If you're shopping for a new goalie mask, you'll quickly realize there are a lot of options in brand, model and pricepoints. You can get masks for as low as $100, or spend upwards of $2,000, so what's the difference?

Generally speaking, the more you spend, the more the protection - as long as it fits correctly. The most protective mask is always the one that fits you best, so if possible come in and we'll go through a fitting process to find what mask fits you best.

All mask models will have a different fit and work for different head sizes & shapes. Trying on masks is essential making sure a mask will work for you.

What mask size do I need?

Every manufacturer will have a variety of sizes available for their masks, as well as potentially different Fits or adjustment.

In general, each manufacturer will have a Youth mask, a Junior mask, and a few different Senior sizes available.

Does my mask fit? How to fit a goalie mask

There's a few important factors when considering how a mask fits, which we've layed out below.

1. With the mask on and strapped up, it should sit about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch above your eyebrows
2. To check the width, you want it snug along the cheek and the temple area, but you don't want it to be painful or have any pressure points. If you can see space between the helmet liner / foam and your head / cheek, it probably doesn't fit you very well
3. To check the length, check that the backplate doesn't extend past the end of the mask shell at the ears. If it extends past the end of the shell, tighten all 5 straps around the mask
4. Tighten the chincup is snug to the chin and to ensure the mask can't be pushed towards the face

Why are some goalie masks more expensive than others?

Masks come in a variety of material types, common ones are polycarbonate, fibreglass and carbon fibre. The leading factor in mask price is it's construction.

Budget friendly masks will typically be polycarbonate, a type of plastic, that's suitable for beginner, low level hockey, or for younger goalies. If you're playing rep or travel hockey, pucks are flying fast and you will want to step up to a more protective mask such as one that's made from fibreglass or carbon fibre.

A fibreglass mask shell will be much more rigid than a polycarbonate mask which helps disperse the impact forces of a puck around the mask rather than towards the head. As you get to the higher tier masks, each mask will bring different features and technologies to help disperse impacts and protect your head.

For example, the Warrior Ritual R/F1 Senior+ Mask brings the OMNIshock+ and their IMPAX foam systems to help reduce ear ringing and increase protection, as well as a Minimus Carbon G1000 carbon fibre shell. Stiff, protective and lightweight.

In comparision, for a similar pricepoint out of Bauer, the Bauer Profile 960 brings a Power Core shell, multi density liner and stretch spendex chincup.

What goalie mask should I buy?

The best mask is the one that fits you best, so it's essential to go through the proper fitting procedure for optimal protection. 

While it's undeniable that more expensive masks bring more protection and technologies to help protect your head, an improperly fitting mask won't serve any good. Fit comes first, then look at what level of protection you need and go from there.

Generally, there's 3 tiers of mask:

1. Pro - Typically carbon fibre, kevlar, or composite shells - suitable for any level of hockey, geared towards your high level travel & rep hockey, junior or pro hockey
   Often $750+
   
   
2. Performance - Typically fibreglass, some kevlar, some carbon shells - suitable for high level hockey at younger ages or low-medium level hockey at any age. If you're playing AA, AAA or junior hockey, this is the lowest level mask we'd recommend. 
   Often $400 - $750 
   
   
3. Recreation - Polycarbonte plastic shells - suitable for beginner hockey or for younger ages. 
   Often $100 - $400

If you're shopping for a mask, we have all your needs covered at Crow's Sports. You can shop all of our masks online with free shipping over $200, or in store and have our expert staff go through our fitting procedure to ensure you're getting exactly the mask you need.