In the Market for a New Goalie Helmet?

Our oldest son, Ben, recently outgrew his junior goalie helmet. Not only was it getting small, it had also seen it's day. The screws were rusting out and the foam was pretty compacted. It was time for an upgrade into something with a little more protective value.

I used to work in sports retail and specifically sold goalie equipment at The Mayfair Goalie Crease here in Saskatoon when it was open many years ago. I loved helping local people get what they needed from the shop, and learned so much about all the gear, including buckies.

I've rounded up a lineup from my favourite goalie helmet brand, Bauer. I'll feature the protection, fit and comfort, design and price of each option so you know what will work best before you head out shopping!

Thanks to Al Anderson's Source for Sports for being a great local destination for goalie gear and for letting us film our content in store! You guys rock. Check out our instagram reel here.

Bauer’s goalie helmet models 930, 940, 950, and 960 are part of the NME line, each offering different levels of protection, comfort, and features. Here's a breakdown of the differences in quality and design across these specific models:

Bauer NME 930:

• Protection: This is the entry-level mask, made with polycarbonate construction (the same type of plastic used in player helmets). It offers decent protection for recreational or beginner-level goaltenders but isn’t built for high-impact shots at higher levels of play.

• Fit & Comfort: The helmet features a foam liner that provides basic comfort, but it’s not as advanced as the materials in higher-end models.

• Design: It has a more traditional look with basic finishes and a simple cage design.

• Price: The most affordable option, geared toward recreational goalies or those just starting out. You can get into this helmet for around $230.

Bauer NME 940:

• Protection: Upgraded from the 930, the NME 940 uses a fibreglass construction, making it stronger and more resistant to impacts compared to polycarbonate. It's suitable for higher-level play, such as intermediate goalies.

• Fit & Comfort: It includes Vinyl Nitrate foam for better protection and comfort. The foam is thicker and designed to absorb impacts more effectively than the basic liner in the 930.

• Design: Slightly more refined design than the 930, with a more modern aesthetic and durable cage.

• Price: Moderately priced, it’s a good balance between cost and protection for goalies playing at intermediate levels. You're looking at about $500 for this one.

Bauer NME 950:

• Protection: The 950 is a big step up in terms of protection, with a carbon fiber and fibreglass shell, offering a significant increase in durability and impact absorption. This is designed for advanced goalies facing harder shots.

• Fit & Comfort: Features an upgraded dual-density liner, which improves the overall comfort and provides better protection. This liner helps with custom fit adjustments and shock absorption.

• Design: The design is more aggressive with a lighter-weight construction, allowing for greater mobility and vision.

• Price: Positioned at the high end for goalies at competitive levels who need enhanced protection. This one will run you $700.

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Bauer NME 960:

• Protection: The NME 960 is pro-level, constructed with a high-grade composite carbon fibre shell for maximum protection. This helmet is built to withstand the hardest impacts in elite-level play.

• Fit & Comfort: It features a PORON XRD foam liner, which is Bauer’s most advanced padding material. The foam provides superior impact resistance and a more custom fit, adapting to the head’s shape over time for elite-level comfort.

• Design: The 960 is designed for professional-level goalies, with an lightweight build and an aggressive, modern aesthetic. The cage is optimized for better sightlines and reduced weight, and the helmet comes with enhanced ventilation.

• Price: The most expensive option in this range, it’s designed for goalies at the highest levels of competition, from junior leagues to professionals. This helmet costs around $1050. This helmet has been the gold standard for many years.

The Bauer NME One is Bauer's top-tier goalie helmet, offering elite-level protection and performance features. It’s part of the NME line but sits above models like the NME 930, 940, 950, and even the 960, due to its advanced materials and technologies. Here's how the NME One compares in terms of quality and design:

Bauer NME One:

• Protection:

  • Built with a TeXtreme carbon fiber shell and Innegra composite reinforcement, which makes it one of the strongest and lightest helmets in Bauer’s lineup. TeXtreme is a highly durable material used in many high-end Bauer products, and the Innegra layer adds extra impact resistance to critical areas.

  • The helmet incorporates DCT (Defense Cloud Technology), which helps disperse impact forces to minimize the risk of injury. This is crucial for goalies playing at high levels where puck speeds and impacts are intense.

• Fit & Comfort:

  • Triple-density foam liner with a combination of PORON XRD and IX-Foam. This provides the best-in-class protection and comfort, molding to the goalie’s head over time and absorbing shock effectively.

  • It features an Advanced Shock Lite Liner system for increased comfort and breathability, ensuring the goalie stays cool and comfortable during games, even in high-pressure situations.

• Design:

  • The NME One is designed for elite-level players, with an ultra-lightweight build that maximizes mobility without sacrificing protection. Its sleek, aggressive look is complemented by a pro-style cage designed to optimize visibility and minimize blind spots.

  • The helmet includes multiple ventilation points for better airflow, keeping the goalie cool during long games or practices.

  • The helmet's design also allows for customization in terms of color and graphics, making it a popular choice for goalies looking to add their personal flair.

• Price:

  • The NME One is the most expensive model in Bauer’s NME line, reflecting its advanced protection technologies and pro-level design. It's meant for professional and elite-level goalies who demand the best in terms of safety, fit, and performance. This helmet costs $1049 as well.

Which One to Choose:

• NME 930: Best for beginners or recreational goalies who need basic protection at a budget-friendly price.

• NME 940: Ideal for intermediate goalies who need better protection and comfort without a big jump in price.

• NME 950: Great for competitive goalies who want strong protection and comfort at a reasonable price.

• NME 960: Perfect for elite-level players who need pro-level protection and advanced materials.

• NME One: The ultimate helmet for professional or serious goalies who want the best protection, lightest weight, and most advanced technologies.

We went with the 940 for our 12 year old son, who is still growing and playing in a U13AA league. This helmet will have enough protection for him and the level of shots he is currently facing, but won't break the bank as we will likely have to replace it once he hits his next growth spurt.