What Is the iTech Quick-Click?

A face shield connected to a hockey player's helmet can help protect the player's eyes from flying sticks, ice and pucks. But a shield that becomes badly scratched or fogs too easily can actually limit the player's vision and make the game more dangerous. The ITECH X100 Hockey Half Shield, with its patented "Quick-Click" visor mounting, was designed to reduce both these risks. Since 2006 the X100 has been marketed under the Bauer brand.

  1. How the X100 Works

    • The Bauer X100 features a lightweight polycarbonate frame, which connects to the helmet with steel hardware; no side straps are required. The actual visor lens snaps into this mounted frame with two plastic tabs. This "Quick-Click" visor lens mounting system allows the visor to be replaced without tools if it becomes damaged or scratched. It also allows the player to remove the lens instantly if it becomes a nuisance.

    Replacement Visors

    • The X100 uses a spherical lens that helps reduce glare and vision distortion. Replacement visor lenses feature a circular pressure tab on either side of the lens, which engages into a round opening in the sides of the shield frame. The visor is release by pressing the tabs down through the frame openings and sliding the visor out. Bauer sells the replacements in sets of two so you always have a spare in an emergency.

    Anti-Fog Coating

    • Because of the extreme differences in temperature and moisture inside and outside of a hockey helmet, visors can fog as moisture condenses on the inside of the lens. The X100 is manufactured with an anti-fog coating to help reduce the amount of condensation that can cling to the lens. The bottom of the visor also sweeps up in the area of the player's mouth and nose, to further discourage fogging.

    Helmet Compatibility

    • The X100 comes in only one size -- Senior -- but given that limitation it can be used on most Bauer player helmets. The shield ships with adapter hardware that allows it to be mounted on helmets from other manufacturers as well.