Hockey helmet guide: fit, cage, chin strap and the 10-year rule
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- Youth hockey helmet with cage. Best for: Young players who need full face protection. See options on Amazon
- Senior hockey helmet. Best for: Teen and adult players. See options on Amazon
- Hockey neck guard. Best for: Covering the throat. See options on Amazon
Fit checklist
| Check | What a good fit looks like | Sign of a problem |
|---|---|---|
| Snugness | Forehead skin moves when helmet is shifted | Helmet slides over the skin |
| Height | Rim one finger width above the eyebrow; sits flat on top | Sits too high or too low |
| Cage or mask | No more than an inch from the face; chin cup centered | Mask hits the face or sits far off |
| Chin strap | Four-point strap, all snapped and snug | Helmet does not pull down on a big yawn |
From the CDC HEADS UP Hockey Helmet Safety fact sheet. Always follow the manufacturer's fitting instructions.
Sizing before you buy
- Bring the player so you can check fit, the CDC suggests.
- Measure with a soft tape just above the eyebrows and ears, level front to back. A string and ruler work too.
- Check the maker's chart. Sizes vary by brand and model, so use the manufacturer's fit instructions and sizing chart.
- Ask how it feels. Snug, but too tight can cause headaches.
- Hairstyle. Try it with the hairstyle worn for practices and games.
The skin test is the quickest check in the store: with the helmet on, gently shift it left, right, up and down. If the forehead skin moves with it, the fit is snug; if the helmet slides on its own, it is too loose.
Cage, face mask and throat protector
The CDC gives specific guidance for face protection:
- A well-fitting cage or face mask should not be more than an inch from the athlete's face.
- The chin cup should be centered under the chin and fit snugly.
- The cage or face mask may be a different size than the helmet, so size each one.
- A throat protector or neck guard should fit snugly and completely cover the throat.
NOCSAE lists ND035, its standard for newly manufactured ice hockey face protectors intended for compatible ice hockey helmets certified to the NOCSAE standard. Make sure you can see the athlete's eyes and that they can see straight ahead and to the sides.
Chin strap
The CDC says to be sure a four-point chin strap is attached to the helmet, with all four straps snapped and tightened as part of fitting. The strap should be centered under the chin and snug. For the yawn test, have the player open their mouth wide: the helmet should pull down on the head. If not, tighten the strap. Once fastened, the helmet should not easily move front to back or side to side.
Labels, reconditioning and replacement
The CDC says to look for hockey helmet labels that say it meets the NOCSAE standard, certified by the manufacturer or SEI; whether it can be recertified or when certification expires; how often it must be reconditioned; and the date of manufacture. The CPSC table lists NOCSAE ND030 and ASTM F1045 for hockey helmets.
- Reconditioning. Helmets should be reconditioned regularly by a licensed NAERA member, and a used helmet should not be worn unless approved or recertified by a NAERA reconditioner.
- 10 and out. Replace no later than 10 years from the date of manufacture; many helmets need replacing sooner.
- After a big hit. The CPSC says hockey helmets are built for multiple impacts, but one with a cracked shell or permanent dent should be replaced.
Care and storage
- No home repairs to the helmet or faceguard.
- Inspect for missing or loose parts and padding before and during the season; never use a cracked or broken helmet.
- Clean with warm water and mild detergent; no soaking, high heat or strong cleaners.
- Store out of the car and direct sun, in a room that is not too hot or cold; do not sit or lean on it.
- No paint or stickers without checking with the manufacturer.
The CPSC notes no helmet has been proven to prevent concussions. For other helmets, see our football helmet guide and lacrosse helmet guide.
What to look for when you buy
Youth hockey helmet with cage
Best for: Young players who need full face protection
The CDC gives cage fit checks; the CPSC lists ND030 or ASTM F1045 hockey helmets.
Watch out: Size the cage separately; it may differ from the helmet size.
See options on AmazonSenior hockey helmet
Best for: Teen and adult players
Look for the NOCSAE label and a date of manufacture, per the CDC.
Watch out: Replace by 10 years from the date of manufacture.
See options on AmazonHockey neck guard
Best for: Covering the throat
The CDC says a throat protector should fit snugly and completely cover the throat.
Watch out: Check league rules for neck guard requirements.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- How should a hockey helmet fit?
- Snug enough that forehead skin moves when you shift it, rim one finger width above the eyebrow, sitting flat on top.
- How far should a hockey cage be from the face?
- No more than an inch, with the chin cup centered and snug, the CDC says.
- How long does a hockey helmet last?
- The CDC says replace it no later than 10 years from the date of manufacture, sooner with wear.
- What certification should a hockey helmet have?
- The CPSC lists NOCSAE ND030 and ASTM F1045 for ice hockey helmets.
- Is the cage the same size as the helmet?
- Not always; the CDC says the cage or face mask may be a different size than the helmet.
Sources
- Get a Heads Up on Hockey Helmet Safety (fact sheet) (cdc.gov), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Which Helmet for Which Activity? (cpsc.gov), U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- NOCSAE Standards (nocsae.org), National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment