Proper sports equipment is a must-have no matter what the sport is. Hockey helmets are essential to the game of hockey since the risk of being hit with a stick or puck is rather high. Hockey helmets are designed to handle the impact and absorb the blow to protect your head from potential injury.
We reviewed numerous hockey helmets online through Amazon to find the best. We looked at shell-only helmets, helmets with face cages, and goalie masks. We even looked at collectible hockey helmets that you can proudly display in your game room or office.
We decided on the Bauer IMS 5.0 Helmet Combo as the best hockey helmet overall. It’s certified by the Canadian Standards Association and Hockey Equipment Certification Council, and sports a CE certification as well.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Hockey Helmets
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Hockey Helmet Overall | Bauer IMS 5.0 Helmet Combo | 4.5 |
| Best Goalie Helmet | Mylec Ultra Pro II Goalie Mask | 4.3 |
| Best Budget Hockey Helmet | Bauer IMS 5.0 Helmet | 4.4 |
| Best Kids Hockey Helmet | CCM Youth Hockey Helmet/Mask Combo | 4 |
| Best Youth Hockey Helmet | Franklin Sports Youth Hockey Goalie Masks | 4.6 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Hockey Helmet Overall: Bauer IMS 5.0 Helmet Combo
The Bauer IMS 5.0 Helmet Combo is available in multiple sizes – for head circumferences from around 19 inches to 23 inches, and comes in a variety of colors, such as black, blue, red, and white. Safe for ice hockey play, this helmet features a dual ridge crown with multiple layers of foam for cushioned padding, keeping you comfortable while protecting your head. The chin cup also includes foam padding, which wicks away moisture to keep you comfortable.
The Bauer combo helmet is adjustable using the side clips. Unsnap the clips to expand the helmet from front to back and then snap the clips shut. You can also adjust the chin strap to ensure a snug fit. The helmet also includes ear coverings to protect your ears from pucks and sticks. And the face cage design allows for enhanced vision on the ice.
Bauer IMS 5.0 Helmet Combo Key Features:
- Available in small, medium, and large
- Comes in multiple colors
- Certified by the CSA and HECC
- Size can be adjusted
- Vented shell with multi-density foam
Best Goalie Helmet: Mylec Ultra Pro II Goalie Mask
The best goalie helmet on Amazon belongs to the Mylec Ultra Pro II Goalie Mask. It’s designed for street hockey, and sports a lightweight, but high-impact, plastic shell to protect your head. Available in multiple styles, including Canadian and American, the helmet comes in one size and fits most individuals. The back plate is adjustable via the five elastic straps so you can customize the helmet to the specifications of your head.
Keep cool when you’re out in the sun with your friends, but stay protected at the same time. The Mylec goalie helmet is breathable thanks to the vents throughout the shell. And help shield your face with the chrome-finished cage mask that extends forward. The mask attaches to the hard shell, which reaches over your chin.
Mylec Ultra Pro II Goalie Mask Key Features:
- Available in multiple styles
- Chrome face cage
- Made in China
- Helmet is vented for airflow
- High-impact molding
Best Budget Hockey Helmet: Bauer IMS 5.0 Helmet
Budget may mean a cheaper price, but it doesn’t have to mean cheaper quality. High quality is what you want when looking for protective sports equipment. We chose the Bauer IMS 5.0 Helmet as the best budget hockey helmet because it’s certified by the Canadian Standards Association and Hockey Equipment Certification Council. It also has a CE certification. Available in small, medium, and large, and offered in black or white, this helmet does not come with a face cage but one can be attached.
The Bauer helmet protects your head with a dual ridge crown, which is lined with multiple layers of foam for added cushion. The vents in the shell allow your head to breath better as you play. Though there is no face mask, there are integrated ear covers to protect your ears. Customize the fit of the helmet with the adjustable chin strap.
Bauer IMS 5.0 Helmet Key Features:
- Available in multiple sizes
- CSA, HECC, and CE certified
- Vented shell with foam lining
- Protective ear coverings
- Adjustable chin straps
Best Kids Hockey Helmet: CCM Youth Hockey Helmet/Mask Combo
For young kids who play hockey or want to, consider our favorite kid’s hockey helmet, the CCM Youth Hockey Helmet/Mask Combo. The outer shell is made from a high-density polyethylene and is lined with EVA foam to both protect and cushion the head. The polyethylene plastic is lightweight in nature, while the foam helps decrease potential injury from impact. The shell also features vents, which aids in airflow, keeping the head cooler.
The CCM youth hockey helmet features a durable face cage, which is adjustable in order to custom fit the helmet. Use the front and backside clips to adjust the face mask and ensure your child’s head is supported correctly. There’s also a padded chin cup attached to the cage for added comfort and protection.
CCM Youth Hockey Helmet/Mask Combo Key Features:
- Made from lightweight PE plastic
- EVA foam-lined helmet
- Vented shell
- Front and back side clips to adjust fit
- One size fits most
Best Youth Hockey Helmet: Franklin Sports Youth Hockey Goalie Masks
Our choice for the best youth hockey helmet is the Franklin Sports Youth Hockey Goalie Masks. Sure, it’s for the position of the goalie and it’s made for street hockey, but this helmet is made from high-impact plastic and features a welded steel face cage to protect the head. The shell is vented to allow for airflow and breathability and is available in multiple styles. Choose from all white, an eagle with American colors, a fiery inferno, or an NHL logo.
Made for kids and preteens, this goalie helmet has an adjustable back plate to customize the fit. Quick-snap, elastic straps make it easy to adjust the helmet and create a better fit. They also help to get the helmet on and off easily.
Franklin Sports Youth Hockey Goalie Masks Key Features:
- Made from ABS plastic
- Welded steel face cage with chrome finish
- Vented shell
- Adjustable elastic straps
- Available in multiple styles
Who Should Buy a Hockey Helmet
Anyone who plays any type of hockey should have a hockey helmet. The goal of a helmet is to protect you from a concussion. Though there are no guarantees with helmets, wearing one reduces your risk of permanent injury. Whether you play ice hockey or street hockey, shielding your head and face from rogue sticks and flying pucks or balls can be the difference between a full set of teeth and a toothless smile.
Important Features to Consider
A hockey helmet should have a few important features, depending on what you’re looking for. Here’s what to consider when selecting a hockey helmet:
- Helmet style. Consider which type of helmet you need – shell only, shell with face mask, or a goalie helmet. Decide whether you want a helmet with just the shell or one that includes a face cage. Many shell-only helmets have the capability of attaching a face visor or mask, which can be purchased separately. A goalie helmet has the shell and face cage but is shaped a bit differently than a regular helmet with a cage. Also keep in mind that ice hockey helmets and street hockey helmets are not built for the same type of impact.
- Size or adjustment capability. Sizing a helmet is important in order to keep your head properly protected during the game. Some helmets come in a variety of sizes while others are considered one size fits most. But most helmets have some way of adjusting the back plate or face cage to ensure a more snug fit.
- Color or design. Perhaps not essential to protecting your head or playing a better game, but color and design is something to consider. With a variety of colors to choose from and a myriad of designs out there, think about what you want your helmet to look like. You may want to match your uniform or wear a color that won’t attract a lot of heat from the sun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are hockey helmets made of?
A hockey helmet consists of a variety of materials and structural pieces. The main component of the helmet is the shell, typically crafted from vinyl nitrile – a type of lightweight plastic, which helps disperse the force of a collision. The shell is designed to withstand high impact, and is usually lined with some type of foam. The foam is molded to cradle the head to help absorb the shock of a blow.
How often should you get a new hockey helmet?
Generally speaking, you should replace a hockey helmet every five years. They’re made to withstand multiple impacts but could deteriorate quicker from environmental damage, and may need to be replaced in a matter of a few years. Likewise, you might need to replace your helmet sooner rather than later if it becomes damaged. Check with the manufacturer to determine if your particular helmet should be replaced in a certain amount of time.
How tight should a hockey helmet be?
Your helmet shouldn’t move once it’s on your head, but it should be comfortable. In order for a helmet to do its job, it should be snug but not hinder your ability to move around and play the game.
How do you stretch a hockey helmet?
Sometimes sports equipment needs a little help in order to fit or perform better. One of the easiest ways to stretch a hockey helmet is to place a ball inside the helmet when you store it. This will help stretch it out over time, as though your head were in it. Alternatively, you can pull on the ears to help widen the helmet. Ideally, you should purchase a larger helmet. And never cut the inner foam, as this will reduce the helmet’s ability to protect your head.
Other Hockey Helmets We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other hockey helmets. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best hockey helmets list, they’re still good options for you. The information you need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Hockey Helmets/Masks Combo
Bauer IMS 5.0 Helmet Combo – Pink
Certified by the Canadian Standards Association and Hockey Equipment Certification Council, this helmet has a foam lining for protective padding.
Key Features:
- Size can be adjusted
- Protective ear coverings
- Available in multiple colors
Cost: $75
Bauer Ims 5.0 Hockey Helmet/Mask Combo
This large ice hockey helmet features a dual ridge crown with a connected face mask.
Key Features:
- Protective ear coverings
- Multi-density foam padding
- Includes chin cup
Cost: $94
Made for youth hockey, this helmet features a 2-piece protective shell with a durable face cage.
Key Features:
- Certified by the Canadian Standards Association and Hockey Equipment Certification Council
- Dual-density foam padding
- Adjustable clips and chin strap
Cost: $55
Certified by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council, this helmet features a lightweight, but durable plastic shell with foam padding.
Key Features:
- Available in multiple sizes
- Adjustable chin strap
- Silver face cage
Cost: $70
PowerTek TEK Ice Hockey Player Helmet with Cage
This junior ice hockey helmet features a 2-piece shell with vents for increased airflow, and a durable face cage.
Key Features:
- Padded chin cup
- Multi-density foam padding
- Available in black or red
Cost: $57
WARRIOR PX2H6 Ice Hockey Players Helmet
A hockey helmet that has a blend of multiple layers of foam and plastic lining the shell.
Key Features:
- Available in multiple sizes
- Comes with or without face cage
- Chin cup and adjustable strap
Hockey Goalie Helmets
Franklin Sports NHL SX Pro Goalie Mask
Made for street hockey, this goalie helmet has a vented shell, chrome face cage, and an adjustable back plate.
Key Features:
- High-impact ABS plastic
- Adjustable elastic straps
- Covers chin and jaw
Cost: $54
Franklin Sports Team Licensed NHL Hockey Goalie Face Mask for Kids Youth
This is intended for kids ages 6 to 12 years, this goalie helmet features a chrome-welded face cage with an adjustable back plate.
Key Features:
- Available in multiple NHL teams
- Made for street hockey
- Snap elastic straps
Cost: $58
Franklin Sports Youth Hockey Goalie Masks – NHL
This is a goalie helmet made for street hockey that features a welded steel face cage with an adjustable back plate.
Key Features:
- Available in multiple styles
- Vented, high-impact-plastic shell
- Snap, elastic straps
Cost: $39
This is a hockey goalie helmet that features a chrome face cage with an adjustable back plate.
Key Features:
- One size fits most
- Vented, high-impact-plastic shell
- Lightweight but durable
Cost: $44
TD_Studio2012 Wearable Custom Vintage Roller Ice Hockey Goalie Helmet
Custom-made goalie helmet, padded with foam, and made from fiberglass.
Key Features:
- One size fits most
- Back plate with straps
- Not for official use
Collectible Hockey Helmets
Boston Bruins Unsigned Franklin Sports Replica Full-Size Goalie Mask
This collectible hockey helmet can be placed on your desk or counter to display your love of the game.
Key Features:
- Boston Bruins full-size replica
- ABS plastic with chrome face cage
- Adjustable back plate with elastic straps
Cost: $62
Franklin Sports NHL Mini Player Helmet
A miniature hockey helmet meant as a collectible to display on your desk or mantle.
Key Features:
- Available in multiple NHL team logos
- Shell helmet with visor
- Vented helmet with chin strap
Cost: $25
Franklin Sports NHL Team Logo Mini Hockey Goalie Mask with Case
A collectible, miniature goalie helmet, complete with a case for displaying in your game room.
Key Features:
- Available in a wide range of NHL teams
- Molded plastic helmet with foam lining
- Measures 4.5 inches by 5 inches by 4 inches
Cost: $30
SportStar NHL Boston Bruins Replica Mini Hockey Helmet
A Boston Bruins miniature hockey helmet replica that features a visor and chin strap.
Key Features:
- Visor is removable
- Vented shell
- Foam liner
Cost: $25
SportStar NHL Buffalo Sabres Replica Mini Hockey Helmet
A Buffalo Sabres miniature hockey helmet replica that features a vented shell with chin strap.
Key Features:
- Visor is removable
- Foam padding and ear loops
- Measures 6 inches by 5 inches
Cost: $25
SportStar NHL Detroit Red Wings Replica Mini Hockey Helmet
A Detroit Red Wings miniature hockey helmet replica that features a vented shell with chin strap.
Key Features:
- Visor is removable
- Foam padding and ear loops
- Measures 6 inches by 5 inches
Cost: $25
Tuuka Rask Boston Bruins Signed Autograph Bruins Mini Goalie Mask
Signed by Tuuka Rask from the Boston Bruins, this miniature goalie helmet replica features the shell, face cage, and foam padding.
Key Features:
- Comes with certificate of authenticity
- Comes with official Rask hologram
- Signature is located on top
Other Hockey Helmets
CCM Tacks Sr Resistance Hockey Helmet
An extra small hockey helmet with a lightweight PE shell.
Key Features:
- Protective ear coverings
- Adjustable chin strap
- Multi-density foam padding
Cost: $75
A helmet that features a carbon steel face cage with an adjustable harness.
Key Features:
- Available in a wide variety of colors
- Wide field of vision
- TPU cushioning
Cost: $94
