Extended J-Clips

[LoveDaPens 0]

I did read other posts here about j-clips, but I can't seem to find any info on longer, or extended j-clips. The chin cup on my sons Bauer Hybrid Shield doesn't reach his chin if I use j-clips. But I want to use the j-clips so that if he gets hit the shield isn't able to keep traveling up and smash his face.  I was thinking I'd be able to buy extended length j-clips so that it allowed the shield to go a little higher so his chin was in the cup but still offered the stopping protection, but they don't seem to exist!

 

I have the shield installed correctly with the front screw clips aimed down so the shield isn't sitting incorrectly low or anything like that. I have the j-clips at their highest setting as well.

 

I was thinking of making my own (probably wouldn't turn out great or be as strong) or drilling an additional hole in the helmet on each side above the existing j-clip holes.

 

Any advice or thoughts on this?

 

Thanks!

 

[JR Boucicaut 3809]

Drilling the extra hole is the only way you'll get more clearance.

[boo10 323]

Depending on how much space there is, I'd be more inclined to try to modify the chin cup.  Drilling the helmet would at minimum void any warranty and at worst, potentially cause you problems with insurance should he ever be injured.  Are you sure he's in a properly sized cage?

[LoveDaPens 0]

It's an old helmet, Reebok 4k. Both helmet and visor are size small. He's small for his age (he's a 2004) but plays competitive hockey. I did try the drilling method. I added one hole above the existing two. It raised the clips a good bit and now the visor doesn't even reach them. I guess if the hit was hard enough there would be an emergency backstop in place, but it would have to move a fair amount to reach the top of the clip. I'll take some pics and maybe that will help. Seems it is just kind of in between everything.

 

I tried getting him a nice Bauer helmet to match the visor but he didn't like the fit. He kind of grew into the old Reebok so it fits his head just right. The Bauer helmet didn't fit quite right in the back corners of his head. A respected coach gave me some advice that the helmet is really just for skull fracture protection and a new helmet isn't going to help lesson concussion potential. He said let him keep wearing it if it fits correctly and he likes it. So I'm going with that for the time being.

 

I'll post some pics soon.

[LoveDaPens 0]

16 hours ago, boo10 said:

Depending on how much space there is, I'd be more inclined to try to modify the chin cup.  Drilling the helmet would at minimum void any warranty and at worst, potentially cause you problems with insurance should he ever be injured.  Are you sure he's in a properly sized cage?

 

Can you explain what you mean by modify the chin cup? Thanks

[Monty22 835]

It's possible the cage itself is too long for your son's face. I would take a look at some of the XS sized options to see if you can find a better fit.  Maybe a picture from the side of his head with the helmet and cage on would be helpful in determining where the issue is. 

[boo10 323]

I agree with Monty.

 

If the gap is small enough, you could consider adding some padding that would reposition the chin cup.  I know of one small player that has a 2nd chin cup glued to the original cup.  It's not the best solution, but worked for him on a short term basis.

[LoveDaPens 0]

I don't think they make a smaller version of the Bauer Hybrid, which he likes and I think it is one of the best available. Have you seen them? He's pretty close with the small, but they don't make anything smaller anyway.

 

https://www.bauer.com/player-ice-hockey-helmets-and-facial/visors/hybrid-shield

[Monty22 835]

Yes, I'm familiar with the Hybrid. What I'm saying is that regardless of your opinion of the Hybrid, it sounds like it is too big for him right now. Much like a helmet, it doesn't matter how great the level of protection is if it doesn't fit properly.   I'm suggesting putting the hybrid away for a couple of seasons and look at getting a XS sized cage.