Hockey helmets are a crucial part of any hockey player’s protective gear. They keep the head safely intact from injuries while also protecting the skull from impacts caused by puck or stick blows. There are several different types of hockey helmet shells that can be customized to fit the individual needs of the player wearing them. Some use a hard plastic liner, others use a soft inner lining, and some use a combination of the two. Additionally, some helmets are designed to absorb the shock of a blow, while others are built more for protection. In this article, we will discuss the various aspects of making a hockey helmet. We will cover the history of the sport, how hockey helmets are designed, and what materials are used to build them.
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The Evolution Of Hockey
Hockey has become one of the most popular sports team activities in the world, played by people of all ages and genders across the globe. The first hockey league was founded in Montreal in the 1800s, and its popularity quickly spread outside of the city. In fact, the development of the modern day hockey helmet was largely spurred on by the desire to protect players from the head injuries sustained during plays. Hockey injuries have become increasingly prevalent over the years, partly due to the sport’s growth and popularity and partly due to the increased violence associated with it. This in turn led to the design and development of safer and more effective protective gear, such as the hockey helmet.
While the helmet may not be the most recognizable part of a hockey player’s attire, it is one of the most important. Not only do they protect the head during play, but they also protect the skull from impact damage caused by puck or stick blows. These head injuries are the most common form of injury in hockey, and the most common cause of long-term traumatic brain injuries. According to the Brain Injury Association of America, approximately 140,000 Canadians suffer from brain injuries each year, and it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of Americans also suffer from these types of injuries. While the numbers are likely similar in the UK, as a society we still lack the understanding and research that would allow us to effectively combat these devastating injuries.
What Is A Hockey Helmet?
If you’re reading this, then you’re either a hockey player yourself or someone who knows one; presumably someone who cares about their hockey player’s safety. A helmet is designed to protect the head from injury, and a hockey helmet is the ultimate culmination of centuries of head protection innovation. It is imperative that you choose a hockey helmet that is suitable for your needs, so choose wisely.
What makes a good hockey helmet? The answer to this question is multifaceted, but ultimately it comes back to one thing: impact protection. The ability of a helmet to protect the head from injury depends on the material used to construct it and how the helmet is designed and engineered. Let’s take a quick look at these features.
Construction
The first and most important factor to consider when choosing a helmet is the material it is made from. There are several different kinds of rigid materials that can be used to construct a protective gear item, with the most common ones being fiberglass, hard plastic, and polycarbonate. While all of these materials offer certain advantages, it is important to note that not all of them are good for protective gear.
Fiberglass is a synthetic material that is stronger and more abrasion-resistant than some other materials. It is also lighter, which makes it great for use in helmet construction. The downside to this material is that it is more transparent, which in some instances can cause issues with visibility.
Hard plastic is another excellent material choice for protective gear. It is strong and lightweight, with high impact resistance and good shatterproof properties. These are great features for a hard plastic helmet, as they allow the wearer to engage in the activity without concern for their safety. The downside to hard plastic is that it is less transparent than fiberglass, which can limit your peripheral vision.
Shape
Depending on the type of activity you participate in, the shape of your helmet can vary. The key areas to focus on when considering the shape of your helmet are the profile and the retention system. The profile of your helmet is essentially the shape of its outer surface, while the retention system is the system used to fasten the helmet around your head.
For general use, round or oval profiles are recommended, as they provide a better, more natural feeling fit than other shapes. Moreover, they allow for better air circulation, which can enhance your comfort while also keeping you cool. If you are participating in a sport that requires additional ventilation, then you might want to look into other shapes, as they provide more surface area than your typical round or oval helmet.
Style
As we mentioned above, the shape of your helmet can vary depending on the activity. But that is not the only factor that affects its style. Your personal preferences are also important, as you want to select a helmet that compliments your existing apparel or gear. If you are a skater, then you might want to look into a fast-style helmet, as they provide a cleaner look and can be locked in place with a quick flick of the head. If you are a fan of retro gaming, then you might want to check out older models of fast-style helmets, as they provide an authentic look when compared to modern day counterparts.
Technology
Your helmet’s technology features are also important to consider. If you are a computer geek, then you might want to opt for a helmet with a built-in flash drive, so you can plug it in and access files whenever you want. Another useful feature is the ability to connect various devices to the helmet, such as a PDA or a cell phone, so you can stay connected during your activity. If you are a frequent traveler, then you might want to look into a more aerodynamic design, so you can keep your head protected during various flight maneuvers. More importantly, you want to make sure that your helmet is tested and proven to protect the head during actual use.
As you can see, there are several different factors that make up the construction of a hockey helmet. Knowing which ones are most important to you is the key to selecting the perfect helmet for your needs. Keep in mind that not all of the materials mentioned above are made equal, as some are better suited for certain types of activities or use cases. In the next section, we will discuss how to choose the right protective gear for your needs.
Choosing The Right Gear
Once you’ve chosen the right material and shaped your helmet accordingly, you must next consider the fit. Your helmet’s fit is important, as it determines how well it protects the head during use. For example, if you have a large head, you might want to look into a large-sized helmet, as they typically offer a better fit. Similarly, if you have a small head, you might want to opt for a smaller one.
While the shape of your helmet is more important, its fit is crucial. This is because how a helmet fits is indicative of how well it performs during use. If you have a loose helmet during a hockey game, it can feel as if it is not properly tightened around your head; in fact, even during practice, you should never feel as if your helmet is too loose because it could then start sliding down your head during active play. Loose fitting helmets can also cause other issues, such as increased concussion risk due to poor ventilation. A badly fitting helmet could also cause damage to your ears due to the increased pressure it puts on them while you are running or cycling.
To determine which shape and size of helmet to choose, simply examine your head. If you have a big head, go for a big one. If you have a small head, opt for a smaller one. Remember, your head is a self-sufficient unit, and as a result, it will always tell you what size and shape it needs. Of course, if you are not comfortable with what your head says, then you should probably opt for an advice of a doctor or a professional fitting store.
Protective Gear For Hockey
While the above discussion was focused on hockey specifically, the same guidelines and parameters apply to other types of sports as well. What material should you use for the construction of your protective gear? That depends on which type of activity you are participating in. If you are participating in a biking activity, then you might want to look into a cycling helmet. These are designed to protect the head from impacts and accidents that occur while biking. If you are kayaking or canoeing, then you probably want to opt for a kayak or canoe helmet.