Best Hockey Helmets

The Bauer 4500 is a classic workhorse that dates back 3 decades, spanning brand names like Cooper, Nike, and even Nike Bauer. It's not the flashiest option, but it gets the job done with solid impact protection. The dual-density foam liner shapes to the head and provides reliable comfort and protection for the long haul. This helmet is a great choice for the purist who appreciates the classics, and it’s still widely used in the NHL today.

The CCM Tacks 720 utilizes many of the best technologies that the team at CCM has to offer at a price point that makes it accessible to every level of play. This helmet is designed to balance protection while also keeping you cool. The 3D printed AER-TEC lining system, adapted from CCM’s top-of-the-line Super Tacks X, is designed to provide air circulation. It's light, it fits great, and the protection is top-notch. The 720 is perfect for the high-energy skater who needs comfort and performance without sacrificing safety.

The 710 is a solid choice for the player looking for a balance of protection and affordability. It's got the new R.E.D. (Rotational Energy Dampening) system, which manages rotational impact force on your head. The helmet is lightweight and the D30 padding is placed in key impact zones. While not as high-end as CCMs flagship helmet, the Super Tacks X, the 710 is a great option for players at all levels looking for reliable protection at an affordable price.

The Bauer Re-Akt 150 boasts an upgraded Freeform fit system, allowing for one of Bauer’s most comfortable and protective helmets ever. This helmet allows for a premier fit for players of all head shapes and sizes. The protection is solid, adding Poron XRD padding to its strategically placed comfort pods. The Re-Akt 150 is a must-try for any player looking for the feeling of a custom fit at a fraction of the cost.

The CCM Super Tacks X is like wearing a cloud of protection. The 3D-printed nest tech liner is the first of its kind, providing a custom fit to your head while providing airflow. The D30 reinforcements in key contact areas take the Tacks X’s protection to the top of its class. This helmet is designed for the competitive player who needs the absolute best.

The 910 is the pinnacle of hockey helmet tech. The Fluid Inside pods paired with D30 padding provide impact absorption and even energy distribution like few helmets out there. CCMs previous top of the line offering, it has only been surpassed in technological design by the arrival of the Super Tacks X. Great for all players.

The standard for youth entry-level helmets, the Prodigy is great for young hockey players just starting out. It's designed with growth in mind, featuring an adjustable shell that can accommodate a growing head. The dual-density foam liner provides protection while still being comfortable. It’s designed to offer all the necessary protection for a beginner player, and won't break the bank. If you're looking for a helmet to get your kid started in hockey without spending a fortune, the Prodigy is a great option.

The Re-Akt 85 is a solid upgrade from Bauer’s entry-level models. The FreeForm adjustment system utilizes 3 adjustment points, allowing for improved fit along the width and length of the head, which is a game-changer for finding that perfect fit. The protection is reliable and noticeably more comfortable than lower-priced models. The 85 is a great option for serious recreational players or young athletes needing to upgrade their gear for the next level. It offers a good balance of protection, comfort, and price.

The Alpha One Pro is for the elite player. The one-piece shell offers incredible stiffness and protection without adding bulk. This helmet is all about performance and safety. The fit is dialed in, the ventilation works well, and it feels like a second skin on your head. If you're playing at the highest level, the Alpha One Pro is worth every penny. It's not cheap, but you're getting top-tier protection and comfort that'll give you the confidence to push your game to the next level.

The IMS 5.0 is a reliable entry-level helmet that gets the job done. Taking over the place long held by Bauer’s previous workhorse, the 4500, the IMS 5.0 stays true to its predecessor with that classic Bauer fit and feel, with an updated dual-density liner that absorbs and cushions against impact. Bauer’s classic tool-less adjustment system makes it easy to dial in your ideal fit. This helmet is perfect for the recreational player or younger athlete who wants dependable protection without all the bells and whistles.

The Tacks 310 is an entry-level helmet that provides dependable protection for recreational players and beginners. While it might not have all the features of the higher-end models, the 310 utilizes CCMs Rotational Energy Dampening system, which manages rotational impact force on your head. The 310 features a padding layout similar to its big brother, the 710, making the transition to higher levels of protection feel seamless. This helmet is perfect for anyone who's looking for a good balance of safety and comfort without the high price tag.

The Re-Akt 75 is a solid choice for the intermediate player looking for a quality helmet. Bauer's Seven+ technology in the back offers exceptional 360 degree protection. Paired with Poron XRD foam in the temples, this helmet does a great job absorbing impacts in key contact areas. It's comfortable, fits well, and balances safety and style. If you're not a pro but want pro-level protection, the Re-Akt 75 is definitely worth a look.

The FL40 is perfect for young players or those just getting back into the game. It's lightweight and comfortable, with a good balance of protection and affordability. The helmet is adjustable, so it will fit kids as they grow. The best part is that you don't need any tools to make size adjustments. It's a great option for players who prioritize comfort and safety without spending a fortune.

The CCM 50 is a solid entry-level helmet that's perfect for young players or those just getting back into the game. It's lightweight and comfortable, making it a good option for beginners. The helmet has a simple, no-frills design, but it still provides adequate protection. The 50 offers good value for the price and will keep your head safe on the ice.

The Bauer Re-Akt 95 is a serious upgrade for the dedicated hockey player. Improving on the Re-akt line’s first-generation technology, the Re-akt 95’s upgraded Suspend-Tech liner brought around new standards of head protection, providing separation between the crown of the head and impact resistant shell, creating a buffer for impact energy to disperse. While a little pricier than your average bucket, if you're playing at a high level and want the best available safety and comfort, the Re-Akt 95 is worth every penny. It's lightweight, fits like a glove, and gives you that extra peace of mind to focus on your game.

The Tacks 70 is a solid entry-level helmet that punches above its weight. The dual-density liner provides a comfortable fit and decent impact protection, making it a good option for recreational players or those just starting out. The Easy Flip Clip adjustment system is a nice touch for finding the perfect fit without any tools. While it might not have all the features of the higher-end models, the Tacks 70 offers good value for money.

The Vector V08 is a solid choice for the budget-conscious player who doesn't want to sacrifice protection but still wants that NHL look. It's got dual-density foam that does a good job of absorbing impacts. The V08 is comfortable right out of the box and the adjustment system is simple to use. It's definitely a reliable option for recreational players or those just starting out. You're getting a good balance of safety and comfort without the high price tag.

The Hyperlite is for the elite player looking for every possible edge. This helmet is ridiculously light without sacrificing protection. Bauer’s new Shock Light liner absorbs impacts while offering a snug cradle that feels like it’s custom fit to your head. If you're seeking that pro-level feel and need every ounce of advantage on the ice, the Hyperlite is worth every penny.

The Bauer Re-Akt 200 is a serious upgrade for the player who demands the absolute best. This helmet combines a Next-Gen Suspend-Tech liner that fits to your crown and cradles your head against contact with Poron XRD impact absorption padding in critical contact zones, and is a noticeable step up in comfort and protection compared to its predecessors. The adjustment system features the Bauer fit-plate, a thermo-moldable plate of the base of the crown that provides maximum stability. If you're playing at a high level and want a helmet to match, the Re-Akt 200 is the way to go. It's pricey, but you're investing in peace of mind and performance.

The first generation of Bauer’s now-flagship helmet line, the original Re-akt, ushered in a new generation of head protection. Re-akt introduced new protective designs that are now standard across the best helmets on the market. The original Suspend-Tech liner is the standout feature, offering cushioning against contact while also providing impact absorption and comfort. This helmet is perfect for the player who wants a customized fit, excellent ventilation, and confidence to attack the game in every corner of the ice.

The IMS 9.0 is an older model, but it still holds up well. The V2 liner is surprisingly comfortable and does a decent job of absorbing impact. The 9.0 is a good option for recreational players or those just starting out. It's lightweight and offers a decent field of vision, making it a comfortable choice for long practices and games. It's a reliable helmet that will keep your head protected.

The Resistance is a step forward in head protection. CCM's R.E.D. system combines impact pods and liquid-filled bladders to manage both linear and rotational impacts. It's like having a personal safety engineer on your head. The fit is secure, and while it's a bit pricier, the added protection is worth it. My favorite feature is the adjustment system which has been moved to the back of the helmet. This allows for improved protection on the sides of the head without a bulky look. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an amateur who wants the best, the Resistance is worth a look.

The Covert PX2 is a solid choice for the intermediate to advanced player looking for a comfortable and protective helmet. It's got a classic feel with modern tech, and the VN foam liner is great for absorbing impacts. The tool-free adjustable fit system is a nice touch, making it easy to dial in the perfect fit. If you're looking for a reliable helmet, the Covert PX2 is definitely worth considering.

The FM50 is for the recreational player looking for a comfortable and affordable helmet. It's lightweight and well-ventilated, making it a good option for those who tend to run hot on the ice. The fit is true to size thanks to the tool-free fit clips adjustment, and it's comfortable right out of the box. While it might not have all the features of the higher-end models, the FM50 offers decent protection and is a great option.

The Covert PX+ is an upgrade for the intermediate to advanced player. This helmet strikes a balance between protection and comfort. The two-piece shell design allows for a customized fit without any tools, which is a major plus. The VN foam liner does a great job of absorbing impact, and the overall feel of the helmet is sleek and low-profile. If you're looking for a helmet that offers a comfortable, secure fit, the Covert PX+ is definitely worth considering.

The Tacks 210 is a solid choice for the intermediate to advanced player looking for a comfortable and protective helmet. The dual-density foam liner is a nice touch, providing a balance of comfort and impact protection. The fit system is easy to adjust and really locks the helmet in place. Unlike traditional side-latch systems ( where you adjust front-to-rear), the rear system on the 210 adjusts in three dimensions for a great fit every time. It's not the lightest helmet out there, but it's definitely not a brick. Overall, the 210 offers great value for the price.