How does the Cascade M11 hockey helmet compare to other models. What are the key features of the M11 helmet. Why is the M11 considered a leader in concussion prevention technology. How does the single-shell design of the M11 differ from traditional helmets. What makes the fit and adjustment system of the M11 unique. How does the foam in the M11 provide superior protection.
The Importance of Hockey Helmets: Protection and Performance
Hockey helmets play a crucial role in player safety and performance on the ice. Their primary function is to protect the head from impacts during play, but they must also allow for proper ventilation to prevent overheating and maintain cognitive function. As the understanding of concussion risks in contact sports has evolved, helmet technology has advanced to address these concerns.
Introducing the Cascade M11 Hockey Helmet
The Cascade M11 helmet has emerged as a frontrunner in hockey protective gear, focusing on reducing concussion risks in this high-impact sport. While no helmet can completely eliminate the possibility of a concussion, the M11 has made significant strides in minimizing the risk through innovative design and materials.
The Acquisition by Bauer and Continued Development
Cascade Hockey, the company behind the M11, was recently acquired by Bauer. However, the M11 line will continue under the leadership of Mark Messier, ensuring ongoing research and development in helmet technology.
Single-Shell Design: A Departure from Tradition
One of the most distinctive features of the M11 helmet is its single-piece outer shell. This design sets it apart from many competitors like Reebok, CCM, Warrior, and Bauer, which typically use a two-piece shell construction. The single-shell approach offers several advantages:
- Better distribution of impact forces
- Improved overall protection
- Unique aesthetic appeal
The main drawback of this design is that it can make the helmet appear slightly bulkier than traditional models. However, it’s still considerably sleeker than some other protective options on the market.
Superior Fit and Comfort: The M11 Advantage
When compared to other popular hockey helmets like the Reebok 11k, CCM V10, Bauer RE-AKT, and Easton E700, the M11 stands out for its exceptional comfort right out of the box. For players with a history of concussions, the M11’s fit and protective features make it an appealing choice.
The Revolutionary Adjustment System
The M11 features a unique tool-free adjustment mechanism at the back of the helmet. This ratchet system ensures a secure fit with minimal effort. Unlike many other helmets that require adjusting multiple flaps, the M11’s single adjustment point simplifies the process while providing excellent stability.
How does the M11’s adjustment system compare to other helmets. The single-point ratchet mechanism at the back of the helmet allows for quick and precise adjustments. This design ensures that the helmet sits tightly and securely on the head, reducing movement during impacts. In contrast, many other helmets require adjusting multiple points, which can be time-consuming and may result in an inconsistent fit.
Advanced Foam Technology: The Heart of M11’s Protection
The interior of the M11 helmet showcases its most innovative feature: the specialized foam lining. While many high-end helmets use EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) foam, the M11 takes a different approach:
- Rapid shape recovery after impact
- Improved protection through faster foam integrity restoration
- Force-spreading design to minimize direct head impacts
What makes the M11’s foam technology superior to traditional EPP foam. The foam in the M11 is designed to quickly return to its original shape after an impact. This rapid recovery ensures that the helmet maintains its protective properties even after multiple impacts during a game. Additionally, the foam works in conjunction with specially designed cylinders that sit between the foam and the helmet shell. These cylinders help to distribute the force of an impact over a larger area, reducing the concentration of force on any single point of the head.
Comparative Analysis: M11 vs. Other Leading Helmets
To understand the M11’s position in the market, it’s helpful to compare it to other popular hockey helmet models:
- Bauer RE-AKT:
- Lighter than the M11
- May not provide as secure a fit for all head shapes
- CCM V10:
- Traditional design with minimal changes over time
- May not offer the same level of concussion protection
- Reebok 11k:
- Two-piece shell design
- Different adjustment system compared to M11
- Easton E700:
- Also uses a single-shell design
- Different foam technology than the M11
How does the M11 balance protection and comfort compared to its competitors. The M11 excels in providing a secure, comfortable fit while incorporating advanced protective features. Its single-shell design and specialized foam offer superior impact distribution and absorption. While some helmets like the Bauer RE-AKT may be lighter, the M11’s focus on fit and stability can provide better overall protection, especially for players with concussion concerns.
Visor Compatibility and Customization Options
The M11 helmet is designed to be compatible with a wide range of visors available on the market. This versatility allows players to customize their setup according to their preferences and league requirements. The helmet can be fitted with various visor styles, including:
- Full face shields
- Half visors
- Specialized options like the Hejduk visor
Can players easily switch between different visor types on the M11 helmet. Yes, the M11’s design allows for straightforward visor changes. The helmet’s compatibility with most market-available visors means players can adapt their setup for different leagues, positions, or personal preferences without needing to change their entire helmet.
The Evolution of Hockey Helmet Selection Criteria
Historically, many players chose their helmets based primarily on aesthetics, often referred to as the “Mirror test.” However, the focus has shifted significantly in recent years:
- Increased awareness of concussion risks in hockey
- Greater emphasis on protective features over style
- Growing interest in helmets that protect against both direct impacts and rotational forces
How has the approach to selecting hockey helmets changed over time. In the past, players often prioritized the look of a helmet over its protective capabilities. Today, with increased awareness of concussion risks and long-term effects of head injuries, players and parents are more likely to choose helmets based on their safety features, fit, and ability to protect against various types of impacts. The M11 represents this shift, offering advanced protection while still maintaining an acceptable aesthetic.
The Role of Professional Player Endorsements
The involvement of hockey legend Mark Messier in the development of the M11 helmet has significantly influenced its adoption and perception in the hockey community. Professional player endorsements can play a crucial role in helmet selection, especially when backed by genuine involvement in the product’s development and testing.
Maintenance and Longevity of the M11 Helmet
Proper care and maintenance of a hockey helmet are essential for ensuring its continued effectiveness and longevity. The M11’s design offers several advantages in this regard:
- Durable single-piece shell resists cracks and damage
- Easy-to-clean surfaces
- Replaceable foam inserts for extended life
How often should players replace their M11 helmet. While the exact lifespan can vary depending on usage and care, most manufacturers recommend replacing helmets every 3-5 years. However, any helmet that has sustained a significant impact should be replaced immediately, regardless of age. The M11’s durable construction may extend its useful life, but players should regularly inspect their helmets for signs of wear or damage.
Care Tips for Maximizing Helmet Performance
To maintain the M11 helmet’s protective capabilities and comfort, players should follow these care guidelines:
- Regularly clean the helmet with mild soap and water
- Allow the helmet to air dry completely after each use
- Avoid storing the helmet in extreme temperatures
- Periodically check and tighten all screws and adjustment points
- Replace any damaged or worn components promptly
The Future of Hockey Helmet Technology
As research into concussion prevention and head injury mitigation continues, hockey helmet technology is likely to evolve further. The M11 represents a significant step forward, but future developments may include:
- Integration of smart technologies for impact monitoring
- Advanced materials with even better energy absorption properties
- Customizable fit options using 3D scanning and printing
- Improved ventilation systems for better temperature regulation
What role will data and technology play in future hockey helmet designs. As wearable technology becomes more advanced and miniaturized, future helmets may incorporate sensors that can track and analyze impacts in real-time. This data could be used to alert coaches and medical staff to potential concussion risks, as well as inform future helmet designs. Additionally, advancements in material science may lead to the development of new foams and shell materials that offer even better protection against both linear and rotational forces.
The Importance of Ongoing Research and Development
The acquisition of Cascade Hockey by Bauer, coupled with Mark Messier’s continued involvement in the M11 line, highlights the importance of ongoing research and development in hockey helmet technology. As our understanding of head injuries and their long-term effects grows, helmet manufacturers must continue to innovate and improve their designs.
Making the Right Choice: Is the M11 Helmet Right for You?
Selecting the right hockey helmet is a personal decision that depends on various factors, including:
- Head shape and size
- Playing style and position
- Personal history of head injuries
- League requirements and regulations
- Budget considerations
How can players determine if the M11 is the best choice for their needs. The best approach is to try on multiple helmet models, including the M11, and assess each for fit, comfort, and stability. Players should consider their own injury history and playing style when making a decision. For those with a history of concussions or who play in high-impact positions, the M11’s advanced protection features may be particularly beneficial. Ultimately, the helmet that fits best and provides the most confidence on the ice is likely the right choice.
The Importance of Professional Fitting
Regardless of the helmet model chosen, proper fitting is crucial for maximizing protection. Many hockey equipment stores offer professional fitting services, which can help ensure that players select the right size and model for their needs.
In conclusion, the Cascade M11 hockey helmet represents a significant advancement in player safety technology. Its innovative single-shell design, advanced foam system, and focus on fit and comfort make it a top contender for players at all levels. While it may not be the perfect choice for everyone, the M11’s emphasis on concussion prevention and overall head protection aligns with the growing awareness of safety in hockey. As the sport continues to evolve, helmets like the M11 will play a crucial role in keeping players safe while allowing them to perform at their best on the ice.
Review: M11 Helmet | Live it, eat it, breathe it: Hockey
Posted: August 28, 2012 in hockey, ice hockey, Reviews, Sports
Tags: Bauer Re-AKT, Cascade M11, Easton E700, Equipment reviews, Hockey review, M11 review, Reebok 11k, Review of Messier Project helmet, Reviews
Helmet is probably one of the most important pieces of protective equipment that a hockey player wears. Not only is a helmet responsible for protecting your head during play, but one of the other key duties it has is to allow enough air flow to ensure that the players are still able to think and perform their plays and roles effectively without overheating.
M11 Helmet fitted with Hejduk visor. The helmet is compatible with majority of visors on the market.
Having played the game for a number of years and having worn a number of different helmets all the way from the Gretzky Jofa to the Selanne Fishbowl and beyond. Additionally, as regular readers will know, I have a history of concussions, hence making the helmet selection process a delicate and meticulous process.
In the past it was all about the ‘Mirror test’ of what looked good, rather than the protective features of the helmet, but now increasingly players and manufacturers alike are paying attention to the protection from rotational forces and direct impacts to the head.
Enter Cascade Hockey’s M11 helmet. The helmet has been at the forefront of helmet technology for a couple of years now and has made a significant effort in reducing the risk of concussion in a contact sport. Though it is important to note that no helmet will protect you fully from a concussion, but the Cascade M11 has made a conscious effort to dramatically reduce the risk of one.
As a side note, Cascade Hockey was recently acquired by Bauer, but the M11 line will carry on with Mark Messier still leading the development, which should ensure further leaps and bounds in terms of R&D
The helmet itself differs from majority of the competition on the market in that the helmet shell is all one piece. The likes of Reebok, CCM, Warrior and Bauer all use two piece outer shell construction in the helmet design.
So far I’ve only come across the M11 and the Easton that rely on this design.
The single shell design distributes impact forces better than the traditional two piece shell. The only downside with the design and on the M11 is that it can look a bit bulkier than other traditional styled helmets, but it’s not in the league of bulk of the Warrior helmets.
The Fit:
When I was choosing the helmet, I tested and tried on the 11k from Reebok, The V10 from CCM (which I had previously), RE-AKT from Bauer and The E700 from Easton. However, none of the helmets were as comfortable out of the box as the M11 was.
My previous helmet was the CCM V10 and where I was looking to carry on using the model, I was sold on the M11 pretty much from the moment I fitted it on my head. As I mentioned I have had a history with concussions, so the research and technology behind it made the helmet appealing. Given that the CCM V10 helmet hasn’t really changed since it’s launch, it came down to the choice between the M11 and Bauer’s RE-AKT helmet.
Yes the RE-AKT is lighter than the M11, BUT the deciding factor, swinging it in M11’s favour was the fit of it. Even with the RE-AKT adjusted appropriately, it didn’t fit properly and the helmet still wobbled on my head if I shook my head, which was something I was looking to avoid. What I was looking from my helmet was something that stays in place and doesn’t move in case of a particularly heavy hit.
The M11’s tool free adjusting mechanism, or the ratchet system, at the back of the helmet ensures that the helmet sits properly. There is only a single mechanism used to adjust it, comparing it to the other helmets majority of helmets, bar Easton, where you have to lift up two or more flaps to adjust the helmet.
What I really like on the M11 is the adjustment coming from the back of the helmet, making it sit nice and tight on the head.
Foam wars
The inside of the helmet and the foam. The foam ensures comfortable fit of the helmet.
The thing that really sets the M11 apart from the other helmets is the foam within the helmet.
Traditionally the pro-level and high end helmets use what is called an EPP foam. EPP Foam is not by any means bad, but it does not possess the same features as the M11’s foam. The way the foam has been designed to react to impact is to return to its original shape as fast as possible, which in turn provides better protection as the integrity of the foam has been restored a lot quicker. The foam and the cylinders that sit between the foam and the shell of the helmet have been designed to spread the force of the impact to a larger area, thus minimising the direct impact to the head.
Under the foam you’ll find the cylinders that have been designed to return to their original shape soon from an impact. This reduces the risk of head injuries in case of multiple impacts to the same location.
The foam is definitely more comfortable than some of the other foams in helmets. The only thing I have experienced with it, which is something that has happened with every helmet, is initial headaches when first wearing the helmet on the ice.
It has taken a while for the foam to adjust to the shape of my head, but it is something that I have encountered with other helmets throughout my playing days.
Customising and Fitting visors etc.
The one thing that was quite funky with the helmet was that you are able to customise the colours of the vents. At the pro shop where I got the helmet from, they offered to change the white coloured vents on my helmet to a desired colour, but I decided to stick with them as they came. Further to the point, if you are ordering the helmet directly through the Messier Project home page, you can truly customise the helmet colour and the colours of the vents.
The biggest problem I had with the helmet was installing a visor and removing the ear guards. The trouble is that some of the screws sit behind the foam and the cylinders inside the helmet, requiring a bit of handy work and in my case as I have no skill in DIY and incredibly short attention span with the screwdriver it was a bit of an up-hill battle in having the visor installed.
The vents on the side of the helmet can be changed to fit your desired colour.
The helmet when I got it came with a cage, but the guys at my pro shop (Sportia-10), were kind enough to remove it for me.
Overall:
The M11 is a great helmet, and I would go as far as to say that it is the best helmet you have never heard about. The price point for the helmet (€149 without visor or $119 on hockey monkey/$144 regular retail price) comes in lower than the E700 or the 11k from Reebok, but is slightly more expensive than the CCM V10 helmet.
The M11 provides superior protection while providing comfort. Where it is not as light weight as my previous V10 helmet, I hardly notice the difference between the two. The M11 stays in place when being hit and does not wobble around on the head when adjusted appropriately, something that other helmets can do.
I would thoroughly recommend the helmet to anyone looking to buy a new one or look out for the M11 Pro line as an alternative.
Pros:
- Incredible fit. Helmet does not wobble on head and sits comfortably at the desired position
- Comfortable to wear
- Customisable
- Easy to adjust
- Single shell design provides superior protection
- SEVEN technology is a definite plus for the helmet and helps spread the force of the impact to a wider area and returns to normal shape quicker
- Great ventilation throughout
Cons:
- Fiddly: Some screws not easy to get to when fitting visor/cage or removing ear guards.
- Breaking in pains
- Heavier when compared to the Easton E700 or Bauer RE-AKT
More info and dealer locations can be found at: http://www.cascadeicehockey.com/
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UPDATE 1-Bauer to buy Cascade Helmets for $64 million
By Reuters Staff
4 Min Read
* Bauer to buy privately-held maker of lacrosse helmets
* Deal gives it control of Cascade’s hockey helmet business
* Bauer shares close slightly higher on the TSX
TORONTO, June 13 (Reuters) – Ice-hockey and lacrosse equipment maker Bauer Performance Sports Ltd said on Wednesday it will buy Cascade Helmets Holdings, a privately held U.
S. maker of lacrosse helmets, for $64 million cash.
The deal, expected to close later this month, will also give Bauer – the world’s biggest maker of hockey gear – control of Cascade’s recently established hockey helmet business.
Bauer, which is credited with creating the modern hockey skate, said Cascade’s M11 helmet, which was co-developed with former National Hockey League star Mark Messier, has been well received.
“The acquisition of Cascade increases our presence in North America’s fastest-growing team sport (lacrosse), and allows us to expand our product offering in our core hockey business,” Bauer Chief Executive Kevin Davis said in a statement.
Bauer said it expects the acquisition to immediately add to its bottom line as Cascade’s profit margins are about twice as large as its own. Bauer’s shares closed 6 Canadian cents higher at C$8.06 on the Toronto Stock Exchange on Wednesday.
Founded in Kitchener, Ontario, Bauer developed the first skate with a blade attached to the boot, an innovation credited with changing the game of hockey.
The company, which dates back to the 1920s, was owned for about a decade by U.S. sporting goods giant Nike Inc before being sold to private equity firm Kohlberg & Co in 2008. It was taken public via an initial public offering in 2011.
Bauer plans to use Cascade’s head-protection technologies and build on its partnership with Messier to improve player safety through product-development and awareness initiatives, the company said.
The company plans to expand its manufacturing capabilities for lacrosse and hockey helmets by also producing Bauer-branded hockey helmets at Cascade’s existing facility in Liverpool, New York.
A slew of concussions in the National Hockey League this year has shone a spotlight on injury concerns in the sport. With many of the game’s best players, including Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, sidelined by concussions.
The injuries have led to an increased focus on better safety equipment and Bauer said it has made it one of its goals to acquire rival companies with innovative products that have the potential to become leaders in their categories.
The acquisition of Cascade expands Bauer’s presence in the lacrosse equipment industry by adding the industry’s premier line of helmets to its Maverik family of sticks, heads, shafts and protective gear, Bauer said.
The acquisition will be funded through the issue of about C$30 million in new equity and about $34 million in borrowing.
Bauer said it has entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters, led by RBC Capital Markets, under which the underwriters have agreed to buy 3.2 million shares of Bauer for sale to the public at a price of C$7.80 per share for gross proceeds of about C$25 million.
It has also entered into a subscription agreement with funds managed by Kohlberg Management, Bauer’s majority shareholder. The funds, in a concurrent private placement, have agreed to buy 642,000 shares at the same price as those sold under the public offering. This will raise net proceeds of about C$5 million, the company said.
Bauer said it has also received a commitment from its existing lending syndicate to make available an upsized credit facility of about $275 million, thereby providing additional borrowing capacity in support of the deal.
