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It makes sense to upgrade to an NME9 if you're able, but yes the 7 is better than the 3. I learned the hard way, I took a shot to the chin on my 1400 that had me almost lose conciousness. I bought a Itech 960 the next day.
This is a discussion on NME3 upgrade to NME7? within the Equipment Chat forums, part of the The Gear category; Hey everyone - I did a bit of searching on the forum and the net, and I had a question ...
NME3 upgrade to NME7?
Hey everyone - I did a bit of searching on the forum and the net, and I had a question on which I was hoping I could get some additional clarification. I purchased an NME3 mask when I got started because it seemed like a good balance between value and protection. However, I'm starting to have second thoughts based on some comments I've seen here and elsewhere. I read about the old Itech 1200/1400 helmets and people generally don't seem to have too many good things to say about them. The NME3, as best I can tell, is essentially Bauer's version of these.
At the moment I'm basically a D leaguer and doing an intro course, so I haven't faced a lot of hard shots (I've taken one or two glancing blows off the top of the mask without too much trouble). Some players can bring it, but nothing too bad yet. However, I'm thinking about participating in drop in sessions at the local arena before the Spring D league starts so I can keep playing whether I get on a team or not.
I expect the skill level there will be a bit more diverse with everything from A to D league potentially represented on any given night. I'm not too worried about getting my butt handed to me going up against some of the more skilled players (how else to learn, right?) but I am starting to get a little concerned about head protection. If nothing else, I feel like I ought to at least feel comfortable in my gear - maybe it's more mental than anything else, but I think it's important to feel confident about my equipment so I'm focusing on playing and what I'm wearing.
I'm a research scientist, so I do use my head for a living (though, really, who doesn't? lol) Does it make sense to upgrade to the NME7? Am I worrying unnecessarily? Ultimately I realize the decision is mine, but I certainly wouldn't mind some advice from others. I've a birthday coming up as well, so timing could be good for an upgrade, lol.
"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
It makes sense to upgrade to an NME9 if you're able, but yes the 7 is better than the 3. I learned the hard way, I took a shot to the chin on my 1400 that had me almost lose conciousness. I bought a Itech 960 the next day.
The 7 would be a nice upgrade over 3 but itech is right if you have room in your budget go all out and get the 9 it is your brain right. I used a cheap mask before and got a concussion after i had a 250lbs foward level me in a breakaway and his whole body drive the back of my head into the the ice. After stumbling off the ice and having my head rinigin fro almost 24 hours i learned dont screw with cheaper helmets. Also you never know who you could face in a dropin so its always nice to know your protected, ive played against junior a, ohl players and 1 ex nhl player and those shots can get some real good force behind them
I would suggest getting a better mask.
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Thanks for everyone's input! I think the 9 is way out of my budget, but the NME 7 is do-able, so that's what I'm opting for. :)
"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
Save your pennies then, because concussions are WAY OUT OF YOUR BUDGET!Originally Posted by Victor Sussman
True enough, Itech - so consider it buying time for now. Better to be better protected with the 7 while saving for the 9 than to risk it with the 3 while saving for the 9, in my humble opinion.
"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
Hey everyone - I did a bit of searching on the forum and the net, and I had a question on which I was hoping I could get some additional clarification. I purchased an NME3 mask when I got started because it seemed like a good balance between value and protection. However, I'm starting to have second thoughts based on some comments I've seen here and elsewhere. I read about the old Itech 1200/1400 helmets and people generally don't seem to have too many good things to say about them. The NME3, as best I can tell, is essentially Bauer's version of these.
...
I'm a research scientist, so I do use my head for a living (though, really, who doesn't? lol) Does it make sense to upgrade to the NME7? Am I worrying unnecessarily? Ultimately I realize the decision is mine, but I certainly wouldn't mind some advice from others. I've a birthday coming up as well, so timing could be good for an upgrade, lol.
I started playing ice hockey 25 years ago as a goalie but was moved to center and played that position going forward. Today I have kids of my own who play and I returned to the ice but back as a goalie (preferred original position). Like you I purchased originally an inexpensive mask (Vaughn vm7500) to get back into the position. My skills returned over several months and I faced more competitive players/leagues as I continued. After a year back in goal I now play with retired semi-pros (after skill level got to that level) and one of their shots to my head put me into the hospital with a concussion wearing the Lexan Vaughn mask - the same type of construction the NME3 is.
As a result, I now wear a Hackva mask with a lower-lip mouth guard (Gravity 2 STC Mouthguard) to prevent that experience again.
My advice is to get a real mask, make the investment correctly: Fiberglass with Kevlar reenforcement mask.
Very true, but again, it's better to extend your credit and buy the right thing first. It will save you money in the long run.True enough, Itech - so consider it buying time for now. Better to be better protected with the 7 while saving for the 9 than to risk it with the 3 while saving for the 9, in my humble opinion.
I have heard good things about the sport mask ricochet......you tube it, guy takes a ton of consecutive shots to the head...I have seen them on sale for around the same price as a nme7.......I had a nme7, it was ok for lower level of hockey but with any hockey there is always one guy who has a cannon of a shot and he is the one who will hit you in the head......nme7 is way better then nme3.....but if you search around you will find better masks then nme7
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