Helmet Suggestions

[TMatzelle60 0]

IMS 7.0 or the 9900?

[RadioGaGa 162]

The best answer in helmet questions is usually "Which ever fits your head the best" Assuming they both fit, it is going to be a personal preference.

[althoma1 575]

Whatever fits your head better. I have no experience with the 9900, but can tell you that I find the IMS 7.0 very comfortable. I do find it gets a little warm for roller; so I use the IMS 7.0 to ref ice and the Cascade M11 (same fit as the IMS 7.0) to play ice, but use other helmets for roller hockey where it's warmer.

Each head is different, so just try on everything you can and get something that fits well.

[TMatzelle60 0]

I was wondering protection wise. Is the IMS cheaply made i play no contact mens league or is the 9900 crap?

[althoma1 575]

From a durability stand point the IMS has held up well for me - I haven't really tested out the protection. I've read about the pads on the 9900 coming unglued after a year or two.

[Travislicious 22]

I've been looking for a new lid lately as well, and came across a very interesting study by Virginia Tech (which also grades football helmets)

http://www.beam.vt.edu/helmet/helmets_hockey.php

If this study is right, my cheap Bauer 2100 actually offers decent protection compared to more expensive helmets. But, I am no expert at this.

[SlaterC42 51]

It's been discussed at length here...

http://modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/66511-virginia-tech-star-rating-system-being-developed-for-hockey-helmets/

[rawkstar 45]

The pads like the ones on the 9900 come unglued on every one of that kind of helmet from pretty much every manufacturer.

Honestly if you're playing men's league just about any helmet will be fine. They'll all protect you from getting hit in the head with a puck or a stick and if you read the Virginia tech study you'll learn that basically none of them will protect you from getting a concussion. Higher price does not equal better protection.

What will help is having a helmet that fits well on your head, so if you have the ability to try them on go check them out and then get whatever is comfortable. Higher price does not equal better protection, or even better durability.

[iammerson 19]

If those are the only two that your looking at I would go ims 7.0. Better durability and protection in my opinion. 9900 always felt al little bulky and the interior padding is sure to fall out before you get your money worth.

Obviously though at the end of the day like everyone said its all about what fits u best