Deluxe X100 half shields in juniors vs pro?

[Petey21 1]

It seems both the Canadian and US national junior teams have sported the Itech/Bauer Deluxe X100 half shields for some years, and they also seem to be very common in junior leagues like the CHL for example. Does anyone know why they seem so popular in these leagues? Or are no other half shields approved? And I find it's funny that nobody seem to be wearing them once they leave the junior leagues, has anyone ever seen anyone wearing them in the NHL or other pro leagues?

[Michael9 57]

CHL players must use certified visors, and Itech/Bauer had a deal with the league.

[tro 4]

For the CHL, not so much CDN/USA, it is less expensive to replace the shield on these visors, that might have something to do with it.

[Stripes 1]

These shields are CSA approved and the best buy for the buck. After the initial purchase, you buy the 2pk of replacements for a fraction of the price. Keeps the expeses down. ;) Pros use some CSA but mostly non-CSA and throw them out after the smallest scratch.

[PMurphy17 25]

It seems both the Canadian and US national junior teams have sported the Itech/Bauer Deluxe X100 half shields for some years, and they also seem to be very common in junior leagues like the CHL for example. Does anyone know why they seem so popular in these leagues? Or are no other half shields approved? And I find it's funny that nobody seem to be wearing them once they leave the junior leagues, has anyone ever seen anyone wearing them in the NHL or other pro leagues?

The X100 is the mandated visor for the CHL and Hockey Canada(non-Senior team). It is CSA and HECC certified. There are only a few other approved half visors. Due to the shape of Pro visors none of them are certified. Mainly due the CSA nose measurement requirements and overall visor length.

No NHL player will wear the X100 as they much prefer the numerous model choices. Unless you need a long model (heatley and berard)

[Sniper90 0]

when those visors first came out and had the wire visor holder, i picked one up and tried it. i hated it. not only did it make you look like you had a bobble/bubble head, but the peripheral vision on those sucked! i went from an oakley straight cut to the itechs, and wow what a huge difference... both in clarity and peripheral vision.. not to mention it was heavy!

i have not tried the new models but can only imagine it still cant compare to the pro visors bauer/oakley makes.

[raganblink 82]

It seems both the Canadian and US national junior teams have sported the Itech/Bauer Deluxe X100 half shields for some years, and they also seem to be very common in junior leagues like the CHL for example. Does anyone know why they seem so popular in these leagues? Or are no other half shields approved? And I find it's funny that nobody seem to be wearing them once they leave the junior leagues, has anyone ever seen anyone wearing them in the NHL or other pro leagues?

USHL has a deal with RBK/CCM, so they use Oakley. CHL has deal with Bauer so they use those. Not sure what other leagues in USA use, i think they just have to be certified in below USHL Tier 1.

[lerxst 0]

when those visors first came out and had the wire visor holder, i picked one up and tried it. i hated it. not only did it make you look like you had a bobble/bubble head, but the peripheral vision on those sucked! i went from an oakley straight cut to the itechs, and wow what a huge difference... both in clarity and peripheral vision.. not to mention it was heavy!

i have not tried the new models but can only imagine it still cant compare to the pro visors bauer/oakley makes.

That's interesting. I was coming from an 8000 Cage to the X100 and it was like going from Standard def to HDTV for me. I then went to the Recon, but it has the same exact replacement shield as teh X100.

[tony1233 0]

I use both a Bauer FM 4500 for playing (still in minor hockey) and an Itech X-100 (for reffing) and I find the difference to be night and day. I would much rather use the X-100 then my cage or my old Oakley visor. I find that the visor is very clear and my peripheral vision is great with it on. I just wish that the visors didn't scratch so darn easy! I need to order some replacement visors and I ONLY use this for refereeing and an odd open hockey game (with no contact).