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Equipment => Wicket Keeping => Topic started by: Nato on August 05, 2013, 12:42:23 PM

Title: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: Nato on August 05, 2013, 12:42:23 PM
Hi all,

I am approaching the end of my first season with my local club, and have spent the majority of it finding out what works for me (stance, technique, kit etc), and after keeping in my batting helmet for most of the season I am now looking at the possibility of investing in either a keeping helmet or a face mask. I am, however, finding it difficult to find any definitive reviews or 'living with' testimonials for either. Is there anyone who uses a) a keeping helmet, b) a face mask, or c) stuck with a batting helmet to keep wicket in? I will more than likely leave it until the end of the season to make a decision, but want to get as many opinions as possible.
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: Simmy on August 05, 2013, 02:03:25 PM
dont use anything but a cap
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: BigBlueMachine on August 05, 2013, 02:10:42 PM
If getting a mask have a look at the range used in hockey.
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on August 05, 2013, 02:25:38 PM
dont use anything but a cap

If I am brave/stupid enough to keep without a lid the sunglasses and a gum shield look is a good one  :D
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: MD2812 on August 05, 2013, 03:25:08 PM
I've used one.

Vision is good in them, they are lighter and less cumbersome than a helmet. Much more preferable on hot days!

Ball doesn't hurt if it hits the face mask at level I play.

The padding on them is quite hard though and presses against your face.
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: coady123 on August 05, 2013, 03:26:29 PM
what helmet do you use nato ?
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: thecord on August 05, 2013, 03:27:50 PM
Here are my experiences which may or may not help:

1. Albion Club Mark II - Kept in one for just over a season. Found it did the job but struggled to get the fit quite right and was never entirely comfortable with it.
2. Aero P2 face mask - Received as a gift but could never get used to it. Found it very uncomfortable and couldn't see how it would be possible to wear in a match. Ditched it without ever wearing in a game.
3. Ayrtek Premier Ti - Bought after seeing good reviews and liked the fact it was a local company to me and a bit different to the norm. Have kept in it for about a season now. Find the field of vision is better than the Albion and because of the pump the fit is much better too. Very comfortable and extremely pleased with it so far. Can be quite sweaty if your up to the stumps for most of an innings but I guess that is pretty standard.
4. Cap - Did it for well over 10 years and never got hit in the face/head but didn't want to push my luck with a mortgage to pay these days!
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: Nato on August 05, 2013, 03:31:14 PM
I'm just using my GM Purist batting helmet at present, as I was not sure whether I would need separate gear for keeping. It became apparent after the first game that I was far 'braver' in a helmet stood up! @ thecord, can you point me in the direction of a stockist for any of the options you mentioned, as my (admittedly brief) search so far has proved fruitless.
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: coady123 on August 05, 2013, 03:32:09 PM
I'm just using my GM Purist batting helmet at present, as I was not sure whether I would need separate gear for keeping. It became apparent after the first game that I was far 'braver' in a helmet stood up! @ thecord, can you point me in the direction of a stockist for any of the options you mentioned, as my (admittedly brief) search so far has proved fruitless.

if using a helmet id go for using a masuri very good protection , light and visibility is amazing
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: thecord on August 05, 2013, 03:36:55 PM
I'm just using my GM Purist batting helmet at present, as I was not sure whether I would need separate gear for keeping. It became apparent after the first game that I was far 'braver' in a helmet stood up! @ thecord, can you point me in the direction of a stockist for any of the options you mentioned, as my (admittedly brief) search so far has proved fruitless.

For Ayrtek your best bet is Tom @ Ayrtek (username Ayrtek!) on here who will point you in the right direction I am sure  ;)
I believe the Aero face masks are pretty much impossible to find new these days, your best bet is probably second hand.
The other options from most cricket retailers  :)
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on August 05, 2013, 03:37:29 PM
Quote
if using a helmet id go for using a masuri an Ayrtek very good protection , light and visibility is amazing
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: thecord on August 05, 2013, 03:39:35 PM
if using a helmet id go for using a masuri very good protection , light and visibility is amazing

Whatever option you are leaning towards I highly recommend trying on all the brands before you commit. I was all set on a Masuri first time but found them very uncomfortable when I tried one on which is why I went elsewhere.
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: Nato on August 05, 2013, 03:52:17 PM
Whatever option you are leaning towards I highly recommend trying on all the brands before you commit. I was all set on a Masuri first time but found them very uncomfortable when I tried one on which is why I went elsewhere.

That's certainly sound advice, which I will bear in mind. I'm wondering if perhaps the issue is that the GM helmet is a little ungainly, and as a result I should perhaps be looking at another helmet that will do the job for both batting and keeping, and moving the GM on...
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: thecord on August 05, 2013, 03:53:51 PM
That's certainly sound advice, which I will bear in mind. I'm wondering if perhaps the issue is that the GM helmet is a little ungainly, and as a result I should perhaps be looking at another helmet that will do the job for both batting and keeping, and moving the GM on...

Get to your nearest retailer that stocks all the top brands and try them all on
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: coady123 on August 05, 2013, 03:54:11 PM
That's certainly sound advice, which I will bear in mind. I'm wondering if perhaps the issue is that the GM helmet is a little ungainly, and as a result I should perhaps be looking at another helmet that will do the job for both batting and keeping, and moving the GM on...

you can buy masuri helmets designed for keeping on cricket direct if I remember
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on August 05, 2013, 05:33:57 PM
you can buy masuri helmets designed for keeping on cricket direct if I remember

They have a shorter peak and a cut out at the back so it's easier to move your head while crouched
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on August 05, 2013, 07:34:06 PM
are you keeping for your 2nd team ? (think that's the team your in)

I'm far from a league standard keeper mate!
And I was in the 2nd XI, in the 3rds this week (you'd do well to keep up with me moving round teams haha)
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on August 05, 2013, 07:41:40 PM
what number bat in the 3rds ? single figures surley ?

Not sure what the balance of the side is, but have a feeling it will be low still as they've had a very strong batting line up until now
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: coady123 on August 05, 2013, 07:49:12 PM
Not sure what the balance of the side is, but have a feeling it will be low still as they've had a very strong batting line up until now

best of luck , go and show them you should be batting in top order
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on August 05, 2013, 07:52:28 PM
best of luck , go and show them you should be batting in top order

Having only been dismissed once this year I was hoping I'd have been promoted into single figures but it doesn't look as if it's meant to be this season
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on August 05, 2013, 07:56:09 PM
how old are you ? surely they should be pushing you up the order to get you better for the 2nds and push for a 1st team place ?

I'm 19 mate, and my fielding is going to hinder any 1st XI ambitions I may have
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: coady123 on August 05, 2013, 08:00:04 PM
I'm 19 mate, and my fielding is going to hinder any 1st XI ambitions I may have

how bad are you at fielding ?
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on August 05, 2013, 08:04:42 PM
how bad are you at fielding ?

I can stop the ball but I'm no Paul Collingwood in the field, and far from Usain Bolt across the park
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on August 05, 2013, 08:06:55 PM
so you got to be a good fielder for the 1st team ?

Think that goes without saying lol
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on August 05, 2013, 08:10:58 PM
wheres your 1st team in the league ?

Currently top I think mate
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: Nato on September 02, 2013, 03:59:00 PM
They're in the sale on Sports Direct at the moment: http://www.sportsdirect.com/masuri-elite-wicket-keeping-helmet-855040 (http://www.sportsdirect.com/masuri-elite-wicket-keeping-helmet-855040)

There's a store not too far from me. May be worth a visit I think...
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: SelectCricket on September 02, 2013, 05:14:57 PM
I've used one.

Vision is good in them, they are lighter and less cumbersome than a helmet. Much more preferable on hot days!

Ball doesn't hurt if it hits the face mask at level I play.

The padding on them is quite hard though and presses against your face.

Totally agree with this.
I've used one for the past 3 years for at least 2/3 games a week.

I think they're awesome but as mentioned, they do press against your face.
They do soften after a bit of use but I still seriously rate them.

I have the titanium P1 mask and it is so so light, much better than a helmet on a sunny day
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: mally777 on September 02, 2013, 11:41:16 PM
Get a Masuri WK Helmet.
Perfect for both batting and keeping.
Comfortable. Shorter peak and scooped back help when keeping.
Best purchase that I made this summer.
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: Nato on September 03, 2013, 11:49:15 AM
Get a Masuri WK Helmet.
Perfect for both batting and keeping.
Comfortable. Shorter peak and scooped back help when keeping.
Best purchase that I made this summer.

Do you feel comfortable with the level of protection that the Masuri offers when batting ie in terms of peak length and head coverage? I know you shouldn't really be turning your back on the bouncing ball anyway, but just in case. Does the helmet fit you snugly, so there's no rocking from it moving your head keeping? I'll more than likely be off for a nose either this evening or tomorrow anyway, but some feedback from a current user is always welcome.
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: MD2812 on September 03, 2013, 12:18:26 PM
They're in the sale on Sports Direct at the moment: [url]http://www.sportsdirect.com/masuri-elite-wicket-keeping-helmet-855040[/url] ([url]http://www.sportsdirect.com/masuri-elite-wicket-keeping-helmet-855040[/url])

There's a store not too far from me. May be worth a visit I think...


I'm gonan have to poke my nose in and around a few London stores now see if they've got one in stock and size I can try on.
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: Nato on September 03, 2013, 02:42:35 PM
Cheapest online as well. Next closest is Barrington's at £56. Considering other options appear to be a) more expensive, and b) like rocking horse doo-doo, this could be a winner.
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: mally777 on September 03, 2013, 10:26:01 PM
£40 is a really good price.
I find it a superb helmet, good protection, comfy, no real faults.
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: MD2812 on September 04, 2013, 12:30:23 PM
really want to buy one of these but can find no size guides anywhere! :(
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: Nato on September 09, 2013, 12:48:40 PM
If you go to the Masuri website there are sizing guides.
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: Kieron_BT on September 09, 2013, 12:54:44 PM
My Aero mask will be going on Ebay within the next couple of days i think (hope this doesn't count as advertising your own product as not putting up a link!)
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: Nato on September 09, 2013, 01:09:56 PM
What's your ebay username bud?
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: richthekeeper on September 11, 2013, 10:34:58 AM
Nato - you're not far from me! I play for Panteg.

I have a mask that I never wear because it's just not comfortable enough. I use my batting helmet and it doesn't cause me any problems at all.

If Aero re-designed the mask to improve the comfort then I might be tempted to give it another go.
Title: Re: First post - keeper looking into a face mask
Post by: Nato on September 12, 2013, 12:09:04 AM
Not far at all! What batting helmet do you use if you don't mind me asking?