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HawksGoalie33
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Joined: 21 Apr 2008
Posts: 566
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 Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 6:13 pm Post subject: Everything you need to know about masks |
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With the frequency of questions regarding mask I thought I would try my hand again at making as comprehensive a post as possible to provide visitors with a "one stop shop" to all their mask questions. As hard as it is for me in some ways I have kept all personal comments out of this post and kept things to a level of pure fact.
With that said I do have a favor to ask those who read this... as new models of masks will always be coming out I would ask that this thread not be filled with questions about those masks and left as a review of those masks to further add to the "database". If there is a question about a mask, or masks, I would think it should be made in a new thread where the poster can state that they read through this. This way we keep one thread full of reviews and mask related information for us and visitors and it is all kept to fact.
If after reading this you would like my personal thoughts, opinions and input on which makes and models I would buy for myself and which I would stay away from please feel free to PM me.
With that said, I give you the mask knowledge database for GF...
What kind of masks are there?
There are two kinds of masks available to goaltenders: the combo and the composite.
A combo mask (pictured below) is more like a players helmet with a goalie cage on it. You are afforded the same protection as a player is given for impact. These masks are worn typically by those who find the downward vision in a composite mask to be limited. These masks are growing more and more rare as those suitable for game play are becoming harder to find. It is also important to note that these masks cannot be painted.
Chris Osgood in a SK2000:
A composite mask (again, pictured below) is what you think of when you think goalie mask now. There are many many different makes and models of these masks using a wide range of materials, which I will touch on next. These masks allow for more protection over the combo style mask as they cover more of your head, provide better angle deflection with their shape, and are made of materials in most cases better suited for hockey goaltenders.
Nikoli Khabibulin in a Pro Choice Vapor by Dom:
What makes up a composite mask
There are a wide range of composite mask makers and thus a wide range of composite mask materials/ingredients. All of these ingredients, for the most part, break down into two categories: layers that make up the mask, and the resin that holds those layers together.
Layers:
There can be many different types of layers in a goalie mask, an infinite number if you consider all the subtle variations by manufacturers that will then call their product custom, but for the most part the more common components found in composite masks are as follows:
Carbon – a rigid, stiff material that provides added strength and structure to the mask keeping it from cracking.
Fiberglas (glass) – glass fibers held together by resin providing layers of flexibility and structure to the mask.
Kevlar (aramid) – an impact absorbing layer. Most commonly known as the stuff used to make bullet proof vests, this/these layer(s) provides a deadening effect to anything making contact with the mask.
Plastics – In many different makes and models of mask a form of plastic may be used in replacement of or conjunction with any one of the above (most commonly fiberglass). This also provides flex to the mask with lightweight properties. This material is often more difficult to paint if it should make up the outer layer of the mask.
Again, there are many many many different materials that make up a mask, the above mentioned layers are simply those found in a vast majority of masks. Understanding them provides you with a base to cover most masks on the market.
Resins:
For this explanation I will not try to reinvent to wheel and will quote Shawn (kicksave) from the GSBB forums who is the owner of Custom Made Masks…
| Quote: | Polyester is the cheapest resin at about $12.00-15.00 quart. polyester is one of the oldest resins it’s still the most common in many FRP uses (FRP Fiber Reinforced Plastic). The down sides to polyester resins is they tend to break down over time and have problems with UV even when UV protections are added also its bonding strength is much lower then the higher end resins.
Next you have vinyl ester resin; at around $20.00-25.00 a quart vinyl ester has a bit more strength over polyester but was mostly designed to address corrosion resistants that polyester resin don’t have. Its bonding strength is around the same maybe a bit more, however it suffers from breakdown as well all be it at a much slower rate. Its shelf life is very short compared to other resins, so old resins used will cause a fail in the bonding and are always a problem.
The top resin is Epoxy; at around $50-75.00 a quart and even up to $100 for the best ones. The impact, bonding strength are on another level then the other resins. Also epoxy resins don’t suffer from the same break down effects. The cost is the first reason many may not use them. (you can blame the Approval groups for some of this). |
What should I look for in a mask?
This questions answer is in some ways a personal preference question. I will answer it by giving the response that mask makers have given me when I asked what they look for in their masks:
When shopping for a mask the important thing to look for is full layers of material. Some manufacturers will cut corners by using whatever pieces of various materials they have laying around which leads to cracking and failure of the mask easier.
Think of it like this, which one of the following would be easier to break through:
1) a standard 8.5 * 11 sheet of paper
or
2) a 8.5 * 11 sheet of paper that has been cut into pieces but layered back together and held by tape.
Where these scraps of layers overlap are where weak points in the mask can form.
What kind of layers should make up a mask is also a personal preference question so I will again provide mask makers responses…
Fiberglass, Carbon, Kevlar are the top suggested materials.
Of these materials Kevlar is probably the most confusing as it is most commonly used as spot layering which confuses people into thinking Kevlar is Kevlar and it’s a pro mask.
Top quality masks are made with the very least one full layer of Kevlar, most with multiple layers of Kevlar. However, some companies, or companies with “budget models” will only add squares of Kevlar to the chin and forehead of the mask as these are considered “impact zones”. While it is nice to have Kevlar in a mask, Pros and those that make the masks aren’t wearing them with spot layers, so why settle?
For information on what materials are used in various brands/models of mask see “Makes and Models” below.
Sizing & Fitting
The best way for you to get the right fit for your mask is obviously to go the custom route. Doing this would require you to make a plaster mold of your head and send this mold to the maker of your choice. This option, while surprisingly not ungodly expensive, may not be a viable option for many be it due to financial or time reasons.
If you are unable to go the custom route that leaves you looking at store bought masks. These are masks that are going to be made in some variation of bulk through generic molds and pre-fab foam parts for padding. While the masks for the most part will be the same the fit can vary slightly which can make a difference in the feel you get from the mask. The best way to counter this is to go to the shop and find the right one for you.
If going to the store for the mask you want isn’t an option, it wasn’t for me, you are still fine, it just may be more time consuming depending on your head and how much the mask differs from the mold. If you order your mask and don’t like the fit you can always send it back (provided you haven’t used it obviously).
If the fit is just a little off you should contact the manufacturer for ideas. Many will either tell you how to go about trimming the foam for a perfect fit or will be able to send you small foam parts and adhesive to add to the mask to better fit your needs.
What should I expect to pay for a mask?
With the goaltending community used to drooling over pads and gloves money for a mask is often overlooked, especially when it is a stock flat paint color. This is a big mistake!
You are buying a piece of equipment that is protecting your head, your brain. A good shot in a bad mask can leave you anything from dizzy, to blind, with broken facial bones, or given the right spot, worse. This is not the area to go cheap.
The three pieces of equipment you should be prepared to spend money on are your helmet, your chest protector and your cup/jill.
That said you should not expect to pay anything less than $200 for a quality store-bought mask. Anything less (excluding some HUGE sale) is asking for trouble.
On the flip side of that you can also pay up to $1,500 for a custom made Pro level mask.
Cage Options
There are three main types of cage options available. The decision is up to you on which you feel more comfortable playing with.
The HECC (Cube) Cage:
This is the most common cage amongst goaltenders playing outside of college, semi-pro and pro leagues mainly because of the level of protection it offers. While it is great at protecting your vision many feel it limits vision more than it should.
The Certified Cat Eye Cage:
In an attempt to combine the best of both worlds manufacturers came out with a cat eye cage that is certified so that it can be worn at all levels of age in all levels of tournament. The cage is molded with the sight lines in mind but keeps all gaps small to the point that a stick blade can not sneak through. A solid option if you do not like the HECC cage but need a certified cage for your league(s).
The Pro Cat Eye Cage:
 
A cage you are probably familiar with through watching any number of pro games this cage maximizes visibility for the goaltender which still providing adequate protection from most impacts. The main downside to this mask is that for those under the age of 18 it may not be allowed in your league(s) because technically a stick blade can fit through the eye hole. While the potential of this happen is slim, it is a risk. Available in single and double bar construction.
Makes and Models
Here is a list of the more popular mask makers and their masks along with what the masks are made of. I should note that as resins are typically a closely guarded secret by makers (and usually are custom to some degree) I have not attempted to list what resins they are believed to contain as that cannot/will not be confirmed.
Again, below I have tried to keep any personal opinions out. I have included makers that I have not considered and those I have. I have also included all masks made by the companies even though some are not as highly recommended as others. If a company has a longer description about them it does not mean they are better or worse, it just means I had more to say about them. Oddly enough being a small manufacturer tends to lead to more readily available information.
At the time of this posting it should be noted that all of these masks are made in North America. Some of the manufacturers listed below have only a couple of masks they produce, others have a dozen. In such cases I provide information about the maker of the mask and a general background on the models. See the “Links and Sources” sections for ways to find more information about these masks. I have also included basic pricing information next to the models as a reference (prices are in USD format and are current as of posting date and remain unchanged unless noted otherwise).
Itech:
A long time hockey manufacturer Itech is not new to the game by any means. They have been making both entry and pro level gear for a long time.
NV7 $320 – ABS outer layer, this mask is a full plastic composite shell. It is a custom material for Itech/Bauer and thus does not use Fiberglas, Kevlar or Carbon. This custom material has held up to give the mask solid reviews by those that have worn it. This mask also displays Itechs new flat-bar cage design.
960/961 $800 – The most commonly copied shell out there, this mold is the mold you will see amongst pros and semi-pro players more often than not. Made of full layers of fiberglass and Kevlar.
Hackva:
While Gabe Hackman is a small mask manufacturer in the grand scheme of things he is not new to the game. Gabe has worked for a number of companies over the years and worked with many pro goalies as well. He is most notably responsible for the Koho 570 by Lefevre mask that was one of the first “pro level store bought masks”. Gabe is also on the GSBB forums under MaskMaven.
His company is well known for their customer service and offers a lifetime guarantee on the shell of the mask.
They only make one mask, the 2608 $270-350 – made of 2 layers of fiberglas, surrounding 1 full layer of Kevlar and finished with a full layer of carbon on the inside.
Pro’s Choice:
Dom is a custom mask maker who has a lifetime of experience with high end goalies and their masks. NHL tenders like Cujo, Kolzig, and Khabibulin to name a few can all be seen wearing his mask.
Vapor $1,000+ - 100% custom made for you and yourself this mask features the exact same construction the pros have. Most notably recognized for their massive middle down-bar on the cage these masks will feature multiple full layers of Kevlar, fiberglass, and graphite.
Sportmask:
Important: It should be known that recently Sportmask has fallen under heavy criticism from the public as even their high level T3 mask has had a couple of failures with little to no response from the company. The following thread shows one such occurrence http://www.goalie-equipment-world.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=1980. Other issues with the companies practices in terms of business relationships have come into play but as that is more of a "principle" type issue I will leave it out of this discussion. Again, as I am not endorsing or commenting on these masks personally I am leaving Sportmask in this discussion. If you would like any of my input on various makes and models I would be more than happy to discuss it privately via pm.
Another company widely worn in the NHL by goaltenders like Tim Thomas, Cam Ward, Ryan Munce, and Chris Mason to name a couple. Sportmask, like Hackva and Dom’s Pro’s Choice is a small, solid company that makes quality masks and has earned their spot in with the big boys.
As there are six different mask styles I will provide basic info on each along with their price. More info can be found in the “Links & Sources” section.
Mage $350 - A popular alternative to the combo style mask for those that do not want a typical composite mask. Popularized by Tim Thomas. This mask is a full fiberglass mask.
Ricochet $350 - A full fiberglass shell.
Razor $500 - Made of a fiberglass and carbon fiber composite shell.
X8 $400 - Made of multiple layers of fiberglass.
T3 $750 - Made of high grade fiberglass and carbon fiber composite materials. This is the Sportmask version of a store bought pro level mask.
Pro Custom $750+ - Made up of entirely proprietary materials and resins each is hand laid and sanded.
Eddy Masks:
Again, with 9 masks I will simply highlight the name, price and basic features of the mask. Eddy masks have also been featured on the Discovery Channels “How It’s Made”. A simple google/youtube search should yield a result providing a look into their maks and factory.
Eclipse $225 - A full EXL Polycarbonate shell.
1000 $140 - Same construction as the Eclipse, with small chances to foam.
Tusk $250 - Polycarb shell with spot layers of Kevlar.
GT $250 - Same construction as the Tusk with subtle changes to foam.
GT Ultimate II $350 - Same as the GT with interchangeable cage options
Pro $500 - Hand laid with multiple spot layers of kelvar.
Custom LT $450 - Hand laid with carbon and kelvar
Custom Kevlar $425 - Full layer of kevlar
Vision $475 - Their answer to the Mage made of EXL Polycarbonate material
Custom Made Masks:
A small, private company with a lot of experience in masks. Owned an operated by Shawn Schroeder (also known as kicksave on the GSBB forums). Shawn makes 4 different masks, each mask is custom molded to your head but can be made from a stock mold if you do not want to make a plaster casting. In the time that I have talked to Shawn I have found him to be amazingly respectful of your wants and amazing knowledgeable when it comes to masks. He never pushes you to buy from him and offers input on other manufacturers he holds in high regard.
Note, Shawn will also provide small scale paint to your masks at no upcharge.
Senior $450 – entirely made of fiberglass
Senior Pro $550 – Fiberglass mask with 1 full layer of Kevlar
Pro $700 – Multiple layers of Kevlar with a full layer of carbon for support.
Custom Combo $unknown – Well known for their build quality and craftsmanship by those who have worn them. Contact Shawn for more information if desired.
Stacey Composites:
One of the best known private companies in the business Stacey has been in the game for over 20 years making masks for individuals and professionals around the world alike. Many custom mask makers have openly said if they did not wear their own masks they would wear Stacey’s. Stacey is also on the GSBB known as Stace.
That said, it is a one man company and one that makes no quams about there being a clear separation between his budget level and pro level masks in terms of how much time and energy he spends on them. Overall Stacey makes 12 different styles of mask.
Mercury $210 – full fiberglass construction, not recommended for ice hockey.
(all masks from here on out are full fiberglass with some Kevlar layering. The amount of Kevlar increases as you go up in pricing. Contact Stacey for more information.)
Comet $240
Comet Mach 10 $290
Combo $350-650
Apollo $350
Apollo Mach 10 $440
Saturn $390
Mercury Mach 10 $440
Galaxy $475
Olympic $650
Space Tech Pro $725
Ballistic $950 (made of 98% Kevlar)
Fusion:
A smaller company with a quality mask Fusion is breaking into the pro game slowly.
They make three main models, the GM2000 ($250), the GM5000 ($300) and the GM6000 ($350) all made of fiberglass with a full layer of Kevlar throughout, except that the 6000 also contains carbon fiber as well.
Fin:
Well, that about does it for my first go at this post. If you made it this far congratulations on reading that long. I hope this post/thread has helped inform you about the various aspects involved with goalie masks and you can now make informed decisions better in the future. Below you will find my list of links and sources I used to put this post together.
Thanks again for reading and feel free to PM me with questions.
Links/Sources:
A list of links and sources I used to put together this post.
GSBB Mask Knowledge thread: http://www.goaliestore.com/board/equipment-forum/83537-mask-knowledge-would-others-board-like-know-more.html
Don Simmons, best prices for Itech and Hackva masks: http://www.donsimmons.com/product_select.php?type=5&menu=masks&level=prosen
Hackva Website: http://www.hackva.com/
Doms Pros Choice: http://www.progoaliemask.com/home.html
Sportmask: http://www.sportmask.com/
Eddy: http://www.eddymasks.com/
Stacey Composites: http://www.staceycomposites.com/keepermaskers.php
Fusion: http://www.fusionmasks.com/
Do it yourself mask painting: http://www.goaliestore.com/board/equipment-forum/84672-do-yourself-mask-painting-pictures.html
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you're only as good as your last save
Last edited by HawksGoalie33 on Thu Jul 23, 2009 4:33 am; edited 9 times in total |
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puckstopper135
Hall of Fame
Joined: 13 Feb 2009
Posts: 1523
Location: Ontario
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| Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 10:54 pm Post subject: |
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Feel free to delete this after having read it, but I think this thread is a kickass idea.
Props to Hawks! |
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cooldavid
Peewee
Joined: 02 Oct 2008
Posts: 8
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| Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 12:47 am Post subject: |
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I don't want to drag out this thread, but how much is the GM5000, because I'm pretty sure it isn't 50$, and I don't think you accidentally hit the 0 when you were trying to type a 9, because I'm looking at it on S****** for 263$.
Thanks,
David
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AngryJim
High School
Joined: 15 Jun 2009
Posts: 16
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| Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 1:11 am Post subject: |
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| Something that might be useful is a list of what model mask various NHL goaltenders use, at least for ones we can be certain of. |
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Arthriticbutterflystyle
Hall of Fame
Joined: 01 Feb 2009
Posts: 1936
Location: Calgary AB
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| Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 1:33 am Post subject: |
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| AngryJim wrote: | | Something that might be useful is a list of what model mask various NHL goaltenders use, at least for ones we can be certain of. |
Relatively short list there...most use either the Itech 961 or NV9. Osgood wears a SK2000 (I believe the last player still wearing one) and Tim Thomas wears a Sportmask Mage. |
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goalieboy#1
Pro
Joined: 02 Jul 2008
Posts: 512
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
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| Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:02 am Post subject: |
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As he said, Ward wears a custom molded Sportmask. I put it on at a camp, soooo light and comfy!
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HawksGoalie33
Pro
Joined: 21 Apr 2008
Posts: 566
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| Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:26 am Post subject: |
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| cooldavid wrote: | I don't want to drag out this thread, but how much is the GM5000, because I'm pretty sure it isn't 50$, and I don't think you accidentally hit the 0 when you were trying to type a 9, because I'm looking at it on S****** for 263$.
Thanks,
David |
Hit the wrong button during a cut and paste in editting... the sites I visited had it listed for a range and the average came out to be $300. I fixed the original post. Thanks.
| AngryJim wrote: | | Something that might be useful is a list of what model mask various NHL goaltenders use, at least for ones we can be certain of. |
Aside from really knowing all the shapes and patterns of the molds this will be kind of hard. For example Cujo and Habby both wear Pro Choice Vapors but because of their contracts with other companies the paint jobs on the mask said Bauer (Habbys old mask did, current doesnt as he is in RBK and excluded the name from his contract). Luongo wears a Sportmask as RBK now has Sportmask making their masks but it is still under the RBK name.
As it was mentioned above, many many many goalies are wearing the 960/961. As I come across more goalies that I can confirm what they are wearing I can add them to the various sections of the original post.
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you're only as good as your last save
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HawksGoalie33
Pro
Joined: 21 Apr 2008
Posts: 566
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| Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 4:08 am Post subject: |
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I just edited the original post to include the various cage options, their details (pros and cons) and pictures. Nothing special, but for what its worth.
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you're only as good as your last save
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Returning2MyNet
Minors
Joined: 09 Mar 2009
Posts: 379
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| Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 12:49 pm Post subject: |
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problem I see in the post is that saying fiberglass is not suitable for an ice hockey mask.
It is, just as strong as a kevlar mask. The difference is when built properly it will be much heavier as that is nature of that beast. to get the same ridgity more layers are needed.
Kevlar is kevlar, it all pretty much the same. It is all purchased from Dupont in string form then woven in to cloth of different standards. I believe masks are made from kevlar 49 which is the same cloth as used in boats, some aircraft, automobiles. Kevlar weave 29 is used in bullet prof vests and other bullet prof applications as needed, and is quite heavy at 9.3 oz to 18 oz per square yard depending on the final weave style variation thickness ranges from .017-.03. 49 is 1.7 oz per square yard on up to 8.9 oz for modern styles and it is in 49 where more of you basket and crown foot weaves are found, as all the bullet proof styles are tight woven like a silk shirt.
cost fabrics, even those that look similar can very greatly.
as an example
this is gold texalium fabric, Twill 31.5" 3k 8oz 100 Yard Roll
$998.60
blue is 1298 for the same weave and roll
this holographic blue, the weave is the same as the above, the fabric is lighter by half an ounce, but the cost 10x for the same size roll
so you even have cost for style of fabric...I cant wait to see some of the hackava masks when they come out in these holgraphics or in
like this red blended with carbon fiber
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Arthriticbutterflystyle
Hall of Fame
Joined: 01 Feb 2009
Posts: 1936
Location: Calgary AB
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| Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 3:28 pm Post subject: |
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I think hawks was attempting to say (forgive me if I'm off Hawks) "Fiberglass is not comparable to Kevlar in weight/rigidity comparison and thus isn't suitable for hockey masks on a practicality basis."
I think..that's how I interpreted it anyways. |
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Returning2MyNet
Minors
Joined: 09 Mar 2009
Posts: 379
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| Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 4:27 pm Post subject: |
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That would make sense, because it is fine for a mask and not unsafe in any way, just a little more heavy.
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HawksGoalie33
Pro
Joined: 21 Apr 2008
Posts: 566
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| Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 3:14 pm Post subject: |
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The only spot that I say a fiberglass is not recommended for ice hockey is in the first mask I mention from Stacey and that is because Stacey does not recommend the mask for ice hockey. This is the only mask they make not listed in the ice hockey category (only for inline, street or field hockey).
Beyond that I dont believe I mention fiberglass being poor or not recommended for hockey aside from saying that according to the mask makers I talked to and the recommendations they gave in terms of what they require or look for in a mask, is that it have full layers of fiberglass and kevlar.
Arth, you got it, in my eyes from my research kevlar beats fiberglass in a direct comparison regarding what they bring to a mask (in terms of weight, rigidity, impact absorption, etc). While 3 full layers of fiberglass would be suitable for a mask, taking one out and replacing it with a layer of kevlar would make for a better mask.
Again, as a lot of the information in that post can be considered opinion based I went with the experts. I talked to people at Hackva, Custom Made Masks, Stacey, Pro Choice, and some of the guys at Don Simmons about what goes into masks, what are the key things to look for and so on. Every single person I talked to said they would only wear a mask with full layers of fiberglass, and kevlar. A majority of them also said they have carbon in their personal use masks).
Hope that clears up any confusion I may have caused.
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you're only as good as your last save
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caveman27
Minors
Joined: 05 Jul 2008
Posts: 167
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| Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2009 6:53 pm Post subject: Re: Everything you need to know about masks |
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| HawksGoalie33 wrote: |
...These masks allow for more protection over the combo style mask as they cover more of your head, provide better angle deflection with their shape, and are made of materials in most cases better suited for hockey goaltenders... |
Have you worn a helmet/mask combo?
I don't know where the mask provides more protection or more coverage than a mask/helmet combo.
As a caveman of goaltending, I have worn the Cooper HM600 and the Cooper SK2000 used with the Cooper HM50 mask. All shots taken on either helmet deflected shots without giving my head a concussion.
As cheap as the materials required to make the shell and padding of a helmet, it is more than enough to stand up to taking shots from any angle although the helmet is much more heavier. I find the weight to be a non-factor.
As for puck deflection, I don't know if there is an advantage or not when it comes to wearing a mask over a helmet.
I'm not saying that masks aren't good, I'm just saying you seem to be putting down helmet/mask combos as inferior. |
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Arthriticbutterflystyle
Hall of Fame
Joined: 01 Feb 2009
Posts: 1936
Location: Calgary AB
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| Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2009 4:49 am Post subject: |
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| Where does it offer more protection? That's an easy one. The throat, the ears, the lower part of your skull near your spinal cord. Combos just don't compete in protection of those areas. |
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caveman27
Minors
Joined: 05 Jul 2008
Posts: 167
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| Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2009 2:58 am Post subject: |
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| Arthriticbutterflystyle wrote: | | Where does it offer more protection? That's an easy one. The throat, the ears, the lower part of your skull near your spinal cord. Combos just don't compete in protection of those areas. |
The chin area of a mask does go down farther than the cage of a mask/helmet combo... but the throat is still exposed and it is up to the goalie to cover that with a bib or dangler or neither.
As for ear coverage, it depends on if you keep the ear guards on your helmet and which cage you wear with your helmet. But yes, all masks provide ear coverage without allowing the wearer to change that.
The helmet goes down the back of the skull as low as masks. I don't know what helmet you have worn or seen that doesn't go down as low as a masks.
Anyways, I'm just saying the helmet/mask combo is as protective as masks. I guess it was good enough for... oh I don't know... Tretiak. |
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