AMDG

So a question on material used for the shell of goalie masks. Is carbon good or not good for goalie masks? I'm reading conflicting reports. And what is Innegra? I see that the Bauer Profile line of masks have carbon but no aramid fiber: Profile 960XPM - fiberglass, 12k carbon outer layer, and Innegra Profile 950X - fiberglass and 12k carbon The Bauer NME line seems to be pretty good: NME VTX - fiberglass and Textreme (not sure what this is) NME8 - fiberglass and aramid fiber Now the price point is also a little curious. Obviously the top two masks (960 & VTX) are the most costly. But the 950 is priced higher than the NME8. Not sure why. Can anyone talk to the level of protection between these masks?

Thanks to all for good comments and fresh perspectives. I will reach out to Michel and see how he can guide me. Thanks again!

So, that's kind of one of my questions: when do you know that it's time? Even if there is no visible damage to the shell of the mask, can there be damage that's not visible? How will he be able to check the shell? The foam seems to be a good order, nothing torn, ripped, missing or cracked. But perhaps it has hardened slowly over the years and I would never be the wiser about it. I'm more concerned about the shell failing, but from what you guys are saying the foam is important too. I'm just surprised to come across expiration dates on masks. Is that just a way to sell more masks? Or perhaps avoid ongoing liability? Or is it really that the structure of the shell does break down over time, and/or the foam as well?

No. But does the padding change the integrity of the mask?

I have been playing with my Protechsport mask since the beginning of the 2010 season. I play for roughly five months, twice a week in a recreational league with about half comprising of ex Senior A players. I've never thought of replacing my mask until coming across expiry dates on masks in hockey stores. My mask doesn't have any cracks or visible damage. It has taken routine shots and sticks over the years, but nothing that is visible. So my question is when are we supposed to replace goalie masks? I've tried on Bauer masks and found them very comfortable. It was the new NME VTX and the Profile 950X. I realize that the top level protection for the Bauer masks are the 960XPM and the NME VTX. But how much more protective are these two next to the 950X and the NME8?