sickwilly 37 Report post Posted February 20, 2009 I'm looking for some help in selecting a new helmet. I've had several concussions and may be about one bad collision away from having to hang 'em up. I live a long way away from any good pro shop, so I can't really try anything on/look at stuff. I have a pretty regular head - at least as far as fitting helmets goes.Currently using Cascade CHX w/matching mask and don't like the fit/poor ventilation.I'm interested in hearing what you think of the newer helmets that are out there (I've read the reviews that are already posted elsewhere and tried to search for a similar thread).Thanks in advance for your help! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
beaverpower 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2009 I have the Bauer 9500 + cage combo. I've smacked my head on the ice twice very hard, so loud to the point people stopped to see if I was ok. Didn't bother me at all, except the loud sound. It's also easily adjustable in several areas while playing. It allows you to customize the fit.The last helmet I has was a Cooper from the mid 90's, so as far as new helmets go, I don't have anything to compare it too. I didn't want to take any chances so I just went with top of the line and comfort. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JR Boucicaut 3803 Report post Posted February 20, 2009 Wearing a mouthguard? A well-fitted mouthguard goes a long way. I learned my lesson after the 6th. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sickwilly 37 Report post Posted February 21, 2009 Appreciate the tips... the 9500 is on the "short list" of lids I'm considering. JR - thanks for the mouthuard suggestion. Wear one religiously when playing contact or 1/2 shield, but have slacked on that when wearing a full cage w/no contact. Time to learn my lesson too! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stacey 0 Report post Posted February 21, 2009 Once you've had multiple concussions, you become much more susceptible to another and another and another - which I am sure you know all too well by now, and just as you may know, the only thing to minimize or stop them is stop putting yourself in a position to get them. I have never understood why and how people manage to get 3, 4 or even 6 concussions before reality sets in. Your head is just something that cannot be taken for granted.The unfortunate thing, and the bitter truth is, the fit of the helmet is what is ultimately going to help you in lessening the impact but that is the one thing you cannot do. The materials can only do so much and the ongoing debate on what material is better will never end. The only saving grace is the materials are all tested to safety standards. But do keep this in mind, everything has a expiry date; replace the helmet at least every 2 years if it's integrity has not been compromised. Best of luck you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thehomez 0 Report post Posted February 24, 2009 The only saving grace is the materials are all tested to safety standards. But do keep this in mind, everything has a expiry date; replace the helmet at least every 2 years if it's integrity has not been compromised.That statement makes me kind of nervous. I just started playing (roller) again after about 8-10 yrs off and am using the same helmet I used then. I would say the helmet is about 10 years old. I know you should replace it after 5 years, but the helmet looks like its still in good shape, none of the protection has been compromised, and also I'm playing roller which isn't nearly as fast/risk as ice... I know kinda stupid right? I should pick up a new lid... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chadd 916 Report post Posted February 25, 2009 The only saving grace is the materials are all tested to safety standards. But do keep this in mind, everything has a expiry date; replace the helmet at least every 2 years if it's integrity has not been compromised.That statement makes me kind of nervous. I just started playing (roller) again after about 8-10 yrs off and am using the same helmet I used then. I would say the helmet is about 10 years old. I know you should replace it after 5 years, but the helmet looks like its still in good shape, none of the protection has been compromised, and also I'm playing roller which isn't nearly as fast/risk as ice... I know kinda stupid right? I should pick up a new lid...If it has VN padding, the structure breaks down over time regardless of use. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rebel96 0 Report post Posted February 25, 2009 Wearing a mouthguard? A well-fitted mouthguard goes a long way. I learned my lesson after the 6th.I'm the only person on my team that wears a mouthguard. Maybe the only guy in the league.I would've had a concussion for definate 2 weeks ago playing roller if I wasn't wearing my mouthguard. Goin to the boards (concrete wall) with a guy. both trying to slow play each other. I took the initiative and went for it at which point he hit me with his shoulder and slew-footed me. I spun in the air and ended up smashing the back of my head off the wall. Pretty heavy impact. Quite painful. I'm positive if I wasn't wearing a helmet I'd be dead, but beacause I was wearing my mouthguard I didn't black out and all I had was a small headache from the impact. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thehomez 0 Report post Posted February 25, 2009 The only saving grace is the materials are all tested to safety standards. But do keep this in mind, everything has a expiry date; replace the helmet at least every 2 years if it's integrity has not been compromised.That statement makes me kind of nervous. I just started playing (roller) again after about 8-10 yrs off and am using the same helmet I used then. I would say the helmet is about 10 years old. I know you should replace it after 5 years, but the helmet looks like its still in good shape, none of the protection has been compromised, and also I'm playing roller which isn't nearly as fast/risk as ice... I know kinda stupid right? I should pick up a new lid...If it has VN padding, the structure breaks down over time regardless of use.Thats definitely a good point though the helmet is EPP. I guess EPP loses its integrity over time as well, not sure but I'm assuming it does... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dsjunior1388 81 Report post Posted February 25, 2009 Appreciate the tips... the 9500 is on the "short list" of lids I'm considering. JR - thanks for the mouthuard suggestion. Wear one religiously when playing contact or 1/2 shield, but have slacked on that when wearing a full cage w/no contact. Time to learn my lesson too!I think the 9500, Mission Intake, and Cascade helmets are all designed with concussion prevention in mind. the 8500 as well, i think, but don't quote me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thehomez 0 Report post Posted February 25, 2009 Appreciate the tips... the 9500 is on the "short list" of lids I'm considering. JR - thanks for the mouthuard suggestion. Wear one religiously when playing contact or 1/2 shield, but have slacked on that when wearing a full cage w/no contact. Time to learn my lesson too!I think the 9500, Mission Intake, and Cascade helmets are all designed with concussion prevention in mind. the 8500 as well, i think, but don't quote me.How 'concussion proof' are the RBK 6k and 8k helmets? Any opinions on them? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chadd 916 Report post Posted February 25, 2009 Appreciate the tips... the 9500 is on the "short list" of lids I'm considering. JR - thanks for the mouthuard suggestion. Wear one religiously when playing contact or 1/2 shield, but have slacked on that when wearing a full cage w/no contact. Time to learn my lesson too!I think the 9500, Mission Intake, and Cascade helmets are all designed with concussion prevention in mind. the 8500 as well, i think, but don't quote me.All helmets are designed with concussion prevention in mind. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thehomez 0 Report post Posted February 25, 2009 Appreciate the tips... the 9500 is on the "short list" of lids I'm considering. JR - thanks for the mouthuard suggestion. Wear one religiously when playing contact or 1/2 shield, but have slacked on that when wearing a full cage w/no contact. Time to learn my lesson too!I think the 9500, Mission Intake, and Cascade helmets are all designed with concussion prevention in mind. the 8500 as well, i think, but don't quote me.All helmets are designed with concussion prevention in mind.Most obvious statement ever. Thats clearly true and the point of helmets, but some are considered to be more protective than others... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chadd 916 Report post Posted February 25, 2009 Appreciate the tips... the 9500 is on the "short list" of lids I'm considering. JR - thanks for the mouthuard suggestion. Wear one religiously when playing contact or 1/2 shield, but have slacked on that when wearing a full cage w/no contact. Time to learn my lesson too!I think the 9500, Mission Intake, and Cascade helmets are all designed with concussion prevention in mind. the 8500 as well, i think, but don't quote me.All helmets are designed with concussion prevention in mind.Most obvious statement ever. Thats clearly true and the point of helmets, but some are considered to be more protective than others...Without releasing the results of testing, any claim to superior protection is suspect at best. Trusting your head to a marketing department isn't a good idea. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thehomez 0 Report post Posted February 25, 2009 Appreciate the tips... the 9500 is on the "short list" of lids I'm considering. JR - thanks for the mouthuard suggestion. Wear one religiously when playing contact or 1/2 shield, but have slacked on that when wearing a full cage w/no contact. Time to learn my lesson too!I think the 9500, Mission Intake, and Cascade helmets are all designed with concussion prevention in mind. the 8500 as well, i think, but don't quote me.All helmets are designed with concussion prevention in mind.Most obvious statement ever. Thats clearly true and the point of helmets, but some are considered to be more protective than others...Without releasing the results of testing, any claim to superior protection is suspect at best. Trusting your head to a marketing department isn't a good idea.Point well taken :P Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sickwilly 37 Report post Posted February 28, 2009 At this point, I'm kinda down to the 9500 and the Intake. Any impressions on these helmets would be greatly appreciated. (Started wearing a mouthguard full-time again). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
