mbhockeyplaya88 0 Report post Posted November 7, 2008 I was recently driven from behind head first into the glass and sustatined a concussion from the impact. I am now dealing with post concussion syndrome and will be out of hockey for a littel while because of it. I was wearin a NBH 5500 helmet with an Oakley half visor(not sure if this matters or not). My question is now that i have sustained a head injury, would i benefit from going from my 5500 up to a 8500 or 9500 helmet. I love the fit of the NBH lid, but if there is another brand that fits similar to NBH that will offer greater protection i have no qualms about switching. Thanks in advance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ID Rollerpop 4 Report post Posted November 7, 2008 Actually the best thing that you can do to protect yourself from concussion is to invest in a good custom mouthguard made by your dentist. If not your dentist there are a few companies online that offer a custom by mail set up including Gladiator. You can check them out at http://www.customguards.com/ As far as the helmet goes a nice snug fit is your best bet regardless of make or model. However since you have taken a big hit in your 5500 which is an EPP helmet you will need to replace it no matter what. I have been hearing nothing but great reviews for the Bauer 9500 so you may want to look at it. Good luck with that noggin. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mbhockeyplaya88 0 Report post Posted November 7, 2008 As far as the helmet goes a nice snug fit is your best bet regardless of make or model. However since you have taken a big hit in your 5500 which is an EPP helmet you will need to replace it no matter what. Just to make sure im reading this right, the EPP in my 5500 is no longer good (for lack of a better word) because fo the impact? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
joshy207 15 Report post Posted November 7, 2008 Yeah, EPP is designed to absorb a lot of the shock from impacts, so it does lose its effectiveness over time, or after a huge collision like you sustained.I'll second the mouthguard suggestion. That'll help immensely.You can upgrade to an 8500 or 9500, or buy a new 5500, whatever fits you best, as long as you get that mouthguard. You can get a concussion without even being hit directly in the head. It's the whiplash effect and/or your jaws slamming shut that can cause a concussion. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mbhockeyplaya88 0 Report post Posted November 7, 2008 i use one of the shockdoctor mold and bite mouthguards, would it be in my best interest to upgrade from this? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andoy 5 Report post Posted November 7, 2008 I say go to your dentist and have him fit you for a custom mouthguard (not the anti-grinding one) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tlminh 0 Report post Posted November 8, 2008 As a physician myself, the $5 vs $200 mouthguards have shown no difference in improved protection from concussions.Added benefit is comfort, other than that, no evidence of improved protection in contact sportsBottom line: wear ANY mouthguard Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
duch 0 Report post Posted November 8, 2008 As already stated you should change your helmet. You can go with anything from the 5500 up to the 9500, anything with an EPP liner. I have the 8500 and find the cushioning far superior to any other helmet from other manufacturers. An 8500 or a 9500 with a mouthguard would also be my recommendation once you've fully recovered from your concussion. Give yourself a little time and don't rush back, the game will still be there.Another option might be the Cascade helmet but not a lot of lot of players like the look of the helmet. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ID Rollerpop 4 Report post Posted November 9, 2008 I agree that if you are able to keep a $5.00 to $10.00 dollar mouthguard in place properly it can propbably give the same ammount of goncussion protection as a custom mouthgard. However that is really a big if for a lot of people. My experience has been that even boil and bite mouthguards are so loose that they do not stay in place as well as you need it to to offer the protection that you need it to provide. BTW most custom mouthguards that I have seen are still closer to $30.00 than $200.00. Plus you may be able to get your dental insurance to cover it or part of it if you have that type of coverage. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldtrainerguy28 478 Report post Posted November 9, 2008 I agree that if you are able to keep a $5.00 to $10.00 dollar mouthguard in place properly it can propbably give the same ammount of goncussion protection as a custom mouthgard. However that is really a big if for a lot of people. My experience has been that even boil and bite mouthguards are so loose that they do not stay in place as well as you need it to to offer the protection that you need it to provide. BTW most custom mouthguards that I have seen are still closer to $30.00 than $200.00. Plus you may be able to get your dental insurance to cover it or part of it if you have that type of coverage.a cage done up properly is really going to be even better! A mouthgaurd with a proper fitting helmet and done up tight cage is the only way to prevent them! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites