Best hockey helmets

One of the most important pieces of hockey equipment is the hockey helmet for players of any age.

In this article, we’ll cover:

To see more options, check out our full selection of ice hockey helmets.

List of the Best Ice Hockey Helmets

Overview: The newest helmet, and our vote for the overall best helmet, goes to the CCM Super Tacks X Hockey Helmet. With this helmet, CCM has reinvented the way helmet protection is designed and incorporated. 

Key Features:

  • The innovative 3D-Printed continuous liner, fitted entirely with D30 smart material, has been optimally created based on a variety of different in-game situations that help disperse impacts away from key areas of the head. 
  • Liner also provides pro-level fit by better conforming to the specific shape of your head for a continuously responsive fit.  This design also helps increase airflow throughout the entirety of the helmet, keeping you cool during gameplay. 
  • Super Tacks X Helmet features a tool-free front-to-back adjustment system. This easy-to-use adjustment will offer a wider size range for the best-customized snug fit.
  • Pro-inspired look and design that is both stylish and very efficient at generating airflow throughout the helmet.

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Overview: The Bauer Hyperlite 2 Hockey Helmet sets a new standard in the industry as Bauer's most innovative helmet to date, specifically engineered to provide elite protection for the head, the most critical area of a player's body. This helmet combines state-of-the-art technology with comfort and adjustability, aiming to deliver the ultimate experience in protection, fit, and ease of use.

Key Features:

  • 3D Printing Technology: Utilizes revolutionary 3D printing for unparalleled impact protection.
  • GX-Pod Technology: Combines comfort with energy mitigation to absorb and disperse impacts.
  • DCT Padding: Features Dual Comfort Technology padding for premium comfort and a secure fit.
  • Aerolite Base with GX-Pods: Offers a lightweight yet durable structure for enhanced protection.
  • Safety Certified: Meets CSA, HECC, CE, and UKCA international safety standards for ice hockey.
  • Adjustable Fit: Includes an occipital lock and free-form system for custom width and length adjustments.

The Bauer Hyperlite 2 Hockey Helmet is an exceptional choice for players seeking a helmet that excels in providing top-tier protection, while also offering a comfortable, customizable fit, and maintaining a lightweight design for superior on-ice performance.

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Overview: The Bauer Re-Akt 150 Ice Hockey Helmet Combo, introduced in 2019, is a standout addition to the Re-Akt helmet line, embodying cutting-edge technology for a supremely customizable fit.

Key Features:

  • The Re-Akt 150 Helmet showcases the FreeForm Adjustment System, a novel feature that allows players to independently modify both the length and width of the helmet for a perfect fit. With up to 18 millimeters of adjustability, it offers 250% more customization options than any other Bauer helmet.
  • Enhanced comfort is delivered through the advanced Comfort Pod liner system, featuring a hinged pod design that better conforms to different head shapes and sizes for optimal fit and comfort.
  • For protection, the helmet integrates lightweight VTX foam and combines IX foam with XRD foams, providing comprehensive protection against various types of impacts, from high to low energy.
  • Moisture channels are strategically placed throughout the helmet to facilitate airflow, keeping the player dry and comfortable during use and aiding in faster drying when the helmet is not in use.

The Bauer Re-Akt 150 Ice Hockey Helmet is ideal for players seeking unparalleled comfort, fit, and all-around protection and performance on the ice.

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Overview: The CCM Super Tacks 910 Hockey Helmet, a culmination of extensive research and development by CCM Hockey, stands as a zenith in head protection technology. Incorporating new pro-grade technologies, this helmet is among the most sophisticated on the market, setting a new benchmark for safety, comfort, and adjustability in hockey helmets.

Key Features:

  • Advanced Protection: Featuring Fluid Inside pods and D30 Smart Material, developed with the Neurotrauma Impact Science Laboratory, to absorb and dissipate impact forces from incidents like blocked shots and body checks.
  • Superior Comfort with I.Q.Shion Foam: Equipped with an I.Q.Shion memory foam liner and molded dual-density foams for a snug, comfortable fit from the start. This liner also wicks away sweat, keeping players cool and speeding up drying times.
  • Easy Fit Adjustment: Includes a self-adjusting active stabilizer for the back of the head and a seamless, tool-free adjustment system for a customized fit.
  • Pro-Approved Design: Offers a stylish look with optimal airflow for comfort during play, reinforced sides for added impact protection.

The CCM Super Tacks 910 Hockey Helmet is designed for players seeking the pinnacle of head protection technology, combining groundbreaking safety features with unparalleled comfort and adjustability to enhance performance at the highest levels of play.

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Overview: The Warrior Alpha One Pro Helmet is at the forefront of helmet technology, offering an unparalleled blend of protection, comfort, and a custom fit system. Its advanced design and materials set it apart as one of the most sophisticated helmets available on the market, specifically tailored to meet the demands of today's fast-paced and physical hockey game.

Key Features:

  • True One-Piece Construction: Features a single-piece, high-density plastic shell for a stiff, durable, and lightweight protection, improving impact diffusion against hazards like deflected pucks and stray sticks.
  • OmniShock System with Impax Foams: Integrates Warrior’s OmniShock system with Impax foams to protect against catastrophic and minor impacts, safeguarding players across various scenarios.
  • AdaptFit 270 Technology by BOA: Utilizes AdaptFit 270 technology with a BOA dial for micro-adjustable fit, ensuring a snug, comfortable, and balanced wear, customizable to individual preferences.
  • Flow Comfort Polygiene Liner and Venting: Equipped with a Polygiene-treated flow comfort liner and strategic venting for sweat management and quick drying, keeping players cool, dry, and comfortable.
  • Designed for Today’s Game: Tailored for the speed and physicality of modern hockey, offering exceptional protection, comfort, and fit for serious players.
    Pro Stock Helmets Note: Buyers should be aware that pro stock helmets may have minor cosmetic flaws or slight specification variances, without warranty.

The Warrior Alpha One Pro Hockey Helmet is a top-tier option for players who prioritize their safety on the ice, offering a high level of protection, customizable comfort, and a design that caters to the modern game.

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Overview: The CCM Tacks 720 helmet is engineered to provide exceptional protection and comfort for players, featuring advanced technologies to enhance on-ice safety. With its cutting-edge design and superior fit, it's a top choice for hockey player seeking top-notch headgear.

Key Features:

  • Elite-level protection from combination of 3D printed NEST TECH in key areas plus rate sensitive D3O Smart Material and quality foams to help distribute impact energy.
  • Innovative AER-TEC VENTILATION SYSTEM powered by NEST TECH and channels allow max airflow and keep your head cool and comfortable. New and improved I.Q.SHION DRI will not retain extra sweat at the forehead.
  • Self-adjusting occipital support cushion and an easy front-to-back side adjustment provide a customized snug fit that stays in place.

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Overview: The Warrior Alpha One Helmet, launched in 2019, represents a pinnacle in helmet design, integrating unmatched one-piece construction with leading-edge protection features and a highly customizable fit system. Designed to meet the rigorous demands of contemporary hockey, it offers players an elite level of protection, comfort, and adjustability.

Key Features:

  • True One-Piece Shell Construction: Made of high-density plastic in a single piece for stiffness, durability, and lightness, optimized for excellent direct-impact diffusion and superior defense against hazards like deflected pucks and stray sticks.
  • OmniShock+ System: Features Warrior’s OmniShock+ with Viconic Inserts in high-impact zones and EPP and Impax foams, designed to disperse impact forces, protecting against various impacts and minimizing injury risk.
  • AdaptFit 360 Technology by BOA: Utilizes a BOA dial for easy fit adjustments, offering a secure and comfortable fit that enhances protection, keeping the helmet in place during play.
  • Flow Comfort Polygiene Liner and Venting: Includes a Polygiene-treated removable liner for sweat absorption and quick drying, with strategic venting for optimal airflow, keeping players cool and comfortable.
  • Designed for Modern Hockey: Built to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced game, providing leading protection, comfort, and a customizable fit for serious players.

The Warrior Alpha One Hockey Helmet is a premium choice for players who prioritize safety, comfort, and performance on the ice, offering a sophisticated blend of technology and design that sets a new standard in hockey helmet innovation.

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Overview: The Bauer Re-Akt 85 Hockey Helmet, newly introduced, elevates the standard for safety, comfort, and performance in hockey gear. This helmet integrates Bauer's latest innovations, including Defense Cloud technology and the Aerolite 3.0 liner, with a focus on maximizing protection without sacrificing comfort or playability. It's designed to meet the high-velocity demands of hockey, providing players with a helmet that excels in adjustability, impact absorption, and temperature regulation.

Key Features:

  • Defense Cloud Technology: Employs cutting-edge impact absorption materials that work to distribute the force of collisions, offering top-tier protection during play.
  • Freeform Adjustment System: Features an innovative adjustment mechanism that allows for independent width and length customization, ensuring a perfect fit for any head shape.
  • Thermocore Zero Liner: A state-of-the-art liner designed to manage moisture and heat, keeping players cool, dry, and comfortable throughout the game.
  • Aerolite 3.0 Molded Multi-Density Liner: This liner provides enhanced protection across the helmet, utilizing multiple densities of foam to shield against impacts while maintaining a lightweight profile.
  • Certification: Fully certified by CSA, HECC, CE, affirming its compliance with current safety standards and its suitability for various levels of play.

The Bauer Re-Akt 85 Hockey Helmet sets a new benchmark for players seeking a helmet that doesn't compromise between protection and performance. With its array of advanced features and certifications, it stands as a top choice for athletes dedicated to their safety and success on the ice.

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Overview: The CCM Tacks 310 Hockey Helmet, new for the season, advances the legacy of CCM's commitment to safety, comfort, and performance. Embracing both innovation and tradition, this helmet combines CCM's latest protective technologies with a classic design, tailored to meet the dynamic needs of today's hockey players. It offers an exceptional level of protection, comfort, and adjustability, ensuring players can focus on the game with confidence.

Key Features:

  • I.Q.Shion Comfort Liner: Introduces a groundbreaking level of protection and comfort. This premium liner ensures a snug fit while offering superior impact absorption, setting a new standard for helmet comfort and safety.
  • Single Tool-Free Adjustment: Simplifies the customization process with an intuitive adjustment mechanism at the back of the helmet. This feature allows for quick and easy modifications to achieve the perfect fit without any tools.
  • Pro Preferred Look with Impact-Absorbing Geometry: Features a design favored by professionals, incorporating advanced geometry that efficiently absorbs and disperses impacts, providing enhanced protection during play.

The CCM Tacks 310 Hockey Helmet is designed for players who seek the ultimate in protection and comfort without compromising on style or performance. With its innovative features and professional-grade materials, it represents a significant evolution in hockey helmet design, making it an ideal choice for serious competitors at all levels.

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Overview: The Warrior Covert CF 100 Hockey Helmet, is Warrior's innovative solution to customizable fit helmets, providing unparalleled fit, comfort, and protection for players at all levels. This helmet sets a new benchmark in helmet design by combining heat moldable inserts with advanced protection technologies.

Key Features:

  • Custom Fit with Heat Moldable Inserts: Features innovative heat moldable inserts at the front and back, allowing for a custom fit to any head shape, enhancing comfort and improving protection by ensuring the helmet is perfectly molded to the wearer’s head.
  • EPP Liner and Impax Foam Zones: Boasts an EPP liner for lightweight, top-tier impact protection, complemented by Impax foam zones over the temples for additional safety in critical areas.
  • Integrated Cooling Vents: The helmet includes cooling vents integrated into the shell, directing airflow around the player’s head to maintain comfort and coolness during play.
  • Adjustable Snap Flaps: Offers snap flaps on the sides for quick and easy adjustments to the fit, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit that can be modified on the fly.
  • Designed for Optimal Protection and Comfort: Tailored to meet the needs of modern hockey, the Covert CF 100 combines customizability with exceptional protection and ventilation to keep players safe, comfortable, and performing at their best.

The Warrior Covert CF 100 Hockey Helmet is the ideal choice for players seeking a helmet that offers a tailored fit without compromising on protection or comfort, marking a significant advancement in hockey helmet technology.

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The Importance of Wearing a Hockey Helmet

While all components of hockey equipment are important, it is easy to understand why the Hockey Helmet is one of the most important. Moreover, USA Hockey requires youth players that are spectating from their bench and not playing to wear a helmet to protect them from deflected pucks into the bench. Throughout the years, hockey brands such as CCM, Bauer, Warrior, and True have invested a great deal of resources to further improve their hockey helmets. And of course, youth hockey governing bodies in the US and Canada require players to wear helmets that are HECC certified, which, in short, lets the referees know that the helmet was constructed after a certain date and has the protection that is required for the level of play.

Helmet Ratings By Virginia Tech Hockey

For decades, the Virginia Tech Hockey Helmet Ratings (known as STAR for short) have been one of the standard measurements of determining how safe and protective a hockey helmet is.  In short, the test ranks helmets based on their ability to successfully reduce the amount of linear and rotational acceleration of the head during hockey impacts. While these ratings do not provide actual HECC certifications for helmets, they do provide in-depth and unbiased results that can be used to select the ideal helmet for you.

Certified Hockey Helmets

Almost all youth hockey leagues around the world require players to wear helmets that were made after a certain date.  This is referred to as CSA, HECC, or CE certified and most helmets are certified for five years.  The reasoning for this is because as years progress, helmets get more advanced to match the ever-increasing speed of the game, by adding in new protective features. A helmet that was constructed 10 years ago will not have the required protection to withstand the speed and physicality of today’s game.

Why You Shouldn’t Buy Used Hockey Helmets

Long story short, you want a hockey helmet that you know can keep you safe during a fast and physical game of ice hockey.  Buying used helmets can be risky because it is oftentimes hard to tell what year the helmet was constructed, meaning it could have less advanced protection, thus leading to potential injuries.  Furthermore, helmets that were made before a certain date I.E. not HECC certified (see H3) can lead to in-game penalties for you or your team.

How to Measure For the Right Size Helmet

The most precise way to measure for the right size hockey helmet is to get a flexible tape measure and measure around the circumference of your head in inches.  That number will correspond with one of the sizes, which can be found on the sizing charts on all of our helmet pages on hockeymonkey.com!  While wearing the helmet, you can shake your head back and forth to see if it moves around too much. If so, you will want to drop a size down. However, you do not want the helmet to be too tight to the point where it is uncomfortable.  For more in-depth information on helmet sizing please visit our helmet sizing guide.

Hockey Helmet Structure

The basic anatomy of all hockey helmets consists of three main parts; the exterior shell, interior liner, and a cage, visor, or bubble, depending on your preference and level of play. 

  • Exterior Shell: The exterior of the hockey helmet is aptly known as the exterior shell. This part of the helmet holds everything together and provides an additional layer of protection. 
  • Interior Liner: Underneath the exterior shell is the interior liner and foam paddings. This is what will provide the bulk of the protection against the forces of direct impacts like blocked shots, body checks, etc.
  • Cage or Visor Attachment: Face protection on the hockey help will protect players against errant sticks, deflected pucks, and so on. Most youth leagues around the world will require players under the age of 18 to wear a full bubble or cage.

Features to Consider When Choosing a Hockey Helmet

As you could guess, the Hockey Helmet is one of the most important pieces of hockey equipment a player needs to have. That said, when choosing a helmet, there are a few primary factors you might want to consider to help you find the perfect one.  First, to narrow down your options, try to determine what head shape you have (either oval or round). Most major brands have two lines of helmets that are constructed with those two shapes in mind. This will help ensure comfort and protection. Additionally, determine your budget and go with the helmet that offers the most amount of protection. As we mentioned, the head is a sensitive part of your body and needs to be well-protected at all times during the game of ice hockey.

Concussion Prevention and Certification

As mentioned before, all youth leagues around the world require their players to wear ice hockey helmets that are officially certified. Certified helmets ensure that the helmet was made after a certain year and has sufficient features and protection for those specific leagues. In short, certified hockey helmets keep players more protected against hockey contact and potential concussions.

How the Helmet Fits

For an ice hockey helmet to do its job most effectively, it needs to fit properly. The quickest way to determine if a helmet is too big is to try it on and try moving it around on your head. If it wobbles and moves around too much (meaning that it would do the same while skating), then the helmet is too big and you will want to go down a size. However, if you try on a helmet and it is uncomfortably squeezing on your forehead or temples, you will want to go up a size.

The Shape Of Your Head

A major characteristic that some might not think about when choosing an ice hockey helmet is their head shape. Most major brands have two different lines of helmets; oval-shaped helmets, and round-shaped helmets. Determining which one you need for your head shape is crucial to ensure maximum comfort and protection by eliminating any negative space between the inner liner and your head.

Helmet Padding for Protection

If you are playing at the highest levels of youth hockey, protection is probably the most important aspect of a new hockey helmet.  All certified hockey helmets will utilize shock-absorbing foams and inner liners to help keep the head well protected during gameplay.

Cage or Visor Face Protection

Full face protection is required by leagues around the world for under-18 players to protect against the various in-game impacts of ice hockey.  Players can opt for a full shield or a cage based on their personal preference and some helmets are sold as a combo, which will include the helmet and a cage already attached.

Helmet Chin Straps

Hockey Helmet chin straps are another important component of a hockey helmet.  They will provide another way of ensuring that the helmet stays in place and doesn’t move around too much during gameplay.  For a proper fit, make sure the helmet chin strap is secure on the bottom of the chin, comfortable but not tight.

The Overall Weight of the Helmet

Finding the right balance of weight to protection is important to consider when looking for a hockey helmet. Getting a helmet that is super heavy with extra protection might be uncomfortable to wear on the head and could hinder performance. On the flip side, using a super light helmet might allow for easier range of motion but will put you at more risk of injury. Sticking the balance of weight, protection, and mobility is key when shopping for a Hockey Helmet.

If the Helmet Comes With a Warranty

Even if a hockey helmet is certified, accidents can still happen. The outer shell of the helmet can crack in some instances, foams can get worn down, and so on.  With that said, it may be good to review if a helmet has a warranty in case there is ever any issue that arises after a helmet is purchased. Fortunately, most brands will offer a manufacturer warranty on their helmets that will cover defects.

Best Hockey Helmets by Category

The list below features the best helmet within specific categories; from best overall, best youth helmet, and so on. For more in-depth information, click on the name of any one to visit the product page on our website!

Best Budget Hockey Helmet

Bauer RE-AKT 150 Hockey Helmet: With its price points of $269.99 and $219.99 and high ratings, it offers great value for the features and protection it provides, making it an excellent choice for players looking for quality protection without breaking the bank.

Best Adult Hockey Helmet

CCM Super Tacks X Hockey Helmet: The best overall, and most advanced, adult hockey helmet on the market right now is the Super Tacks X Helmet.  CCM spared no expense with the design and creation of this helmet and is one of the most innovative helmets we have seen in quite some time.  The 3D-printed floating liner adds a layer of comfort, and greatly helps with impact dispersion as well.  It moves the force of impacts away from the head and throughout the liner, providing players with the highest level of protection currently on the market.

Best Youth Hockey Helmet

CCM Tacks 720 Youth Hockey Helmet: For this category, the article does not specifically mention a helmet designed exclusively for youth players. However, the helmets listed are highly adjustable and offer features that cater to a wide range of players, including youth. The CCM Tacks 720 Hockey Helmet might be a good choice given its lower price point and the fact that it's designed to offer exceptional protection and comfort, which is crucial for younger players.

Best Hockey Goalie Helmet

Bauer 960 Senior Goalie Mask is one of the most popular goalie masks of the last 20 years. A design that has stood the test of time and has been used across all levels of play. The Smacwrap comp shell is highly protective and holds up against shots reducing the vibrations and ringings. A Thermo-Core backplate with molded occipital support to help the goaltender achieve a comfortable feeling when wearing this mask.

Best Caged Hockey Helmet

Bauer Re-Akt 150 Hockey Helmet Combo: Our vote for the best hockey helmet combo goes to the Bauer Re-Akt 150 Hockey Helmet with Bauer’s Profile III cage.  This helmet boasts pro-level protection thanks to the Comfort Pod liner system with VTX Technology and inner XRD foams that create a protective and comfortable fit.  The Re-Akt 150 helmet features strategically placed moisture channels to help draw in cool air, keeping the you dry and comfortable throughout the game.

Best Padded Hockey Helmet

All helmets discussed are designed with advanced padding technologies for optimal protection. The CCM Super Tacks 910 Hockey Helmet, with its Fluid Inside pods and D30 Smart Material, stands out for its advanced protective padding, making it a top choice in this category.

Find the Best Selection of Ice Hockey Helmets at HockeyMonkey!

Without question, the ice hockey helmet is one of the most important pieces of equipment a hockey player wears. And finding the one that is right for YOU can be an overwhelming process, so use this guide as a good starting point to help keep you as protected as possible! For more information on any helmet in the article above, feel free to browse our full selection of adult and youth ice hockey helmets.