AnthonyJTa

Product: Mission Intake Large Helmet I had a $45 store credit at a local Play It Again Sports, and they were gushing about the Mission Intake.... the store was closing, and offered an additional 20% off everything in the store to cut moving costs... they JUST got the Intake in, so their loss was my gain. FIT: 10/10 Coming from a Bauer 4000 helmet, the "Cellflex" foam did everything but flex. I felt real clunky. The adjustments on the Intake were really simple. I have a bigger head, so it felt like the Intake conformed to my head, instead of just placing itself on top. The EPP foam, with gel-foam inserts are about 50 times more confortable than the foam in the Bauer 4000. PROTECTION: 10/10 I've only been playing ice hockey about a year, so I don't play with contact... just pickup, and drop-in sessions. I've only taken 1 or 2 diggers (since I've gotten better on my skates) but one of them I took note of- I fell backward pretty hard, and the helmet stayed on my head, thanks to the fit- but I'm putting on the "Protection" summary instead, because the fit alone plays into the protection. The "Mission Head-Lock" is supposedly what keeps the lid on. When I went backward with my Bauer, it would slip right off my head- making for some scary encounters.. WEIGHT: 10/10 I would have to say there isn't too noticeable difference in weight... I still wear my Bauer every so often and the major difference in feel is the fit, as opposed to the weight. I can't take fromt he score over that. DURABILITY: 10/10 I've had this helmet for about 2 months, and no issues so far. However, I make it a point to put it out to dry after each skate, and I notice on the rare occasions I do forget it in the car- the gelfoam holds mosture like crazy... it will still be sobbing wet the next morning when I go out to bring it in. As it seems durable, if not taken care of properly, I can see the gel foam being an issue. Nothing a little T.L.C can't avoid. INTANGIBLES: 10/10 The ventilation on the Intake is amazing. You can feel the air channeled through the helmet as you're putting around and it does keep my head cooler. (I shave my head, so I feel a noticeable difference) It also keeps my visro pretty clear, as there's more space on the Intake than the Bauer. CONCLUSION: 10/10 As a beginner, I was just looking to try something new. My Bauer got smelly and dirty fast... however with the ventilation, and proper care by drying- the Mission Intake have been a better experience. It conforms to the head, and the Mission Head Lock keeps the lid intact in the even of a spill. The fit, and EPP foam are piece of mind enough in knowing you're safe out there.

my first post... so I figure I'd reply to this one... I've only been playing for about 8 months Helmet: Mission Intake w/ ITech straight cut visor... I love the feel of the Intake, in comparison to my old Bauer. When I tried it on, I was sold. Shoulder Pads: ITech SP50..... I only play pickup hockey, and stick & puck sessions... so these are light, and do the trick Elbows: RBK 6K... they were mid-priced, and like I said- I don't play anything too competitive Gloves: RBK 5K Team Canada 14" (Black/Red) and RBK 6K 13" in black. I used to have some Bauer SDP Pro's, but they were too roomy for me, I like the compact feel of the RBK's more... constrictive is nice Pants: CCM Pro girdle, with black Tackla shells... I liked the girdle a lot more than the standard pants.. again, I guess I like the tight stuff. The protection on this thing rocks. shins: RBK 6K.... see the explanation for the elbows. skates: RBK 5K Pumps, and RBK 8K's...both size 7.5E... I got the RBK's to get back into skating... I'm a beginner, buut I'm a pretty big guy.. although the fit/feel of the RBK's, but I felt like someone my size was going to blow out the 5K's... so I upgraded to the 8K, for stiffness sake, and support. Stick: this is where I get a little ridiculous... haha (all lefties) -3 Easton Synergy SL Pro Stock B. Coburn pattern (Drury curve).. they were on sale for $80/ea at my lhs. I figured I would "stock up" since I had a lil extra $$.... come to find out, they're a 120 flex, and I've cut them down about 2 inches.. it's reeking havoc on my shot. -1 Bauer Vapor XXX pro stock P91 pattern/102 flex, made for Univ of North Dakota... black shaft, turns hunter green at the blade. -1 Bauer Vapor XXX Lite, Kovalchuk pattern, 102 flex.. I love the pattern, and I liked the Vapor XXX, so I figured try out the XXX Lite -1 Easton CNT Stealth, Forberg pattern, 100 flex