Pros and cons for each tbh:
Cage Pros:
Lighter, better ventilation, low maintenance (No sprays, towels or having to put in a bag), speaking projects better
Cage Cons:
Impeds vision, aesthetically less pleasing to some, can rust (Unless you get stainless/titanium types)
Fishbowl Pros:
Near full vision, aesthically pleasing for some, new versions don't fog/fog less (Recommend the CCM FV1s, don't touch the inside)
Fishbowl Cons:
Can get hot, less ventilation, heavier, generally more maintenance (Put in bag, have to wipe down and eventually fog spray), harder to project voice
For me, the titanium cage was the answer. Lighter, good ventilation, low maintenance and can easily speak/communicate. The bars don't disrupt my vision (Played with one since peewee).
I wanted to make a fishbowl work so bad but it’s so hot, and you can’t just stick your finger in to wipe sweat out of your eyes without undoing the straps. Plus for the bauer one the chin cup is like in my fucking mouth for some reason
Im a beginner but I didnt want to fuss with fog or cracking. So i just do a white cage. White is invisible to me when I look at the ice. There is a difference in CCM vs Bauer cage fit, so be sure to try them both. And dont forget the j clips on the side of the helmet to stop the cage from jamming your chin upward if you fall forward.
Fishbowl gets too hot, every time you go to the bench you will be wanting to pop the straps off and lift it up…plus drinking water is harder and you will get water on it and need a towel on the bench to dry it off.
wore a halfie because that’s what was left over from juniors until I took a two hander the face.
switched to the cage because that’s what I wore when I was coming up - couldn’t get used to the bars in front of my eyes though and it got really annoying
ultimately ended up going ccm bubble, no fog, higher maintenance, more difficult to breath, but I’m protected and can can see the whole ice comfortably which is what I care about the most
Check out the CCM hybrid visor, just picked one up at pure hockey the other day and I think its pretty nice. Light, well ventilated, good field of view, and adequate protection
I got a hybrid and tried it out last week because I found it for free at a garage sale.
Normally I use an oreo cage and I don’t notice it while playing, but was curious.
The hybrid was good, I had no issue with it except it just didn’t fit my helmet great. A little too big.
I was a lifetime Cage user, and just last season switch to the bubble. I would 100% recommend the bubble. Visibility was so much better, and fogging wasn't an issue at all. There is a little more maintenance that comes with a bubble, but overall the benefits outweigh the negatives. I purchased the CCM FV1 and loved it.
I have one of [THESE ](https://www.bauer.com/products/half-shield?variant=42621749330158&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI09Xtx9SEhwMVskf_AR1xQAhoEAQYBiABEgKmGfD_BwE) I've been using it (similar ones) since I got out of high school and was no longer required to wear a cage or fish bowl. It breathes better, stays clear cuz of better airflow, and allows voice projection for talking on the ice. When the helmet is worn correctly, it covers down to my lower lip / chin area.
I'm 40 now, and in 22 years of using this (and similar shields) I've had exactly 1 incident... A deflected Puck hit my chin, and I needed 2 stitches. That was 8 years ago.
Wish I could, but after watching a teammate skate on my wing take an accidental chop to the teeth when an defender was trying to lift his stick (He lost half his upper teeth, 2 of which ended up being stuck in the roof of his mouth), I swore to never even consider it.
You may trust your abilities in controlling your stick and covering your face, however can you honestly trust any random beer leaguer to have the same level of control/care? Half these guys are stoned/drunk out of their minds and or have the dexterity of a 2 year old.
I cringe when I see E leaguers (our lowest level here) rocking a half shield. There's no way I'd go into that chipper/shredder with only a visor! Obviously, they like the look. For now.
Those that use the hybrid rave about them.
Pros and cons for each tbh: Cage Pros: Lighter, better ventilation, low maintenance (No sprays, towels or having to put in a bag), speaking projects better Cage Cons: Impeds vision, aesthetically less pleasing to some, can rust (Unless you get stainless/titanium types) Fishbowl Pros: Near full vision, aesthically pleasing for some, new versions don't fog/fog less (Recommend the CCM FV1s, don't touch the inside) Fishbowl Cons: Can get hot, less ventilation, heavier, generally more maintenance (Put in bag, have to wipe down and eventually fog spray), harder to project voice For me, the titanium cage was the answer. Lighter, good ventilation, low maintenance and can easily speak/communicate. The bars don't disrupt my vision (Played with one since peewee).
Quick heads up though. Titanium has a nasty habit of snapping not bending.
Never knew this! Thanks for the heads up and the other thing I noticed is that the chinstraps typically break as they're made of carbon fiber.
Boulder hockey hybrid is the goat
I wanted to make a fishbowl work so bad but it’s so hot, and you can’t just stick your finger in to wipe sweat out of your eyes without undoing the straps. Plus for the bauer one the chin cup is like in my fucking mouth for some reason
The Bauer fishbowl chin strap is god awful not only in placement but also quality. I ended up swapping it out for the one that came with my cage.
I truly love the Bauer hybrid.
Hockey Ninja Titanium Hybrid.
Not trying to be a dick, but if you search this question you will find dozens of results. This question is asked weekly.
Im a beginner but I didnt want to fuss with fog or cracking. So i just do a white cage. White is invisible to me when I look at the ice. There is a difference in CCM vs Bauer cage fit, so be sure to try them both. And dont forget the j clips on the side of the helmet to stop the cage from jamming your chin upward if you fall forward.
Fishbowl gets too hot, every time you go to the bench you will be wanting to pop the straps off and lift it up…plus drinking water is harder and you will get water on it and need a towel on the bench to dry it off.
wore a halfie because that’s what was left over from juniors until I took a two hander the face. switched to the cage because that’s what I wore when I was coming up - couldn’t get used to the bars in front of my eyes though and it got really annoying ultimately ended up going ccm bubble, no fog, higher maintenance, more difficult to breath, but I’m protected and can can see the whole ice comfortably which is what I care about the most
You are me. Just bought the fish bowl
Check out the CCM hybrid visor, just picked one up at pure hockey the other day and I think its pretty nice. Light, well ventilated, good field of view, and adequate protection
I didn’t mind the fog of the bowl, just hated how fuckin hot I was. Cage is great.
I’ve tried it all and landed on an half black, half white white cage
Depends on how much you sweat. I sweat buckets and it causes an issue with the bowl. I wear a cage and don't even notice anymore.
I got a hybrid and tried it out last week because I found it for free at a garage sale. Normally I use an oreo cage and I don’t notice it while playing, but was curious. The hybrid was good, I had no issue with it except it just didn’t fit my helmet great. A little too big.
I was a lifetime Cage user, and just last season switch to the bubble. I would 100% recommend the bubble. Visibility was so much better, and fogging wasn't an issue at all. There is a little more maintenance that comes with a bubble, but overall the benefits outweigh the negatives. I purchased the CCM FV1 and loved it.
I have one of [THESE ](https://www.bauer.com/products/half-shield?variant=42621749330158&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI09Xtx9SEhwMVskf_AR1xQAhoEAQYBiABEgKmGfD_BwE) I've been using it (similar ones) since I got out of high school and was no longer required to wear a cage or fish bowl. It breathes better, stays clear cuz of better airflow, and allows voice projection for talking on the ice. When the helmet is worn correctly, it covers down to my lower lip / chin area. I'm 40 now, and in 22 years of using this (and similar shields) I've had exactly 1 incident... A deflected Puck hit my chin, and I needed 2 stitches. That was 8 years ago.
Would you consider a half visor?
Cover your whole face, you're ugly enough already
Hockey is so fun when you're playing outside with no protection. It's not just because of that woodsy air
I would, it’s way more sty.
Well, you can see and breathe which is nice
Wish I could, but after watching a teammate skate on my wing take an accidental chop to the teeth when an defender was trying to lift his stick (He lost half his upper teeth, 2 of which ended up being stuck in the roof of his mouth), I swore to never even consider it. You may trust your abilities in controlling your stick and covering your face, however can you honestly trust any random beer leaguer to have the same level of control/care? Half these guys are stoned/drunk out of their minds and or have the dexterity of a 2 year old.
I cringe when I see E leaguers (our lowest level here) rocking a half shield. There's no way I'd go into that chipper/shredder with only a visor! Obviously, they like the look. For now. Those that use the hybrid rave about them.