Are you looking for a new goalie mask? You’ve come to the right place.
In this post, we have put together a goalie mask buyers guide for 2020. This guide is created to help you find the best goalie mask that you can afford.
But before we dive into this, a quick word on our qualification on the topic.
One of the big myths out there when talking about goalie masks’ protection is, “the heavier the mask, the better the protection.”
This simply isn’t the case. There are plenty of low-end mask makers that have carved out a niche for themselves by serving a part of the market looking for a discount goalie mask.
Nonetheless, a goalie mask can be the heftiest investment you’ll even make. Purchase the best goalie helmet that you can afford, and you will never regret your decision.
After all, nobody likes to get hit in the head with a hockey puck. If you are going to volunteer to face 100 mile-per-hour slapshots, all game long as well as in practice, you better make sure you’re well covered.
You also have to ensure that the mask offers unlimited sightlines, comfort, and fit along with maximum protection.
But keep in mind that if a goalie mask doesn’t fit your head, it won’t be capable of offering the right amount of protection you needed.
When Did Goalies Start Wearing Masks?
Goalies began to wear a mask on November 1st, 1959. Jacques Plante wore the first-ever goalie mask, and the goalie mask designs were significantly changed from then.
Are All Goalie Masks the Same?
Not all goalie masks are the same. There are full face and regular coverage helmets, and it’s up to a player’s preference to choose which to wear.
However, they are usually made of vinyl nitride, memory foam, or polypropylene foam. These materials were made for protection and energy absorption to reduce the chances of concussion.
Can I Have a Custom Made Goalie Mask?
Usually, professional hockey players have custom made helmets. You can also have something custom-made, although it might be more expensive.
What is the Best Goalie Mask?
Throughout this guide, we’re going to look at a few things. First, we’re looking at protection. In our viewpoint, safety is the number one thing you should consider when purchasing a new goalie mask.
We’ve taken budget and thrown that out the window. These helmets are the same things a lot of pros wear, for a good reason. They’re highly protective, and they do what they’re supposed to do.
At the end of the day, you’re going to form your own opinion based on your budget. This list of the best masks is a great starting point. You cannot go wrong buying any of the masks we’ve listed below.
Below is a list of magnificent senior goalie masks currently available:
Bauer NME IX Goalie Mask
Bauer’s newer model goalie mask is one of the lightest you’ll find, but it doesn’t lose any protection and comfort at all. It’s a remarkably well-designed and built mask and worth every penny.
There are three different lightweight foams in the inner lining, located in the most severe impact areas of the mask. This makes the Bauer NME IX excellent protection coverage.
The shell is assembled with a mixture of strong epoxy and fiberglass to dampen impacts better. The cage is constructed with tough and reinforced stainless steel. Moreover, the mask is designed to fit various head shapes and sizes with its four separate fit-profiles.
All features are fully adjustable, which makes it easy to suit your head for ultimate comfort. The soft sweatband features an antimicrobial thermo-core design. This prevents moisture and sweat from running down your head and containing odors at the same time. It also includes an extra sweatband and a padded helmet bag.
The Bauer NME IX Goalie Mask is excellent for intermediate to advanced-level goalies and is fully certified by the CSA, HECC, and CE.
The mask is second to none regarding design, fit, comfort, durability, and protection and could be deemed a steal in the mid-to-upper price range.
CCM AXIS Pro Goalie Mask
CCM’s Axis Pro Certified Goalie Mask is a lightweight, straight-bar model. It offers elite-level protection and comfort for competitive netminders.
This high-tech mask features CCM’s Sigmatex pro carbon fiber design and construction for durability and strength. The company also uses its Fluid Inside system, which sets protective gel pods in the mask’s high-impact areas.
It has protective D30 sensitive smart foams and a soft liner to keep everything together. The foam hardens upon impact to help absorb and dissipate the shock. Meanwhile, the straight flat bar cage is composed of strong stainless steel for protection and visibility.
This mask uses a five-point adjustable harness system in the backplate for a secure fit and comes with a triple-density foam chin cup. There is a breathable comfort foam, which handles sweat and moisture.
The CCM Axis Pro Certified Mask comes in different sizes with the senior medium model weighing 2.8 lbs and comes with a padded bag for the mask. This newly-released mask can be found in the upper-price scale.
Bauer NME VTX Goalie Mask
The NME VTX goalie mask by Bauer is created for those who take their hockey seriously. This is ideal if you’re looking for something lightweight but offers top-of-the-line protection, durability, and comfort.
This is regarded as one of the most technologically-advanced masks available in the market. And the cost reflects the superior craftsmanship that has gone into it.
The mask has a broad face and crown for comfort and is designed to comfortably and securely fit several heads’ sizes and shapes. The liner consists of molded foams while the shell is constructed with stiff but light composite materials. And it can take a lot of abuse and wear and tear while giving you the ultimate protection from pro-level shots and other impacts.
It has reinforced metal chin guard that comes with a harder outer edge wrap to help fight off chipping. The hybrid-style wire cage allows you to see clearly, while the high-quality sweatband keeps you cool and dry at all times.
The Bauer NME VTX mask comes with an additional sweatband as well as a helmet bag. It’s one of the safest and strongest masks on the market.
Bauer Profile 950X Goalie Mask
Bauer’s 950X Goalie Mask is another popular straight-bar model that has been certified by the HECC, CSA, and CE. This lightweight model features a rigid fiberglass base with reinforced carbon. It also has a Kevlar for added strength and is then wrapped with 12K carbon for even more durability.
The mask also comes with carbon around the edges to help stop it from chipping. The mask’s interior is outfitted with soft XRD and VN foams in the high-impact area to help relieve pressure and increase your comfort level. The liner was mechanically attached, making the padding removable.
Besides, its ventilation holes help keep you calm, cool, and collected while making remarkable saves. The durable case is made with lightweight stainless to fight off rust and provides visibility without sacrificing protection.
There are an adjustable nylon chin strap and a five-point harness adjustment to enable a perfect fit for the shape of your head. The Bauer 950X Goalie mask comes with a mask bag and added sweatband and weighs 3.05 lbs. It can be found in the mid to high-price range.
CCM AXIS 1.5 Goalie Mask
CCM’s AXIS 1.5 Goalie Mask is built with a strong but lightweight polycarbonate shell. The inside is outfitted with a comfortable VN foam liner.
The mask may be aimed at beginner to intermediate-level players, but it comes with adequate protection and comfort. The wire cage is built of durable carbon steel. It also has a straight-bar design that offers excellent sightlines.
As an alternative, the straight-bar cage can be swapped for a cat-eye style of cage. The mask’s chin cup is constructed with foam, while the forehead sweatband consists of a soft terry cloth material, keeping you dry and cool. The sweatband can also be easily and quickly removed when it needs to be washed.
This goalie mask comes with CE, CSA, and HECC certifications due to its excellent protection level. The CCM AXIS 1.5 goalie mask is excellent at absorbing impacts and offers a lot for its mid-range price level.
Bauer Profile 930 Goalie Mask
The new Bauer Profile 930 Goalie Mask is perfect for intermediate level players of all ages as it offers a great deal of value for the price. This certified model provides comfort and protection, thanks to its strong Lexan EXL shell and soft VN foam liner.
The strong stainless steel cage was made to enhance your vision while the cotton sweatband keeps moisture out of your eyes. The mask also comes with ventilation holes and an adjustable nylon chin strap. The backplate comes with a convenient, adjustable five-point harness to protect the back of the head.
The Bauer Profile 930 Goalie Mask highlights a mask bag and extra cloth sweatband. It can be found in different sizes, with the senior small and medium models weighing in at 2.46 lbs. And best of all, this mask can usually be found on the lower-price scale.
Bauer Profile 960 Goalie Mask
The Bauer Profile 960 Goalie Mask is built with a lightweight fiberglass base. It also has layers of carbon for added protection in the high-impact spots.
The mask is then wrapped in a 12K carbon outer layer. The straight-bar steel cage has a rubber strip along the forehead for comfort. Meanwhile, the backplate harness attaches below the ears for a snug and secure fit.
Inside the mask, you’ll see XRD foam padding with ventilated and breathable VN Foam to help fight off sweat buildup, bacteria, and odors. There’s also a sweatband to keep you cool and comfortable while making sure your eyes stay clear and dry. The mask is one of Bauer’s most popular designs due to its versatility and durability.
The innovative Bauer Profile 960 Goalie Mask offers a plethora of protection for netminders of all skill levels and ages. It comes in several sizes and can typically be found in the mid to high-price range.
Warrior Ritual F1 Pro Goalie Mask
The new certified Warrior Ritual F1 Pro Goalie Mask became famous quickly among top-level netminders. This is due to its lightweight and optimum visibility, comfort, and protection.
The shell is constructed with durable and robust minimus carbon G1200. Meanwhile, the X-foam padded liner does a fine job of dispersing the shock and vibrations of impacts.
The mask also highlights Warrior’s OMNIshock+ technology. It gives dual-density molded foams and provides a superb fit by eliminating pressure points and reducing wasted space. The square-shaped cage is made with solid stainless steel with a soft and adjustable Styrofoam chin cup. Your eyes are kept clean and dry due to the Polygiene sweatband, which wicks away sweat and eliminates odors.
The Warrior Ritual F1 Pro Goalie Mask is outfitted with an invisible strap system in the backplate and comes with a padded mask bag. It’s an excellent pro-level mask found in three different sizes and comes in the upper-level price range.
Vaughn Pros Choice
The Vaughn Pro-Choice masks are some of the greatest goalie masks that you can get.
Each Pros Choice mask is entirely custom made, and no two masks of the same line are alike. They’re handcrafted with Aramid fiber, graphite, fiberglass, and epoxy resin. Not to incorporate that these masks are built without a compression machine, which can sometimes crack.
The US Military also uses the material used in these masks for fighter jets. So you can expect a strong helmet. The Tri Cat Cage is also custom made with the highest class of stainless steel. Lastly, the liner is made of comfortable HD foam.
This isn’t a cheap helmet, but it’s a great one if you play hockey at an elite level.
If you can afford a Pro’s Choice, you’re not questioning whether or not you should be buying one.
SportMask T3
The Sportback T3 is an excellent goalie helmet for a reasonable price. It highlights materials used in many pro-level helmets, including premium woven composite, fiberglass, and carbon fiber.
This helmet is very good at dispersing the impact of pucks. The forehead and chin are improved and redesigned to be stronger than ever. It is less likely that you will take a stinger off the head with this mask.
The shell is made with a system called multi-component modular mold (MCMM). The goal is to create a strong and durable goalie mask. While also still lightweight.
It has a comfortable and slim fit. The foam is comfortable as well. There isn’t a lot to dislike in this helmet. It’s overall one of the best goalie masks that you can get for the price.
This mask can be worth the price, as it is a high-quality yet affordable mask in the market. SportMask makes a “heavy” characteristic mask that isn’t the lightest thing on the market, but it’s designed to be. If you like a mask that feels like a tank, this is your answer.
It feels heavier than a Bauer 960 / VTX, the Warrior Ritual F1 Pro, and the CCM Axis Pro.
Conclusion
We understand that goalie masks are not the most popular amongst ice hockey fans because most people enjoy playing it. But if you are a goalie in any league, you will find them essential.
In our list, we have done thorough research to provide you with different brands and styles of goalie masks that suits your playstyle. There are many goalie masks out there, and some of the most famous brands used in the NHL Season were Bauer and CCM.
That doesn’t mean these are the best for your playstyle. But if NHL players use them, NHL Goalie masks are something to think about if you are looking for your best fit.
Remember, these are the final layer protection between the puck and your head.