The main reason for the certified cat eye mask is better vision. This is apparently achieved by a wider forward opening in the wires. That means that there are no bars in your direct forward line of sight. But is that cage actually making a difference?
Due to specific safety laws in Canada, we in the north aren't allowed to purchase or use a real cat eye cage. According to the CSA (Canadian Standards Association) it's too dangerous for goalies not in professional leagues to wear these masks. Ends of sticks and pucks can partially enter the mask, which has the potential for serious injury according to the CSA.
So we up here are forced to use the CSA approved cat eye mask, if we don't want to use a regular stock grid cage, or a profile cage, made exclusively by Bauer. The CSA insists that these cages offer the same visual ability as a regular cat eye. Through Experience, I'm able to completely disagree with that statement.
All in Bauer masks, I've used the grid, profile and the certified cat eye cages over the last two seasons. After getting caught up in hype of a certified cat eye, I purchased one on a NME 10 model. After using it for about three months I quickly learned the truth about the certified cat eye cage. It does have slightly better visibility looking straight ahead, but that's it! The cage completely takes away your peripheral vision due to the amount of bars on the sides of the cage. It doesn't matter what level you play, your ability to see out of the corner of you eye can make or break your game. Especially at the pace of high level hockey, there isn't always time to look over your shoulder. A goaltender needs to be able to trust his sight and with this cage, the corner of your eyes is completely taken away.
I found that the best cage to use is actually the profile cage. It offers the best visual ability and the best protection in my opinion. But this is of course my opinion, so please leave your thoughts about this topic in the comments!
If you would like to look at the CSA law visit: CSA law on hockey helmets
Due to specific safety laws in Canada, we in the north aren't allowed to purchase or use a real cat eye cage. According to the CSA (Canadian Standards Association) it's too dangerous for goalies not in professional leagues to wear these masks. Ends of sticks and pucks can partially enter the mask, which has the potential for serious injury according to the CSA.
So we up here are forced to use the CSA approved cat eye mask, if we don't want to use a regular stock grid cage, or a profile cage, made exclusively by Bauer. The CSA insists that these cages offer the same visual ability as a regular cat eye. Through Experience, I'm able to completely disagree with that statement.
All in Bauer masks, I've used the grid, profile and the certified cat eye cages over the last two seasons. After getting caught up in hype of a certified cat eye, I purchased one on a NME 10 model. After using it for about three months I quickly learned the truth about the certified cat eye cage. It does have slightly better visibility looking straight ahead, but that's it! The cage completely takes away your peripheral vision due to the amount of bars on the sides of the cage. It doesn't matter what level you play, your ability to see out of the corner of you eye can make or break your game. Especially at the pace of high level hockey, there isn't always time to look over your shoulder. A goaltender needs to be able to trust his sight and with this cage, the corner of your eyes is completely taken away.
I found that the best cage to use is actually the profile cage. It offers the best visual ability and the best protection in my opinion. But this is of course my opinion, so please leave your thoughts about this topic in the comments!
 |
| Bauer Certified Cat Eye |
 |
| Bauer Grid |
 |
| Bauer Profile |
If you would like to look at the CSA law visit: CSA law on hockey helmets
Comments
Post a Comment