How to Choose the Right Ice Hockey Helmet for Maximum Safety?

Ice hockey is a fast and physical sport. Sometimes, it can even be dangerous due to the ice and tempo of the game. This is why every hockey player should have the necessary ammunition before entering the ice. The helmet is the first and the most important part of it.

In this article, we’ll teach you how to choose it properly and discuss options for where you can buy reliable helmets!

Understanding Ice Hockey Helmet Safety Standards

If you have seen a hockey helmet, you may notice that every one of them has a few abbreviations. They indicate the series and model of the particular helmet and tell more about its safety standards. Let’s look at the most common abbreviations you can see on the helmets when buying.

• ASTM: This is one of the largest safety standards in the world. Formerly known as the “American Society for Testing and Materials,” this abbreviation means that your helmet is fully tested and developed according to the rules of ASTM.
• CSA: Canadian Standard Association. This global organization engineered the standards for all sorts of industries. It includes industrial, medical, and sports equipment.
• HECC: Hockey Equipment Certification Council, or just HECC, provides and evaluates testing procedures for hockey equipment for the purpose of certification. If your helmet has this abbreviation, be sure that it’s fully tested by the council organization of the USA.
• CE: Conformitè Europëenne –  this one is the European standard for testing sports equipment.

If you decide to buy a helmet, you don’t even need to look for the certification because all of the sports equipment is automatically tested by any of these organizations. In some cases, you’ll see two certifications at once. For example, most of them are labelled according to the CSA, but if you look at the materials, you’ll also likely see ASTM.

Proper Fit: Why It Matters?

Fit is crucial when it comes to selecting a helmet. No matter if it’s expensive or technologically advanced, if it doesn’t fit right, it will be a waste of money. A correct fit protects you from many possible injuries during the game. So, your ideal helmet should be snug and comfortable.

Another consideration is that you need to select which helmet you want: one or two pieces. Some players prefer them with an adjustable exterior shell, while others like one piece of solid plastic. Two-piece helmets can be adjusted with specific tools to get a precise and snug fit for your head. Single-plastic ones may have special interior foam that will be custom-made for the player’s head. So, if you’re sure about your head size and type of helmet, choose a one-piece option. But if you can change the parameters of your helmet in the future, opt for the two-piece one.

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Features to Look for in an Ice Hockey Helmet

If you’re standing in the shop and want to know if a product is high-quality, look at the material. Hockey helmets are made from plastic and an inner liner; high-end ones use high-density polyethylene and vinyl nitrile for low-end options. Moreover, expensive options include a strategically placed cushion against rotation impact, which minimizes the risks of concussion. Beyond that, all of them have the same design:

• The exterior shell is made of extremely hard material and disperses the impact of contact with hard surfaces.
• The interior liner cushions the skull and protects it from damage.
• The cage and shield attach to the shell and protect the face from direct hits.

Helmet Maintenance for Long-Term Safety

If you buy a high-quality and new helmet, you can prolong its lifespan with the right maintenance. Cleaning and drying your helmet and facemask can prevent the materials from breaking down prematurely. So, consider carrying a special kit that comes with your helmet. It has essential screws, nuts, replacement straps, and a disassembling tool. If you repair and clean it in a timely manner, it can serve you for many years.

Customizing Your Helmet for Personal Preference

Once you have chosen your pokemon, you might want to know how to customize it to your personal preferences. Customization allows players to express their personality and achieve maximum safety.

• Adjust the Fit: Ensure your helmet fits snugly. Check the chin straps and test it at home by turning the head in a circle.
• Add Visor or Cage: A full cage will provide protection against particles and pucks.

• Custom Paint: Some players like to add custom designs to their helmets. But ensure that your paint won’t compromise the materials.
• Ear Guards and Accessories: You can also add ear guards for additional ear protection.

Where to Purchase a High-Quality Ice Hockey Helmet?

To ensure maximum safety and comfort, you must buy helmets only from reputable sources. Check your local sports shops to see if they have any available options. The main advantage of buying a helmet offline is that you’ll be able to try it on to check its fit. Another option includes buying in online sports stores, like HockeyMonkey.com, IceWarehouse.com, and PureHockey.com. There, you’ll find a wide range of variations and may find what you need at a competitive price.

If you don’t need to buy a new one, you can contact second-hand stores. Some of these shops often have budget options and can even sell new helmets for a budget price. The important thing to do when buying at second-hand stores is always to check the safety certifications and expiration date of the helmets.

Conclusion

The helmet is an important part of safety hockey gear. This is why you should take its acquisition seriously. Check all safety considerations and try it on to ensure a fully snug fit. While it can seem like a financial outlay, the high-quality helmet can save your life in the future. So, don’t skimp on it and buy any protection tools only from high-quality materials that pass all necessary safety standards.