like Hasek and Osgood had -- because the cages tend to be thinner and the helmets aren't designed to take repeated impacts from pucks. Many helmets also have ridges and nooks where the puck can "catch" and deliver all the impact to your head -- a mask is rounded off and the puck would most likely deflect off, only delivering a small fraction of the impact to your skull. Ear and neck protection is also an issue with helmet/cage combo -- there is little to none of it. The only combo I'd recommend is the Warwick, because the helmet is designed for goaltenders and the cage is thick (these run close to $1000, though). Definitely don't just go to the local hockey store and buy a random helmet and cage for $50 and think you're safe.

If you're absolutely tight for money, buy a used goalie mask. Make sure there's no chips or cracks. You can wash it and the smell shouldn't linger; if it does, the smell if most likely in the foam, and you can order replacement foam for around $50.

If you're playing roller hockey, then some of these options are probably safe, even the cheap Itech masks. Make sure whatever head protection you have properly covers your head, including your ears and your throat. Buy a dangler for $30 if necessary.

Don't cheap out. Debt is temporary, brain damage isn't.
Click to expand...

Agreed, and whats your GSBB name or do you lurk? And any Itech with a 7 is amazing. I forget which one I had.

Just check helmet threads on GSBB since its really in-depth there and good

High level Itechs and Hackvas are best
 
Moses Doughty said:
Agreed, and whats your GSBB name or do you lurk? And any Itech with a 7 is amazing. I forget which one I had.

Just check helmet threads on GSBB since its really in-depth there and good

High level Itechs and Hackvas are best
Click to expand...

Should be the same as here, but I think I capitalized my username over on GSBB. I really should get consistent with that. I'm not a huge name over there, but have an OK number of posts.

http://www.goaliestore.com/board/members/densetsu.html

Personally, I use an NXi Phantom, but NXi went under a few years ago. 21 degrees bought the rights to the mask, but haven't started manufacturing it. It's made from plastic, but I've yet to have a ringer in one. I've had my birdcage-style cage dented -- not a small feat, considering the number of bars involved -- and still didn't feel anything. (Aside from a thought of "WTF, why the hell did he take a behemoth of a slapper from 10 feet away?")

Hackva's one of the best bangs for the buck out there. I personally haven't used one, but they have an amazing reputation, and assuming they fit me right it'll be the next mask I buy. (Trouble is, my 4-year-old NXi still isn't giving me a reason to look for a new mask!)
 
densetsu said:
Should be the same as here, but I think I capitalized my username over on GSBB. I really should get consistent with that. I'm not a huge name over there, but have an OK number of posts.

http://www.goaliestore.com/board/members/densetsu.html

Personally, I use an NXi Phantom, but NXi went under a few years ago. 21 degrees bought the rights to the mask, but haven't started manufacturing it. It's made from plastic, but I've yet to have a ringer in one. I've had my birdcage-style cage dented -- not a small feat, considering the number of bars involved -- and still didn't feel anything. (Aside from a thought of "WTF, why the hell did he take a behemoth of a slapper from 10 feet away?")

Hackva's one of the best bangs for the buck out there. I personally haven't used one, but they have an amazing reputation, and assuming they fit me right it'll be the next mask I buy. (Trouble is, my 4-year-old NXi still isn't giving me a reason to look for a new mask!)
Click to expand...

The NXI Phantom was one of my favorite masks on the market. Great value and extremely protective for what it was. I'd compare it to at least to the Itech 4600 but much lighter.

Other good value masks are Hackva and Eddy. One of the goalies I coached had an Eddy GT, I showed him my Phantom.. he was blown away by it. He bought a Phantom within a month and has been using it since. He's had to have been using it for at least 3 years.
 
I can vouch for the Hackva. I have been wearing one for more than two years playing 1-2 games a week. I have never had more than a very slight ringing in my ears after getting hit in the mask and I have taken some bombs to the noggin for sure.

As for roller, I would think twice about using a low end itech or bauer. The puck may be lighter but I swear I got more stingers playing roller than I ever have playing ice. Besides, you get the occasional stick to the head and they feel the same whether they are on ice or not.

in the long run, 300 bucks is not a lot of money. Eat cheap for a few months, lay off the beer and save your money and you'll be able to get a good helmet that will last you a long, long time. And besides- if you decide that you don't like it, you can sell it on ebay and get most- if not all - of your money back.
 
Also not a fan of the extreme budget mask idea. I'm a little paranoid of the idea of head injuries and play in mid to high level masks. Know a few guys in the area that bought the $300 Hackva from Simmons and none of them complain of the protection, just some fit and finish issues which for the price point are completely fair and not a big deal.
 
Ive heard nothing but good things about Hackva, but haven't tried one personally. I just purchased a Sportmask Mage RS to replace my previous mask and im liking it a lot, but it might be out of your budget, also many people dislike the design, although I love the sight lines in it, its awesome. You can check other Sportmask models as well on their website, they make a pretty damn good mask.

My older mask, an NXI Phantom, I love as well. Its still the lightest mask ive ever worn and lighter than my Mage RS. I am actually considering selling it, but haven't decided if I want to keep a backup mask or not. If I do ill let you know, I wouldn't ask that much for it and it doesn't smell at all and still looks pretty damn new. Im also on GSBB and have been for awhile, but don't post too often, only when I can't get some questions answered and stuff.

Im kind of OCD and clean out the inside of my mask with water and a bit of rubbing alcohol a lot, and also clean the mask too. No smell whatsoever, but once again Im not sure if I want to sell it just yet.
 
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