another helmet question...

[tbintexas 0]

ok - here's ANOTHER helmet question - please bear with me! First off, let me say that we have extremely limited choices in helmet's down here in South Texas (can't try on/buy local unless I want a Nike Quest, CCM 692 or NBH 5000). Second, I've tried to read all topics here - really! Third, I have tried on as many helmets as I could but haven't been able to fondle any of the new stuff.

I currently wear a CCM 1092. It fits well but is heavy and hot. Wore a Carbster in the past (Large size but it was a tad too big). Have a 652 also that fits 'OK' but is almost too narrow for me. Traded for a Mission Intake which has MUCH better airflow but hurts too much behind the ears (on the bone). Tried on a friends (just in the dressing room) RBK 8k and it seems to fit well. I'm not sure about the airflow on that one though? Have never tried a 6k or Easton or Vector.

I'm all about protecting from concussions but I don't know if I want to spend $150 on a lid - that's not to say I won't but I would prefer not too. I play in a couple of low-end leagues with no checking and very little contact. Ive read/heard the mantra with helmets (same as skates) is the best one is the one that fits, but I really would like something lighter and with better airflow than my 1092, but not break the bank if I can help it.

So, doing some research, we have the Vector (v8 and V10), RBK (6k and 8k) and Easton (Stealth 9 vs 17) and NBH 9500. All listed here except the 9500 and 6k/8k have choices in VN vs. EPP. I've heard that the EPP is supposed to be better a protection but there are many people here who don't necessarily believe that. Also the VN supposedly soaks up sweat better correct? Anything else between the two that I'm missing? One is hotter than the other for example, or more/less comfortable? The 8k has the microdial, the 6k doesn't. The 4k is VN I realize.

So all that being said, is there something here that would fit like a 1092, that would be light and provide excellent airflow? What about VN vs EPP?

Thanks in advance!

[Chadd 916]

V08 with VN. Nice helmet, similar fit, great value. Probably going to fit in a medium, they run large.

[boganz45 0]

Try a brand new caged 8500 for $105...

[5HoleMadman 6]

Not to steal your thread, but I've read the same thing about the VN vs. EPP. Does it work better than the EPP for sweat control. I've only used the VN so I'm not familiar with EPP. Also, I notice that Zetterberg uses the S9 with the VN in it rather than the S17. What are your thoughts?

[Chadd 916]

Not to steal your thread, but I've read the same thing about the VN vs. EPP. Does it work better than the EPP for sweat control.

Neither style of padding "controls sweat". If you want that, get a helmet with better ventilation or wear a skull cap or a sweat band.

[5HoleMadman 6]

So I won't see much difference then in tha amount of sweat? So it's mainly for a comfort?

[chippa13 1844]

Exactly, my Easton S9 with VN is actually more of a sweat bucket than my Mission Intake.

[Smitty34 0]

I always had sweat problems with my old Itech (with VN) until I switched to the 6k. The ventilation that helmet gets is amazing.

As Chadd said, sweat is dictated by ventilation, not the padding.

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Exactly, my Easton S9 with VN is actually more of a sweat bucket than my Mission Intake.

Hahaha don't tell that to TBLFan.

[Gummer12 134]

Also the VN supposedly soaks up sweat better correct?

I wouldn't necissarily call it Better...yes it soaks up sweat, but in the long run it hardens up the VN and reduces it's effectiveness.

The 8k has the microdial, the 6k doesn't

Micro Dial = Useless Never use mine. If the helmet is fitted correctly, you shouldn't need it.

That being said, there are some places that have 8K's on sale for 90 or so without cage. HM for one, and also has some non standard colors if you're looking for something specific. 8K's ventilation is pretty good. Don't have much sweat issues and I sweat like a hog. The only sweat issue with the 8K and those similar with EPP and any sort of comfort pads is that those pads aren't really glued on very securely..so after some time they'll tend to slide around if not eventually fall right out.

As far as I've read, seen, and heard the Intake has been the best vented helmet to date. I have a couple Itech HC100's which are damn near equals, and they are very breezy buckets. And you can find Intakes pretty reasonable and easily.

*Edit, if you're sold on VN, The old HC95s are still available on certain places..HW has a bunch.

[tbintexas 0]

problem is that as I stated in my first post, the Intake hurts behind my ear!

I'm definitely not sold on VN - just wondering what the pros/cons were.

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

9500 will fix that.

[TBLfan 25]

Exactly, my Easton S9 with VN is actually more of a sweat bucket than my Mission Intake.

Hahaha don't tell that to TBLFan.

:lol: Don't hate. I bought a freaking helmet just to compare(ok, that's an excuse).

Sorry meng, maybe my sweat glands don't like EPP. 9500 is definitely the only thing that comes close to a cool helmet. Like I said, the difference might be the VN soaking in the little bit of sweat dripping down my face. Literally, a couple of beads of sweat are the only difference... Well that and about $100.

[MLSman 22]

V08 with VN. Nice helmet, similar fit, great value. Probably going to fit in a medium, they run large.

+1 on the V08...went to that this summer. They run large..usually wear a medium but in the V08 I had to go with a small. I never liked the feel of the EPP. Since the V08 is just a V10 with VN, at $57 it is a steal compared to other top of the line helmets. Very light and comfortable.