A helmet is one of the most important pieces of gear that you will put into your hockey bag. Your head is the most fragile and important part of your body and you need to protect it. It is crazy to think there was a time where they weren’t mandatory!
When you are looking for the perfect helmet to purchase, it can be overwhelming with all the colors, shapes, sizes, and features that separate one from the next. That is why we compiled this list of our top picks of the best hockey helmets for 2021.
CCM SUPER TACKS X
Currently the best on the market. An amazing helmet that provides a multitude of comfort and advanced safety features. Safety on the ice is a number one priority, so you want the best.
BAUER RE-AKT 150
In the middle of the pack we have a helmet that provides great protection, features and value. You can't go wrong with this bucket!
BAUER RE-AKT 85
Need a more budget friendly price? This is a great helmet, with great features at a lower, more reasonable price point. It does the job and does it safely. What more could you ask for?
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Overview
Recently released for the new hockey season is the lightweight Bauer RE-AKT 85 Helmet , which delivers premium fit, comfort and protection to players of all ages and skill levels. The three-piece, adjustable shell helmet comes with a FreeForm Adjustment System and 3D AeroLite Foam base liner to make sure you’re well protected from even the heaviest high-energy impacts and collisions.
Also included are Bauer’s Defense Cloud Technology pods which are situated in key areas such as the temples. The FreeForm Adjustment System allows for side-to-side and front-to-back adjustments to guarantee the helmet will fit any shape and size of head. This newly-designed creation also features 12 ventilation vents, removable ear loops and a Thermo-Mak liner to help wick away sweat, odours and bacteria.
The new certified Bauer RE-AKT 85 helmet comes in three sizes and several different colours with the medium-size model weighing just 509 grams. It can also be worn with a visor or facemask and is generally found in the mid-price range.
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Overview
The new CCM Supertacks X helmet features advanced engineering and an innovative 3D digital manufacturing process produce a truly elite piece of work. It offers optimal breathability, protection and comfort along with a unique Nest 3D-printed liner. With stiffer and reinforced base materials in key impact areas, the helmet surrounds your head for a wonderful contouring fit.
This certified two-piece HDPE side-reinforced model features 13 strategic ventilation chambers for comfortable airflow at all times as well as D30 protective smart foam underneath the liner for complete 360-degree impact protection. Players can adjust the size via the tool-less adjustment latches and the ear loops are removable.
The elite CCM Supertacks X helmet comes in three different sizes with the medium model weighing 608 grams. It can be found in four different colours and is generally available in the upper price bracket.
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Overview
The Warrior Alpha One is the newest helmet from Warrior.
It comes in a one piece shell with the OmniShock Protection System that provides lightweight but rigid protection.
Warrior protects all the high impact areas of the head with the Viconic diffusion plate inside the helmet . This design helps the Warrior Alpha One absorb multiple types of impacts from multiple angles.
There is EPP foam throughout and Impax soft-touch foam shield and Viconic pods for extreme comfort and protection. The Alpha One’s BOA’s AdaptFit 360 system allows players to literally dial in the precise fit they are looking for.
This helmet is very lightweight, comfortable fit and with top of the line protection.
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New from CCM this season is the certified Tacks 910 Helmet to offer the utmost in head protection and comfort. With a re-engineered liner and new shell, this helmet is designed to handle all types of on-ice impacts during the toughest of action. CCM uses strategically-placed fluid pods inside the helmet as well as soft dual-density D30 foams to absorb the energy from impacts to the pods and away from your head.
The tool-less side adjustment latches are reinforced for 360-degree protection with the ear loops being removable and the helmet featuring 13 vents to keep you cool and dry. This is a two-piece model which is available in several colours and is bound to become one of the company’s most popular helmets as it’s second-to-none when it comes to technology and protection.
The CCM Tacks 910 Helmet comes in small, medium and large sizes with the medium weighing 582 grams. It offers elite-level protection for players of all skill levels and ages who take their head seriously and can be found in the upper-price level.
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Overview
Wayward sticks and pucks and all types of collisions shouldn’t really worry you if you’re wearing the Warrior Covert PX+ Hockey Helmet . It offers top-level protection and comfort thanks to the Dual-Core technology and lightweight, high-density dual-layer EPP Foam-based liner. The helmet can be easily and quickly adjusted to give you a perfect fit thanks to the two-piece, tool-free adjustment process while the strategically-placed air vents keep you cool and dry while playing.
This immaculate helmet also consists of mid-density VN Foam to help dissipate low-impact collisions as well as spring-loaded flaps on both sides for additional size adjustments. The Warrior PX+ helmet is HECC and CSA approved and allows players of all ages and skill levels to enjoy the game with the utmost in protection and comfort.
The Warrior Covert PX+ Helmet is available in three sizes and different colours with the senior medium-size helmet weighing in at 582 grams. It can also be worn with a visor or facemask and is generally found in the mid-price range.
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The certified CCM Tacks 710 helmet features elite comfort and protective technology such as the strategically-placed D3O Lite foam pods which can be found throughout the liner. These protective pods sit on an innovative RED (Rotational Energy Dampening) liquid-filled bladder system to provide maximum protection from all types of on-ice impacts and jolts.
The 710 helmet comes with gel-like I.Q.SHION dual-density foam and an integrated moisture channel which allows it to contour to the shape of your head for a comfortable and secure fit. It also has a layer of sealant to help prevent the foam padding from absorbing moisture while playing, keeping you cool and dry at all times.
The CCM Tacks 710 helmet has foam temple pads, a tool-free rear adjustment system and removable ear loops. It comes in three different sizes and several colours and can usually be found in the mid price range.
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Overview
The new Hyperlite hockey helmet by Bauer is marketed as being stronger, quicker and lighter for maximum performance, fit and protection. This lightweight model weighs just 425 grams for the small and medium size and features a Free Form length and width adjustment system for a perfect fit no matter the shape of your head.
The two-piece shell helmet comes with top-grade impact protection and absorption from all angles thanks to the ShockLite and Poron Smart Foam in the key areas and is also compatible with many types of certified cages, shields and visors.
The certified Bauer Hyperlite helmet is available in two different sizes and several colours. It consists of 12 vents to keep you cool as well as removable ear loops and a foam-padded liner and can usually be found in the upper price level.
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The top-selling Tacks 310 hockey helmet by CCM comes with advanced D30 Lite foam pods and a newly-designed open-cell I.Q.SHION gel-type liner for top-level coverage at an affordable price. The rate-sensitive D30 protective foam consists of tremendous impact-absorption qualities and is placed in the temple areas properties. The base liner boasts multi-density VN foam for even more comfort and protection.
The helmet comes with a tool-free adjustment system in the rear while a dual-pivoting panel securely keeps it in place all game long. In addition, your head is kept cool and dry thanks to the pro-preferred shell which provides maximum airflow.
The CCM Tacks 310 helmet is HECC and CSA approved and comes in three different sizes and assorted colours. It can typically be found in the low to mid price range.
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Overview
Your head will always be safely in the game while wearing the adjustable True Dynamic 9 helmet as it’s specifically built to handle the hardest of impacts with the company’s MIPS Brain Protection System. The inner layer of the helmet is unique as it enables the tough external shell to move independently while absorbing and redirecting impact energy away from the head.
The one-piece lightweight unibody helmet features a comfortable EPP memory foam liner which fills each crevice and internal pocket and fits perfectly no matter the shape of your head.
The rear and side dual-layered pads are interchangeable and come in three different levels of thickness for the best fit possible without sacrificing any comfort and protection. The helmet is also designed to eliminate any whiplash effects when taking impacts from any conceivable angle.
This solid Dynamic 9 helmet by True is compatible with most types of cages and visors and comes in several colours and small, medium and large sizes. It’s designed for players of all skill levels and ages and can be found in the higher-price level.
It offers premium protection and comfort and is a fantastic safety investment for any hockey player.
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You never know when your head may take a blow during a hockey game and this is why it’s highly recommended you wear a certified helmet such as the Bauer Re-Akt 150. This sleek, adjustable model is made to fit various head sizes and shapes and fit comfortably and properly in all game situations. It comes with a high-tech, triple-density impact management system with protective foams and a free-floating liner design for enhanced head protection.
The ears have dual-density protection with a clear film to help reduce abrasion. Your head remains in place and stabilized with the tool-free Occipital adjustable lock 3.0 feature and the ventilation ports provide superior air-flow to keep you dry and comfortable. The helmet is equipped with memory foam at the temples while the antibacterial liner eliminates mildew and odours.
The Bauer Re-Akt 150 is a lightweight three-piece high-density polyethylene helmet which allows you to adjust the width and length independently of each other. It’s one of the company’s best sellers and can be found in the mid to high-price range.
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The certified Bauer Re-Akt 75 helmet is a sleek, adjustable model which is designed to comfortably fit various head shapes and sizes. It features a high-tech, triple-density impact management system with and a free-floating liner design and protective foams for enhanced head protection. Poron XRD foams cover the temples while mildew and odour is battled by the Microban antibacterial protection system.
The ears have dual-density protection with a clear film to help reduce abrasion and your head is kept firmly and snugly in place with the tool-free Occipital adjustable lock feature. The strategically-placed ventilation ports and moisture-wicking liner provide superior air-flow to keep you dry and comfortable at all times.
The Bauer Re-Akt 75 is a lightweight helmet which applies Seven+ Technology to absorb high-energy impacts at the back of the head. It’s available in several colours and three different sizes and can commonly be found in the lower price range.
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BAUER PRO CLIP VISOR
Our choice for the best OVERALL hockey visor is the Bauer Pro Clip. This is a popular elite visor that has supreme protection, anti-scratch, anti-fog and the Bauer quick clip system.
A&R HOCKEY HELMET REPAIR KIT
Compatible with ALL brands and sizes.
Contains: 2 Dome screws, 2 Clips, 2 Cage Clips, 2 Helmets Buckles, 4 Short Black Nuts, 2 Long Screws, 4 Short Screws and a Phillips Head Screwdriver.
The NoSweat Helmet Liner seals in sweat from your helmet to keep you cool and dry and performing at your best. Patented Sweat-Lock technology instantly absorbs and wicks sweat to keep it out of your eyes, while your helmet looks and smells like new.
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Let’s take a quick look at a helmet so you know what we are referring to when we mention something.
When it comes to buying a helmet , the fit is the number one thing you want to consider. It doesn’t matter if you have the best helmet on the market if it’s too big and will fly off when you get hit.
The three things you want to check when it comes to fit is the helmet itself, the cage, and the chin cup. Not everyone wears a cage, though, which we’ll get into below.
One thing to consider when getting a cage though is to make sure it fits. When buying a helmet combo, you may be large for the helmet but not for the cage. Now, this might not be common, but something you want to check out when trying on your helmet .
You can always buy a separate cage and switch it with the one that doesn’t fit.
Hockey helmets come in a variety of sizes. So you don’t have to worry about buying Youth, Junior, or Senior, but rather small, medium, large or extra large. This means that the list below works for everyone looking for a great helmet to pick up.
The sizings of the helmets usually run up against each other. So a large, adjusted as small as possible, is pretty equal to a medium which is adjusted as large as possible.
When finding the right size for your helmet , you’ll want to measure the circumference (all the way around) of your head at about 1 inch above your eyebrows, or if you know your hat size, you can usually see that on the sizing charts on the sales page of the helmet you want.
This is what one of those sizing charts looks like.
So while it’s good to try on helmets in the store or use your past sizing to determine what you are going to buy now, it’s pretty simple to figure out what size of what helmet will fit your noggin the best.
This is an important note to make. You don’t want to buy a used helmet . The certification of the helmet (their guarantee to protect you) is void upon resale. This means you can’t wear this helmet in any official games since players need to wear certified helmets.
You don’t have any idea of how much the helmet has been used and if it’ll still protect you when you step on the ice.
Every helmet comes with a sticker of certification from various associations. Most certifications last for five to size years of play. You should not be using your helmet after what the sticker says, but you should also be aware that if you are taking hard hits, your helmet might not last that long.
Let’s look at some differences in helmets. A couple of these are personal preferences that you get to choose after you buy, but a couple are ones you want to take into consideration when looking to purchase your helmet .
There are two types of foam lining for the most part when it comes to helmets. There’s Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) and Dual-Density Vinyl Nitrile (VN).
EPP is a harder foam. It is the same foam that is used in your bike helmet . It is lined with a softer foam around it to fit a little snugger on your head. EPP is thought to be more protective, and is more expensive, although there aren’t any studies or data to be conclusive about it.
The VN foam is softer and is easy to tell because it gets indented easier. It gives you a snugger fit on your head because it’s so soft and moldable.
Now, this is a personal preference, but you need to take it into account when buying. On the list below, we cover both helmets with cages and without cages, since we want to look at the best helmet altogether.
I’m sure everyone has their reason for going with or without a cage, but the common reason for getting rid of the cage is to make the helmet lighter and to improve visibility. However, without a cage, you are obviously way more at risk of getting hit in the face with a puck.
I personally wear a cage, but it’s up for you to decide.
This is something I’ve seen people do, and you’ll even catch it in the NHL. It makes the helmet lighter, and you can hear better. However, in my opinion, getting hit in the ear hurts way too much to worry about taking a few ounces off of my helmet .
Now, this is just a poor move. You may see players doing this, and the only reason at all would be for style or comfort of maybe the chin strap annoys them. But this basically renders your helmet useless.
A quick note for maintaining your helmet . To be honest, there’s not much to do. Just keep it out of your bag to make sure it dries out and doesn’t get smelly.
But the main thing you’ll want to keep your eye on is screws coming loose. Just something you’ll want to check periodically since it doesn’t happen too often. However, I always feel safer carrying around a helmet repair kit, like this one on Amazon . It’s only $10 and easy to toss into a pocket in your bag.
Best hockey helmet for a wide head?
A good helmet for a wide head would be the above mentioned Bauer 5100 which is a wider fit than most.
Which accessories can I use on ice hockey helmets?
There are various helmet accessories that a player can wear such as ear covers, hockey visor, ear loop, ear slings, and more.
How safe are hockey helmets?
The helmets go through a lot of tests to achieve their safety goals because hockey of all sports is most likely to cause severe head injuries, concussion, and even skull fracture so choosing the safest hockey helmet can be a great investment.
What’s the difference between visors and cages?
A steel cage and visors much like the goalie mask are both designed to protect the eyes and face of the player. The visor is the lighter version of the two because it’s made of plastic, they comfortable to wear because it allows air to flow and keeps them cool, whereas cages are a less comfortable but they provide full-on protection of your face.
Thank you so much for checking out our list of the best hockey helmets. We hope you found our hockey helmet reviews useful. Ice hockey is an incredible sport that we all enjoy playing, but it’s important to acknowledge the risks that come alongside being a participant.
Buying a quality hockey helmet helps protect your head and brain from injury, reduces the concussion risk and ensures that you’ll be able to enjoy the game for a long time. If you have any questions or comments about hockey helmets, feel free to leave them below. We always love hearing from you.
Want to learn more about hockey helmets and concussion? Read our guide here and see the highest rated helmet ever!
Here are our picks again.
CCM SUPER TACKS X
Currently the best on the market. An amazing helmet that provides a multitude of comfort and advanced safety features. Safety on the ice is a number one priority, so you want the best.
