Bauer 4500 does not fit like a Bauer 4000

[Garpenlov 0]

This might be more of a question for shop owners...

I used to wear a Bauer 4000HHS (HHS=Hockey Helmet Small) but after the usual cracking of the frame, I went to replace it with a 4500 helmet. I ordered a small online and discovered that a small didn't fit me. Normally I would just compare the bucket's circumference, but I can't since I already threw the broken one out (I didn't plan on having this problem).

So I just wanted to confirm - did my head get bigger or did Nike-Bauer change the sizing of the 4500?

If I went shopping for a 5500 and I used to wear a size medium 5000, should I go shopping for a size Large 5500?

Thanks!

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

I went from a bauer 1000 to a 4500, L to XL.

There is a big difference between those two sizes (to me anyway), but I think where the fit is different, is the width.

The 4500 feels like a wider helmet, relative to the extra length from moving up a size.

I could be wrong but thats what it feels like to me

[Rustpot 1]

I own an XL 4000 I bought 2 years ago. Tried on a 4500 last winter and it felt tighter on the sides of my head. I don't recall how the 4000 fit when new, so I'm not sure if it's a break-in issue or not.

You might just not have the foam broken in and it fits more rigidly at the moment, but if you let the foam form a bit it might fit better.

I, for one, don't want the extra ridge on top, and I haven't broken my bucket in two years. I'm trying to find an XL 4000 in black or white, anyone got one? I hate changing the cage so often to use it for reffing, and if I were to use a visor it would further complicate things.

[Garpenlov 0]

Good point Rustpot - especially about the visor. What's the deal with Bauer helmets and visors, they just seem incompatible. Thanks again for the input - both of you.

[damian 0]

yeah i went from a 5000M to a 5500L

[MLSman 22]

I've got news for all of you guys...

Even all of the 4500s in the same size do not fit the same. I have a 4500 in a size medium in Navy, Royal and Black. The Black is the tightest fit....the Navy is a little looser, and the Royal is the loosest. I know you might question the fit due to adjustment, but with each, I have loosened the 4 helmet screws, pushed the helmet as tight as it can possibly go, and then tightened the screws.

The fact is that it appears that the mold for the plastic...or the cut of the VN material...or some other minor deviation in the fitting of the pieces prevents all of the helmets from fitting exactly alike.