Things get more complicated the more you look at different helmets. Picking one is especially hard if this is your first time buying. Below I’ll review five of the best hockey helmets meant for recreational players, most of which fit both adults (men and women) and kids.
The helmet is one of the most important items in your hockey equipment collection. Yes, your brain is your biggest asset—and there is no doubt that you should properly protect it—but in the sea of products out there, it is so easy to get lost. Now the question stands, how to find the best hockey helmet for you or someone else you’re buying for?
If you’re not sure where to buy hockey gear, whether it’s helmets, skates, gloves, or sticks, I’m always here to help. As a passionate recreational hockey player, I always want to know more and do very in-depth research when it comes to equipment.
Aside from listing the key features of the helmets, I made sure to get more into detail and mention the biggest pros and cons. If you’re in the market for a new helmet or shopping for your first, check out my top picks.
Our Top Picks
| Product Name | Features | Product Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Bauer 4500 Helmet Combo (Best Overall)  |
| 4.8 |
CCM Hockey CCM 50 Bullriding Helmet |
| 4.7 |
WARRIOR PX2H6 Ice Hockey Players Helmet |
| 4.5 |
Bauer IMS 5.0 Helmet |
| 4.4 |
| CCM FI40 Hockey Helmet Combo (Best Budget)  |
| 4.1 |
Reviews Of Our Top Picks
After spending quite a lot of time reviewing hockey helmet ratings, I’m ready to deliver the best styles, together with their key features, pros, and cons. Keep reading to find out which one will make its way to your shopping cart.
BAUER 4500 Helmet Combo
Bauer is a brand you can’t go wrong with when buying hockey gear. My top pick with the highest rating on the list is the Bauer 4500 helmet combo, a helmet that comes together with a face cage.
Key Features
- Dual-density CELLFLEX foam liner system
- Floating Pro ear loops
- Translucent ear covers
What I personally really like about the Bauer 4500 Combo are the translucent ear covers, that keep everything safe while also looking more stylish. It’s CSA-, HECC-, and CE-certified.
The dual-density foam liner delivers that comfort once you put it on, plus protects you from impact. This helmet is available in two colors, black and white.
Since the adjustment isn’t tool-free, you still can make the helmet a bit looser or more snug, but you do so by using a tool. You will need to loosen the screws that are located on the side parts in the top and adjust them to your needs.
Pros
- Comes together with a cage, so you don’t have to purchase it separately
- Very comfortable to wear
Cons
- The adjustment is not tool-free, so you’ll need one tool to do the job
- Pricier compared to most of the other alternatives on the list
- Comes a bit big
To wrap things up, the Bauer 4500 helmet combo is my favorite on the list for several reasons. The fit is great, plus feels very comfortable when you put it on, with great padding. I know the price is a bit higher compared to several of the helmets I’ve also listed below, but remember that it includes a face cage.
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON.COM
CCM Hockey CCM 50 Bullriding Helmet
The CCM 50 Helmet combo is what you need to take a look at if you want to purchase a helmet that comes together with a facemask. Aside from the great price point, this CCM helmet offers a tool-free adjustment on the side that will help you achieve the perfect fit.
Key Features
- Silver FM 50 facemask
- High-density, lightweight PE shell
- Tool-free length adjustment
Although meant for recreational hockey, this helmet delivers great protection and comfort thanks to the multi-density foam liner.
Before making a purchase, my advice is not to go with your regular helmet size. Make sure you check the sizing chart and compare the sizes with your head circumference.
Some customers complained that the CCM 50 helmet features a tight fit, so better safe than sorry. This makes it a potential option for young adults.
Pros
- Comes together with a facemask, so you don’t have to buy one separately
- Very affordable for the quality that it offers
- Lightweight feel, but you still stay protected
Cons
- Snaps on the side are hard to attach, you have to add extra effort
- Snug fit, check the sizing chart before you choose
- Available only in one color
I believe that the CCM 50 Helmet Combo is one of the best options for people who spend a few hours on the ice weekly and don’t want to spend a fortune on a helmet. Its strongest suit is that it comes together with a face mask, making everything easier and simpler even for the ones who are purchasing for the first time.
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON.COM
WARRIOR PX2H6 Ice Hockey Players Helmet
The WARRIOR PX2H6 Ice Hockey Players Helmet falls more into the performance category. I couldn’t resist placing it in my top five list because of its stylish exterior paired with numerous benefits.
Key Features
- Crown 2.0 black cage
- Multi-layered VH foam technology
- Low profile design
Not everyone needs a high-performance helmet, but if you want to feel like a professional while on the ice, this should be your choice. The comfort and high protection levels come thanks to the high-quality VN foam lining. The brand uses a multi-layer technology, with three foam layers in the rear and two in the rest of the helmet.
The sizing is accurate to the sizing chart. Although this is an adult helmet, you can purchase it for your kids as well, depending on their growth. It’s also adjustable, tool-free.
When it comes to the color selection, this helmet is available in black, paired with a stylish black cage. You can also opt for a gorgeous dark navy hue, but that one is sold without a cage.
Pros
- The black color comes with a black stylish cage that can be removed
- Sizing is accurate, and the largest sizes can fit people with big head circumferences, which is often hard to find
Cons
- It’s more expensive compared to the other alternatives
- Navy color comes without a cage
If you’re looking for a helmet that professionals wear also, this one is it. Yes, the price is a bit higher, but you’ll be paying for quality, great protection, and a high-performance fit. I recommend it for everyone, including kids who want to get top-notch equipment.
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON.COM
Bauer IMS 5.0 Helmet
Available in pink, black, and white, this Bauer IMS 5.0 Helmet is meant for adults, both women and men. However, so many people have purchased it for their kids, after following the sizes on the sizing chart to ensure a proper fit. Since this is an entry-level helmet, you’ll find it very easy to adapt without the use of any tools.
Key Features
- Available in three colors
- Redesigned Seven Technology liner system
- Dual ridge crown
Overall, this is an amazing helmet that is definitely not meant for professionals. However, it’s a great option for recreational hockey players who want to stay protected at all times. What’s even better, there is also an option to purchase a Bauer IMS 5.0 Helmet Combo that comes with a cage.
The earpieces of this helmet are built-in, so there is no way to replace them with clear ones unless you want to cut them, which several customers have done. Remember that safety comes first, and you should always protect yourself with ear covers.
Pros
- Fits for both adults and kids, but make sure that you check the sizing chart
- Very nice padding, meaning extra protection
- Decent price for a quality product
Cons
- Doesn’t include rear posts to clip visor or cage, so you have to purchase the hardware separately
- You have to purchase the cage separately, which means extra money
- Earpieces are black and are not removable so you can’t exchange them for clear ones
To make sure you feel completely safe when wearing it, I wanted to mention that it’s CSA-, HECC-, and CE-certified. Consumers are generally pleasantly surprised with the decent price, comfort, and overall performance of the helmet.
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON.COM
CCM Fl40 Hockey Helmet Combo
Now, let’s get more into detail about the best budget helmet on our list. The CCM Fl40 Helmet Combo is a great investment if you’re starting out now, or simply don’t want to splurge too much.
Key Features
- FL 40 face mask
- High-density PE shell
- Multi-density foam liner
This is another helmet on the list that comes with a tool-free adjustable option, which makes things so much easier for you. The aerodynamic high-density PE shell makes it both lightweight and breathable for players.
However, one of the biggest problems I noticed among customers is the poor sizing chart. Most of the sizes seem to fit kids and adults at the same time. That’s where it gets confusing. Somehow the sizes felt too small for the parents who purchased them for their kids, but all the adults who bought this helmet are happy with the sizing.
My honest advice is to be very careful when buying a hockey helmet online. Always double check the sizing chart and measure your head circumference. Parents of new hockey players can use this guide to be well prepared and know what to expect.
Pros
- It’s a lightweight helmet thanks to the shell
- Straight bar mask for better sight
- Most affordable on the list
Cons
- The sizing chart is not right, therefore several people received helmets that are too small
- Not great for people with wide heads
- Snaps are hard to press, making the experience of putting it on a bit difficult
It might be the budget product on the list, but it’s still an amazing one. Thanks to the good comfort and protection, breathability, and included facemask, I will definitely continue recommending this CCM Fl40 helmet to recreational players.
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON.COM
Six Key Things To Look For When Buying A Helmet
Just like with any other product that you’re looking to buy, there are key things to consider with each helmet.
1. Fit
If a helmet doesn’t fit you well, it won’t protect you well. You have to be very careful when choosing one, as a bad fit means the helmet can move, turn, and not do its primary protective job.
The best fit is a snug one, but not too tight. The helmet should stay in place but never cause pain. Your new helmet should not be too big or too small. Opt for one that you can adapt without the use of tools, to make things easier for yourself.
2. Comfort
When purchasing hockey helmets, you’ll see that not all are equally comfortable. This is a long-term investment that you’ll be making, so pay attention to the way you feel while wearing it.
The padding should be supportive and feel comfortable at the same time, without being tight. Enough airflow is also important, so that you don’t feel too hot while wearing the helmet. Last but not least, it shouldn’t be too heavy on your head.
3. Style
Looking good on the ice is another thing that can pop into your mind before spending your money. Not everyone wants to own a black helmet; some want more exciting alternatives and are on the search for a specific color.
This is not the most important feature to keep in mind, but it can be important for some people. Thankfully, brands release their helmets in different colors, sizes, and features, so you’ll probably find something you like.
4. Price
Prices for hockey helmets can vary, so before you start scrolling online, set a budget. The price you’ll pay depends on what you’re ready to spend and the purposes for which you need the helmet. For example, a recreational player doesn’t have to splurge on the latest style of helmet, while pros want to be up to date in order to be even better protected and perform better on the ice.
Helmets with higher prices feature the latest technology, lightweight feel, good fit, better protection, and improved experience in general. The range starts at about $40 to $50 and can go up to as much as $350 and $400.
5. Extra Protection
Some helmets are sold without cages and some are sold with. Cages and visors provide that extra protection for your face that you should seriously consider. Plus, if you buy a combo, you’ll be saving money because combos are usually cheaper than purchasing just the helmet and the cage separately.
And a piece of friendly advice: When purchasing face protection separately from your helmet, don’t automatically opt for the same size. Always check the size charts to make sure that it’s the best fit for you.
6. Level
Be aware that there are different levels of play that require different types of helmets. If you’re a recreational, entry-level player, any of the five helmets listed above will do the job. However, if you’re a pro, you might need to search outside this list.
Professional hockey players do that as a job, meaning they need the newest technology and highest level of protection. This is a very competitive sport with a lot of physical contact, hence the need for top-notch equipment.
FAQs
Should The Hockey Helmet Cover Your Ears?
Yes, your helmet should cover your ears. Most of the styles come with built-in earpieces in their design. Some are black, others transparent. The goal of earpieces is to protect your ears from cuts and injuries.
Many NHL players decide to take theirs out; however, players in minor leagues are required to wear earpieces at all times.
How Can I Determine The Size Of My Helmet?
The best way to determine the proper size of a hockey helmet is to measure the circumference of your head. Start by getting a sewer’s measuring tape and place it an inch above your eyebrows and over the temples.
Save the measurement that you get and compare it to the sizing chart of the brand to know which size will fit you best.
How Often Should You Replace Your Hockey Helmet?
You might be surprised to hear that helmets have an expiration date! Yes, when you buy a new one you should receive a certificate that states the manufacturing date. It will serve as a guide to know when to replace it.
The longest you can wear your helmet is 10 years. If you check the manufacturing date and it’s been more than 10 years since then, it’s time for a new one.
If by any chance your helmet is damaged, doesn’t fit as snugly as it used to, has missing parts, or the foam is thinner or missing, these are all signs that you’re in the need of a new one. The whole point of wearing a helmet for this high-frequency contact sport is to protect you from injuries to your head and brain.
If the helmet doesn’t check all the boxes, you should definitely replace it with a new, updated version.
The Final Verdict
The review says it all. My personal favorite on the list, with the highest rating, is the Bauer 4500 Combo. This helmet comes together with a face cage, the first reason why I became interested in it. At the same time, it’s CSA-, HECC-, and CE-certified.
Yes, the price might be a put off for many, but remember that you’re getting a combo and it would probably cost much more if you’re purchasing the helmet and cage separately. I would recommend the Bauer 4500 helmet to all hockey enthusiasts, both men and women, who love going out on the ice and practice it recreationally.
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