The best protective hockey helmet expert review

Everyone knows that the hockey helmet is the main and mandatory part of hockey protective equipment. It protects your head from blows with a stick, falling against the ice and the hockey box rim, from violent collisions with other players.But which brands can be trusted? Today let’s analyze. So, let’s get acquainted with the best hockey helmets!

1. CCM SUPER TACKS X

The newest helmet and our vote for best helmet overall goes to the CCM Super Tacks X hockey helmet. With this helmet, CCM has reinvented the way helmet protection is designed and includes the following elements.

Features of this helmet

• The innovative 3D-printed continuous liner, made entirely of smart D30 material, has been optimally designed based on many different game situations that help dissipate impact from key areas of the head.
• The liner also provides a professional-level fit, better adapting to the specific shape of your head for a continuous responsive fit. This design also helps increase airflow throughout the helmet, keeping you cool during play.
• The Super Tacks X Helmet features a tool-less front-to-back adjustment system. This easy-to-use adjustment provides a wider range of sizes for the best individual fit.
• The stylish look and professional-inspired design ensures effective ventilation throughout the helmet.
• Tool-free adjustment for a personalized fit.
• A pro preferred shell for impact absorption and a pro look.
• Nest Tech liner and multi-density foams for better protection.
• Reinforced side impact frame for added protection in key areas

CCM’s research and development combined with digital 3D manufacturing has translated into the new Super Tacks X helmet to create an advanced helmet that provides you with the best protection and comfort on the ice.

Designed for elite level players with top-notch protection, the Tacks X helmet is designed to dissipate impact energy. This is accomplished with D30 material and the introduction of an advanced 3D printed lining that has different geometries to help control and absorb all types of impact in key areas.

In the comfort department, CCM offers the Nest Tech lining, which fits and hugs the head, providing a soft and uninterrupted, unparalleled fit. Together with multi-density foam that provides extra professional-grade protection, the helmet provides an unmatched fit and comfort. The unique 3D-printed Nest Tech Liner provides cool and great feel with unparalleled maximum airflow.

CCM’s tool-less adjustment system allows you to easily adjust your helmet to best fit your head. This easy-to-use front-to-back side adjustment has a wider range of sizes for a more personalized fit. Finally, completing this helmet is an outer shell with a pro-approved look and new structured stiffness for extra protection on the sides.

When buying new protective gear, especially a hockey helmet, finding the right fit is very important. Without the right fit, even the most technologically advanced helmet will not be effective. If you choose a model and size that fits your head, the protective features will do their job. If you’re not sure which helmet fits you best, or if you need accurate measurements and evaluation, visit your local Pure Hockey store.

Size of this helmet

Size	Hat Size	Head Circumference
Small	61/2 – 71/8	52.5 – 57 cm
Medium	7 – 71/2	55.5 – 60 cm
Large	73/8 – 8	58.5 – 63 cm

2. WARRIOR Alpha One S18

The Warrior Alpha One Helmet Combo introduces for the first time the new OmniShock+ protection system, which provides a new level of protection by integrating Viconic 3D TPU and Impax Foam pods into a one-piece shell. The Viconic 3D Pods are used in critical impact areas (front, back and sides of the head) and withstand low, medium and high energy impacts with both linear and rotational movements better than any Warrior foam ever used before. In addition to the base layer of EPP Foam, the Alpha One uses Impax Foam, which is extremely comfortable and improves protection throughout the range.

Gone are the days of a multi-piece case, and 2018 marks the arrival of the True One-Piece for Warrior. Not only does the one-piece shell allow them to create a lower profile Alpha One, but it also better absorbs and distributes impact energy.

Another significant change in the Alpha One helmet is Boa’s AdaptaFit 360 system. Traditional hockey helmets have a front-to-back adjustment system, but with Boa’s quick disc rotation, they provide a full 360-degree head wrap.

The Alpha One comes with a set of stickers that allow you to customize the look to match your team colors.

Features of this helmet

• BOA’s Adaptfit 360 Fit system helps maximize comfort and protection with quick and precise adjustments. This disc allows players to tighten or loosen the overall fit of the helmet one step at a time, depending on their preference, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit for extended periods of time!
• The OmniShock+ system consists of Viconic and foam inserts in the highly sensitive frontal and temporal areas to help dissipate the force of impact from these areas. This overall system was designed to protect players not only from hard hits, but also from smaller hits such as contact with the boards.
• Players’ comfort is ensured by the Polygiene lining and ventilation system. Removable Polygiene-treated liners absorb sweat and dry quickly, keeping players cool, dry and odor-free! Strategically placed helmet ventilation was designed to keep players from overheating.
• OmniShock + protection system
• Viconic shock absorbers in critical impact areas (e.g., frontal lobe, temples and occipital)
• 3D TPU modules are individually tuned for each impact zone to provide next-level performance
• Provides significantly better cushioning than traditional VN or EPP foam.
• Impax Foam
• High-quality, comfortable foam applied over an EPP base liner.
• EPP Base Liner
• Lightweight, moisture-repellent foam that withstands high-energy impacts
• Removable comfort padding with Polygiene technology
• Prevents odor-causing bacteria from forming inside the lining
• Real one-piece shell
• High-density plastic provides a lightweight barrier with enhanced protection
• Warrior Cage Alpha One

Characteristics/size of this helmet

Weigh	SM-425g, MD-470g, LG-515g	Weight of the product measured in grams (Medium).
Padding	Interchangeable FitPads	Type of internal padding.
Liner	EPP	Type of inner liner material.
Adjustable Length	N/A	Ability for length-wise size adjustments.
Tool Free Adjustability	N/A	Ability for tool-free size adjustments.
Cage Type/Color	N/A	Type and color of cage.
Helmet Certifications	HECC, CSA	Certifications held by the product.
Warranty	30 Days	Period of time the product is covered under manufacturer’s warranty.

3. REEBOK 7K HELMET

The Reebok 7K hockey helmet offers certified protection and solid comfort for its price. The 7K has the same shell design as the rest of the Reebok series. The 7K is a step up from the 5k model in that it uses an underwrap. The shell used (carbon print) is lightweight, stiff and breathable, making the 7k helmet better ventilated and lighter than the 5k.

Features of this helmet

Protection

• Mechanically attached EPP liner delivers pro-proven protection in a lightweight package.
• Molded grip texture Comfort Cushions deliver snug pillowy comfort
• Solid PE plastic shell
• Clear surlyn ear covers
• Zinc plated flat/star screws minimize rust
• FITCLIP™ adjustment – Tool free adjustment feature to expand or contract the helmet resulting in a customized fit. Features 3 unique shell sizes (S, M, L) for an anthropometrically optimized fit

Comfort

• Max vents – allows for increased air flow
• Molded grip texture Comfort Cushions deliver snug pillowy comfort
• Subshell is lightweight stiff and breathable
• HECC, CSA approved
• Compatible with most face cages and shields/visors

The 7k series is among the tested hockey equipment products. It was recommended in 2017. The head protection from bruises, concussions received 3 out of 5 stars. The streamlined body features good aerodynamics, ventilation system. The inner side is equipped with a softening polyurethane lining, which perfectly absorbs noise, impact energy. Provides protection for the ears in the form of transparent inserts. There is a fixing strap. System FitClip allows quick adaptation of helmet to individual features of a head. Compatible with mask not only original production. Users note that fit additional protective elements: masks, grilles, visors of different brands. Can be worn under the bottom of the hat, without compromising comfort.

Characteristics/size of this helmet

Weigh	472 Grams	Weight of the product measured in grams (Medium).
Padding	Comfort Cushions	Type of internal padding.
Liner	EPP	Type of inner liner material.
Adjustable Length	YES	Ability for length-wise size adjustments.
Tool Free Adjustability	YES	Ability for tool-free size adjustments.
Cage Type/Color	N/A	Type and color of cage.
Helmet Certifications	HECC, CSA,CE	Certifications held by the product.
Head Circumference	19.5″ – 21″	19.5″ – 21″/20″ – 22″/21.5″ – 23″/22.8″ – 25″
Warranty	90 Days	Period of time the product is covered under manufacturer’s warranty.

4. Warrior Alpha One Pro Helmet

The one-piece adult hockey helmet is approved by the Canadian Sports Equipment Commission. The size grid consists of options: S/53-56; M/56-59, L/57.5-62 cm. The form of the body is traditional, anatomically correct. Considering different peculiarities of the head’s structure, the manufacturer has introduced a micro-adjustable disc. It allows adjusting individual fit, provides comfort, firm fixation during high-speed movement on the playing field. The advantage is also the light weight. Turning your head is more comfortable, there is no feeling of “extra”. The inner surface is treated with antibacterial agent. Soft pads play the role of a “sweat collector”. Removable, washable with soap and water. Vents protect from overheating. Compatible with visor of other brand, for example, MAD GUY.

Features of this helmet

• TRUE ONE PRO SHELL | A one-piece, high-density plastic shell that provides a superior hard, durable and lightweight barrier of enhanced protection. The True One Pro shell has a distinct geometry designed to balance a slim appearance and provide good impact dispersion.
• OMNI SHOCK PROTECTION SYSTEM w/ IMPAX FOAM | A holistic approach to head protection. All elements of the shell and lining are integrated into a smooth, low-resistance system. Focused impact areas on the frontal lobe, temples and occiput are reinforced with Impax absorbent capsules that dissipate energy. Impax pads absorb both linear and twisting impacts. The True One Pro shell and EPP are the core of safety, forming a lightweight barrier that provides protection against catastrophic injury. Impax pads are designed for specific soft to medium impacts.
• ADAPTFIT 270 BY BOA | In a fast-paced game like hockey, helmet fit is paramount for maximum safety and comfort. The AdaptFit 270 fit system is micro-adjustable with the BOA dial pulling the helmet to your head. The control and custom fit of the helmet will allow you to wear it safely and comfortably for extended periods of time.
• FLOW COMFORT POLYGIENE LINER AND VENTING | Wearing a helmet should not cause irritation. Our removable flow liners are treated with Polygiene. They absorb sweat and dry quickly, keeping you cool and odor-free. Airflow through the liner is optimized by design so you don’t overheat.
• COLOR CASTOMIZATION | Each box has easy-to-apply side stickers to give your helmet a bright color.
• ALPHA ONE PRO COMBO | The Alpha One Pro helmet combines with the Alpha One premium silver cage.

Characteristics/size of this helmet

Padding	EPP foam	Type of internal padding.
Liner	Flow Comfort Polygiene	Type of inner liner material.
Tool Free Adjustability	Yes	Ability for tool-free size adjustments.
Cage Type/Color	Yes	Type and color of cage.
Helmet Certifications	CSA, HECC and CE	Certifications held by the product.
Warranty	30 Days	Period of time the product is covered under manufacturer’s warranty.
Helmet size		6′5/8 – 7(52 – 56 cm), 7 – 7′3/8(56 – 59 cm), 7′1/8 – 7′3/4( 57.5 – 62 cm)

5. BAUER RE-AKT 200 HOCKEY HELMET

In the world of elite-level hockey helmets, Bauer’s Re-Akt 200 hockey helmet has to be one of the leaders. Full of meaningful upgrades, the Re-Akt 200 has been redesigned to provide even better impact protection for aggressive players and is now 25% more protective than the Re-Akt 100 or any previous Bauer helmet.

Features

• Updated single-lock adjustment system for more temple protection
• Fit Plate technology for individual occipital fixation
• Moisture channels to wick sweat away from eyes
• VN and VTX foams for enhanced lightweight protection
• Next Gen Suspend-Tech lining to absorb linear and rotational shock
• Molded side foams to protect extended clearance
• Strategically placed ventilation for excellent airflow

The body of the Re-Akt 200 helmet has been updated slightly with a single-lock adjustment system that allows the helmet to expand and contract. Players with an eye for aesthetics will love the new sleek and slightly sculpted look of the helmet with attractive vents in the front and back for superior airflow.

The inside of the helmet is where Bauer has paid the most attention to upgrading, giving the Re-Akt 200 many new features. The Re-Akt 200’s lining now incorporates Bauer’s Fit Plate technology, the same technology that Bauer uses in its Speed Plate insole. When baked in, the Fit Plate provides a custom nape at the back of the helmet for a near-perfect fit. The new Re-Akt 200 also includes additional adjustments designed to eliminate any gaps in the temple area, whether the helmet is widened or narrowed.

The helmet has a base layer of VN foam, a high-density material, on top of which is a layer of double-density foam. The helmet also features moisture channels to help wick sweat away from the player’s eyes. Finally, the Re-Akt 200 helmet features Poron Xrd pads, the most protective foam Bauer uses.

The Suspend-Tech padding has also been updated. The next-generation Suspend-Tech technology is installed in several places, helping to manage the energy of both linear and rotational strokes. The base liner is an updated version of Bauer’s VTX material, similar to EPP foam, but lighter and more protective.

It’s no surprise, and it shouldn’t be, that leading companies are paying attention to all the concern about concussions and head injuries. It makes sense that Bauer is committed to investing time and energy into their helmets. And fortunately for players, the Re-Akt 200 helmet offers a high-tech set of padding and fit adjustments designed to provide the best protection for the player.

Characteristics/size

Padding	VTX, XRD and MD foams	Type of internal padding.
Liner	Molded memory foam	Type of inner liner material.
Adjustable Length	Yes	Ability for length-wise size adjustments.
Tool Free Adjustability	Yes	Ability for tool-free size adjustments.
Cage Type/Color	N/A	Type and color of cage.
Helmet Certifications	CSA, HECC and CE	Certifications held by the product.
Warranty	1 Year	Period of time the product is covered under manufacturer’s warranty.
Helmet Size		20 – 22″(51 – 56 cm), 21.4 – 23.2″(54.5 – 59 cm), 22.6 – 24.4″(57.5 – 62 cm)

In conclusion

We looked at 5 of the nominees we tested. If you are going to buy one of them, it is better to try on several variants from different manufacturers. The selection “by feel” is one of the successful selection criteria.