This is a discussion on NME3 upgrade to NME7? within the Equipment Chat forums, part of the The Gear category; I hate to sound like a broken record, but....buy the best mask that you can afford. The NME7 is mostly ...
I hate to sound like a broken record, but....buy the best mask that you can afford. The NME7 is mostly carbon with some fiberglass, and the NME9 is this plus titanium in the forehead and chin. It's also a difference of $500. That being said - the 7 should give you really good protection no matter who you're playing.
There are some other options out there as well - so consider checking those out. As Todd (ikolbyi) said, the Hackva is a great option. The entire shell is made of kevlar & carbon fiber - it's a tank, and it's probably the best shell out there for the price (mid $300's - $400's for the painted/texalium versions).
Finally, I wouldn't shy away from all fiberglass masks either as long as the shell is pretty thick (4mm or more). Bauer is coming out with some thicker fiberglass & kevlar reinforced masks (the 950), as well as an all fiberglass version of this (the 940) which should be really durable. Neither will break the bank.
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*sorry to hijack the thread*
How do these other Bauer masks hold up in terms of width/size compared to the NME series? I ask because I'm aiming to buy an NME3 or 5 [because I'm a poor high school student] and the NMEs are the only ones that fit on my head, but if these other ones are similar in fit but a better deal, I want that one of course.
NME3 - $140 NME5 - $250 NME7 - $350 NME9 - $750
Hawkxs - don't sweat it - I didn't consider this a hijack at all - in fact, if the thread is useful to others and they get information that helps them in their equipment choices, I consider that a success. :)
I think as far as the fit goes - if you can get yourself to a good shop and try some out that will help you out. There are a number of masks in similar price ranges from other manufacturers. Admittedly, I am giving advice not coming from a position of extensive experience, but I like to help out if I can.
Incidentally - I gave it some additional thought and decided to hold off for a bit to do some more research myself - I was intrigued by Bru and ikolby's comments about the Hackva 2608 - anyone else have any thoughts on this one? It does seem like excellent materials of construction for what they are asking. I've read some things that suggest it has restricted vision and some people said it was heavy (though it's only ~0.22 lb more than the NME7, so I wonder how big of a thing this is.)
Anyway - if anyone has thoughts to add - I'm always interested to hear 'em! :)
"When I was a kid, everyone called me crazy for playing goal, but they were the ones chasing after the puck while I just let it come to me." - Ron Tugnutt
"Remember - keep your head up. Hockey players are knuckleheads. Not as much as goalies, but well...." -- K. Benson
I'm going to second the "buy the best mask you can." I upgraded to an NME 7 and in hindsight, wished I had read this thread and gone with a Hackva or something else. Although I'm a newbie beer leaguer, I've had big guys crash into me and also have gone to stick n puck where one guy's slapshot went high, missed me (thank you St. Roy) and hit the glass and shattered it. So even though I'm playing against mostly ankle benders, I do face guys with cannons.
I will probably upgrade at some point in the future.
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