You’ve seen them, maybe even worn one: the hockey visor. Most hockey players wear them, and for good reason!
What exactly are these things made of? We take a look.
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Silver
The most recognizable and probably the most common element of a hockey visor is its silver coating. Back in the 1970s, the entire exterior of the visor was made of silver-coated aluminum, giving it a rich vintage look. But these days, the coating is just on the exterior of the visor. The bulk of the material still consists of aluminum in a blend of copper and titanium for extra strength. But the finish is what makes it really shine!
While there are other materials that could be used to coat the visor, such as brass or chrome, the teamsters decided that aluminum gave the helmet a more vintage look and feel. You can also find some old-fashioned steel visors, but those are less common. Typically, modern hockey visors are made of aluminum or a similar lightweight metal. The coating isn’t just for vintage appeal; it also serves a protective purpose.
Plastic
A hockey helmet is only as good as its shell – or skintight—so it’s important to invest in one that will stay in place during gameplay. Most modern hockey helmets are built with internal plastic layers designed to keep out the elements and make the helmet lighter. Some of the more popular models use polycarbonate, a lightweight plastic that also happens to be more durable than ordinary plastic. Of course, the construction process for a polycarbonate helmet is a lot more expensive, so it generally means you’re paying more for the convenience of having a more protective helmet!
Foam
If you’ve ever worn a foam sports helmet from a major brand, you might be familiar with the bouncy, light feeling that the material provides. While a lot of people prefer the light feel of foam, it also has the unfortunate side effect of being extremely susceptible to damage. If your foam helmet starts feeling a bit looser than usual, it might be time for an upgrade! If you’re looking for a more lightweight option with better impact absorption, check out the polycarbonate and hybrid fiber-reinforced plastic (HFRP) helmets. Don’t worry, though, as the teamsters are still manufacturing foam products – mainly for older generations who remember the good old days when they were used regularly!
Titanium
If you’ve ever seen the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, you might have seen a character wearing a head covering made of this expensive and rare metal. Since the technology for making titanium helmets wasn’t invented until the 20th century, the majority of existing titanium helmets were designed and manufactured in the 1950s. But the material doesn’t grow on trees, and it’s not as easy to get as it is to make. So while the movie may have made you think that all titanium helmets look the same, that’s not true at all! Most importantly, the color of the metal can vary from yellow to dark purple, depending on the manufacturer and the heat treatment methods used.
While titanium is incredibly strong and durable, it’s also light enough to be considered a featherweight. However, that lightweight attribute can also make it really tricky to design a sturdy helmet that won’t feel too vulnerable during gameplay. The main thing is to make sure that the head covering fits snugly – like a jockstrap – around your head without feeling too confining. If you’ve ever tried to play sports with a large hat on, you know how annoying it can be!
Stylish
You don’t have to have been born during the retro era to appreciate vintage appeal, especially when it comes to sports equipment. In addition to the aluminum coating, vintage hockey visors usually have some type of stylish décor on the exterior, such as the gold-colored metal around the edges or the colorful designs stitched into the textile inside. Of course, the interior of the visor could also be decorated with textile stripes or patterns in different colors, so it would match the color scheme of your car or bike.
Protective
When someone buys a vintage sports helmet, they usually don’t just get the pretty look; they also expect that the thing will do its job and keep their head safe during gameplay. If you’ve ever been in a motor vehicle accident or played a fall sport like football, you know how vulnerable the head is during gameplay. If you’re into extreme sports and don’t care about the style or the look of the helmet, go for a model with thicker side walls and a higher build quality for the best protection available!
Hopefully, these answers will help you figure out what type of helmet is right for you. Want more tips? Check out our blog for more information on all things related to sports and fashion!