This is an interesting and necessary topic...Unfortunately, the aesthetics are going to be everything for hockey players in the pros which will ultimately determine the retail market for youth. Look at the Itech helmets of the 90s, think the helmet from the Mighty Ducks movie. I had one in every color they made, I am a hoarder by genetics, and faced constant teasing as a result of having the "bobble head" helmet. They were massive in comparison to the stylish helmets Bauer and CCM were putting out. However, they had a true suspension setup on the inside of the helmet that prevented your actual head from making direct contact with the foam in the helmet. Allowing the helmet and foam to actually perform their function and disperse the shock into the helmet and not the head. Some current gen helmets have started adding a slight suspension system and trying to limit the amount of contact your head actually makes with the inside of the helmet but they aren't there yet. Ultimately, Itech stopped making it because it was ugly and wasn't adopted by the pros thus not resulting in retail sales. It is about time we start seeing some real world studies being done in the hockey market for this. With one of the sports biggest stars like him or not, Crosby, having some serious issues with concussions it is only a matter of time before the industry smartens up and makes a helmet that protects against concussions not just bumps and scrapes.