Itech Goalie Masks

[Ivan 1]

I read that Itech 1200 is not protechtive enough for competitive hockey. What about Itech 2500? Will I bew better off with Itech 4600? How about the 4601 model? What's up with the non-certified cat's eyes mask?

Thank you.

[Fleury2929 0]

1)No they are not protective enough, they down right suck. They aren't called a widowmaker for nothing

2)Itech 2500 also sucks, anything below itech 4000 should not be trusted on anyones heads

3)You would be better off with a 4000, but maybe go with a different company like NXI or sportmask.I have never heard of the 4602?? There is a 4601, it is the same mask as the 4600, but it has non certified cateyes. That is if you aren't over 18 you cannot use this type of cage. Also check with your league if it is legal or not. It just has better sitelines than a conventional vertical and horizontal bar type setup.

And just for the record it is spelt

gOALie

[Ivan 1]

1)No they are not protective enough, they down right suck. They aren't called a widowmaker for nothing

2)Itech 2500 also sucks, anything below itech 4000 should not be trusted on anyones heads

3)You would be better off with a 4000, but maybe go with a different company like NXI or sportmask.I have never heard of the 4602?? There is a 4601, it is the same mask as the 4600, but it has non certified cateyes. That is if you aren't over 18 you cannot use this type of cage. Also check with your league if it is legal or not. It just has better sitelines than a conventional vertical and horizontal bar type setup.

And just for the record it is spelt

gOALie

Appreciate the input. Sorry for the typos): Corrected.

[OhMyGodImOnFire 0]

I beg to differ.

[vision 0]

Non-certified cages have larger eye openings but that doesn't necessarily mean that they provide better vision (<-get the pun?). Some people find the vertical/horizontal layout of a certified cage to be less distracting and therefore providing them an advantage in seeing the puck. It is a very individual thing and I have seen some goalies sporting the certified cage at high levels of play for just that reason.

That said (or rather typed), I've played for years in a cat's eye cage and can't adjust to the standard certified.

::m

[TBLfan 25]

go with a NXI, sportmask or eddy. They will protect your head for a lot cheaper than an itech. I prefer NXI myself.

[Fleury2929 0]

I beg to differ.

Then why the hell don't you express your opinion, instead of being a post whore?? If you are going to add anything to the conversation(which half your posts don't add anything) make it something useful. Don't just up your post count!!

Noobs these days!!

And I agree with TBLfan

Go with those one of them three companies!! I have a sportmask, only cost around 350, and it is one of the best masks I have tried on. I can't say anything about the NXI, or Eddy but the sportmasks are great.

Websites

I can't find the Eddy website, so someone else can fill that in.

http://www.sportmask.com/

http://www.nxidefensesystems.com/

[TBLfan 25]

http://www.eddymasks.com/

One of my good friends uses an eddy, he loves it.

Basically for an itech that will really protect your head in competitive hockey you'll end up spending $400+ with the smaller companies like we mentioned you can spend about $200 and get a mask that will hold up well. For pro level protection from those same companies you'll end up spending around $400.

Itech pays for goalies to wear their masks in pro leagues. They have to get that money from somewhere and guess where that money comes from... that's right, customers.

[OhMyGodImOnFire 0]

I beg to differ.

Then why the hell don't you express your opinion, instead of being a post whore?? If you are going to add anything to the conversation(which half your posts don't add anything) make it something useful. Don't just up your post count!!

Noobs these days!!

And yet, I'm on Mod approval.

go with a NXI, sportmask or eddy. They will protect your head for a lot cheaper than an itech. I prefer NXI myself.

;)

Check out the Olie line of masks, too. I know it's a personal favorite of Netminer32

[Fleury2929 0]

And yet, I'm on Mod approval.

And yet you still don't add anything to conversations.

And what the fuck is Mod approval?

[TBLfan 25]

it means a moderator has to approve his posts before we can see it.

[Netminder32 32]

And yet, I'm on Mod approval.

And yet you still don't add anything to conversations.

And what the fuck is Mod approval?

Language...

I've given OMGIOF approvals, I find that he usually asks good questions and contributes to the board. I like "most" of his posts. Yes, that one was sketchy but he's learning. :)

I would agree with you on the Itech model vs. performance comments. 4000 and up for any serious level of ice hockey. The 2500 series and down is kinda scarey in any league where something might actually hit your mask.

OMGIOF also mentioned the Olie line. I am also a big fan of their masks. They've always been very protective, they have kevlar reinforced forehead and chin areas and are extremely reasonably priced. With their new for 2007 production process they should prove to be an even better product at a price the others simply don't touch. Definitely worth a look.

Also, as vision mentioned. Sometimes the cateye cage doesn't necessarily improve your line of vision. I actually switched back to a "cert" cage after years of using a cateye. One of the masks I ordered arrived with a cert cage on it and I thought I'd try it out before changing the cage out. I found my peripheral vision was actually improved because the bars didn't intersect right at the side of my range of vision. I've been using a cert cage ever since.

Ultimately the best advice is, try on as many different masks as you can before deciding. They all fit different and we all have different head sizes so what works best for one person won't necessarily work best for everyone.

[jjalb29 0]

Had a pro masque for about 8 years, then got a 2500 at a great price (free!) and yes was pretty skeptical if it would be enough, no probs so far.

I would have to say that the Itech 2500 does offer some pretty good protection. Not sure what level your at, but I have taken some good dingers off the head and have had no problems...biggest problem was the backplate pad falling out, but got that fixed.

[TBLfan 25]

it really doesn't.

[Ivan 1]

How about this one? Looks like a good deal.

http://www.hockeygiant.com/tpsgm1clwn.html

Or Koho 570.

Thanks

[Fleury2929 0]

How about this one? Looks like a good deal.

http://www.hockeygiant.com/tpsgm1clwn.html

Or Koho 570.

Thanks

I think the Koho is the better choice of the two that you chose

[sc37 0]

The TPS one isn't bad...I've seen them going for $150 which is a great price. It's about the same price as the Itech, but the TPS is made of composites rather than plastic so it's definitely more protective.

[TBLfan 25]

depending on your level of play you still might want to upgrade. I'll never understand why people will pay $1000+ on pads without batting an eye but will try to skimp on a helmet.

I don't necessarily mean you per-say but in general.

[Ivan 1]

Thank you all.

[Chadd 916]

I beg to differ.

Then why the hell don't you express your opinion, instead of being a post whore?? If you are going to add anything to the conversation(which half your posts don't add anything) make it something useful. Don't just up your post count!!

Noobs these days!!

And I agree with TBLfan

Go with those one of them three companies!! I have a sportmask, only cost around 350, and it is one of the best masks I have tried on. I can't say anything about the NXI, or Eddy but the sportmasks are great.

Websites

I can't find the Eddy website, so someone else can fill that in.

http://www.sportmask.com/

http://www.nxidefensesystems.com/

Warning added for abuse of another member.