Any Bauer IMS 9.0 Owners?

[tburns517 3]

Looking into getting the Bauer IMS 9.0 helmet pretty soon to replace my 5100. The 5100 is a size medium and is a little too narrow for my head. After 45 minutes to an hour of use, I can feel the pressure on my temples. It almost seems as if I am borderline the medium and large sizes, but I will probably go with the bigger size. How do you like this helmet? I'd go for the Re-Akt but it's a bit out of my price range. I'm just looking for more comfort and decent protection.

[Buzz_LightBeer 962]

I didn't care for the fit of the 9.0. I had to readjust the sizing at least twice a period. I made the transition from 7K to 11K to 9.0 to Resistance. I'd skip the 9.0 and look into 11.0 or 7500.

Side note, are you using a cage? Is the cage too narrow and causing the pain?

[tburns517 3]

I didn't care for the fit of the 9.0. I had to readjust the sizing at least twice a period. I made the transition from 7K to 11K to 9.0 to Resistance. I'd skip the 9.0 and look into 11.0 or 7500.

Side note, are you using a cage? Is the cage too narrow and causing the pain?

I'm using an older Bauer Hybrid shield/cage, the Bauer Combo Deluxe 920, which I feel is too small for the helmet even though it is a size medium. While that could be a reason why it is uncomfortable, it is really hard to tell if that's the main cause of the pain because it is after a long period of use. Regardless, I am looking to upgrade. Commenting on the Resistance, I tried it on not too long ago and noticed that the back of the helmet seemed to be longer in length than the Bauer helmets, if that makes sense. I probably just have a short neck, but moving my head around while wearing it forced the helmet to tip forward. For example, if I were to be in a face off stance (body leaning slightly forward with head up) the problem would occur. I've looked into the 11.0 but I was more attracted to the Re-Akt type shell. Also, I noticed the 9.0 has memory foam temple pads, which I thought would help with the issue I'm having with my current helmet.

[Cavs019 702]

I had it for a bit and found it to be very uncomfortable, especially compared to the Re-Akt. I've come to prefer more plush padding in the helmet over top of EPP.

[MThockeydad 469]

Try the 7.0 or 11.0. With the floating suspension, it puts a lot less pressure on any particular points.

[Hermans 9]

I've had the helmet for about a year and half and my prior helmet was the 5500 and I have it in a medium. It does fit narrow, however there is more "flex" or "give" allowing the helmet to expand and fit my head that I experienced with the 5500. Also I found the softer yellow poron foams on the sides is very comfortable and remains so throughout a game.

[Tyler Roy 86]

If the 5100 is too narrow for your head going to a 7500 wouldn't be the answer.

[billygoat 0]

I wear the IMS 7.0 and really like it. My last helmet was a Reebok 7k and I am just done with the soft foam inserts. The glue lets go and they fall off. The IMS 7.0 is the best fitting helmet for my head I have ever worn. Very roomy. Note that they fit large. I wear a 7 1/2 hat but only a medium helmet.

[MikeWhy 39]

I've had 2 IMS 11.0's and had significant issues with the poron lining peeling and what not. Otherwise I would recommend it. Also I air the helmet out immediately after use and everything. Still causes issues.

In terms of fit though, I had the cascade M11 pro before this and it was amazing. So the fit, I am in love with. Just the poron I do not like and maybe it could be vented better.

[tburns517 3]

I've had the helmet for about a year and half and my prior helmet was the 5500 and I have it in a medium. It does fit narrow, however there is more "flex" or "give" allowing the helmet to expand and fit my head that I experienced with the 5500. Also I found the softer yellow poron foams on the sides is very comfortable and remains so throughout a game.

Thanks for your input. What attracted me to the IMS 9.0 was not only the memory foam pads in the temple area, but the Poron foam as well, considering the sides of my head are where it is uncomfortable.

I wear the IMS 7.0 and really like it. My last helmet was a Reebok 7k and I am just done with the soft foam inserts. The glue lets go and they fall off. The IMS 7.0 is the best fitting helmet for my head I have ever worn. Very roomy. Note that they fit large. I wear a 7 1/2 hat but only a medium helmet.

I wasn't really into the appearance of the liner and shell of the IMS 7.0, however from what you are saying, I feel the IMS 7.0 would fit me pretty well. I have a hat size of 7 1/2 also. At the same time, the quality of the IMS 7.0 to me didn't seem like it was worth the price.

I've had 2 IMS 11.0's and had significant issues with the poron lining peeling and what not. Otherwise I would recommend it. Also I air the helmet out immediately after use and everything. Still causes issues.

In terms of fit though, I had the cascade M11 pro before this and it was amazing. So the fit, I am in love with. Just the poron I do not like and maybe it could be vented better.

This concerns me a little, however, I am noticing that the IMS 9.0 and the IMS 11.0 have significantly different liner designs, and if I'm not mistaken, it looks as if the IMS 9.0 Poron foam is a bit thicker in the area where it is included compared to the IMS 11.0.

Considering I am getting a mixture of positive and negative responses, I will probably go to a local store and try out the different Bauer models.

[MikeWhy 39]

I feel if you're in the market for a helmet, a helmet is not something to skimp on because it protects the most important thing. So I would look and consider all helmets with top of the line protection. And maybe see if you can snatch up a m11 pro on clearance somewhere

[MThockeydad 469]

I have the Large M11 (not Pro) and it fits my 7 5/8" head just fine. I have a very long, narrow head.

The Large Bauer 4400 and 5100 fit me pretty well, too.

The M11 is a LOT more comfortable. They only made them for a few years, but it was only a few years ago. Their HECC certs expire in 2017 and 2018 so it's not like they're ancient.

x2 on the suggestion to find one on clearance

[Munsons 2]

I have the IMS 9.0 and I love it. Pretty sure I went from a 5100, but I could be wrong about that. I had the same issue with the previous helmet, too narrow. I usually wear it for 1.5 or 2 hours at a time and I would get headaches from the old one. The IMS fits great though, no problems at all after extended wear.

[tburns517 3]

I have the IMS 9.0 and I love it. Pretty sure I went from a 5100, but I could be wrong about that. I had the same issue with the previous helmet, too narrow. I usually wear it for 1.5 or 2 hours at a time and I would get headaches from the old one. The IMS fits great though, no problems at all after extended wear.

Did you end up buying the same size or a size larger in the IMS 9.0?

[Munsons 2]

Same size (large).

[ntwusc 62]

I went from a medium 5100 that was too narrow to a medium IMS 9.0, and it is far more comfortable. Like everything else, try on as many models as you can, but the 9.0 would probably work for you.