Helmets protect you from impact by another player and with surfaces, boards, nets, and other equipment during the game. Hockey helmets are made up of three main components:
● The shell isthe hard exterior of the helmet, routinely made up of a mix of lightweight and durable plastics or - more commonly in newer helmets - vinyl nitrile. In most cases, this helmet area can be adjusted for fit.
● The padding consists of specialized foams and materials designed by the manufacturer to minimize and disperse impact, usually placed strategically in specific areas of the helmet considered key impact areas. (Examples would be XRD foam in Bauer and D30 foam in CCM helmets.)
● The liner is the inner material of the helmet that will make contact with the head. A range of different foams, gels, and padding is used in helmet liners from model to model. Liner and padding used to be synonymous, as the interior foam padding of older or “classic” helmets was shaped in such a way as to double as the liner. However, newer helmets will have the padding strategically placed for impact protection and dispersion, while the liner is meant to provide comfort, airflow, and a secure fit.
When it comes to staying safe on the ice, a properly fitting hockey helmet is essential. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you find the perfect size for your hockey helmet:
Measure Your Head
Determine your hat size or measure the circumference of your head.
Use a flexible measuring tape to measure around your head, just above the eyebrows and ears, where the helmet will sit. For example, if your head measures 22 inches, you'll use this measurement to find the right size.
Consult the Brand's Sizing Chart
Each helmet brand has its own sizing chart. Once you know your head's circumference, look up the sizing chart for the brand you're interested in. For instance:
A 22-inch measurement may fall just under "Large" and slightly over "Medium," depending on the brand.
Try on the Helmet
Once you've identified the potential size, try on the helmet:
Take a helmet in the recommended size.
Move all adjustable flaps or pads out to create room for your head.
Place the helmet on your head and adjust the fit.
Adjust the Fit
A properly fitting hockey helmet should:
Sit snugly on your head without being too tight.
Cover your forehead and sit about an inch above your eyebrows.
Stay in place when you shake your head.
Use the adjustment features provided by the helmet, such as straps or internal padding, to fine-tune the fit. Ensure the helmet feels comfortable and secure without creating pressure points.
Final Check
Once you've adjusted the helmet, check the fit again. The helmet should:
Not move excessively when pushed or pulled.
Provide full coverage of your head for maximum protection.
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Safety is always a concern, and even more so in contact sports. USA Hockey recommends all adults wear an HECC-approved helmet and requires all minors at all levels to wear HECC-approved helmets with full face protection attached. Adults in hockey organized under USA Hockey guidelines must wear a helmet, even if it is not certified.
The HECC is an independent volunteer organization that has overseen the standards and test methods for safety validations over the past 40 years. This certification can be found on the back of the helmet, and an expiration date is also provided.
The expiration date is typically 7 years post-manufacture. Although your helmet may not show any physical signs of wear and tear, it will no longer be recognized as certified and valid for organized hockey.
Once you've sussed out the expiration date, identify whether the manufacturer uses impact foam inside the helmet. These proprietary pads are designed to withstand low and high-velocity impacts at high-volume helmet areas. They can often be identified by color - yellow for XRD and orange for D30 - but be sure to read the helmet's specifications
As we learn more about preventing concussions and governing bodies scramble to develop protocols to prevent players, it is important to remember that no helmet is concussion-proof.
Almost all helmets can be affixed with face protection – most commonly, wire cages, full shield visors, half shield visors, or hybrid visors with attached cage. For minors playing under USA Hockey guidelines, it’s required.
Wire cages come in sizes ranging from XS to XL. Although, in many cases, the helmet size and cage size may match, it is important to choose a cage that fits the size and length of the face. The chin cup should settle properly under the chin, not on top of the face – nor should it hover too far off the chin without making contact.
Half visors are most commonly one size fits most. Full visors come in Jr, and Sr. Jr is recommended for XS and S helmets, while SR is recommended for M and up.
Hybrid cages will be sized the same as wire cages. Full face protection can also provide extra stability and comfort to the helmet, making it important to find the model right for your game.
