Best Hockey Helmets

Review & Comparison, Last Update November 20, 2023
Hockey helmets can be different, both in size and weight. Although the design hasn’t changed a lot for the last 20 years, there are different parts that make some models unique in their own right. In our review, we’ll take a look at the best hockey helmets and more, so you could find the one that suits your playstyle. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
TYPE
BEST FOR
SIZES
Design
CONVENIENCES
WARRANTY
 
PROS

An array of air vents put all over the high-impact plastic shells of the helmet make wearing it almost seamless. Likewise, the integrated ear covers ensure that you won't get hurt in case you hit the ice with your head.  

CONS

The forehead protective plate is located a bit low.

OUR VERDICT

A professional-grade hockey helmet, the Bauer IMS 5.0 with a 2100 steel faceguard cage offers great protection against all types of impacts that can occur on the ice rink. Its low overall weight and excellent field of view are the main factors that make this particular helmet model so popular among players.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Combo

BEST FOR

Adults

SIZES

S, M, L

Design

Two-piece shell construction, Includes Bauer 2100 facemask

CONVENIENCES

Tool-less adjustment strap with adjustable clips, Multiple vents, Integrated ear covers, Double-layer foam

WARRANTY

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

Made of high-impact ABS plastic and reinforced with steel grate faceguard, this goalie mask provides both great protection and excellent field of view for the goaltender. 

CONS

The snaps feel somewhat flimsy. 

OUR VERDICT

Youth model for goalies from Franklin Sports, the GFM1500 embodies what a good protection helmet for goaltenders should be. Fairly light and comfortable to wear, it gives younger goalies the confidence they need to protect the goal from the incoming barrage of pucks.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Goalie mask

BEST FOR

Youth, Recommended for ages 6 to 12

SIZES

One size

Design

Molded high-impact ABS plastic, Chrome-treated welded steel cage

CONVENIENCES

Quick-snap elastic straps, ACD vented shell, Adjustable back plate

WARRANTY

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

The inline padding of the helmet features high-density foam that is nice to the touch and durable enough to withstand quite a beating. On top of that, the high-impact plastic shells will deflect other types of impact just as easy.

CONS

Not a lot of vents.

OUR VERDICT

The Fl40 hockey helmet combines a classic CCM design and the newest innovations in a single piece of gear. A perfect option for both beginner and amateur players, the helmet is fully compatible with eye visors. Moreover, the stock steel grate will work like gangbusters deflecting the puck and other players' sticks.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Combo

BEST FOR

Youth

SIZES

S

Design

Aerodynamic shell with low-profile fit, Thin round wires

CONVENIENCES

Tool-free length adjustment, Multi-density foam liner, Ventilation

WARRANTY

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

The built-in thermo-polyurethane padding combined with additional vents makes wearing the helmet even throughout long matches quite comfortable.

CONS

The finish is easily scratched.

OUR VERDICT

This goalie mask will be ideal for bandy and softball but it doesn't offer enough protection to be used safely for ice hockey. On the plus side, it is quite light compared to other full-size masks and will be a prime pick for players above 12 years old. 

detailed parameters
TYPE

Goalie mask

BEST FOR

Youth

SIZES

One size (20 3/4" - 23 1/2" in circumference)

Design

Durable shell, Carbon steel facemask

CONVENIENCES

TPU cushioning, Adjustable harness, Ventilation

WARRANTY

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

This model features a combination of high-impact plastic shells and foam padding underneath, which paired with a strong steel cage faceguard is both lightweight and dense enough to soften most blows. 

CONS

Adjusting the size with this helmet is not easy. 

OUR VERDICT

Mylec Jr. Helmet will be an excellent option for beginner youth hockey players that have only started developing skating skills. The option to adjust the helmet's size also makes it suitable for kids that are 5-9 years old.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Combo

BEST FOR

Youth, Recommended for ages 5 to 12

SIZES

One size (from 6"3/4" to 7"3/4")

Design

Lightweight durable outer shell

CONVENIENCES

3/4" foam padding, Slide adjustable system

WARRANTY

Amazon's 30-day return policy

X

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Bauer IMS 5.0

Flexible Protection

Being one of the most advanced semi-professional helmets from the company, the IMS 5.0 combines a relatively affordable price and a great level of protection that puts it closer to premium models. Designed for adults, the Bauer IMS 5.0 comes equipped with a wire cage faceguard that firmly protects the wearer’s face from various impacts while providing a good view of the ice hockey rink. Just like many other helmet models, the IMS 5.0 is available in a multitude of different colors, so finding the one that matches the jersey won’t be an issue.

As for size adjustment, this helmet includes a tool-less adjustable strap with clips that enable a quick and effortless tuning of the helmet according to your liking and needs. For added comfort, the helmet features vents on the sides and top of the protective shells, so you won’t have to worry about getting too hot while wearing it.

The only thing that we didn’t really like about this particular helmet is that its forehead protective plate is located a bit too low and might not be suitable for some users. Other than that, however, there are no real downsides to this model.

All things considered, the IMS 5.0 is simply one of the best hockey helmets that you can find for the money. It is fairly light, reliable, and it offers the flexibility of a detachable Bauer 2100 facemask.

Review of Bauer IMS 5.0 Helmet Combo

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $59.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00UT58SZA

 

Franklin Sports Youth Goalie GFM1500

Perfect Fit for Younger Goalies

Unlike regular helmets, goalie masks require quite a few additional protection layers to make wearing them safe since they should be able to withstand quite a beating. Fortunately, this youth helmet from Franklin Sports combines simple design and that much-needed protection.

First things first, this is a model for youth players and kids that are 6-12 years old, which means it won’t be suitable for older goalies due to its small size. That out of the way, let’s see what the helmet has to offer.

Made to last, the mask can be used for both street and ice hockey alike. The combination of high-impact plastic and strong cage with steel connectors ensure that the wearer is completely safe from the puck and stick impacts.

Moving on, to make wearing this goalie mask a bit more comfortable, it features quite a few vent holes on top, back, and on the sides of the plastic body. The welded steel cage will provide enough protection to the face and eyes once the mask is on. Likewise, the quick snap-on design of the elastic straps that hold the mask in place allows for putting it off and on fast whenever needed.

In the end, this goalie mask will be a great option for younger players that require a safe helmet that will boost their confidence, which is, perhaps, one of the main requirements of being a great ice hockey goalie.

Review of Franklin Sports Youth Goalie GFM1500 Street Hockey Mask for Kids

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $45.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00V57LQM8

 

CCM Fl40 (HTFL40C)

Top Bargain

The CCM Fl40 is yet another helmet for ice hockey from a renowned brand integrating high-end features at a low-end price. Similarly to other helmets in the same price range, CCM Fl40 comes outfitted with ear guards that make it safe for both training sessions and hockey matches. On top of that, the helmet features a chin strap that is located behind the steel faceguard cage.

Thanks to the adjustable straps, the helmet can be tuned to fit the player’s head nicely while not being loose. Likewise, the high-impact plastic of the helmet’s protective plates offers great protection and doesn’t make it heavy, which is crucial during long matches.

The gripe we have with this helmet is the lack of vents, which makes wearing it for longer than a couple of hours a bit uncomfortable. That said, as long as it’s strapped properly, it won’t be a huge issue in the long run.

Wrapping things up, the CCM will be suitable for users looking for added protection in hockey helmets which will make wearing it on the pitch safe. Featuring a strong metal faceguard cage, it is also compatible with transparent visors, offering the player a great field of view and protection at the same time. And that puts the Fl40 close to premium models.

Review of CCM Fl40 (HTFL40C) Hockey Helmet Combo

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00WAOUZHM

 

Schutt 2966 Air Maxx

Regular-Fit Goalie Mask

The Schutt Air Maxx goalie mask for softball is on a heavier side of the weight spectrum with a total weight of almost 3 pounds. Featuring a patented strap mechanism, the helmet is easily adjustable, which makes it suitable for players of all sizes. The only thing you should be aware of is the aforementioned weight of the helmet, which may not suit kids that are younger than 12.

Uncharacteristically, this goalie mask doesn’t have a foam chin padding. Instead, it incorporates a nice-to-the-touch vinyl coating that is both easy to clean and unlikely to acquire a smell after a few intense matches or training sessions. Likewise, the chin strap can be snapped in place in just a matter of seconds and snapped back in whenever needed owing to the pre-punched snaps.

The addition of multiple vents makes wearing the mask rather comfortable, while the open-frame design ensures a wide view of every ball movement - a critical factor for a goalie. As a bonus, this helmet features a unique ponytail channel that players with long hair will definitely love.

All in all, if you are looking for a regular-fit goalie mask for adults, the Schutt Air Maxx will be right up your alley. It combines a professional-grade construction and a budget-friendly price, which easily makes it one of the best options available.

Review of Schutt 2966 Air Maxx Catch Helmet

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $103.18
Stock In stock
ASIN B07DF9V53P

 

Mylec Jr.

Excellent Training Helmet

Nowadays, hockey helmets for kids are dime a dozen, and trying to find the one that is both safe and comfortable to wear can be a daunting task. With that in mind, this model from Mylec embodies pretty much everything that a standard youth helmet needs to be in one package.

To start off, just like bigger hockey helmets, this one features foam padding that is reinforced with high-impact plastic. It offers basic required protection against puck and stick impacts, while the steel cage that acts as a faceguard makes wearing the helmet on the pitch safe. What makes the helmet really stand out though is its light weight. With just under 1 pound of overall weight, wearing this model feels almost seamless.

But adjusting the size of the helmet might take some time and effort. That being said, once you get the hang on how the straps work and follow the instructions, you will be able to find the perfect fit for your young hockey player. To be more precise, the helmet fits hat sizes from 6 ¾ inches to 7 ¾ inches, which should be suitable for youth players that are 5-9 years old. So, despite some minor problems with the strap design, this model from Mylec will be a great addition to your junior player’s hockey gear for training.

Review of Mylec Jr. Helmet with Wire Face Guard

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B002LB9H0U

 

What Is a Hockey Helmet?

Usually worn by ice hockey players, hockey helmets are also a common piece of gear for inline hockey, bandy, and softball players as well. A standard helmet for hockey is capable of protecting the wearer’s head from injuries that can be inflicted by the puck, ice skates, sticks, or even other players.

More often than not, the helmet comes equipped with face shield or ear guards. While the former is usually made of high-strength steel, ear guards are made from high-impact plastic.

To make wearing them comfortable throughout all 3 periods and overtime, modern helmets are also equipped with vent openings that are small enough to ensure that the wearer's head is safe from the impact but just big enough to keep it cool.

Other than high-impact plastic and steel parts, helmets for ice hockey feature foam paddings underneath the shells that are soft yet still dense to stop a puck with ease.

If you are searching for more than just a helmet, we recommend taking a look at our hockey sticks review. Conversely, if your old skates have become a bit dull, it is a prime time to get a brand new pair of hockey skates.

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Publish Date: 2020-09-28 12:03:49