Types of Hockey Helmets

Hockey is a tough, demanding sport and all players--professional and amateur--are required to wear helmets to prevent head injuries, including concussions and cuts or bruises from a stick, puck, skate, playing surface or another player. Helmets are typically made of a hard shell, usually vinyl nitrite, but are lightweight and are designed to fit firmly yet comfortably over the head. Look for helmets with EPP foam, which protects best against concussions.

  1. Basic Helmets

    • A basic hockey helmet covers the head, from the base of the skull to the forehead, but does not provide any covering for the face. While this allows the player to see clearly, it leaves the player exposed to possible facial injury from an errant stick, puck or blow from another player. Openings in the helmet allow for ventilation.

    Helmets With Plastic Visor

    • A hockey helmet with a full, clear plastic visor provides protection to the entire face while allowing for clear views of the action ahead. However, the visor must have ventilation to allow air to move freely to prevent condensation, which can reduce vision. The plastic visor is also susceptible to shattering, particularly by a fast-moving puck.

    Helmets With Plastic Half Visor

    • A hockey helmet with a clear plastic half visor protects the eyes but leaves the nose and mouth exposed. Some players, uncomfortable with a full visor, choose the half visor as a compromise.

    Helmets With Wire Cage

    • A hockey helmet with a wire cage offers more protection than a plastic visor but can affect vision and site lines. A wire cage is durable and can withstand a hit by a puck, stick or player and will not shatter on impact. Some players, to whom safety is paramount, choose the wire cage despite its potential impact on seeing the puck and ice surface clearly.

    Helmets With Protective Chin Cup

    • The chin is an area prone to injury, usually from hits by an errant stick or puck, and many players choose to wear a protective cup. Made of foam and washable, the cup covers the entire chin and, when worn with a cage or full plastic visor, completes protection of the entire facial area.