Hockey cages and shields play a crucial role in protecting a player's face from high-speed pucks, sticks, and unexpected collisions. While both serve the same purpose, they offer distinct advantages. Cages, typically made from metal grids, provide comprehensive face coverage and are preferred by players who prioritize maximum protection. Shields, often called visors, are transparent and made of durable plastic, offering unobstructed vision and making them popular among seasoned players.
Choosing Between a Cage and a Shield
The choice between a cage and a shield often depends on comfort, vision, and the level of protection desired. Cages provide full-face protection, making them ideal for those seeking maximum safety. Shields offer clearer vision and are favored by players who are more accustomed to the game's pace and can anticipate potential facial threats. When making a choice, always consider your playing environment and comfort.
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Types of Hockey Cages and Shields
Here are the different styles of full facial protection for hockey players, each offering its own benefits and drawbacks:
- Cage: Easily the most popular, the cage style offers the best protection since it's built with a steel or titanium construction, offering excellent impact protection. Steel is the most common and more affordable, while Titanium models are more expensive yet much lighter and provide better resistance to rust. While cages provide the best breathability for full facial protection, the bars can reduce visibility and take new players some time to adjust.
- Full Shield: For players who prioritize vision, full shields offer crystal-clear visibility thanks to the visor on the upper half of the construction. The lower half features a polycarbonate cage-like design that provides full facial protection, however, airflow is more limited compared to a cage, therefore it's more prone to fogging during gameplay.
- Hybrid Shield: The Hybrid Shield combines the best of both worlds, featuring a clear polycarbonate visor for clear visibility and a steel or titanium cage on the lower half for optimal protection and breathability. This design improves airflow compared to a full shield while maintaining better visibility than a traditional cage.
Key Features and Materials
Cages are usually steel, but currently there is one Titanium option, offered by Bauer. Titanium, stronger and lighter than steel, offers a more comfortable option as well as extra protection. When it comes to visors, they are all made of the same or similar materials and the difference in protection is mostly based on size.
Cage Colors
Hockey cages come in a variety of colors, each offering their own advantage to a certain situation. For example, cages with white on the interior blend the white color of the cage with the white color of the ice, therefore making the puck stand out more than usual.
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- Black cages help minimize glare and provide a better range of vision since everything seems brighter.
- White cages improve contrast which can help players track the puck easier against the ice.
- Silver cages offer a neutral visibility that doesn't create significant contrast or distraction for the player, while chrome cages have the same visibility as silver but with a more flashy style.
Sizing and Compatibility
Hockey cages and full shields often follow the same sizing guidelines. They typically come in Small, Medium, or Large and correspond to your helmet size. If you have a Small helmet, get a Small cage; if it's a Medium Helmet, get a Medium cage, etc. Some full shields may also come in junior or senior sizes, which in this case you want to check the manufacturer's sizing chart to ensure a proper combination.
While many cages and shields are designed to fit a variety of helmets, itâs crucial to ensure compatibility before purchase. Some brands design specific cages or shields that align with their helmet models. Always consult product specifications or the manufacturerâs guidelines for compatibility details.
Installation Guide
Installing a cage or full shield is relatively simple and only requires a few materials and tools for installation. Before you get started, you'll need your helmet, cage or full shield, mounting hardware (usually included), and screwdriver (Phillips or flathead, depending on your screws). The following are general guidelines and some models may come with specific installation instructions that you should follow instead.
- Place your helmet on a flat surface to keep it stable while working and lay out your tools and hardware for easy access. For hardware, make sure you have two top hinge clips, two J-clips, two dome screws, and six short screws with t-nut posts.
- Align the top of the cage with the front of your helmet and secure the top clips near the forehead. If screws are already installed in the helmet, remove them before attaching the clips.
- Secure the J-clips to each side of the helmet near the temples and replace the two screws on the back of the helmet with the dome snap screws. This location is right behind the ear covers and above the ear loops.
- Now it's time to check for fit and make any adjustments. Put on your helmet and attach the chin straps to the dome snaps. Your chin should be centered in the chin cup and comfortable when your mouth is closed. The top of the cage should be flush with the J-clips, which limits movement of the cage on impact. If the cage is too tight or if there is any movement when shaking your head, adjust the J-clips and chin straps for a proper fit.
Certification Requirements
Many leagues require players to wear certified hockey cages or full shields to ensure their safety and league compliance. Along with being certified, they must be free from damage, and in good working condition with visible certification stickers. Some Hybrid Shields may not be certified, so it's important to check for proper certification.
Here are the three main certifications to look for and their respective countries:
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- HECC (Hockey Equipment Certification Council) - Players 20 years old and younger who play in Minor USA hockey leagues. HECC-certified cages and shields expire roughly 6.5 years after the date of manufacture, which is stamped on the certification sticker.
- CSA (Canadian Standards Association) - All females and players 20 years old and younger who play in Minor Canadian hockey leagues. CSA certification has no official expiration date.
- CE (Conformité Européenne) - Players 20 years old and younger who play in IIHF-sanctioned leagues. CE certification has no official expiration date.
Regardless of the expiration date, leagues and officials may reject worn-out, altered, or damaged equipment.
Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance enhances the durability of cages and shields.
- For cages, a gentle wipe down with a damp cloth after games prevents rust.
- Attachment screws and snaps should be checked for corrosion every few months. Screws also tend to come loose, or fall out over time.
- For shields, using a soft cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner helps maintain clarity. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can degrade the plastic over time.
- Visor and combo users are also highly encouraged to wrap the helmet in a helmet bag, to prevent the visor scratching itself on random things in the hockey bag as itâs moved.
Top Hockey Cages
Whether you're picking up your very first hockey cage or replacing one that's seen better days, here are some of the top hockey cages to consider:
- CCM FM780 Hockey Helmet Cage: This cage integrates D3O Smart Foam in the chin cup, providing elite-level impact protection. It also has a thin-alloy, flat bar construction for maximum field of view.
- CCM FM580 Hockey Helmet Cage: A budget-friendly option with a strong, protective, carbon steel wire construction. It has a slightly widened cage to help increase visibility without sacrificing facial coverage.
- CCM FM70 Hockey Helmet Cage: A fantastic choice for the first-time player or anyone looking for an affordable option. It offers a great balance of visibility and comfort.
- CCM HVR Hybrid Visor and Cage: This combo blends the visual clarity of a visor with the breathability and full facial protection of a cage. It comes with a replaceable visor.
FAQ
How often should I replace my cage or shield?
A cage or shieldâs lifespan depends on its exposure to impacts and general wear. Itâs recommended to inspect them regularly for signs of damage or wear, such as bent cage bars or scratches on shields that impede vision. In general, replacing them every 2-3 years or after a significant impact is a good rule of thumb to ensure optimal protection.
How do I stop my full shield from fogging up?
Avoid touching the inside of the visor with your hands. You can apply an anti-fog spray before and after each game or practice. During the game, some players flip up their shield between shifts to allow airflow inside.
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What's the best way to clean a hockey cage?
Use a damp cloth or mild soap and water to wipe down the bars. Avoid abrasive cleaners, as they can strip protective coatings and increase the risk of rust.
How long does a hockey cage typically last?
The lifespan of a cage depends on how often you play and how well you care for it between games.
Because of the careless nature of players and the unpredictable nature of pucks, cages and full facial protection are highly recommended for all players. It is important to note that USA hockey insurance claims cannot be made for mouth or facial injuries for a player who sustains an injury while not wearing a cage. Your teeth can be replaced after very painful surgery and difficult recovery, and the same can be said for a broken jaw or cheekbone. But if a puck strikes your eye, it may be gone forever.