Reebok 5K Helmet

[goosedennis 0]

Last November, my Nike-Bauer 5500 helmet developed a crack after taking an elbow to the temple (actually it was on the other side where my head hit the boards) so I had to find a new lid. I settled on the 5k after doing a little research

Fit:

The 5k comes in three sizes, large, medium, and small like most helmets. There is a "FITCLIP" adjustment system for length, which you can pop up and move the two shells, for lack of a better term. Unlike the upper models of the xK series, the 5K does not have a width adjustment system. As long as you choose the right helmet size, this should not be a huge killer, though.

Score: 7/10

Protection

There isn't really a way to test the protection of a helmet without asking someone to nail you in the head a few times and I'd rather not do that.

Score: N/A

Weight

While I was trying on helmets, the lightest one I tried on was the 7K (I even tried on the 11K, but I wasn't going to drop $200 on a helmet if there is an equally protective helmet for under $100). The 5K helmet isn't quite as light as a lot of the high-end helmets, but it isn't extraordinarily heavy.

Score: 6/10

Durability

I have had the helmet for nine months or so, not a long enough time to really test its durability, but I took a slapper off the back of the head in stick and puck and didn't notice a dent, crack, or even a scratch. I did notice the "FITCLIP"s moving up by themselves a few times which could result in quite a few issues during a collision.

Score: 6.5/10

Intangibles

This could fit under the "comfort" category, but a problem I have with the helmet is the lack of air flow. Reebok advertises "max vents for maximum air flow," but I can feel myself heating up more in this helmet than any other I've owned (including goalie masks). As a result, the decreased flow causes me to sweat more. The chin strap "hooks" have a tendency to break, and I've gone through two of them already.

Score: 4/10

Conclusion

The Reebok 5k helmet may not be the best helmet there is, but it's a great option if you're looking for a lower-priced helmet that will still offer good protection.

Score: 6/10