CCM 1052 Helmet: What you only have them in Red!?!
Written: Jul 14 '04 (Updated Jul 14 '04)
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Pros: Good hardware, EPP foam, removable earflaps
Cons: Still a tad goofy looking, more expensive than Itech's HC 100
The Bottom Line: If the 1052 is a good fit, you won't be disappointed. It is a top quality helmet.
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| puckmugger's Full Review: CCM 1052 Tacks Helmet and Face Mask Combo HT1052 |
The CCM 1052 was on the short list of new helmets that I was considering. In fact it was the one that I first purchased as the overall winner in that race. Unfortunately, somewhere between trying them on and leaving the store I accidentally ended up with a size medium helmet for my size large head. Yes, it’s true - I have a big head. When I returned a few days later to exchange the 1052, they had sold out of all the manly colors (black, navy and white), leaving me with the choice of red. I passed and purchased an Itech instead, thanks.
▪ Why I liked the 1052
The shell shape of the 1052 was a little more appropriate for my head. Like skates, helmets come in various widths and shapes. For me Bauer was too narrow. Itech seemed to be a good fit, but a tad tight in the front - it made me feel like my head was too square in front for the helmet (My hair isn't receding up there, the corners of my head are poking out). The Nike Quest 1 was just too dorky looking and overpriced.
▪ Protection
Like all major helmet brands, the 1052 utilizes an ABS plastic shell for the main structure. This shell is adjustable in length accommodating a range of hat sizes.
The 1052 is lined with EPP foam and a nice gel lining. EPP, which looks like Styrofoam, is currently the best protective foam used in hockey helmets. It offers the highest level of protection from concussions despite the fact that it looks like a cheap way to pad a helmet. The gel lining of the 1052 was among the most comfortable of any helmet I tried on.
▪ Design Features
The 1052 featured tabs to adjust the helmet size without tools in 2002 models. This made the helmet wider and CCM phased this design out after only one year. Hockey players won’t admit it but they are vain. About 70% of them looked in the mirror at our shop before making a final decision on which helmet to buy. CCM decided that not only did the wider helmet border on goofy looking, but why make a feature that gets used rarely tool-free? My head doesn’t change size weekly . . . it takes months for it to swell noticeably.
The CCM 1052 features removable earflaps. These are also a fashion feature. Guys take the earflaps out because it is the “cool-looking” thing to do. Frankly I like the flaps in. I’ve seen a few guys with their ear nearly sliced in two after a freak accident.
The strap system on the 1052 combo includes a chin cup that once adjusted is sufficient to keep the helmet in place by itself. The chin cup is typical soft, rubberized foam. There is also a traditional ear loop, “sling-style” chinstrap. This is required in many leagues even though the chin cup keeps the helmet in place.
▪ Vision
The vision through the cage on the 1052 combo (strangely the helmet pictured isn’t a combo) is average. The only cage that I found to be superior to the 1052 is the new Bauer 5000 cage. The Bauer comes with a muted, gunmetal silver finish and a slightly more open feel to the grid. The 1052 in comparison is a slightly distracting, bright chrome. The closer to the face wire mesh is somewhat more difficult.
Still, this is as good as all the competition with the exception of the Bauer. I prefer chrome to black or white as it is less distracting. Black is the worst color for a cage, I’ve found. When using a black cage, I find that I lose the puck much more easily.
▪ Final Thoughts
The 1052 is a very good helmet. If they had my size when I returned to the local shop, I would have certainly been using one now. Don’t get me wrong the Itech is an excellent helmet at a slightly lower price. I would actually rate the Itech just a little higher for that fact. The only difference was the way that the 1052 fit MY head.
The screws are sometimes a problem in helmets so I should make a quick mention here that CCM uses a square backing rather than the annoying round type in many other helmets. This makes putting in and removing screws a much easier task. Even the rusted ones can still be unscrewed most times in the CCM helmets.
The bottom line on a helmet is comfort. If the CCM isn’t a good fit for you, another brand might be a better choice. However, the 1052 is a pro level helmet and if it fits, you won’t do better for quality or durability.
A few of my other reviews that you might find helpful:
Fitting and Selecting Hockey Protective Gear
Itech HC100 Helmet
Bauer 5000 Helmet
Itech FX 50 Facial Protection
Recommended:
Yes
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puckmugger
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