Need infos on Oakley VC920 Full Face Combo

[slitcher 0]

So I am looking for a new ''face protector''. I cannot decide if I want to stay with a cage or want to go with a half-visor. I've always played with a cage but i'm really thinking about going half-visor. But then again ... I'm not sure.

I found out about the Oakley VC920 Combo which I believe, has been released quite a few years ago. I could not find much info on this combo. Basically I would like to hear about it. Anyone has tried it ? Feel, Fit, Quality, Vision, Fog, Breathing, Looks etc.

I could not find a picture of it mounted on a helmet and since I will have to order it from the internet if I decide to go this route, I will not be able to see it fitted on my helmet before purchasing. If anybody has one it would be really nice.

Thanks for your help.

[Wildcat85 0]

i have the itech/bauer hlc cage shield combo and its awesome! i didnt get that one^^^ cause it sorta resembles a fishbowl...

[DolomaticDangles 13]

I had this a couple years ago. Its pretty good but get the Itech Concept II or the Bauer Recon, full plastic is way better than the combo. To be honest I convinced myself I hated cages once I got my shield, but for high school I went back to the cage, and there is no difference, except for shields fog up after a while

Recon http://www.inlinewarehouse.com/Bauer_ReCon_Face_Shield/descpage-X200B.html

Concept: http://www.hockeydogs.com/itechconceptiifullhockeyhelmetvisor-senior.aspx

[raganblink 82]

For that specific model I have not used it, but tried a combo on that was for a customer and it was extremely weird. Is recommend getting the bauer recon. You can replace the visor when it gets scratched (spoiler-they'll all get scratched). Or bot use the visor half of it all like a buddy is doing.

Definitely wouldn't get the oakley just bc you can't replace visor.

[Thepandamancan 0]

I stay away from getting those because structurally...they're not as strong as a one piece plastic full shield. I've heard some bad stories about people getting hit and getting gashed in the face. The recon is pricey but nicer. I use the concept 2 and it's perfect for my rec league.

[slitcher 0]

Can you really detach the lower portion on the recon to get only a half-visor ? I thought you could use the visor but had to purchase the x100 holder separately

[IniNew 53]

Can you really detach the lower portion on the recon to get only a half-visor ? I thought you could use the visor but had to purchase the x100 holder separately

Other way around. He uses it without the visor portion.

[Canuck 0]

The Oakley combo is a good piece of kit. The only problem I found with it was its a little heavy. It is metal on the lower portion. Another good advantage is the fact that if you don't like using the cage portion, you can detach the visor and use it as stand alone. You'll just have to get a spacer kit to do that. Can't compare it to any other combo's out there since this is the only one I've used. Hope that helps.

[MattKingDelToro 2]

I've used the Oakley combo my whole career. First off, it doesn't look real attractive on a helmet. I've mounted it on Bauer 4500s, and it always creates this visual effect like you're in a bubble, because the visor is just so much wider than the helmet. Other than that, no complaints. Maybe it's a little heavy, but the optical quality is very good.

I'm about to enter a league which doesn't require full-facial protection. Having used this combo for a long time now, I'm excited about switching to a visor. When the puck's in your skates, this combo limits your vision as much as any cage. Just my two cents.

[TheGasman 0]

I have been using it for about a year and I agree about the bubble feeling you get. I just switched back to a full cage last week. I was having some major visibility issues but I dont think that was Oakleys fault, I sweat like a bush pig.

[slitcher 0]

Thank you so much everyone, I'm glad I found a board with active participation and quick intelligent replies.

As of now, I have not made up my mind yet. Leaning towards the Recon or half-visor but I'm not fixed yet.

[Canuck 0]

Forgot to add that I have used the Oakley Pro Aviator for the last 1.5 years. I just cut off the top vents and mounted it on the side. I have not had any fogging or issues with the visor. Its hella large but (knock on wood) I haven't had any issues with injuries yet. I have 2, one on each of my helmets. One of them was originally from my V920 which I just detached and removed the cage portion. I personally love the visor.

[Tailboard Jockey 25]

I recently bought a Boulder Hockey Shield. I've only used it for a couple of skates, but it didn't fog up at all. It also has a low profile, so it doesn't stick way out so that you can't see the puck easily. I like it much better than my Itech Titanium cage.

[slitcher 0]

The boulder mask looks like a nice piece and it's pretty cheap. I did not know about this mask, i'm pretty interested. I think I may try it, given how cheap it is.

thanks a lot for the headsup

[mhkehoe 1]

I've been using a Bauer (Itech) Recon for a couple of weeks, and I have been pretty happy with it. I would recommend it as it is very similar to that Oakley as far as vision, but it is lighter because it is full plastic. I will say that the plastic around the mouth areas seems to create as bad of a vision obstruction as a cage if not a little worse. It usually isn't a big problem for me though as the visor portion dips pretty low.

[xrickyb86x 1]

That boulder mask looks pretty awesome. I might snag one.

[lefty57 0]

I recently bought a Boulder Hockey Shield. I've only used it for a couple of skates, but it didn't fog up at all. It also has a low profile, so it doesn't stick way out so that you can't see the puck easily. I like it much better than my Itech Titanium cage.

How heavy do you find the Boulder ? I used to wear the FX50 but ditched it due to weight.

[slitcher 0]

I have finally made up my mind and will order the Boulder shield as soon as I get a shipping quote to Canada ! Thanks a lot for your help. I'll keep you updated about it !

[Mustangs20 0]

Been wearing the Oakley 2.0 visor for quite a few years, and very happy with the optics and the protection. However, took a stick to the chin the other night and started thinking about switching to a shield/cage combo. Wondering how heavy the combo will be, and also wondering how restrictive it might feel with the chin fitting into the chin cup. Anyone have any issues with this? Thanks.

[IniNew 53]

Been wearing the Oakley 2.0 visor for quite a few years, and very happy with the optics and the protection. However, took a stick to the chin the other night and started thinking about switching to a shield/cage combo. Wondering how heavy the combo will be, and also wondering how restrictive it might feel with the chin fitting into the chin cup. Anyone have any issues with this? Thanks.

If fitted properly (chin in the cup, not hanging off like most college kids seem to wear them these days) you wont notice the weight as it sort of "locks" the helmet to your head.

[Mustangs20 0]

If fitted properly (chin in the cup, not hanging off like most college kids seem to wear them these days) you wont notice the weight as it sort of "locks" the helmet to your head.

I think I'm more worried about being able to open my mouth to talk and breathe on the ice. How difficult is that if you're "locked" into the chin cup? Does it feel claustrophobic or limit your chatter? I'm used to nothing below the nose, and don't know how comfortable the chin cup might or might not be.

[bostonjuniorblackhawks 1]

I think I'm more worried about being able to open my mouth to talk and breathe on the ice. How difficult is that if you're "locked" into the chin cup? Does it feel claustrophobic or limit your chatter? I'm used to nothing below the nose, and don't know how comfortable the chin cup might or might not be.

If the chin cup makes these things difficult then it's fastened too tight .