Helmet Suggestion (Ventilation)

[Shane91 0]

I am 32 and used a Bauer 4500 and earlier models (cooper, Nike etc.. ) Since they came out up until about 4 years ago. I switched to an RBK 8K ( I think, it was top of the line when it was new. All the lettering has worn off) I love the helmet fit but I find the ventilation lacking and overheat during games. I do not like new equiment so The biggest change is the helmet in all that time. Gloves and skates have changed but wouldn't cause the heat issue. I'm just looking for a suggestion for a helmet similar in fit to the Reebok with better venting. Or maybe the same helmet with different padding could be the issue I'm not sure. I switched from the 4500 only for some better protection as I felt it they are pretty lacking. I did try a Bauer 5000 years ago. I had longer hair and found when i took it off it pulled hair out lol so I sold it. I don't remember overheating in it but I only used it for a couple skates. Thanks

[McDugan 89]

I switched a Reebok 6k for a Mission Intake (now have the Inhaler). Huge improvement in ventilation, decent fit w/ the Mission.

I'm right on the cusp of M/L helmet-wise. Can usually fit either size, with the adjustability. But pretty sure I went with a M rbk and now have a Large Mission.

[flyers10 57]

Easton e700 works well (buy extra pad sets) or mission inhaler.

[kovalchuk71 212]

I will second the Mission Inhaler. The ventilation is top notch. Don't be scared off by the "Roller Hockey" specific advertising. It is a protective helmet.

[TitanG 5]

I don't have any experience with the Mission Inhaler, but I did use an Easton E600 which is pretty much the same thing as the E700 just without the full polycarbonate shell.

I used it for ball hockey in pretty humid and warm arenas, and I felt it did a good job of ventilating extra heat and wicking away sweat with the plush padding.

As someone else may mention, try a few helmets you like (if you can) and get the one that fits the best.

[MarsB 33]

Pretty happy with the ventilation in the CCM V10, coming from the 4500 as well. Plus they are on closeout now.

[Shane91 0]

Thanks for the suggestions. I wasn't sure if it was the helmet design, different type of foam or me just getting older and sweating alot more lol. But i pretty much have to take it off every other shift so I don't over heat. Other than that I do like the Reebok. I need to buy new gloves and I guess I'll add a bucket to the list as well.

[TitanG 5]

If you do like the Reebok and decide to continue with it, Hockey Monkey (not advertising here) has some new 8K's for a steal, and I'm pretty sure they're the only ones with these new ones.

However, if you're in Canada, you can always visit Hockey Experts if you're near Montreal or price match (Sportchek will) their Reebok 11k for $54.99. Unbelievable price for that helmet, even cheaper than the Bauer 4500 (and all the other top of the line helmets mentioned) and offers great protection and a very similar feel to the 8K.

Once again, I'm not trying to advertise, just sharing info I've found while researching online, and again, if you want to try something with better ventilation, I'd recommend the Easton E600. Great price for what it is as well.

[McDugan 89]

Thanks for the suggestions. I wasn't sure if it was the helmet design, different type of foam or me just getting older and sweating alot more lol. But i pretty much have to take it off every other shift so I don't over heat. Other than that I do like the Reebok. I need to buy new gloves and I guess I'll add a bucket to the list as well.

I can say that the helmet design is definitely part of it. I found the 6k (and as I recall the 8k is similar or identical in this respect) to be an absolute heat trap. The shell in that helmet has no top ventilation.

[TitanG 5]

I wonder, then, why so many pros use it, including Sid.

I guess he doesn't have much of a choice since he's sponsored, but it must not be much of a problem for those pros.

Unless, of course, they just wear it because they like the look.

[Shane91 0]

Thanks for the heads up on the deals but I am in Vancouver. I do think it's the design for some reason. I bought it because I liked the old school look and I guess others do to since it's still pretty popular even though newer models have come out since. I guess it's either an Inhaler or E600/700 depending on what fits the best.

[akravetz 29]

Question to ask about this... I have an 8K and love it, but our local youth hockey group wants their coaches as well as players to have up to date helmets in terms of their stickers (the HECC or HEEC, Not sure which). Are the hockey monkey helmets new as in manufacture so they have stickers that go out to 2019 or so. Or are they new in still in the box and might expire next year. I ask because mine is out of date this month. I am going to try to wing it next year as long as I can... keeping my mouth shut but if they do make us get new helmets, I'd like to get another 8k.

If you do like the Reebok and decide to continue with it, Hockey Monkey (not advertising here) has some new 8K's for a steal, and I'm pretty sure they're the only ones with these new ones.

[TitanG 5]

I checked when I first found them, and yes they are new and expire in 2020.

Here's the link:

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

Also, they're cheaper than the 7K's, yet are better helmets, so it's a great deal.

Shane91, I'm also in the Vancouver area and I was able to price match the 11k at my local Sportchek (same parent company) once I brought in the printout from the website.

[McDugan 89]

I wonder, then, why so many pros use it, including Sid.

I guess he doesn't have much of a choice since he's sponsored, but it must not be much of a problem for those pros.

Unless, of course, they just wear it because they like the look.

Pro athletes are in much better shape than the average guy and just maybe, on account of their superior conditioning, heat is less of an issue for them.

But that line of helmets does, as a simple matter of fact, have less ventilation than most, and there's a noticeable difference moving to something with more top vents to allow heat to escape. Obviously every individual's experience varies, and for some it's a bigger deal than others, but there's quite a difference. Not trying to sell anything, just sharing my direct experience.

[TitanG 5]

Yeah, I completely understand, I was just curious as to why some pros would use it.

Anyway, my suggestions for the Easton E600/E700 still stand.

[JoshV 20]

Question to ask about this... I have an 8K and love it, but our local youth hockey group wants their coaches as well as players to have up to date helmets in terms of their stickers (the HECC or HEEC, Not sure which). Are the hockey monkey helmets new as in manufacture so they have stickers that go out to 2019 or so. Or are they new in still in the box and might expire next year. I ask because mine is out of date this month. I am going to try to wing it next year as long as I can... keeping my mouth shut but if they do make us get new helmets, I'd like to get another 8k.

Our 8K helmets were made new for us last year. The expiration dates are far from now

[akravetz 29]

Thanks for the information. Sorry to hijack the thread. Will bow out now.

[Shane91 0]

Just picked up an E700. A temamte also recommended it last night. I play tonight In an always warm rink which should be a good test.

[Shane91 0]

Used E700 last night and definitely noticed a difference. I didn't have to take it off once even when I went to the box twice which I usually always do. Still not sold on the look but it's uber light and venting was good. If it had an older school look it would be perfect but I will get used to it.