Why do the professionals use the Reebok 7K instead of the 11K for their helmet?

[starrzkyy 1]

I've notice that Crosby, Tarasenko, Datsyuk, and Duchene just to name some use the Reebok 7K for their helmet instead of the 11K. Does anyone know why?

[jonesy9020 77]

Same reason a lot of players still wear the Bauer 4500 over the Re-Akt. It's what they grew up wearing and what they're used to. When most if not all of those guys were in youth hockey, EPP helmets were the top of the line and the adjustable custom fit tech in helmets like the 11k, Re-Akt, M11, etc. didn't really exist.

[Chadd 916]

Same reason a lot of players still wear the Bauer 4500 over the Re-Akt. It's what they grew up wearing and what they're used to. When most if not all of those guys were in youth hockey, EPP helmets were the top of the line and the adjustable custom fit tech in helmets like the 11k, Re-Akt, M11, etc. didn't really exist.

Bauer 5000 was launched close to 20 years ago. There aren't many players in the league that played youth hockey before EPP helmets hit the market.

[Stewie 721]

Bauer 5000 was launched close to 20 years ago. There aren't many players in the league that played youth hockey before EPP helmets hit the market.

I think what he means is that EPP helmets are what they grew up using, not the ones with custom dials etc.

[Quintin 16]

Not a pro but I've had a Bauer 8000, 5000 and currently wear a 4500. Besides fit, I just like the feel of VN foam over EPP and the additional padding that comes with it.

[Stewie 721]

Both the 7k and 11k are epp. I think some pros might like that the 7k is lighter, or feel the dial in system is just unnecessary.

[rawkstar 45]

Used to it? Maybe they like the look of it better. The 11k does have a round feel to it, like you're wearing a basketball on your head. Its a very different fit from the 7k.

[swede 51]

They wear whatever fits their heads best.. It's as simple as that.

If they'd still be around, i would use either a ccm 652 or a itech hc95 because i prefer

VN over EPP, and both fit my oval head..

[Hosehead 1]

I've seen pro stock 11k's with a VN liner. So I don't believe it would have anything to do with EPP vs VN. I think it would come down to what others have said, whatever fits best and looks the coolest.

[seangriffin 0]

Mirror test has a lot to do with it too!

[iammerson 19]

I have been a big reebok helmet guy since I got one in college. (Currently on my second helmet in 10 years) Like a lot,of hockey players one I am use to something I do not like to change it with the exception of maybe sticks. So when a model looks like it's going away I will scoop an extra one up even if I don't need it.

I do believe though that as pros go fit is always key and in my experience reebok really missed the mark on the 11k the fit is very strange and from working in a pro shop for awhile I can tell you it only seems to fit a certain kind of head well. That's probably the biggest reason you do not see more 11k in the NHL.

[hawkeyfan 36]

I do not know the specifics on these 2 helmets, but if you look at almost any pro you can tell that the Pro-Stock helmets from the standard helmets...How you ask? Many times you see a different foam between the temple and in front of the ear. You can clearly see it is the old foam instead of the new EPP set-up.

I've especially noticed this with players who wear Warrior helmets.

[Tailboard Jockey 25]

Probably for the same reason both of my sons opted for the 7K instead of the 11K. They hate the way the 11K looks.

[Jabroni852 0]

I own 2 7k's. First one has a half shield. I wound up buying the 7K when I forgot my Easton s19 before a lesson. The helmet was so comfortable I kept it. I loved the S19 until I got glue in my hair over and over again from the pads after nine months. Easton was good about warranting it. They sent me a E700 with the gyro system. I wore it twice and sold it online I absolutely hated the system the helmet would move on me. I bought second 7k to put a cage on it because a couple rinks I play at require it.

[starrzkyy 1]

I own 2 7k's. First one has a half shield. I wound up buying the 7K when I forgot my Easton s19 before a lesson. The helmet was so comfortable I kept it. I loved the S19 until I got glue in my hair over and over again from the pads after nine months. Easton was good about warranting it. They sent me a E700 with the gyro system. I wore it twice and sold it online I absolutely hated the system the helmet would move on me. I bought second 7k to put a cage on it because a couple rinks I play at require it.

I personally love my 7K but the looks aren't the best. I was going to get a Re-Akt but it's not worth it. The 7K is an awesome helmet. My only gripe with mine is that the inserts are grey, I thought they were more cool than black but I regret my decision.

[Jabroni852 0]

Hey Jxck

Agree the look of 7k helmet is goofy looking. I got past it with how comfortable the helmet is. You know you can change color with helmet stickers. Below is a video of couple kids changing them.

http://reebokhockey.com/en/gear/player/accessories/helmet-stickers