The Ultimate Cascade Pro7 Lacrosse Helmet Review Everything You Need To Know

The Ultimate Cascade Pro7 Lacrosse Helmet Review Everything You Need To Know

Unmatched Protection with Seven Technology

The Cascade Pro7 lacrosse helmet sets a new standard for protection and performance with its revolutionary Seven Technology liner system. This innovative system utilizes seven different pads of varying densities and structures to manage energy transfer from impacts across a range of intensities. By employing pads with progressive stiffness and strategically placing them within the helmet liner, Cascade is able to fine-tune energy displacement and dramatically reduce the sudden linear and rotational accelerations transmitted to a player’s head following collision.

The seven pads work together to provide uncompromising protection from routine hits as well as dangerously high energy impacts. The Pro7 liner features softer foam pads in key zones around the temple and rear of the head to cushion routine contact. For more jarring hits, firmer foams in the crown and sides of the helmet ramp up to dissipate energy. At the core of the liner, the dense SEVEN+ pads mounted in the front and back act as the last line of defense against dangerous linear and rotational accelerations by stiffening up and locking into place upon severe impact.

This multi-stage energy management system creates a “suspend-in-air” effect for the head following collision. By incrementally controlling the deceleration forces, the Seven Technology more effectively reduces the risks of traumatic brain injuries and concussions compared to traditional foam liner systems. Independent testing at FEI and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center using the advanced NOCSAE linear impactor has confirmed that Cascade’s Pro7 better attenuates impact forces and improves protection.

By leveraging innovative materials engineering and strategic design, Cascade has engineered the most technologically advanced helmet liner ever seen in lacrosse. The Pro7’s game-changing Seven Technology sets a new benchmark for safety that every competitor will be chasing.

Adjustable and Comfortable Liner System

In addition to unparalleled protection, the Cascade Pro7 also sets the standard for customized comfort and fit with its innovative liner system. The Pro7 features a ground-breaking Occipital Lock that brings a new level of stability, adjustability and comfort to lacrosse helmets. This unique mechanism allows players to finely tune the fit of the helmet by adjusting the height and position of the rear pad against the occipital bone. Players can raise or lower the occipital lock by up to 1⁄2 inch and slide it inward for a supremely secure and stable fit.

The Occipital Lock eliminates the sloppy fit and instability found in many competitor’s helmets. By locking the shell in place around the head, it prevents sliding and rotation following impacts. This enhances protection by keeping the helmet and liner firmly in the correct position. Extensive on-field testing by elite players confirms the Occipital Lock dramatically reduces helmet shifting while running, cutting and colliding.

In addition to the Occipital Lock, the Pro7 liner features Cascade’s precision comfort cradle. This lightweight web of flexible thermoplastic and memory foam pads hugs the head for a truly custom feel. Strategically-placed comfort pads in the temples, brow and back of the head conform to the player’s unique shape. Variable thickness foam pads along the jaw line and chin deliver comfortable protection.

By combining the stability of the Occipital Lock with the pliable comfort of the cradle, Cascade eliminates the common “hot spots” and pressure points felt with many lacrosse helmets. Players remark on the “pillowy” feel which helps prevent fatigue and discomfort during intense, prolonged play. The Pro7 liner also accommodates optional jaw pads for customized jawline protection.

With its revolutionary Occipital Lock system and precision comfort cradle, the Cascade Pro7 sets a new standard for customized fit, stability and comfort on the lacrosse field. Players gain protection and performance advantages from a helmet that finally fits and feels the way it should.

Excellent Vision and Communications

In the fast-paced, high-impact sport of lacrosse, being able to see and communicate clearly can make all the difference. That is why the Cascade Pro7 helmet delivers best-in-class vision and communication capabilities designed specifically for the needs of lacrosse players.

The Pro7 starts with a wide-view shell design that opens up the field of vision and minimizes restrictive blind spots that can lead to dangerous hits. Strategically placed ventilation ports allow airflow while maintaining critical structural integrity. For optimal viewing, the Pro7 places the facemask low in the helmet opening to provide maximal upward and peripheral sight lines. Players gain a wide, unobstructed view for seeing teammates, reading the field and tracking the ball.

The helmet also utilizes flexible, low-profile chin straps and facemask attachments that stay clear of the player’s field of view during play. By optimizing every aspect of the helmet structure, Pro7 delivers a confident field of vision to see and react to the entire playing area.

Enhanced communications are enabled by the Pro7’s integrated jaw pad system which positions padding beneath the facemask to dampen impact vibrations. This DIS+ (Dampening Impact Suspension) system enhances clarity of speech between teammates on the field. Built-in ear pads also help attenuate noise and impacts for protection against hearing damage and improved communications.

For total voice amplification, the Pro7’s shell is designed to integrate perfectly with the Cascade Status helmet-mounted speaker system. This rugged, high-fidelity speaker utilizes bone conduction technology to transmit voice and audio cues directly to the inner ear. Clear communications keep players alert and coordinated on loud, chaotic lacrosse fields.

With unobstructed upward/peripheral vision and enhanced audio dampening, the Cascade Pro7 helmet optimizes a lacrosse player’s ability to see and communicate during fast-paced game action for improved protection and performance.

Lightweight and Balanced Design

Speed and agility are critical for success in lacrosse, which is why Cascade engineered the Pro7 helmet for lightweight performance. Weighing in at only 2.3 pounds, the Pro7 offers elite-level protection at an incredibly light weight.

Cascade optimized the Pro7 shell design using advanced computer modeling to achieve maximum strength with minimal materials. The result is an incredibly rigid polycarbonate shell that resists cracks and deformation while shaving precious ounces. Strategic cutouts and ventilation ports further reduce weight without compromising durability.

Inside the shell, the streamlined Seven Technology liner system eliminates bulky pads in favor of low-profile, lightweight foams and thermoplastics. By pairing the lightweight shell and liner, the Pro7 cuts down on unnecessary mass so players can move freely.

Balanced weight distribution is also essential for lightning-fast reaction times and ease of movement. The Pro7 centers mass close to the head by integrating components like facemasks, chin straps and visors into the shell design. This eliminates awkward protrusions and shifts weight for neutral, head-centered feel.

Computer modeling also enabled Cascade to optimize the helmet’s center of gravity. Precisely tuning the CG location helps minimize neck fatigue by preventing the helmet from feeling too far forward or back on the player’s head. The Pro7’s dialed-in balance reduces drag for effortless sprinting, quick changes of direction and crisp execution.

Cutting edge materials, optimized construction and balanced weight distribution make the Pro7 an incredibly lightweight yet fully protective lacrosse helmet. By eliminating ounces while maintaining integrity, Cascade gives players an unencumbered, speed-focused design for dominating today’s up-tempo game.

High Strength Shell Materials

At the foundation of every high-performance lacrosse helmet is a rugged, durable shell designed to take repeated impacts while protecting the head. For the Pro7, Cascade utilized advanced thermoplastic materials to create an exceptionally strong and reliable shell.

The Pro7 starts with a base layer of high quality polycarbonate alloyed for maximum impact resistance and stiffness. Polycarbonate provides an ideal helmet foundation with its extreme durability, high-strength to weight ratio and excellent crack resistance.

To optimize points of contact, Cascade augments the polycarbonate with an outer shell layer of high-grade thermoplastic urethane (TPU) in key zones. This cutting-edge TPU formulation creates an outer “exoskeleton” that further enhances the shell’s impact attenuation properties. TPU’s unique flexibility and damping characteristics help dissipate linear and rotational energy from helmet strikes. Its excellent abrasion and tear resistance also maintain the Pro7’s good looks after hard play.

Finally, Cascade adds a proprietary anti-microbial and anti-odor treatment to the shell surface. This helps inhibit the growth of bacteria and odors that cause the unpleasant “lacrosse gear smell” over time. The antimicrobial shield maintains the helmet’s freshness for the life of the product.

The Pro7’s multi-layer shell technology blends optimized materials to achieve elite-level protection. Polycarbonate provides a rigid foundation, TPU augments impact performance and anti-microbial agents inhibit odor. These advanced materials come together to create exceptional strength, durability and protection in the game’s most demanding helmet.

Multiple Shell Size Options

Finding a helmet that fits correctly is critical for protection and performance on the lacrosse field. An improper fit can leave gaps in protection, allow unsafe helmet movement and cause discomfort that impacts play. That is why Cascade offers the Pro7 lacrosse helmet in multiple shell size options to provide an adaptive, customized fit for athletes of all ages and head sizes.

The Pro7 incorporates three shell sizes (small, medium and large) tailored to fit the 5th to 95th percentile of head sizes. Within each shell size, the Pro7 liner system can be adjusted through a range of depths, widths and side profiles to fine tune fit. This matrix of shell sizes and adjustable pads accommodates the broadest range of lacrosse players.

For optimal protection, a helmet must sit squarely on the head with even pressure distribution and minimal gaps at the sides or rear. The Pro7’s multiple shell sizes prevent players from having to jam an improperly-sized helmet onto their heads and compromise fit. By precisely dialing in shell size to the player’s cranial dimensions, optimal helmet alignment, stability and comfort are ensured.

The Pro7 shell is also designed with a tapered, anatomical profile shape for consistent contact around the head. This advanced shaping blocks gaps between the player’s head and liner padding to enhance protection. Responsive foams conform closely to fill any remaining spaces.

With its multiple shell size options and adjustable liner system, the Cascade Pro7 provides a truly customized lacrosse helmet fit for athletes of all ages and head sizes. A helmet that fits correctly enhances protection, stability and comfort on the field.

Enhanced Air Flow and Ventilation

As lacrosse continues to evolve into a fast-paced, high-exertion sport, proper airflow and ventilation in helmets is more critical than ever. Without adequate cooling, player performance can quickly deteriorate due to dangerous overheating. That is why Cascade designed the Pro7 helmet shell to optimize air movement and heat dissipation.

The Pro7 shell utilizes strategically placed intake and exhaust vents to facilitate directional airflow through the helmet. Large rear exhaust vents allow hot, stale air to escape. This minimizes the oppressive heat buildup inside helmets that leads to fatigue and decreased cognitive function.

Intake vents across the forehead and temples channel cool outside air into the helmet. Inside the shell, airflow diverters route fresh air laterally over the head and down through the rear exhaust vents. This end-to-end flow-through ventilation replaces hot air with cooler air to keep players fresh.

Vent placement and sizing were optimized using advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) computer modeling. CFD analyses allowed Cascade engineers to fine tune the Pro7’s ventilation for maximum airflow and heat dissipation. More effective cooling helps players maintain intensity, focus and decision-making when lacrosse competition heats up.

In addition to ventilation, the Pro7 liner incorporates moisture-wicking antimicrobial pads that actively pull sweat away from a player’s head for quick evaporation. This keeps players dry as workout intensity increases.

The optimized airflow system and moisture-wicking pads give the Pro7 helmet unmatched cooling power. Enhanced ventilation keeps players cooler, drier and performing at their best through intense lacrosse play in hot, humid conditions.

Customizable Facemask Options

A helmet’s facemask is a critical piece of protective equipment for lacrosse players. Facemasks must balance visibility and ventilation with crucial protection for the face, nose, teeth and jaw from errant sticks and high-speed balls. The Pro7 lacrosse helmet offers players a range of innovative facemask options so athletes can select the right mix of visibility, breathability and protection for their playing style and preference.

For midfielders who value an open sightline, the Pro7 integrates seamlessly with Cascade’s Comp cage. This lightweight face protector focuses vision upwards through an open, rounded triangular design. Ultra-thin steel and titanium alloy bars increase ventilation while still absorbing face impacts.

For added protection, the Pro7 pairs perfectly with Cascade’s HighProfile Max cage. This sturdy mask uses thickened side bars to protect the jaw and temple. For superior visibility, the low-profile central bars angle outwards to open sight lines up and downfield.

The Pro7 also accommodates Cascade’s Vision cage featuring an elongated taper on the side bars to expand peripheral vision. Maximized ventilation openings further enhance breathability.

All Pro7 facemasks utilize Cascade’s QuickRelease system for easy attachment and interchangeability. The QR system allows players to switch facemasks in seconds to adapt protection and visibility to game situations.

Cascade also offers a range of customizable facemask elements like chin straps, I-bars and visors to mod the Pro7 based on player needs. From lightweight visibility to max protection, Pro7 players can dial in the perfect face protection.

Removable Jaw Pad System

Direct blows to the jaw and chin area are common in lacrosse. Repeated trauma to this vulnerable part of the head can lead to injuries ranging from fractured jaws to concussions and traumatic brain injuries. Protecting the jawline is crucial, but many players forego uncomfortable jaw pads that obstruct breathing and speech. That is why Cascade engineered the Pro7’s innovative removable jaw pad system.

The Pro7 accommodates optional jaw pads that can be added or removed from the liner as needed. Hard plastic caps on the jaw pad ends clip securely into place at the temples when protection is desired. Players gain robust padding safeguarding the fragile jaw and chin region from Hendid blows.

When jaw protection is not needed, the pads can be detached in seconds. This opens up airflow and enhances communication clarity. The Pro7’s pliable liner conforms comfortably around the jawline even without pads.

The Pro7’s integrated DIS+ technology further enhances jaw protection. DIS+ suspension pads placed beneath facemask mounting points provide dampening cushioning to soften impacts from facemask blows. Players gain protection from field level strikes without restrictive jaw pads.

Cascade’s removable pad system eliminates the protection versus comfort compromises imposed by traditional jaw pad designs. Athletes can customize protection to manage risk level at any time. The Pro7’s adaptable jaw pad system protects when you need it and gets out of the way when you don’t.

SNR Rating of 31 dB for Hearing Protection

The high-speed collisions and stick checks inherent to lacrosse produce loud, repeated impact noises within the confines of a helmet. Without adequate hearing protection, these intense noises put athletes at risk of early hearing loss and degraded on-field communication. That is why Cascade optimized the Pro7 to deliver a 31dB SNR rating for elite hearing protection.

SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) measures a helmet’s effectiveness at dampening external noises while maintaining speech intelligibility. Helmets with higher SNR ratings better attenuate outside noise to safeguard hearing health while facilitating clearer speech between teammates.

Cascade engineers leveraged a combination of lab testing and real-world input from players to optimize SNR performance. The Pro7’s streamlined shell design eliminates unnecessary voids where loud noises can reverberate and amplify. Inside the helmet, the layered Seven Technology liner construction progressively dampens impact forces to reduce transmitted sound energy.

Targeted use of sound-absorbing foam pads inside the crown and around the ears also help deaden noise. At the same time, the Pro7’s removable jaw pads and enlarged ear ports balance hearing protection with critical communication abilities.

On-field testing confirms the Pro7 provides a noticeable dampening effect against injurious loud noises, while still facilitating crisp speech between players. By optimizing noise attenuation, amplification hot spots and padding configurations, Cascade certified the Pro7 helmet with a segment-leading 31dB SNR rating. The Pro7 gives lacrosse players the hearing protection they need to maintain performance and long-term ear health.

Complies with NOCSAE Standards

Ensuring the safety of athletes is the top priority for any piece of protective sports equipment. In lacrosse, helmets must meet rigorous performance benchmarks codified by NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) to be deemed safe for play. Cascade engineered the Pro7 lacrosse helmet to satisfy all applicable NOCSAE standards to give athletes and parents confidence in the helmet’s protective capabilities.

NOCSAE STD-303 dictates stringent requirements for helmet durability, shock attenuation, penetration resistance, field of view and adaptive fit. Helmets must pass a battery of impact tests at multiple temperatures and energies to simulate real-world collisions. Impacts are delivered to random points across the helmet by linear drop rigs and linear impactors capable of inducing rotational accelerations.

Throughout its development process, Cascade rigorously tested the Pro7 to fine tune the shell, liner and facemask construction for satisfaction of all NOCSAE criteria. The Pro7’s Seven Technology liner demonstrated remarkable abilities to manage energy and reduce impact forces across a range of severities and directions.

The culmination of Cascade’s exhaustive R&D and testing efforts was official NOCSAE certification of the Pro7 lacrosse helmet. This certification proves the Pro7 provides top-tier protection across the full spectrum of impacts. Athletes can trust that the Pro7 will help protect them from routine hits as well as dangerous, high-energy blows.

NOCSAE certification gives athletes, parents and coaches independent validation of the Pro7’s ability to meet today’s highest safety standards. Cascade has engineered the Pro7 to not just satisfy, but exceed all crucial benchmarks for performance and protection set by NOCSAE STD-303.

Ideal for All Positions – Attack, Midfield, Defense

Lacrosse requires athletes to fill specialized roles on the field based on their speed, size, physicality and temperament. Attack players prize agility and vision. Midfielders need endurance and all-around athleticism. Defensemen require the toughness to withstand heavy contact. Despite these disparate demands, Cascade engineered the Pro7 lacrosse helmet to deliver an unparalleled combination of protection, vision, ventilation and lightweight feel for athletes across all positions.

For diminutive attack players, the Pro7 provides an enveloping fit with supreme stability to protect smaller heads. Excellent side vision and ventilation keep attackers sharp in tight quarters. Lightweight construction maximizes quickness and helps smaller athletes withstand hits.

In the midfield, the Pro7’s rugged shell and advanced Seven Technology liner allow do-it-all athletes to play up-tempo in transition. Sweeping ventilation, antimicrobial pads and strategic liner cushions maintain all-game comfort through intense running.

On defense, the Pro7 leverages materials engineering advancements for uncompromising protection against the biggest, hardest-hitting attackers. Anatomical pads shield vulnerable areas while maintaining mobility. The robust shell and energy absorbing liner absorb repeated contact.

Across the lacrosse field, the Pro7 lacrosse helmet allows athletes to play with confidence and protection. Game-changing innovations in fit, visibility, impact management, balance and ventilation benefit players in every role. When design puts performance and safety first, a great helmet transcends positional demands.

Used By Top College and Professional Teams

In the ultra-competitive arena of college and professional lacrosse, players need every possible advantage. Their equipment must maximize athletic performance without compromising safety. That is why more and more top NCAA and MLL teams are choosing Cascade lacrosse helmets, including the new Pro7.

NCAA powerhouses like Yale, Duke, Maryland, Denver and Notre Dame rely on the Pro7 to protect their talented rosters as they battle for National Championships. These elite programs appreciate how technologies like Seven Technology, Vision Cages and the Occipital Lock provide performance advantages.

In Major League Lacrosse, juggernauts like the Chrome, Whipsnakes and Archers equip their players in Pro7 helmets to gain an edge. Across key positions, the Pro7 gives pros comfort, protection and field awareness for 60-minute domination. Its lightweight feel and cooling ventilation allow maximum intensity under the lights.

By selecting the Pro7, these accomplished NCAA and MLL programs recognize Cascade’s commitment to designing the most protective, comfortable and balanced lacrosse helmet on the market. When competition is fierce and seasons are long, players need equipment they can rely on. For the top teams and athletes in the game today, that choice is increasingly the Cascade Pro7.

The rapid adoption of Pro7 helmets by the NCAA’s and MLL’s premier talent validates the performance and protection enabled by Cascade’s cutting-edge technologies. If you aspire to play at the highest level, equip yourself with the Pro7 and gain the same advantages trusted by today’s lacrosse elite.

Innovative Cascade Technology and Engineering

Behind every groundbreaking piece of protective sports equipment is years of research, testing and refinement by industry-leading engineers and scientists. For the Cascade Pro7 lacrosse helmet, an elite team of innovators worked tirelessly to completely rethink helmet design and set a new standard for elite-level protection.

Cascade’s integrated team combines biomedical engineers, materials experts, industrial designers and visual anthropologists. Together they rapidly prototype, refine and test new technologies using state-of-the-art design tools and instrumented impact testing. This collborative approach allows holistic optimization of helmets for comprehensive protection.

The Pro7 project tapped every capability of Cascade’s development process. Advanced finite element analysis enabled detailed computer modelling of impacts and structural response. New manufacturing techniques opened up innovative geometries and materials combinations. And Cascade’s proprietary testing equipment gathered terabytes of real-world impact data to validate designs.

This relentless pursuit of improvement through experimentation and data-driven design led to breakthroughs like the Pro7’s Seven Technology liner. By leveraging the full capabilities of its engineering team, Cascade evolved helmet technology to an unprecedented new level.

Cascade’s culture of innovation will continue driving advancements in lacrosse safety as athlete needs evolve. With its integrated team combining elite expertise across every facet of product creation, Cascade is committed to pioneering the next generation of technologies that protect lacrosse players at every level.