How To Buy Hockey Helmets

Hockey is a fast-paced, hard-hitting sport, with hard pucks and sharp skates a part of the game. It is imperative that the hockey player chooses the proper protective equipment and wears it at all times when on the ice.

Helmets

• All levels of hockey, even the NHL, require players to wear a protective helmet when playing.
• There are a large variety of helmet types available. To assure their safety compliance most helmets and face masks are certified by a professional association, such as the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC).
• Look for a Seal of Approval.

• Most helmets are made of a polycarbonate material, which is basically a lightweight plastic
• Hockey helmets come in either one or two-piece construction, with the two-piece version offering a more customized fit
• All helmets have liners inside the shell to help absorb impact and to make the helmet more comfortable. Many have double liners--one to absorb the impact and the other to help with comfort.
• Safety experts recommend that padding be at least 5/8 in thick

• Helmets come in a variety of sizes and are usually measured in inches
• To ensure a player's safety it is important that his/her helmet fits properly
• For the perfect fitting helmet, see our guide below, before making your purchase decision

All juniors through college level players are required to have a face mask on their helmets. Face masks are either sold as part of the helmet or come separately. There are three kinds - wire cage, face shield, and combination.

• A wire cage consists of a metal or composite shield that covers the entire face area.
• Wire cages provide more protection and do not fog up like face shields.

• These are generally a high impact-resistant plastic that covers the front of the face
• Some players choose face shields because they offer better overall vision with no wires getting in the way
• Face shields tend to fog up during use, but they are often now made with fog-resistant coatings
• Anti-Fog spray can be applied to help. Helmet bags prevent scratching.

• Some manufacturers now offer the best of both designs - a plastic face shield to protect the eyes and upper part of the face, and a wire mesh to cover the lower jaw and to add ventilation.

• Attach to Helmet cage.
• Although mouth guards are not mandatory in all leagues, they are highly recommended because they not only protect your teeth but also soften blows to the head and prevent against concussions.
• Mouth guards either come pre-formed to mold to the mouth during use, or can be softened by heating and then molded by biting down on them.
• Mouth guards come in general sizes to fit youths, teenagers and adults.

• An additional piece of helmet safety equipment is the ear protector, which can be inserted into helmets for extra comfort and protection
• Ear protectors are also very useful on cold days for extra warmth

Open your helmet to its largest setting and position on the head so that the rim is 1/4 inch above the eyebrow. Gradually begin to downsize the helmet until a comfortable snug fit is achieved.