Helmet Problems: 6 year old in a large Bauer 7500 and still complaining

[kikict 0]

My 6 year old son has a very wide head. It's particularly wide just above his ears towards the back, and it's creating helmet problems for us. He's been fitted into a size Large Bauer 7500 helmet by our local hockey shop, but it's still quite tight width wise, although length wise there is more than enough (arguably too much room). When he takes off his helmet his head is red from where the helmet is putting pressure above/behind his ears, so he's clearly not exaggerating. As a mom (and former hockey player myself), I'm worried that the length is too loose, and the helmet is not properly fitting him.

As we're about to start a new season, I'd love to get any suggestions as to other helmets that may better fit a wide head that may be worth trying. Our hockey shop (CT) only really carries bauer helmets, and I don't want to start blindly ordering off the internet and trying to self-fit his helmet because he has a head that is clearly not particularly normal for a child his age.

Thanks in advance for any help and guidance you're able to offer on other brands or custom helmets that may be worth our trying.

[guitarfreek92 7]

reeboks will be a wider helmet in that area

[jsykes 35]

You may also look into the Warrior helmet as it will actually adjust for width. Where are you in CT? It may be worth a road trip one day to a shop that has a larger selection, even if its a few hour drive.

[Beflar 54]

I have the same problem. I found that reeboks fit the best for me.

[kikict 0]

We're in Southern CT towards NYC, and are certainly willing to drive if necessary to find the right fit. Is Warrior a brand of helmet and if so, who stocks them? I will definitely try to find somewhere that stocks the Reeboks as well. Thanks for the input!

[Cavs019 710]

Wesco Sports Center in Brookfield, CT stocks all brands/colors, definitely worth the trip. In my experience the 7500/4500 are also not very deep, which may also be contributing to the discomfort. In addition to the Warrior and Reebok mentioned above, I'd take a look at the CCM V10/V08, as those fit on the wider/deeper end of the spectrum.

[Harv 86]

Like said, start trying different brands.

The Warrior might fit all your needs.

[Souldriver 64]

Is he using senior sized helmets alreayd?

Also look at the re-akt, I have a big wide head and am usually a large, q medium re-akt fits me. The large had a lot of room for me. The Easton helmets are wide up top but tape in quick near the fronts of the ears. The med fit me in those too, but the sides near my ears punched in radically.

[kikict 0]

He is using Senior sized helmets already, so as you'd imagine, the mask is pretty big on his face, even though we're using a smaller size one.

[jsykes 35]

Warrior is a brand name, they make one model of helmet called the Krown 360. You could use this link from Warriors site to find dealers near you, then call them and see if they stock them before heading out. http://www.warrior.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-warrior_us-Site/default/Stores-Find

But then see what other helmets they may sell as well so you'll have a few things to try on when you make the trip.

Also, see if they are willing to swap out different sized cages for you. Its sometimes a lot of work, but there should definitely be some kind of combination of helmet and cage out there that should work for him. You just need to find a dealer willing to put in the time and effort with you.

I believe there are even users on here that have stores or work in stores in the NY area, hopefully, if so, one will chime in.

Good luck.

[Souldriver 64]

I know west side skate is in manhattan besides that I only k now places on the island. I doubt you'll want to go to long island for the helmet

[pix530 3]

My son had Adult Small size when he was 6. Bauer 7500 is what he had.

We tried most of advanced helmets and found Warrior Krown 360 to be the best fit.

Reebok 11K comes next.

[Stewie 721]

i have the same issues, and tried on just recently about 20 helmets, but nothing fits me like a reebok. Tried to love the Re-akt but there was just too much tightness in certain areas of the back cranial region, the 11k won the day. I wore bauers all the time growing up, but when i tried on the reebok 6k that I was using before, It was just so much more comfortable than any helmet ive worn previously. the 11k is solid, the only thing im not a huge fan of is the cage compaired to titanium offerings is a tad heavy, bit its a solid cage to combo with.

Since the helmet is quite possibly the most important piece of gear you will buy, i suggest a road trip to somewhere they have more offerings, in particular the suggestions you see here.

[shooter27 117]

In CT if you're looking for big selections, South Windsor (www.hockey1.com) is a huge shop with just about everything you could want to try on. Also the shop at the rink in Darien is pretty good as well.

[Souldriver 64]

Tried to love the Re-akt but there was just too much tightness in certain areas of the back cranial region.

Im guessing there is more to it that this but the occipital lock is an odd thing in bauers, and this is my experience with it as i have a bigger neck and less ridge back there. In my 8000 it was just a strap and was easy and moved with your head. In the ims9 its self adjusting but it put pressure on my head in that spot and it felt hard and i didnt like it. with my re-akt i used to adjust it so it was all the way open, i now put it on that way and clinch it down a couple of snaps to lock my head in after its in the helmet. works the best that way for me.

[Stewie 721]

Im guessing there is more to it that this but the occipital lock is an odd thing in bauers, and this is my experience with it as i have a bigger neck and less ridge back there. In my 8000 it was just a strap and was easy and moved with your head. In the ims9 its self adjusting but it put pressure on my head in that spot and it felt hard and i didnt like it. with my re-akt i used to adjust it so it was all the way open, i now put it on that way and clinch it down a couple of snaps to lock my head in after its in the helmet. works the best that way for me.

It was two pressure points and i tried some moving of different settings and couldnt get away from it. It wasnt a horrible feel, just the 11k fit so much better with minimal adjustments.

[Souldriver 64]

well glad you have a helmet that fits now. i know how pressure points feel. i really wanted to like the e700 but it tapered in too much and pinched my head. instant headache type feel. but i am very glad with what i have now.

[Stewie 721]

yes, if you have a wide head avoid that one, for sure =)

[mickz 107]

The 5100 and 8500 will be wider fitting Bauer helmets as well. My LHS has been getting those on closeout as of late.