Pro stock helmets: yeah or nay?

[bunnyman666 445]

The ones I have read about have no warranty. I was thinking of getting a pro stock CCM Vector 8 because the Bauer 2100 I currently wear is a sweat box. But no warranty scares me.

Advice, please.

[XveritasX 13]

Most things pro stock won't have warranty. That is one of the reasons they are often cheaper than retail. The only thing I would worry about with a prostock helmet is knowing how it would fit if you haven't had the chance to try it on.

[mojo122 541]

Point well made. A pro stock helmet with a poor fit won't protect your head.

[ID Rollerpop 4]

The other ithing will relate to your league and any tournaments you may play in. A pro stock helmet may not have all of the HECC or CSA stickers and with the new rule on helmet certification I wouldn't want you to get excluded from games or tournaments for an uncertified lid.

[Hooah4 12]

I purchased a prostock VN Mission Intake a few years ago for coaching. There has been no problem as it does what it's intended for. ... protecting my head from a skull fracture in case I fall (which is what all helmets are for).

I'd check the rules in your local league and go from there.

[bunnyman666 445]

I saw CSA logo on the stock pic; that being said, the one I get could be missing any or all logos making it a no go in one or all rinks I could be playing in. While my sweatbox has those stickers, I am certain they can't be removed without destruction, right?

[IPv6Freely 2100]

Try getting some "nosweat" pads for your helmet if you like the fit of your current helmet and just dont like how much sweat you're producing. Just a thought.

Otherwise, yea... as long as they have the appropriate stickers and the fit is good, go nuts!

[bunnyman666 445]

Try getting some "nosweat" pads for your helmet if you like the fit of your current helmet and just dont like how much sweat you're producing. Just a thought.Otherwise, yea... as long as they have the appropriate stickers and the fit is good, go nuts!

This is where my babe in the woods knowledge gets me: any brands you would recommend? What section of a hockey website has those? I will look, but if you have any experience, I'd like a recommendation. Thanks.

Edit- looks like there are a few products that could do it for me. I will buy one of each to try it out.

[IPv6Freely 2100]

This is where my babe in the woods knowledge gets me: any brands you would recommend? What section of a hockey website has those? I will look, but if you have any experience, I'd like a recommendation. Thanks.

Edit- looks like there are a few products that could do it for me. I will buy one of each to try it out.

These are the best ones out there: http://www.hockeymonkey.com/nosweat-hockey-accessory-sweat-absorbing-pads.html

I will never NOT use them, now. Went from sweat running down my face to almost nothing.

[bunnyman666 445]

Optimus- I will look into the item you posted.

But i decided that the lack of warranty and possible banishment from rinks steered me towards a different option. I have a new thread about what i had decided on for my new lid.

[scorer75 9]

The other ithing will relate to your league and any tournaments you may play in. A pro stock helmet may not have all of the HECC or CSA stickers and with the new rule on helmet certification I wouldn't want you to get excluded from games or tournaments for an uncertified lid.

This is incorrect. A helmet does not need the required stickers on the helmet to be acceptable. As long as it is readily identifiable as a certified helmet, it can be used.

[ID Rollerpop 4]

This is incorrect. A helmet does not need the required stickers on the helmet to be acceptable. As long as it is readily identifiable as a certified helmet, it can be used.

The new USA Hockey Rulebook indicates otherwise

© It is mandatory that all players (except Adults) wear a HECC

approved helmet (including ear protection) with chin strap

properly fastened.

(Note) HECC certification includes an expiration date on the

sticker and a helmet that has an expiration date that has

expired is no longer considered certified. The player may not

wear a helmet that does not have a valid and current

certification sticker.

I specifically raised a question about this new rule at a USA Hockey ADM Symposium to Ken Markell from USA Hockey and was told that this new rule is supossed to be strictly enforced in all USA Hockey sanctioned events. Of course the rule is only mandatory for Youth players but I have been hearing a lot of leagues and rinks are going to enforce it across the board.

[TeamHonda401 54]

I believe there is a section in the rules just below the quoted section above, stating that if a helmet doesn't have the certification stickers, the ref may choose to inspect the helmet.

Below is the section:

"If no sticker is affixed to the helmet, the officials are permitted to inspect the helmet to ensure it meets the safety requirements of a helmet. Visually, the officials will certainly be able to see if the helmet contains the necessary clips, snaps, chin strap, "J" hooks, ear flaps, etc., and if it does not, it is an equipment violation and the player shall be sent off the ice. "

[ID Rollerpop 4]

You may be correct but that is not in the version of the rule book I have reviewed. I would think that with the new rule stating even an expired certification makes a helmet uncertified that the visual inspection would be worthless as the referee could not determine year of manufacture from a visual inspection. But I have not had to take a referees clinic with the new rule so I could not say.

[TeamHonda401 54]

I agree completely that a visual inspection wouldn't do a damn thing as far as determinimg if a helmet is safe or not, as you would only be checking j clips and such.

[LivHockey84 0]

I recently obtained a pro stock krown360 and exceptbfor the padding differences the helmetbis the exact same bucket as the retail helmet. It even had the csa and hecc stickers. The foam (the helmet is a med red) is the grey/black dual density vn foam.

[watchgreat 4]

In response to the new USA Hockey rules, I am a level 4 official and I don't think they have been clear enough. The rule would make you think that you need the sticker for sure, a memo I received as well as the casebook make it unclear as to whether or not you actually do need the sticker. The memo did say this was not a rule change but rather a clarification.

[avery16 5]

In response to the new USA Hockey rules, I am a level 4 official and I don't think they have been clear enough. The rule would make you think that you need the sticker for sure, a memo I received as well as the casebook make it unclear as to whether or not you actually do need the sticker. The memo did say this was not a rule change but rather a clarification.

at my seminar they talked about this, but made mention referees cant do anything about missing stickers....

[MountainKing 10]

I'm discovering this year that the USAH insurance is a joke, I wouldn't get anything base on them.

[Chadd 916]

In response to the new USA Hockey rules, I am a level 4 official and I don't think they have been clear enough. The rule would make you think that you need the sticker for sure, a memo I received as well as the casebook make it unclear as to whether or not you actually do need the sticker. The memo did say this was not a rule change but rather a clarification.

They're just trying to cover their own ass and put all the liability on someone else. As a ref, you do not know if it is certified or not, unless there is a sticker. Without proof, it is not certified. If something happens to a kid wearing a jacked up helmet the first thing USA Hockey is going to say is that the helmet wasn't certified and you will be on your own in regards to the lawsuits.

[watchgreat 4]

Ok here is my compilation of what I have been told,

Rule 304 Protective Equipment

(Note) Not all protective equipment is mandatory in all age

classifications. However, if not mandated by rule, USA

Hockey strongly recommends that all players and

goalkeepers in all age classifications properly wear an

internal mouthpiece, a HECC approved helmet and a HECC

approved full facemask for all games and practices.

c) It is mandatory that all players (except Adults) wear a HECC

approved helmet (including ear protection) with chin strap

properly fastened.

(Note) HECC certification includes an expiration date on the

sticker and a helmet that has an expiration date that has

expired is no longer considered certified. The player may not

wear a helmet that does not have a valid and current

certification sticker.

Players in the Adult classification must wear a hockey

helmet (including non-HECC approved) with chin strap

properly fastened.

All players on the players’ and the penalty bench must

wear the protective helmet/facemask while in the bench

area. For a violation of this rule, after a warning by the

Referee, a misconduct penalty for an equipment violation

shall be assessed to the offending player.

Rule 304 Situation 10 in Casebook

Situation 10

What are the proper procedures for the On-Ice Officials to

follow when attempting to identify HECC approved helmets

and facemasks.

The Officials must make a visual check of all required

protective equipment while the players are on the ice during

warm-ups. Rule References 304(c & d) and 304(c Note).

The Referee should follow these steps to determine the

legality of a required HECC approved helmet or facemask:

STEP 1: All approved helmets and facemasks should have a

valid HECC approved certification sticker with a date that is

still current attached unless it has been removed by the player.

The first burden of proof the helmet/facemask is eligible for

use is the valid and unexpired certification sticker.

STEP 2: If the sticker(s) are not present, the official should

have a basic knowledge of the required characteristics. These

include ear protection for helmets and small enough openings

in the facemask to prevent the butt-end of a stick from

entering. In addition, the helmet chin strap and facemask chin

cup and straps must also be present.

STEP 3: If still in question, the equipment models can be

compared to the lists of certified equipment that is present on

the HECC website (www.hecc.net)

And then here is the memo,

MEMORANDUM

September 26, 2013

RULE 304© Protective Equipment - Enforcement Guidelines

In June 2013, the USA Hockey Board of Directors passed rule changes that will evolve our game through the

2013-17 seasons. Among the changes is a strong theme of player safety and prevention of injuries. One such

change was a NOTE added to Rule 304© related to helmets that acknowledges that HECC stickers now include

an expiration date that de-certifies the helmet if the date has passed. This added language has created additional

confusion in regards to the mandate that all youth players are wearing a properly certified HECC helmet -- the

following information will clarify the expectations as it relates to enforcement.

USA Hockey has mandated for over 30 years that youth players wear a HECC approved helmet and the added

NOTE to Rule 304© does not change the rule. However, the NOTE does draw attention to, and create

awareness, that HECC has recently added an expiration date to the sticker and designates that any helmet that

has outlasted this date is no longer considered HECC certified and is ineligible for use in USA Hockey

sanctioned games where HECC approved helmets are required. The purpose of the expiration date is to

acknowledge that time and use may have an effect on the protective qualities of the helmet that would prevent it

from continuing to meet the minimum standards of protection. HECC has established the 6 and ½ year lifespan

of the certification to coincide with the length of time that the helmet maintains its necessary protective

qualities.

While the HECC standards are critical to player safety, the spirit and intent of the rule has not changed in

regards to enforcement by officials. A player’s participation in a game should not depend on whether the HECC

Sticker is in place or missing from his/her helmet. The guidelines the USA Hockey Officiating Program

encourages its officials to follow are outlined in the Officials Rules and Casebook in addition to the following

key points:

• Are all the components of the helmet in place (ear pieces, face-mask J-clips, etc.)?

• Is the helmet free of excessive wear and in good condition?

• Does the helmet look similar to models worn by other players?

• Is the helmet worn properly (fit, chin-strap buckled, etc.)?

If the official can answer these questions with a “yes” then the helmet is likely safe and legal for play and the

game does not need a long delay to complete this check. If in doubt, the presence of the current HECC sticker,

with valid expiration date, along with the good condition of the helmet, will be the final indicator as to the

eligibility for use in USA Hockey sanctioned games. Provided the official(s) have performed this due diligence,

it is important to acknowledge that USA Hockey firmly places the responsibility on the individual player to

wear the proper protective equipment in the manner in which it was intended.

The USA Hockey Playing Rules will always promote fair play, skill development, and above all player safety.

A firm understanding and application of the “spirit and intent” of all the playing rules by all on-ice officials will

assist in creating a positive environment for all participants.

[TeamHonda401 54]

Well that pretty much cleared that up.

[Chadd 916]

I can't believe that a lawyer actually approved that language before they sent it out. They are really asking for trouble.

[ID Rollerpop 4]

As an attorney what is really disturbing to me is the inconsistent message between the rule which is being portrayed to coaches as a 100% compliance rule that every helmet must have an unexpired sticker, and the instruction to the officials which indicates an intent that it not be enforced strictly.

On another issue, to me it seemed to a certain extent like there has to be some sort of manufacturer push to force new helmet purchases, unfortunately I think it is one more thing that will continue to marginalize hockey as an elitist sport at least amoungst youth players. I have a hard enough time paying league and travel expenses for my peewee and I went out of my way to purchase a top helmet when he was a squirt. He has never played check, the helmet has never taken a big hit and is still in top shape but now I am going to have to replace it before the end of the year.

[scorer75 9]

So it doesn't "need" a sticker to be considered legal, and officials are not responsible for verifying the expiration dates of helmets, that onus falls to the players and teams. #stillcorrect