How to shop for a helmet

[junior 1]

I'm in need of a new helmet since mine is about 15 years old and I look like a fool with my retro mark messier cooper helmet. JK, but it is time for a new helmet. How do I pick one out? What characteristics am I looking for and when I try them on, how do I know which one suits me best? What sort of issues should I be careful? I plan on using a full cage with my helmet.

[lampliter87 8]

Biggest choice to make is whether you want VN or EPP foam. After that, it comes down to personal preference in looks and simply what feels best on your dome.

[Jarick 5]

Make sure they're certified, wash your hair, and bring a screwdriver for adjustments.

[chippa13 1844]

I would expect most stores to have a screwdriver handy.

[eric42434224 1]

I would expect most stores to have a screwdriver handy.

Yeah but they are always watered down.

[joshy207 15]

Biggest choice to make is whether you want VN or EPP foam. After that, it comes down to personal preference in looks and simply what feels best on your dome.

This is basically the only factor that matters. Whatever is best fitting and most comfortable.

[oldtrainerguy28 478]

Biggest choice to make is whether you want VN or EPP foam. After that, it comes down to personal preference in looks and simply what feels best on your dome.

This is basically the only factor that matters. Whatever is best fitting and most comfortable.

Fit of the helmet is correct. The helmet should be matched to the head shape. If you have a long narrow head an 8K although a good helemt isnt for you.

Same is if you have a rounder head a 652 CCM isnt for you.

Always choose one to fit the head. Make sure its comfortable then fine a catch that matches it both in fit and approved for the helmet!\

[Cove 39]

Your helmets awesome, don't change it.

[junior 1]

Biggest choice to make is whether you want VN or EPP foam. After that, it comes down to personal preference in looks and simply what feels best on your dome.

Whats the difference?

Your helmets awesome, don't change it.

Thanks for the support. Want to trade?

[cptjeff 0]

Biggest choice to make is whether you want VN or EPP foam. After that, it comes down to personal preference in looks and simply what feels best on your dome.

Whats the difference?

EPP absorbs more energy when hit, which makes it somewhat more protective. VN is a soft foam, it tends to be more comfortable and absorbs sweat, which many people like.

EPP will look like the stuff in a bike helmet and will have gel cushioning pads. VN will just be a sheet of soft foam all throughout the helmet. Some VN will have multiple layers, with a stiffer foam and a softer form for more cushioning. VN helmets are also universally cheaper.

[junior 1]

Biggest choice to make is whether you want VN or EPP foam. After that, it comes down to personal preference in looks and simply what feels best on your dome.

Whats the difference?

EPP absorbs more energy when hit, which makes it somewhat more protective. VN is a soft foam, it tends to be more comfortable and absorbs sweat, which many people like.

EPP will look like the stuff in a bike helmet and will have gel cushioning pads. VN will just be a sheet of soft foam all throughout the helmet. Some VN will have multiple layers, with a stiffer foam and a softer form for more cushioning. VN helmets are also universally cheaper.

VN it is for me, I'm all about the comfort. I'm assuming company websites will state which foam they use for their helmets?

[lee92 2]

If you have long or frizzy hair, I suggest wetting it when trying helmets on. When playing, your hair will be wet and occupy less space, requiring a smaller helmet size than if your hair was dry...and you're looking at helmets for when you're on the ice, not out at the supermarket.

[MN old and slow 92]

the ones that adjust with no tools are nice. B5100,7500, etc

[romdj 26]

are there general guidelines & correlations between helmet & fit?

[Chadd 916]

are there general guidelines & correlations between helmet & fit?

A helmet should not pinch or cause pain but should also fit closely enough that it doesn't slide up or down with head movement. If your helmet pops off when you get hit or fall down, tighten it up or replace it with one that does not move.

[wrangler 157]

Or tighten the chin strap, instead of going with the NHL dangle.

I see that way too often at pickup.

[Souldriver 64]

Also do note sometimes having the cage on changes the fit slightly. With my cage on and up it would be slightly snugger. When I went with a visor I needed to snug up the helmet a bit with the side adjustments. Hard to kill my older hh8000

[Meals 2]

Mine lid is super old, I am in need of a new one too. I have a pretty serious job that requires me to do a lot of math so I measured my head and ordered the new Bauer ISM 11.0, once I get it it was too big. It was a huge bummer. I returned it, for the size down and the helmet fit better but the cage chin pad was up to my lips. That went back too!

My dome is 22", kind of flat in the back and I would say its narrow. I can't fin a good lid that fits well. Anyone have any ideas? I play adult league, and lately there has been a lot of people getting banged around. One guy got a concussion so I want t get a really good helmet. I figure if I buy sticks that are $200, I should buy the best helmet I can to protect my money maker...aka my brain. I like the idea of the ISM bc it will tighten around my head like a bike helmet.

[Chadd 916]

If the IMS11 fit, all you needed to do was put a larger cage on the smaller helmet. It's pretty common to need to change up the cage size.