Hockey is a winter sport that is loved by many. Unfortunately, the game of hockey is also known to be difficult to play in the winter time because of the snow and ice that make it hard to see the puck. This is why many players wear visors to protect their eyes from the snow and wind. Unfortunately, these visors accumulate a lot of dirt and bacteria over time, which can cause inflammation and infections.
Although cleanings are useful and should be done regularly, they cannot solve all your problems. Sometimes, extreme conditions like an overload of bacteria or a strong sun exposure can cause serious harm to your eyesight. In these situations, your optometrist may recommend a different solution than simply cleaning your visor: he may suggest an upgrade. In this post, you will learn about some of the alternatives to clean your visor, including what materials are best suited for the task.
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Rubber Versus Vinyl
The best option for a hockey visor is made of either synthetic or natural rubber. In both cases, the preferred material is flexible enough to mold itself to your head and, at the same time, thick enough to offer some protection from the blows of a puck or ball. Although neither type of material is particularly soft, they make up for it with their ability to bounce back after each impact. This aspect alone makes them more suitable for use as protection against a puck or ball than other options, such as acrylic or polycarbonate, which often break or shatter after just a few moderate hits.
Avoid Paper Products
Another important thing to consider when selecting a hockey visor is whether you want a paper product or a plastic one. As the name would suggest, a paper product is simply made of paper fibers and has no other material backing it up. This is why it is often highly susceptible to damage and fogging up after just a few weeks of use. Another important consideration is the fact that they easily decompose into sticky and dangerous substances when exposed to heat or light.
On the other side, plastic products usually refer to a material whose molecules are joined together to form longer chains. This technique allows the industry to create numerous options in terms of shape and size through injection molding. It also makes it possible to maintain a level of smoothness even when applied to an otherwise rough surface. One of the most popular and effective plastic products for a hockey visor is polycarbonate, a safe, strong, and highly durable material.
Look For A Vibration Absorbent Material
When selecting a hockey visor, you should also pay attention to whether you want to be more affected by the vibrations of the vehicle or just want to dampen or isolate them. The former option makes more sense if you play on a team that often moves around during games as you would naturally experience while driving or riding in a car. The latter option is more suitable for individuals who play on frozen ponds and want to block out all the noise coming from the ice.
Another important aspect to consider when selecting a visor for hockey is how you want it to fit. The best fit for your head is measured by the distance from the front of your head to the back of your ear as well as your temple. You should also take into account whether you want a tight or loose fit. Loose fits are often preferred by players because they tend to block out more vibrations and wind than tight ones. However, if you go for a tight fit, you will find it easier to store your hockey gear in the offseason especially if you have a big head or a large frame.
Consider The Shape Of Your Head
When choosing a hockey visor, you should also make sure that it fits the shape of your head. This is important because there are specific measurements for the ideal shape of a head for each position. If you play forward, you will need a wider forehead than if you play defense. Also, you should not wear a hockey visor if you have a very long or a very short hair style. In these situations, a cap may be a better option since it does not have to fit the exact contour of your head as your visor does. Plus, you can wear it anywhere and anytime you want because it is a cap.
Make Sure The Fit Is Right
As we mentioned earlier, there are specific measurements for the ideal shape of a head for each position. One of the most important things you need to check for is whether the fit of your head is right or not. In general, your nose should be aligned with the center of your forehead, and the distance from your eyebrows to the tip of your nose should be equal to the distance from your eyebrows to your chin. Your temple and ear distances should also be equal. This is particularly important if you play defense, as your head needs to be positioned evenly on both sides to block incoming shots.
The Final Verdict
Overall, choosing a hockey visor is not an easy task. There are numerous options, and it is important to be aware of the materials, purposes, and measurements of each product. Keep in mind that each material and size option has its advantages and disadvantages, which you need to take into consideration. Sometimes, the best solution is simply to replace your entire helmet, as excessive wear and tear can cause serious damage to your optical and cognitive nerves. Other times, cleaning and maintaining your hardware regularly can help prevent infections and irritation, making it a simpler and more cost-efficient option.