Heads Up On Hockey Helmets...
Three hockey helmets from Bauer, at three prices, meet a variety of player needs.
Hockey safety is a top-down deal—players have to start with the right protection for the head with a helmet that gets the job done but also fits the shopper's budget. Today, you can look for helmets certified by several independent standards organizations, an industry indicator of the helmet's effectiveness. The helmets featured here are each certified by the Hockey Certification Equipment Council (HECC), Canadian Standards Association (CSA), and Conformité Européenne (CE, the European health and safety product label), so you know you're getting quality head protection—the label on the helmet tells you so. After that, it's a matter of what fits the budget. Let's look at three helmets from Bauer, a leading maker of ice hockey equipment.
Bauer Re-Akt 200 Helmet + Combo ($359.99)
Bauer has overhauled the Re-Akt 200 hockey helmet with several upgrades to provide even better impact protection for the aggressive player—the new model offers 25% more protection than any previous Bauer helmet.
The updated shell on the Re-Akt 200 features a single-lock adjustment system that allows the helmet to expand and contract. But Bauer focused most of its attention on the helmet’s interior to provide optimal impact protection. The liner now includes Bauer’s Fit Plate, the same technology used in their premium Speed Plate footbed. When baked, the Fit Plate provides a custom occipital lock at the back of the helmet for a near-perfect fit. The helmet also includes additional adjustment pieces designed to eliminate any protection gaps at either temple, whether the helmet is expanded or contracted.
The improved Next Gen Suspend-Tech liner is mounted in multiple locations, helping to manage the energy of both linear and rotational impacts. The base liner is an updated version of Bauer’s VTX material, similar to EPP foam but lighter weight and more protective.
The combo version of the helmet features Bauer’s Re-Akt titanium cage. Its thinner wires are stronger, lighter weight, and offer 20% more ice vision than standard cages. The chin cup is a floating model with triple-density foams and anti-bacterial Microban. It also includes moisture channels for a clean, dry, and secure fit. The Re-Akt 200 Hockey Helmet offers an array of padding and fit adjustments designed to provide the best protection a player can get.
- State-of-the-art, comprehensive head protection for top-tier players
- Fit Plate technology for a custom occipital lock
- VN and VTX foams for enhanced lightweight protection
- Next Gen Suspend-Tech liner for linear and rotational impact absorption
Bauer Re-Akt 200 Helmet + Combo
Bauer Re-AKT 150 Helmet + Combo ($249.99)
The Bauer Re-Akt 150 hockey helmet includes top-end technologies to offer an enhanced fit, excellent protection, and exceptional comfort. To improve the fit, Bauer includes their Freeform Adjustment System. This technology provides three tool-free adjustments to independently alter the length and width of the helmet for a personalized fit. With over 18 millimeters of available width adjustment, this model provides a wide range of possible sizes to ensure you always enjoy the proper fit and level of comfort.
Inside the helmet, Bauer uses the brand-new Comfort Pod liner system with a contoured design to better fit your head. This hinged pod design also includes a layered construction of both XRD and IX foams for added comfort and increased protection. XRD technology is a reactive foam that protects against both high-velocity and low-velocity impacts, while the IX foam is a low-density material that offers more lightweight protection.
Bauer also includes their trusted VTX technology in the Re-Akt 150 model. This proprietary foam liner system features in the front, top, and rear of the helmet to increase protection and comfort in these key impact areas. The VTX is a lightweight foam liner for all-around impact resistance, providing protection against a variety of impact energy levels.
- State-of-the-art, comprehensive head protection for elite level players
- Freeform Adjustment System for a personalized fit
- VTX technology for overall impact resistance
- Profile III cage for lightweight protection
Bauer Re-AKT 150 Helmet + Combo
Bauer Re-AKT 95 Helmet + Combo ($209.99)
The new Bauer Re-Akt 95 hockey helmet combo boasts the distinction of replacing not one, but two older models: the IMS 9.0 and 11.0 models. For a mid-price-point helmet, the Re-Akt 95 combo is loaded with impressive features and upgrades. The Re-Akt 95 comes with a variable thickness HDPE Pro shell, resulting in a lighter weight helmet without sacrificing protection. It’s also designed with several vents for exceptional air flow and cool comfort.
The adjustment system on the Re-Akt 95 is a single, tool-free lock on the top-rear of the helmet. The top lock offers more protection than dual-side adjustments on other helmets because it gives the player more consistent coverage above either ear. The single lock is easy to use and allows the helmet to expand and contract for a customized fit. The liner features an array of technologies. The Poron XRD foam at the temples—Bauer’s most advanced and protective foam—is designed to withstand repeated impacts at all energy levels. The interior base foam is Bauer’s VTX, similar to EPP but significantly lighter and offering better protection against high impacts. Players looking for an elite performance helmet at a great value will like what they find in the Re-Akt 95 helmet.
- Comprehensive head protection for performance-level players
- Suspend-Tech liner for increased independent impact energy absorption
- Integrated moisture channels for effective, non-irritating moisture management
- Profile III cage with stainless steel bars for reduced weight and improved vision
Bauer Re-AKT 95 Helmet + Combo