I have tried everything basically: just a helmet, half visor, Avision ahead full shield, Bauer Re-Akt cage, and the Avision Ahead Elite full shield. Here's what I can say - each of the above has advantages and disadvantages.
Just a helmet is sweet, but you're totally exposed to getting one "Pow, right in the kisser!" or worse in the eyes. I usually only skate with only a helmet at stick and puck, but last week a random shot flew past my face and made me rethink going out with no facial protection.
Half visor is my personal favourite: good protection, looks sweet, isn't too warm, and has no fogging issues while using an anti-fog spray. Obviously, the bigger the visor the more protection; I should be getting an Oakley VR910 (Dany Heatley) style visor in the mail tomorrow since I sold my last one with a helmet to a buddy who needed some gear. It's the biggest visor I could find online, I'll have to do a review after a few games or stick and puck sessions with it.
Avision ahead full shield (AVH-1): light weight, it looks unique, great protection / facial coverage, I didn't have fogging issues while using anti-fog spray, good vision of the game down the ice, a little less while looking at the feet down, ran a little hotter than I expected. I modified it by having a friend drill some holes in some areas in the cage frame and the lens itself for better ventilation. It saved me at least twice from a high stick or two and didn't seem worse for wear. Good value too.
Bauer Re-Akt cage: light weight, looks good and good visibility (best of all cages), obviously ventilation is excellent, Great protection, good facial coverage, looking down wasn't too bad actually, a little bit pricey, but well worth it in my opinion. A friend made me try it for our summer league, I was against a cage at first but really got used to the cage quickly. I'll use it again for sure. I mounted it to an Easton E700 helmet making it the lightest possible combo; I really like the light feel and the E700 replaceable pads soak up tons of sweat.
Avision Ahead Elite full shield: Looks awesome, no fogging issues while using anti-fog spray, improved ventilation compared to the AVH-1 model, great vision looking out the ice, offers more facial coverage than even the Bauer Re-Akt Cage, looking down like the AVH-1 model isn't as good as a visor, and still runs a little warm. I have not modified it by drilling any holes in it yet, it’s also expensive. I heard there were issues with the lens in the first ones released; I have not experienced any of that. I have only used it a little bit, I'll use it more now that winter / fall league is starting up in a couple of weeks. You will get noticed wearing this, nothing else looks like it so be warned that you will not blend in.
*I don't ever get issues with sweat dripping down my face wearing a visor or half shield because I have two amazing helmets I've mounted them to: Mission Inhaler with a sweatband (does a great job) or the Easton E700 which padding also soaks up sweat. I suggest either of those two helmets since they both keep sweat out of the eyes. The Mission is a little cooler, and the E700 is lighter.
