Your thoughts on cages

[Chadd 916]

If your helmet slips because of the weight of a cage then it fits too loose. ;)

Absolutely correct.

[ibeck 38]

Very well could be true. When I adjusted it, it was out of the box with no cage or visor, so it didn't move around at all. I'll re-adjust it. I'm about ready for a new helmet anyway, as much as my wife will kill me if I bring one home...

In comparison to your other gear, this one is a necessity to protect your head, the most important part of your body, just use that motive as your excuse.

[IPv6Freely 2093]

In comparison to your other gear, this one is a necessity to protect your head, the most important part of your body, just use that motive as your excuse.

Oh I know. When I was buying my gear, the helmet and the jock shorts were the two things I didnt care what the price tag was ;)

Though I'm sure her answer would be "whats wrong with the one you have?" (CCM V10)

Absolutely correct.

Its tight until I start sweating, then it moves around. I tightened it one more notch (which is as tight as it goes) and its a bit uncomfortable when I put it on, but when I start sweating, it should be perfect.

[black hills tj 5]

Its tight until I start sweating, then it moves around. I tightened it one more notch (which is as tight as it goes) and its a bit uncomfortable when I put it on, but when I start sweating, it should be perfect.

My S9 is about the same. Too tight when I first put it on, but once I start moving it fits fine.

[IPv6Freely 2093]

Felt great tonight, didn't move the entire game. Glad I adjusted it :)

[Stewie 721]

The shield is lighter than my FM480, and has taken a few high sticks/falling on the ice and looks good as new. For maintenance, I just wipe it down with a clean, wet towel before using, no anti-fog spray needed.

Only adjustment I needed was its reduced airflow after switching from a full cage; but once you play a few games, it is hardly noticeable.

My only gripe about it is the fact that the chincup is pretty bunk. I actually removed it entirely and now just use two seperate side straps, so it is the equivalent of an extra long visor with mouth coverage.

so youd say its quite a bit easier to see with, but a little harder to breathe in? i wore this same kind of setup prior to about 5 years ago, but wire/visor combo, so as long as its not a significant impedance to your breathing it should be ok

[hockeymass 11]

I guess I don't understand folks complaining about odor and corrosion. Am I the only one who washes their helmet/cage off after every game under the shower then puts it in front of the fan with the other just-washed/just-Febrezed gear to dry?

Yeah, probably...

When I wore a cage I used to disinfect the chin cup every so often.

[Doctor Hook 0]

so youd say its quite a bit easier to see with, but a little harder to breathe in? i wore this same kind of setup prior to about 5 years ago, but wire/visor combo, so as long as its not a significant impedance to your breathing it should be ok

It was a little bit of an adjustment for me since I was primarily a cage user, but nothing you can't get used to/not even notice after 1 or 2 games.

[Stewie 721]

It was a little bit of an adjustment for me since I was primarily a cage user, but nothing you can't get used to/not even notice after 1 or 2 games.

awesome. I think i am going to give it a go. its gotta 100 percent satisfaction gaurentee so what is there to lose? what color did you go with? im thinking clear or white. Like to give the made in USA items more of a look than others, plus its easier to justify the price to my girlfriend =)

[IPv6Freely 2093]

I was a FM480 man for years, but I've recently switched to a Boulder Hockey Shield and am very happy with it.

I want to try one of these, I think it would be great. But MAN do they ever look ridiculous.

Can you post a pic of one on your helmet? Even better, a pic of you wearing it?

[Doctor Hook 0]

awesome. I think i am going to give it a go. its gotta 100 percent satisfaction gaurentee so what is there to lose? what color did you go with? im thinking clear or white. Like to give the made in USA items more of a look than others, plus its easier to justify the price to my girlfriend =)

I went with clear.

I want to try one of these, I think it would be great. But MAN do they ever look ridiculous.

Can you post a pic of one on your helmet? Even better, a pic of you wearing it?

Not me, but the owner of the company from the Boulder Hockey Shield site:

[LeMagnifique66 0]

I have a Bauer Re-Akt and it's nice... for a cage. Since that's what you've asked about, I'll say it's the best one I've ever used.

Unfortunately for me, even when I was a kid (I played in goal back then) I just have never been able to get used to square bars. One is always in the way no matter where I look. (I used a cateye cage on my mask back in the day.) As a result, I've tried the Bauer (formerly Itech) "fish bowl" and find it to be even worse than a cage. (Though it may be "clear" in appearance, the bottom bars are far from actually being see through. Since they are easily 4 times fatter than most metal cages, peripheral vision of the puck when skating is garbage for me.)

I've been kicking around the idea of trying a Boulder (mentioned above). But, I've spent more on face protection the past year than just about all other gear combined. (I had been going along just fine and POW, I took a puck to the mouth and lost a front tooth. Now it's all about, "Oh my goodness I can't afford another $500+ dentist bill!") So, I just can't see myself buying one without looking through it first. Oh well. Just back to the ol' Oakley Pro Straight for now.