pro stock helmets

[voss 0]

also the shell the 6k is abs while the 8k is CF

[Hockey Player 0]

also the shell the 6k is abs while the 8k is CF

yup. But, that's not really a big difference. To me, the only major difference is the microdial.

And, I've started looking for reviews of the Nike Bauer 4500. It's still a big debate for me, whether to return for one more season with VN, or the change to EPP. Anyways, I'll try the other helmets I've noted, and if those aren't to my liking, I'll try the 4500.

[Doctor Hook 0]

also the shell the 6k is abs while the 8k is CF

yup. But, that's not really a big difference. To me, the only major difference is the microdial.

And, I've started looking for reviews of the Nike Bauer 4500. It's still a big debate for me, whether to return for one more season with VN, or the change to EPP. Anyways, I'll try the other helmets I've noted, and if those aren't to my liking, I'll try the 4500.

I rock the 4500 and it's the best helmet I've ever owned. Lightweight, quality protection, good airflow, won't break the bank, and looks like a player helmet. Get it, you won't be unhappy. The only mod I did was I shaved a bit of the forehead foam which hung below the plastic, but this was for aesthetics.

[Hockey Player 0]

also the shell the 6k is abs while the 8k is CF

yup. But, that's not really a big difference. To me, the only major difference is the microdial.

And, I've started looking for reviews of the Nike Bauer 4500. It's still a big debate for me, whether to return for one more season with VN, or the change to EPP. Anyways, I'll try the other helmets I've noted, and if those aren't to my liking, I'll try the 4500.

I rock the 4500 and it's the best helmet I've ever owned. Lightweight, quality protection, good airflow, won't break the bank, and looks like a player helmet. Get it, you won't be unhappy. The only mod I did was I shaved a bit of the forehead foam which hung below the plastic, but this was for aesthetics.

I keep hearing great things about it. Did you ever try EPP before?

I'm an Oiler fan BTW, and earlier in the season, both Matt Greene and Petr Sykora changed from a Mission Intake to the 4500, while Marty Reasoner did the opposite. And, I think Jason Spezza from the Sens switched from an Intake to the 4500 also.

I wonder if it had anything to do with sponsorship.

I'll definately consider this lid.

[Razr 2]

also the shell the 6k is abs while the 8k is CF

yup. But, that's not really a big difference. To me, the only major difference is the microdial.

And, I've started looking for reviews of the Nike Bauer 4500. It's still a big debate for me, whether to return for one more season with VN, or the change to EPP. Anyways, I'll try the other helmets I've noted, and if those aren't to my liking, I'll try the 4500.

4500 is the same as the 4000

[TCsnipes9 0]

Like the Doc, I too wear the 4500. Ive said it before, but IMO the 4500 IS the best looking helmet out there. Although they are virtually the same helmets with different logos, the 4500 wraps around the bottom of my head better than my old 4000 & 0004 (Nike's version of the 4000) which is a big plus.

[TBLfan 25]

Well people say that the 652 and the 692 are the same helmet with a slightly different designed shell... They aren't, the 692 is wider.

You can't believe everything you hear. :)

[Hockey Player 0]

also the shell the 6k is abs while the 8k is CF

yup. But, that's not really a big difference. To me, the only major difference is the microdial.

And, I've started looking for reviews of the Nike Bauer 4500. It's still a big debate for me, whether to return for one more season with VN, or the change to EPP. Anyways, I'll try the other helmets I've noted, and if those aren't to my liking, I'll try the 4500.

4500 is the same as the 4000

I knew that already. When Nike and Bauer were seperate, they each made a version of the helmet, the 0004 and the 4000, respectively. When Nike bought Bauer hockey, they added the Nike logo to it.

And TCsnipes9, I also realised the padding thing. I must also agree that the 4500 is the best looking lid out there.

The CCMs and the Bauer 8500 are too bulky, the Intake looks weird on people (a bit round, don't you think?, but descent on some), the Jofa...lol...too melon looking (imgagine if Selanne ever played for the Wild and had to get a green one. He'd actually look like he's wearing a melon). The RBKs are unique, but why the silver on the sides? I rather the prostock ones....better looking.

[LkptTiger 1]

I'm still playing with a couple of Nike 0004 buckets I've got around here. I love 'em - they fit great, they offer sufficient protection, they look decent and the logos are easy to remove/hide. Going to need a new one next season (for color matching purposes), so it looks like The Hockey Shop will be getting business...unless I can find them somewhere else.

[Hockey Player 0]

Has anyone ever gotten nailed with their 0004, 4000 or 4500 here?

How is the after effect of the hit?

And, I'm asking the same question about EPP helmets.

Still trying to figure out which is better.

[TBLfan 25]

If you take a hard enough hit with either, you're going to feel it.The difference in protection is minimal.

[Doctor Hook 0]

Has anyone ever gotten nailed with their 0004, 4000 or 4500 here?

How is the after effect of the hit?

And, I'm asking the same question about EPP helmets.

Still trying to figure out which is better.

Yeah, I took a headfirst tumble into the endboards at a pretty good pace and I was fine. Course, I have a hard head. In college, my roomies and I would practice WWE style chair shots and Singaporean cane shots.

[CapsFan 5]

Has anyone ever gotten nailed with their 0004, 4000 or 4500 here?

How is the after effect of the hit?

And, I'm asking the same question about EPP helmets.

Still trying to figure out which is better.

I had a stick broken over my head with my 4000 on. (Total cheap shot to say the least.) I definitely felt it, but I was ok. I felt a little bit out of it afterwards and had a headache for a day or so. The helmet held up pretty well. It didn't crack, but you could see where the stick made impact.

I probably could have kept using it, but I decided to replace it just in case. I got a 8500 and I love it. Very comfy and good ventilation. I haven't taken any shots to the head with it yet though. I hope I don't. ;)

[Hockey Player 0]

Thanks for your replies. I guess it'll all come down to fit and comfort.

So, my final 3 options are the 4500, the RBK 6k and the Mission Intake.

[Doctor Hook 0]

Thanks for your replies. I guess it'll all come down to fit and comfort.

So, my final 3 options are the 4500, the RBK 6k and the Mission Intake.

4500 is the coolest and least expensive of the lot.

[DarkStar50 679]

Go with the Intake. I had my feet pulled out from under me last week in a game. Landed on my back with the back of my Intake smashing the ice. I was on the ice for a few seconds waiting to feel the worst to my head. I was fine and got back up for the rest of the game. The same play happened last summer with my CCM HT2. I felt that hit to the back of my head before I even got back to the bench. My CCM was a bit old so that didn't help in the protection department. After that play last summer I went straight for a helmet with EPP. Never let the price of a helmet influence your final decision. This is your head you are protecting.

[Hockey Player 0]

Go with the Intake. I had my feet pulled out from under me last week in a game. Landed on my back with the back of my Intake smashing the ice. I was on the ice for a few seconds waiting to feel the worst to my head. I was fine and got back up for the rest of the game. The same play happened last summer with my CCM HT2. I felt that hit to the back of my head before I even got back to the bench. My CCM was a bit old so that didn't help in the protection department. After that play last summer I went straight for a helmet with EPP. Never let the price of a helmet influence your final decision. This is your head you are protecting.

My CCM HT2 let me down too. I was on a breakaway and got tripped, hit my head on the ice, concussion. I started scouting for a lid, but finished the season with my HT2. I didn't trust it anymore. Everytime I got hit, it loosened.

I was looking at EPP, but a few people here said that VN was better. I dissagreed at 1st, but now I'm looking at the 4500 in addition to the rest.

The price will not influence me on buying on or another.

I made it clear that I'm ready to pay to protect my head.

[TBLfan 25]

The HT2 as well as the *52 aren't the most protective for the back of the head, I believe it has to do with the design of the back of the helmet shell being flat and not having the raised vent holes as the *92 series or ht400. That's why I don't use a 652 anymore, my ht400 and 692 have protected me when I've slammed my head to the ice or playing surface... The 652 left me dazed.

[halfmoonyote 0]

I still haven't found anything big enough for my melon that fits comfortable without modification. I wear a size 8 or 8 1/8 in fitted hats, so getting a comfortable helmet right off the rack is always a chore. I see that NBH offers XL size now, and I'll most likely give it a try.

[Hockey Player 0]

I think CCMs and RBKs fit big heads. BTW, if you go CCM, get the higher models....ignore the HT2, or anything similar.

[shifter 0]

I have a question. Does the different packs of foam in the EPP foam change a thing? Like using memory foam and gel packs in the EPP helmets (e.g NBH 5500,8500,intake,rbk 8k,etc)

[Doctor Hook 0]

I still haven't found anything big enough for my melon that fits comfortable without modification. I wear a size 8 or 8 1/8 in fitted hats, so getting a comfortable helmet right off the rack is always a chore. I see that NBH offers XL size now, and I'll most likely give it a try.

I rock a 7.5 hat and got a 4500 in size XL. Clicked out a few notches with a few to spare, so this may fit your needs (and head).

[epstud74 24]

I still haven't found anything big enough for my melon that fits comfortable without modification. I wear a size 8 or 8 1/8 in fitted hats, so getting a comfortable helmet right off the rack is always a chore. I see that NBH offers XL size now, and I'll most likely give it a try.

I rock a 7.5 hat and got a 4500 in size XL. Clicked out a few notches with a few to spare, so this may fit your needs (and head).

I wear a hearing aid in my left ear..(stay away from loud booms) I'm still looking for a newer helmet that can fit me comfortably around my ear without creating feedback. I wonder if my LHS can cut some of the foam around it without making a mess or compromising the helmet. I have an old CCM 652 but the padding is wore down and about to just plain fall out. I customized it a few years back, BUT it is just wearing down.

[joshy207 15]

Go with the Intake. I had my feet pulled out from under me last week in a game. Landed on my back with the back of my Intake smashing the ice. I was on the ice for a few seconds waiting to feel the worst to my head. I was fine and got back up for the rest of the game. The same play happened last summer with my CCM HT2. I felt that hit to the back of my head before I even got back to the bench. My CCM was a bit old so that didn't help in the protection department. After that play last summer I went straight for a helmet with EPP. Never let the price of a helmet influence your final decision. This is your head you are protecting.

Same thing happened to my brother (prenny207) a few years ago, but it was with an Itech 100, right as they were coming out to market. He got slew-footed and his head bounced off the ice HARD. He was fine, felt no ill effects other than a sore neck. His HT2, which like yours was old, wouldn't have done the trick.

That said, I've never worn an EPP helmet and I don't know that I will. I'm quite comfortable with the VN in my 4000.

[halfmoonyote 0]

I rock a 7.5 hat and got a 4500 in size XL. Clicked out a few notches with a few to spare, so this may fit your needs (and head).

Hook - thanks for the info. I just put one on order. Hopefully it does the trick. I've modified every bucket I've owned. They all feel fine for the first 15 minutes of the game, then feel like they're squeezing my nugget to the point that my eyes are bulging out.