Are you having a hard time trying to find the best ice hockey helmets? If so, you’ll want to take a look at our review that includes some of the top helmets that are available this year.
Finding a helmet that’s right for you is one of the most important parts of your gear when it comes to ice hockey. It’s a sport that can leave your head incredibly vulnerable to being seriously hurt if you don’t keep it protected.
This can make picking a helmet feel like a stressful process. That’s why we’ve researched and reviewed the top options. You can simply read through their main features, upsides, and what drawbacks they have.
We’ve written an in-depth Buyers guide and FAQ which can be found below the reviews. Be sure to give this a read to ensure that you have all the information you need to make the best decision and buy the best helmet.
Comparison Table
| Helmet | Name | Award | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Bauer RE-AKT 100 | Best All Round | Check price |
 |
Bauer RE-AKT 200 | Best High Performance | Check price |
 |
Warrior Covert PX+ | Best Comfort | Check price |
 |
Bauer RE-AKT 95 | Best Wider Heads | Check price |
 |
CCM Fitlite FL90 | Best Budget | Check price |
 |
CCM Fitlite FL90 | Best Youth Helmet | Check price |
Bauer RE-AKT 100
Best All Round
The RE-AKT 100 is one of Bauer’s most technological helmets that they have to offer. We were impressed with how they have implemented a suspend-tech 2 mechanism as it works effectively to provide you with a fit that feels comfortable.
This feature is also great for being resistant to hard force. In addition to this, you can easily adjust the helmet to fit your head.
With a 7-tech system available, you can also expect this helmet to be highly protective. However, we also like how it manages to feel lightweight at the same time.
Awesome Features
- You can adjust the helmet easily to fit your head perfectly
- The suspend-tech 2 feature ensures that you have a lot of protection
- Lightweight design
Downsides
- Some people find that they aren’t able to move their heads around as easily as they’d like
Where to buy?
Bauer RE-AKT 200
Best High Performance
The Bauer RE-AKT 200 is our top pick for the best high-performance helmet.
In particular, we liked how they have incorporated an adjustment system that can be locked into place to provide your temples with even more protection while you’re on the ice.
If you are concerned about any lack of protection in between the gaps of foam, this helmet may be just what you’re looking for. It has a greater amount of protection on the gaps.
Furthermore, they have also managed to maintain a lot of air flow to ensure that it can circulate and keep you cool.
It’s one of the best hockey helmets for concussions because it has been fitted with suspend-tech liner technology as well as an absorption upon impact feature. These are effective at protecting your head if you experience any hard impacts.
Another feature they’ve used to improve the impact absorption is a liner made out of VN foam. This is thick to keep you very protected -- making this one the safest hockey helmets in our lineup.
Awesome Features
- Improved temple protection available
- More gap protection is included
- Plenty of airflow can circulate to keep you cool
Downsides
- The VN foam liner can make the helmet feel a little uncomfortable to begin with.
- Adjusting this helmet may take some time.
Where to buy?
CCM Fitlite 3DS
Best for comfort
Are you after a hockey helmet that can be easily adjusted? If so, the CCM Fitlite 3DS may be one to consider.
The 3DS feature is an easy-to-adjust system that leaves your ears with a lock over them. As a result, the helmet has more freedom to contract and get larger depending on the size of your head.
This makes the helmet more comfortable and it has a better chance of keeping your head protected.
To keep you cool while you’re playing, a ventilation system has been built-in. This allows for air to circulate throughout the helmet while you’re playing.
With a shell made out of ABS and PE materials, you can be sure that this helmet will last you for a long time. These materials are also incredibly effective at absorbing impact to prevent your head from taking the hits.
Moreover, a layer of EPP materials is available which is the last line of defence against impact. So, you have multiple layers of materials to keep you protected at all times.
Your temples are provided with more specific protection from the D30 foam. They have used different foam materials for the temples as they are more vulnerable to being damaged during impact.
Awesome Features
- D30 foam for temple protection
- Ventilation available
- Durable ABS and PE materials used to construct the shell
- Easily adjustable and comfortable
Downsides
- Not cheap
Where to buy?
Warrior Covert PX+
Best for Wider Heads
When it comes to finding a hockey helmet for wider heads, the Warrior Covert PX is a fantastic option.
They’ve designed this helmet specifically for comfort while also being able to protect more of your body. It can cover your entire head, as well as your neck.
We were surprised to find that you can be incredibly specific with how you want this helmet to fit. This is a result of the dial adjustment that’s available. This allows you to wear the helmet in a way that fits the shape and size of your head the best.
We liked how it has incredibly soft foam that has been distributed evenly to keep you comfortable and balanced. EPP and VN foam has been used which are both effective at providing you with layers of protection against impact.
A cage is available which provides you with a better sense of protection from any impact coming from the front. So, your face, head, and neck are all protected with this helmet.
Awesome Features
- Even distribution of foam to keep you balanced
- Easily adjustable for comfort
- Cage available to keep your face protected
Downsides
- This helmet is mainly for people with slightly wider heads
Where to buy?
Bauer RE-AKT 95
Most Affordable
Bauer’s RE-AKT 95 helmet is a more affordable choice that still ensures you have plenty of protection to keep yourself safe on the ice
The shell has been constructed using HDPE materials which provides it with a very lightweight feel. Some people prefer having a helmet that’s lighter as it feels more comfortable to wear.
They have used removable ear guards to provide you with the choice to wear them or not. In addition to this, there is an adjustment feature that lets you alter the height of the helmet to make sure it fits you perfectly.
You have ample protection on your temples as a result of the PORON XRD. This has been made to absorb any impact that you take to the temples to keep them protected at all times.
We also liked how there is suspend-tech liner technology available. This means that you have an additional layer of liner to make the helmet even more effective at absorbing impact.
Awesome Features
- Your temples are protected by the PORON XRD foam
- Affordable price
- Suspend-tech liner for another layer of protection
- Lightweight design
Downsides
- Some people forget to put the ear guards back in which leaves them exposed
- This helmet tends to fit people who have rounder heads better
Where to buy?
CCM Fitlite FL90 Combo
Best Youth Helmet
The CCM Fitlite FL90 Helmet can be fitted with a carbon steel cage to keep your face protected at all times. We also liked how they have managed to combine protection and comfort.
You’re able to easily adjust this helmet by using the dual system that doesn’t require any tools. We were impressed with how you can take advantage of the micro-dial mechanism to get really specific with how you want the helmet to fit you.
Regardless of the size and shape of your head, you’re able to adjust this one to fit you comfortably.
As far as protection goes, you’re provided with dual foam and additional pads to ensure that you have layers of padding. Furthermore, a hexagon matric padding material is included which boost the shock-absorbing benefits.
To keep yourself dry and the helmet stable, there’s a foam chin up that has been made out of different kinds of foam.
A ventilation system has also been built-in to this helmet. This means that you’re able to get plenty of airflow while you’re playing on the ice to keep yourself cool.
Awesome Features
- Ventilation system to keep you cool
- Foam chin up to maintain dryness
- Hexagon matric padding for improved shock absorption
- Specific adjustments available to fit heads of all shapes and sizes
Downsides
- Some people have mentioned how they feel there’s a little too much space inside the helmet
Where to buy?
Hockey Helmet Buyers Guide
So, that wraps up our reviews on what the best ice hockey helmets have to offer. You’re now left with a better idea of the various features and benefits that they can provide you with.
However, before you make a final decision, it’s a good idea to learn more about the best ways of figuring out how to pick the helmet that’s best for your needs.
We have created this buyers guide to provide you with more details to make sure you have all the information that you need to pick the top helmet for you.
How to Size your Helmet
One of the most important factors to consider is the size of your head. You want to find a helmet that fits your tight enough to ensure it stays balanced, while not feeling like your head is being put under too much pressure.
Therefore, the adjustment features are super important features that you need to think about. The adjustability features of a helmet will have a huge impact on how well it feels to wear.
We’ve included helmets in our review that have more adjustability features than others -- mainly the ability to make adjustments without using tools. These ones would be best if you have a shape that’s larger or a more specific shape.
Helmet Certification
All CSA and HECC certified helmets have a sticker indicating their certification. Make sure it is in date if your playing in an official league where checks may be mandatory.
Types of Foam Lining
There are a couple of different kinds of foam lining that are available that many of the top ice hockey helmets use. They include dual density vinyl nitrile(VN) and expanded polypropylene (EPP).
VN is softer than EPP which is why it’s more prone to having indents made in it upon impact. However, VN is fantastic for providing you with another layer of protection, while also ensuring that the helmet feels more comfortable to wear.
EPP is tougher than VN and it’s a more expensive material. Due to how it’s tougher, you can expect to experience more benefits as far as protection is concerned.
Visor vs Cage?
Using a helmet that either comes with a visor, cage, or nothing at the front while highly depend on your playing style. Usually younger players wear a full cage and older players have the option of wearing a visor. Your league may have specific rules related to what you need to wear for your age.
The helmets that don’t come with a visor or cage shed some weight, which makes them feel lighter and more agile. Without having anything in the front of your face, you’re able to see more clearly too, which will make it easier to see the puck and oncoming players.
That said, those benefits come at a higher risk of you being injured as your face is now unprotected and exposed to hits from players, sticks or the puck.
If you’re a younger player, you’ll definitely want to go with a cage combo and once you’re more experienced or older you can try out a visor. Visors provide an uninterrupted view whilst also protecting your eyes and nose (different shape visors are more protective than others).
Visors do require more maintenance to prevent fogging and scratching. You’ll want to protect your visor from scratches and regularly use an anti-fog spray and cleaning cloth before or during games for optimum clarity.
Weight
A heavier helmet doesn’t automatically make it more effective at protecting you from hard impacts. Wearing heavier helmets can impact how comfortable it feels to wear.
If you’re wearing one that’s too heavy (or too tight), it’s likely that you’ll start suffering from headaches and pain in your neck.
The lighter helmets may be the best way to go for some people. Although, you should still make sure that it has a lot of padding to offer ample protection. This is because some of the lighter options skimp out on the padding in favor of a lightweight design.
Padding
The padding that comes with these helmets will vary in terms of their placement. They also have a number of different uses.
Padding is great for ensuring that you’re able to wear your helmet and have it fit nicely and feel soft on your head. It also keeps your head protected by acting as a cushion upon impact.
Ensuring that you have padding on the temples is especially important as it’s a sensitive area that’s prone to being hurt easier.
There are ice hockey helmets that come with ear padding that can be removed. Some people take out this ear padding because it makes the helmet lighter and easier to hear. However, this is not recommended because it means that you’re leaving your ears more exposed to being hurt.
Chin Strap
The main function of the chin strap is to keep the helmet fitting securely on your head. However, it can also work effectively to act as another element of protection if you are also using a cage which comes with chin protection.
If you get hit particularly hard or you fall on the ice, the chin strap on a cage works to keep your chin stable and protected.
Cheap vs Expensive
Best Hockey Helmet for Concussions
All modern hockey helmets with valid safety certification bought new will protect your head and lower your risk of concussion. When playing in high-impact high-intensity games, the Bauer RE-AKT 200 is the highest performing helmet on our review lineup. The extra padding, custom fit make this our top pick.
FAQ
How Long Do Helmets Last?
A hockey helmet can last for up to 10 years, however, the CDC advises that you get a new one after it has been used for 5 years. While the helmets can last for a decade, if you’re using them frequently, they will deteriorate over the years and become less effective at protecting you.
The 5 year guideline also may not apply to you. It’s a general rule to go by, however, you may need to replace your helmet sooner than that. If you see any cracks or other signs of wear, we recommend that you replace it as soon as possible.
How should you maintain your helmet?
There’s not a whole lot to the maintenance process for ice hockey helmets. Provided that you let it air out after games, that’s pretty much it.
The only other form of maintenance would be if parts have come loose and need tightening.
Is it okay to buy a used helmet?
It’s best to buy these helmets new because you can never be completely sure of the amount of wear and tear that they have taken.
Despite the fact that you may be getting a good deal for a helmet that looks brand new, it’s likely that it has taken a lot of damage that has weakened it. You’re also not able to wear used helmets in official games as they have to be certified.
How can you prevent skin irritation when wearing a helmet?
Many people find that their skin becomes irritated when they wear helmets. Moving around a lot and having the padding rubbing against your skin can lead to acne and rashes.
One of the most effective ways to remedy this issue is to make sure that you buy one that has a ventilation feature. This keeps the air flowing inside the helmet to keep it cool.
Some of the materials that have been used to make the helmets on the inside could be causing an allergic reaction. So, if you’re experiencing skin problems, you may need to find a helmet that’s free from certain materials.
Is the cage size the same as the helmet?
There’s some confusion surrounding the size of the cage in regard to the helmet. The cage may not necessarily be the same size as the helmet. As a result, you’ll want to try the helmet on and make sure that the cage completely protects the upper part of your neck and chin before you get on the ice.
Can you use accessories with ice hockey helmets?
There are various helmets that allow you to add accessories. For instance, if you have a helmet that doesn’t have a cage or visor, there may be insertion points for you to add them in later on.
Conclusion
So, that brings our review of the best ice hockey helmets to an end. Hopefully, you’re able to use the information in this review to help you identify the kind of helmet that’s best for your needs and how to go about picking one.
Our number one pick is the Bauer RE-AKT 100 because it has some fantastic technological features that are useful. The suspend-tech 2 system keeps you comfortable and the 7-tech system keeps you protected at all times.
However, just because it’s our best hockey helmet, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the best one for you. Whether you want a hockey helmet for youth or older people, be sure to consider the playing style beforehand.