The "I Need a New Mask" Thread

[Taylor Chynoweth]

On 10/21/2018 at 5:49 PM, Math. said:

I would second Masked Marvel.

Do I have one?  No.  Do I know someone who have one? No.  Do I want one? Yes.  Is @Joe Messina around the forum making Masked Marvels one of the best track record of customer engagement possible?  Yes.  Is this important?  That's the most important thing kid. 

You gotta find a company that is there for it's current and potential customers.  Someone who you can contact directly if anything.  Ask questions before making a purchase and address any possible issues, whatever they might be afterward.  @GoalieTimmy33 is also way up there in terms of customers experience.  To me, that's key.

So masked marvel would be your suggestion then?

[CG35]

If a 960XPM is in your budget then do it. I own two, great helmets... tons of high level shots to the head... no issues. Just my opinion.

[mr_shifty1982]

1 hour ago, CG35 said:

If a 960XPM is in your budget then do it. I own two, great helmets... tons of high level shots to the head... no issues. Just my opinion.

I second that! Got one maybe 6 months ago. No issues. 

[ThatCarGuy]

I've got a Bauer 950X helmet. I have never gotten a single ringer while wearing that helmet. I can only imagine that the 960X is even better.

[Puckstopper]

On 10/21/2018 at 9:15 PM, Imperative said:

Being 16 you probably need a mask with the certification sticker on it, that said a good affordable option would be the fusion 962 mask, the thing is a tank as far as protection. I don’t believe they would have the cert. sticker on them. 

1. They're not certified.

2. There's no way I'd bet my health on anything from that place.   If this poor kid has had four concussions by the time he's 16 he needs to be going with reputable name brands and tippy top of the line masks.   Your head is nothing to take chances with! 

[TheGoalNet]

3 hours ago, ThatCarGuy said:

I've got a Bauer 950X helmet. I have never gotten a single ringer while wearing that helmet. I can only imagine that the 960X is even better.

I would get something above the 950X. Unless you’re a kid or beginner, you should get a pro level helmet... ALWAYS 

[Imperative]

7 hours ago, Puckstopper said:

1. They're not certified.

2. There's no way I'd bet my health on anything from that place.   If this poor kid has had four concussions by the time he's 16 he needs to be going with reputable name brands and tippy top of the line masks.   Your head is nothing to take chances with! 

What do you mean “bet your health on anything from that place”?

[TitanG]

If you don't need a certified mask (but you probably do), there's a great deal on some Sportmask F-Series masks at The Goalie Crease: https://thegoaliecrease.com/index.php/products/product/2592-sportmask-f-series?fbclid=IwAR0xegL11uzDH7NsURA8egbFrxLMAZu91eLQ98aQJoQ9jQr9ZvM7FT9Zp9Q

Again, I can't emphasize enough how important fit is!

[Puckstopper]

40 minutes ago, Imperative said:

What do you mean “bet your health on anything from that place”?

Exactly what I said.   I would not gamble with my health and safety by buying a Simmons mask that they've cloned from someone else's design.   If a person likes the knockoffs of name brand gear they offer, that is an individual choice and I don't want to derail the thread arguing over it as there are no real health risks involved in wearing one of their blockers or whatever.   However, if I had a history of concussions, was a young person with my entire life ahead of me, and playing high(er) level hockey I would not gamble with anything but the best fitting, top of the line, name brand mask I could find.   When you're dealing with your brain price shouldn't be a factor, and price is the only thing Simmons competes on.   Telling a kid with a history of concussions to buy anything other than a reputable top end mask is nothing short of irresponsible in my opinion. 

As far as buying pro level or nothing goes, I'm not sure I agree in all cases.   I recently dropped down from a fiberglass/kevlar ProMasque that I picked up years ago and refurbished, to a Bauer NME8.   I play low level beer league hockey at this point, and I actually feel safer in the NME.   Why?  It fits so much better than I ever got my ProMasque to.  There is no movement on my head and for the first time I understand what TGN means when he talks about his mask feeling stuck to his face.  Does that mean I'd recommend  settling for an NME8 to the OP?  HECK NO!!!  He's facing harder shots than most of what I see, and I've got no history of head injuries.   What works for one doesn't always work for another, but at this point I'm happy with the NME and haven't had any reason for concern yet. 

[ULTIMA]

7 minutes ago, Puckstopper said:

Exactly what I said.   I would not gamble with my health and safety by buying a Simmons mask that they've cloned from someone else's design.   If a person likes the knockoffs of name brand gear they offer, that is an individual choice and I don't want to derail the thread arguing over it as there are no real health risks involved in wearing one of their blockers or whatever.   However, if I had a history of concussions, was a young person with my entire life ahead of me, and playing high(er) level hockey I would not gamble with anything but the best fitting, top of the line, name brand mask I could find.   When you're dealing with your brain price shouldn't be a factor, and price is the only thing Simmons competes on.   Telling a kid with a history of concussions to buy anything other than a reputable top end mask is nothing short of irresponsible in my opinion. 

As far as buying pro level or nothing goes, I'm not sure I agree in all cases.   I recently dropped down from a fiberglass/kevlar ProMasque that I picked up years ago and refurbished, to a Bauer NME8.   I play low level beer league hockey at this point, and I actually feel safer in the NME.   Why?  It fits so much better than I ever got my ProMasque to.  There is no movement on my head and for the first time I understand what TGN means when he talks about his mask feeling stuck to his face.  Does that mean I'd recommend  settling for an NME8 to the OP?  HECK NO!!!  He's facing harder shots than most of what I see, and I've got no history of head injuries.   What works for one doesn't always work for another, but at this point I'm happy with the NME and haven't had any reason for concern yet. 

[Awgoalie164]

On 10/21/2018 at 1:31 PM, Taylor Chynoweth said:

I’m 16 and play travel hockey. I just sustained my 4th concussion and even though it’s minor, I will be sidelined for the first month of the regular season. I currently have a wall w4 mask and was looking to upgrade to either a Bauer nmevtx or a profile 960. Also what are your guys’ experiences with the two piece true skates? Looking to possibly upgrade to those 

As far as a mask goes, I love my NME 10. It’s from last year or two years but it’s still incredible. I would definitely try and stick with Bauer though.

[Znowleopard]

Onty cc has been good for me, definitely look at getting anything but the standard foam. Rxs seem likes the top, maybe look into them.

[ThatCarGuy]

17 hours ago, TheGoalNet said:

I would get something above the 950X. Unless you’re a kid or beginner, you should get a pro level helmet... ALWAYS 

Unfortunately pro level helmets were out of our budget. And this particular 950X was roughly 50% due to a small chip in the paint on the chin of the mask. The only other mask I've had game experience with is the NME 7 mask (I had 2 before switching to the 950X). The 950X is lightyears better than the NME 7.

[Joe Messina]

On 10/22/2018 at 9:23 PM, Taylor Chynoweth said:

So masked marvel would be your suggestion then?

Taylor, hope all is well. I noticed you’re looking for a new mask. I own Masked Marvel Goalie Helmets. We are a Michigan based company which was established in 2004. We currently offer 6 different models (2 of which are CSA/HECC approved). All of our masks are made in Canada at our fabrication shop and come with a lifetime warranty and extreme attention to detail. Check out our website at www.maskedmarvelhelmets.com / Good luck in your mask search!

PS: I have inventory in stock and can ship out ASAP, please let me know if you have any further questions, thanks. 

[GoalieTimmy33]

On 10/21/2018 at 7:49 PM, Math. said:

I would second Masked Marvel.

Do I have one?  No.  Do I know someone who have one? No.  Do I want one? Yes.  Is @Joe Messina around the forum making Masked Marvels one of the best track record of customer engagement possible?  Yes.  Is this important?  That's the most important thing kid. 

You gotta find a company that is there for it's current and potential customers.  Someone who you can contact directly if anything.  Ask questions before making a purchase and address any possible issues, whatever they might be afterward.  @GoalieTimmy33 is also way up there in terms of customers experience.  To me, that's key.

Thanks for the kind words!!!

[aircanuck]

I got a marriage certificate with my mask, too hard to break up with her. She still looks great after 25 years and she keeps me safe. 

[jayluv54]

On 10/23/2018 at 10:57 PM, Puckstopper said:

Exactly what I said.   I would not gamble with my health and safety by buying a Simmons mask that they've cloned from someone else's design.   If a person likes the knockoffs of name brand gear they offer, that is an individual choice and I don't want to derail the thread arguing over it as there are no real health risks involved in wearing one of their blockers or whatever.   However, if I had a history of concussions, was a young person with my entire life ahead of me, and playing high(er) level hockey I would not gamble with anything but the best fitting, top of the line, name brand mask I could find.   When you're dealing with your brain price shouldn't be a factor, and price is the only thing Simmons competes on.   Telling a kid with a history of concussions to buy anything other than a reputable top end mask is nothing short of irresponsible in my opinion. 

As far as buying pro level or nothing goes, I'm not sure I agree in all cases.   I recently dropped down from a fiberglass/kevlar ProMasque that I picked up years ago and refurbished, to a Bauer NME8.   I play low level beer league hockey at this point, and I actually feel safer in the NME.   Why?  It fits so much better than I ever got my ProMasque to.  There is no movement on my head and for the first time I understand what TGN means when he talks about his mask feeling stuck to his face.  Does that mean I'd recommend  settling for an NME8 to the OP?  HECK NO!!!  He's facing harder shots than most of what I see, and I've got no history of head injuries.   What works for one doesn't always work for another, but at this point I'm happy with the NME and haven't had any reason for concern yet. 

First of all, Simmons doesn't make masks, they sell Fusion and OTNY masks.  If you don't know Fusion and OTNY and are recommending an NME8 over one of their products, then you probably shouldn't be giving mask advice to anyone.

[Puckstopper]

On 10/25/2018 at 2:37 PM, jayluv54 said:

First of all, Simmons doesn't make masks, they sell Fusion and OTNY masks.  If you don't know Fusion and OTNY and are recommending an NME8 over one of their products, then you probably shouldn't be giving mask advice to anyone.

I realize reading an entire post can be difficult, so let my summarize for you:   With the OP's history of concussion issues he should be buying the best mask he can afford.  Period, full stop, no exceptions.  Based on Fusion's website Simmons seems to be primary retailer of their masks.   Based on that you'll never convince me that calling that model  a "962" isn't a case of Simmons being up to their usual shady tricks of hoping someone confuses their house brand for an actual high-quality name brand product.  Even if the quality is good, Simmons sleazy business practices would concern me if I were considering doing business with them .

My NME8 only came into the discussion in reaction to a statement TGN made elsewhere in the thread that people should ONLY be buying pro-level masks.  While I agree with that sentiment for the OP, my own needs differ so I was disputing the absolute nature of that statement.  I certainly NEVER steered the OP towards anything but the best bucket he can find.

I can see where if one struggles with the concept discussing two topics at once that would have been hard, so hopefully you have a better understanding now. 

[wox33]

Goalies Plus also sells the Fusion masks. I’ve owned mine for over four years now and had zero issues with it. They are great masks at the $500 or so range if you can’t afford one in the $800-900 price point. If I recall there is a bunch of good info on them back on the gsbb as that’s the info I used at the time to purchase mine. 

[dualshowman]

I own a Fusion 'Zero 961' and own/have owned an Itech 961 and 960. My experience:  There is very little in terms of construction and fit that is different between the three. The biggest difference between the Fusion and the Itech is the backplate. I would indiscriminately wear either against the hardest shooters I have faced. I have never owned a Bauer 961/960, for reference. 

[jayluv54]

19 hours ago, Puckstopper said:

I realize reading an entire post can be difficult, so let my summarize for you:   With the OP's history of concussion issues he should be buying the best mask he can afford.  Period, full stop, no exceptions.  Based on Fusion's website Simmons seems to be primary retailer of their masks.   Based on that you'll never convince me that calling that model  a "962" isn't a case of Simmons being up to their usual shady tricks of hoping someone confuses their house brand for an actual high-quality name brand product.  Even if the quality is good, Simmons sleazy business practices would concern me if I were considering doing business with them .

My NME8 only came into the discussion in reaction to a statement TGN made elsewhere in the thread that people should ONLY be buying pro-level masks.  While I agree with that sentiment for the OP, my own needs differ so I was disputing the absolute nature of that statement.  I certainly NEVER steered the OP towards anything but the best bucket he can find.

I can see where if one struggles with the concept discussing two topics at once that would have been hard, so hopefully you have a better understanding now. 

I'm good now, thanks for that clarification.  Your knowledge of masks truly does overwhelm me.  I should have just told the OP to go to Goalies Plus to check out a Fusion

[jayluv54]

17 hours ago, dualshowman said:

I own a Fusion 'Zero 961' and own/have owned an Itech 961 and 960. My experience:  There is very little in terms of construction and fit that is different between the three. The biggest difference between the Fusion and the Itech is the backplate. I would indiscriminately wear either against the hardest shooters I have faced. I have never owned a Bauer 961/960, for reference. 

I've had 2 Fusions and 2 Canadian made Bauer's, they are identical.  Fit the same, felt the same and played the same.  I can't confirm it but I had heard from multiple sources years ago that Fusion uses an actual Jerry Wright mold

[Kayen]

19 hours ago, dualshowman said:

I own a Fusion 'Zero 961' and own/have owned an Itech 961 and 960. My experience:  There is very little in terms of construction and fit that is different between the three. The biggest difference between the Fusion and the Itech is the backplate. I would indiscriminately wear either against the hardest shooters I have faced. I have never owned a Bauer 961/960, for reference. 

There's a slight chance that they were made at Fusion themselves. Fusion masks are excellent quality. 

2 hours ago, jayluv54 said:

I've had 2 Fusions and 2 Canadian made Bauer's, they are identical.  Fit the same, felt the same and played the same.  I can't confirm it but I had heard from multiple sources years ago that Fusion uses an actual Jerry Wright mold

The reason being is that for awhile they were the OEM. 

[GoalieInTheDesertYT]

I have a problem with helmet sizing. There are no hockey stores where I live so trying on helmets is not an option can someone help me with sizing?

[jayluv54]

2 hours ago, Kayen said:

There's a slight chance that they were made at Fusion themselves. Fusion masks are excellent quality. 

The reason being is that for awhile they were the OEM. 

I had heard that as well, but wasn't 100% on that.