Oakley Visor - Combo or half cage for bottom?

[victorhooi 0]

Hi,

I'm looking at replacing my existing helmet (Bauer HH4000) and shield (Bauer Recon).

The helmet's rather uncomfortable - the screw threads on the adjustment holes seem to have worn out - and the shield fogs up like crazy. I've tried shampoo, anti-fog, spit etc. to no avail. The shield is also getting somewhat scuffed.

For the helmet I noticed that HockeyMonkey have some of the Rebook's on clearance. Reebok 6K for $54:

http://www.hockeymonkey.com/reebok-hockey-helmet-6k-2009.html

and the Rebook 8K for $99:

http://www.hockeymonkey.com/reebok-hockey-helmet-8k-2009.html

For a fairly novice player - the 6K would be sufficient, right? Any reasons I would get the 8K? Or what else do you guys recommend?

For the visors, I'm leaning to Oakely for optics quality, and the anti-fog:

http://www.hockeymonkey.com/oakley-cs20csa.html

My only issue is - mouthguard or not, it would be nice to have something over the bottom of my face.

I know Oakley used to make a visor plus bottom cage combo - VC920:

http://www.hockey-review.com/index.jsp?id=1&view=11

However, this doesn't seem to be available anymore anywhere - any idea why?

Bauer also make a combo, coincidentally also called the 920, which is available:

http://www.hockeymonkey.com/bauer-hockey-cs-combo-deluxe.html

I would rather get the Oakley for the optics though. Is there any way I could join the two? Or is there another half cage I can pair up with the Oakleys visor? Or any other way to protect the bottom half?

Cheers,

Victor

[steelnation248 102]

You should try one both helmets, well all helmets, before you buy them. Don't just get them regardless of price. You should also try one each step within a helmet chain. The 6k may fit different than the 8k. For example, I'm wearing a CCM V08. The step up, V10, fit me very well too. However, I preferred the foam in the V08 to the ones in the V10

I'm no expect on half shield + cage combos so I'll leave that for someone else. However, if you end up going with just a visor, I recommend Tron's visor. For the price, it's a great deal. I've been wearing one for awhile and I can't tell a difference from the Bauer I had on before.

[mhkehoe 1]

I've worn the Recon and the 920, and I would suggest that you try the 9900 (or Re-AKT) full cage. You will notice that it is lighter, has significantly better airflow, and it is easier to see the puck in your feet than the Recon. The vision is great with the cage (oval thin bars) which disappear when you start playing (since your eyes focus further forward).

If you aren't willing to try a cage, the 920 is a step down from the Recon (both used to be under the Itech line). It will not be optically correct and the airflow isn't significantly different from the Recon. I haven't tried the Oakley but it was one of the shields I wanted when I was trying a few different brands. So I would probably vote for this one or keep the Recon.

I wear the Reebok 6K, and it fits great for me. But each person is going to be different. Should be sufficient for rec hockey.

[bolt91 31]

The Bauer 920 combo fogs really easily. The first time I skated with it, 10 mins on the ice and it was fogged up. I've also tried the Bauer Concept II which fogs easily as well. I now play with a half shield (Bauer Aviator) and I love it.

If a cage is an option try the CCM FM580, or the Re-AKT as stated above. It's really a trial and error process to find what you like best.

Like Steel said, go to a shop and try every helmet you can. Some helmets will be more comfortable than others. For instance, I tried on the Bauer 9900 and 7500. The 9900 didn't fit as well and the 7500 so I went with that. I also tried on a bunch of Reebok, Easton, CCM, and the M11.

It's worth spending the money to protect your most valuable asset in the game.

[tiago7 0]

Hi,

I have the Oakley 910 visor but Im looking to make it look like the 920 model (with the mouthguard cage for the bottom part)...I cant seem to find it anywhere on the net!

any ideas??

[IPv6Freely 2100]

You could try a Boulder shield. They look ridiculous on the site, but there was a guy in one on the other team last game, and it doesnt look nearly as stupid in person.

[tiago7 0]

You could try a Boulder shield. They look ridiculous on the site, but there was a guy in one on the other team last game, and it doesnt look nearly as stupid in person.

I've heard that fogging is an issue with the Boulder ones...that is why i was trying to pattent something with the oakley visor.....