Bauer 5100 Helmet

[Jarick 5]

I've been using a Mission Intake for a few years now and am thinking about trying out a VN helmet. Got a few questions:

1. Does the VN break in? The 5100 is just a bit tight on the sides but fits pretty well otherwise.

2. Does the lack of an occipital lock make a difference? I noticed the helmet fits deeper on the head so I wonder if that accomplishes the same thing.

3. Does VN absorb sweat? And if so, does that increase the helmet temps noticeably?

[epstud74 24]

Jarick,

I own a Bauer 5100..Great helmet..It fits my head better than most. I have not had any issues with the helmet sliding off due to its deep fit. I tend to be a "L" in a few brands, but opted for the "M" in this helmet. I've had this helmet since late April. It seems as if some of the foam has molded to the shape(s) of my head.

As for the sweat issue, I'm not sure if the VN is an improved type, but it doesnt seem to absorb sweat all that much. It does fit a lot like teh old NBH 4500, but with improved or newer technology. Does it slide off your head easily when you try it on?

[number21 3]

I haven't noticed any sweat issues either.

Though mine is still tight around the temples (better than it was), but I have only played a handful of games with it. I swapped some shorter post in the screws for the ear guards. That did create a little more room, I might pull the guards out to see if that helps a little more.

It's a light comfortable helmet, except for the tightness in the temples. I am hoping it will break in just a little more.

[Jarick 5]

It didn't slide off and it fit better than most helmets except the S9, which is another one I considered. But the 5100 was deeper which I thought would be a good thing without the occipital lock. Maybe I'm making too much of that feature.

The 4500 didn't fit me very well, too narrow in the temples. The 5100 seems to have just a bit more room so that it's only a little tighter in that area. But the medium helmet adjusted to fit length seemed pretty good.

How's the air flow?

[cptjeff 0]

You're making way too much of that feature. Helmets sliding off happens rarely even without it, and if you still wear a cage (That's you in your avatar IIRC), That will hold the helmet on very effectively even if the helmet doesn't fit you that well.

[number21 3]

Better air flow than the 5000 or the Itech H95 that I have used.

[Jarick 5]

Great info Jeff, thanks!

I'm sensitive about it as I took a spill this year and got some whiplash but avoided the concussion. I suppose if it's lacking on practically any pro stock helmet it's not a big deal then.

[K9 Unit 1]

1. yes

2. i have no clue since i only used VN but i have never had a problem with it flying off my head or something, i think they put that in coz the EPP or whatever they use now can't grip your head as well

3. yes, but using a S9 its not as good as it could be BUT i don't notice a temp. change for sure, only time that happens is when you take it off :P

[Chadd 916]

2. Does the lack of an occipital lock make a difference? I noticed the helmet fits deeper on the head so I wonder if that accomplishes the same thing.

The lock doesn't really do anything for protection, it's just there to try and make it fit more people. If the 5100 fits, you'll be fine. The VN will break in a little bit over time. Snug is good, so tight that it hurts is bad.

Great info Jeff, thanks!

I'm sensitive about it as I took a spill this year and got some whiplash but avoided the concussion. I suppose if it's lacking on practically any pro stock helmet it's not a big deal then.

A lot of pros remove padding from their pants too, that certainly doesn't make it safer. I prefer VN as I think it is better suited to hockey than EPP, but I am not a doctor and it is only my opinion.