How To Choose A Hockey Goalkeeping Helmet (Senior And Junior)
If there's one bit of goalkeeping kit you shouldn't borrow from the club cupboard, it's the helmet. Your pads can be a bit big and you'll survive. A helmet that doesn't fit properly is a different story.
So here's what to look for in a hockey goalkeeping helmet, and how the senior and junior helmets we stock from OBO, Mercian and TK compare.
What should you look for in a goalkeeping helmet?
- Fit. It should feel snug all the way round without pressing painfully anywhere, and it shouldn't move when you shake your head.
- Vision. Get into your ready position and check you can see the ball clearly at your feet and out to the sides.
- Shell material. Helmets use ABS, polycarbonate, fibreglass or carbon shells. Generally, the further up the range you go, the stiffer and more protective the shell.
- Throat protection. OBO's ABS and Carbon helmets have a throat guard built in. With other helmets you'll want a separate throat guard.
- Certification. Check the product page for the standards each helmet meets, and follow your league's rules.
The best senior goalkeeping helmets
OBO ABS Senior Helmet
The OBO ABS Senior Helmet has been our best-selling goalkeeping helmet over the last year, and it's easy to see why. It has an ABS shell with a high-tensile steel grille designed for good frontal, peripheral and ground vision, a PE and UltraStop foam liner, and an integrated polycarbonate throat guard that moves with your head. OBO say it's nearly as protective as their fibreglass and Carbon helmets but 150g lighter. It comes in Small to X Large and a load of colours, from black and white to orange, red and pink.
OBO Carbon Helmet
The OBO Carbon Helmet is OBO's most protective helmet, with a thicker wall of hand-laid, gel-infused carbon fibre, an UltraStop foam lining and a hinged, integrated throat guard. It has all the same design features as the ABS helmet and is designed for keepers aged 14 and up who want the best protection OBO make.
Mercian Genesis Senior Helmet
The Mercian Genesis Senior Helmet is a fibreglass helmet moulded in an ice-hockey style, with a cats-eye grille for good forward and peripheral vision. Mercian say the fibreglass shell gives higher protection than a standard plastic shell. It comes in matte black, white and red.
TK goalkeeping helmets
TK's helmets step up in three levels. The Performance has an ABS shell for developing and club keepers, the Elite has a lightweight polycarbonate shell, and the Deluxe has a 9-layer carbon fibre and fibreglass shell. All three have a matte black cage to reduce glare and a five-point adjustable backplate.
The best junior goalkeeping helmets
The OBO ABS Junior Helmet is made for the smaller keepers among us, in XSmall and XXSmall. It has a lightweight ABS shell and a high-carbon steel cage with a doubled centre wire, and OBO describe it as the only youth helmet fully CE tested for field hockey.
From Mercian, the Genesis Junior Helmet has a fibreglass shell with a pre-cut, moulded foam inner and a 5-point strapping system. For younger and smaller keepers, the Genesis 2 Junior Helmet comes in Small/Medium for players up to under 16, and the Genesis 3 Junior Helmet in Mini/XS.
How do you check the fit?
- Measure your head and use the brand's size guide: OBO, Mercian or TK.
- Put the helmet on and adjust it. It should feel snug with no pressure points.
- Shake your head gently. The helmet should move with your head, not on it.
- Get into your ready position and check your vision down and to the sides.
If you can, pop into the shop and try a few on. Helmets fit differently from brand to brand, and it's much easier to tell in person.
When should you replace a helmet?
Replace it if the shell cracks, the cage is bent or damaged, the padding has broken down or it simply doesn't fit any more. Juniors can grow out of a helmet surprisingly quickly, so check the fit every season. If you've taken a heavy hit and aren't sure the helmet is still OK, stop using it and get it checked.
Can I buy a second-hand helmet?
We wouldn't. You can't be sure how it's been treated or whether it's taken a big impact, and it's the one bit of kit where that really matters.
Still not sure?
Our goalkeeping kit checklist covers everything else you'll need, and our guide to leg guards and kickers explains the different levels. Or give us a call on 0191 447 4744, drop us a message on live chat or pop in. Browse all our goalkeeping helmets.
