Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Equipment => Helmets => Topic started by: Buzz on July 12, 2015, 08:26:02 PM

Title: Which lid?
Post by: Buzz on July 12, 2015, 08:26:02 PM
I am interested in members views on which of the cheaper range of the new standard lids people have got on with and like.

I top edged one off a genuine quick on Sat and while the lid did its job, I.e. the ball didn't penetrate the gap between visor and grille, I am  concerned I may not be so lucky next time.

Am interested in the Albion, GM, GN models especially. I want the lid to be really light.

Please don't bother harping on about lids more than £60 or that I won't notice the weight after a few nets...!

Thanks!

Finally, this isn't an items wanted thread, I am interested to know what is out there.
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: Alvaro on July 12, 2015, 08:30:34 PM
Lots of GN lids about, if that's any insight?

The Opener?
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on July 12, 2015, 08:36:55 PM
I don't know if it has passed the new test, but the Albion Club is incredibly light, has a grille that can only be adjusted forwards and backwards (theoretically keeping the ball out as the gap is much smaller) and they can be picked up brand new on eBay for less than £30.
I have one but it still hasn't been used as I prefer my heavier Ultimate Classic, because it covers further down the back of my head and has a cloth finish.

I did a thread comparing these and an old "modified masuri" a few months back (in fact I know you've seen it as you liked the post!)
They do have older style titanium grilles fitted so the weight of a standard one straight off the shelf will be a bit higher.
http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=33980.0 (http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=33980.0)
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: Bruce on July 12, 2015, 08:38:35 PM
I'd say the Albion lid is the most comfortable I've worn.
I use an Ayrtek now though
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: smilley792 on July 12, 2015, 08:51:41 PM
My Ayrtek cost me less than £55 via Tom on here. Is light.
Not sure if they have passed "the new standard". so my post is probably mute.




I decided not to wear a lid sat and the pitch turned out to be a minefield.
Edge to keeper and was back in the pavilion. New bats first ball jumped of a length and hit him clean in the grill.
Lucky escape it may have been. Lid back on next week.
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: jwebber86 on July 12, 2015, 09:08:42 PM
i have 2 ayrteks which i love decent weight good visibility never had an issue plus one is in bright orange. im tempted to try one of the gray nics helmets though not entirely sure why though
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: felix on July 12, 2015, 09:18:38 PM
You could do much worse than the Albion Ultimate Classic. Picked one up for under £40 over the winter, there are still a few around however guess not widely stocked because I dont think its certified against the latest BSI standard.  However offers good protection and I'd say there's no way a ball could squeeze between grille and peak. Very comfortable, though a bit heavier than my old Masuri.
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: Buzz on July 12, 2015, 09:57:21 PM
Thanks for the thoughts so far.

So has anyone used one of the new Gm's or gn's?
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: suraj1108 on July 13, 2015, 02:27:11 AM
never looked pass albion ever..i currently wear an albion club elite w/ steel grill. its light, very comfy & it does the job..
the grill i prefer the steel over titanium, though titanium is lighter than steel. steel is harder than titanium & cheaper of course.

 
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: amritpremi on July 13, 2015, 08:25:37 AM
I have a Forma Titanium grille (60 GBP) which is sturdy & looks safe. The design wise it is slightly big in size (Mens size is M-XL range) and since I prefer snug fit I think I would like Shrey/Masuri than to Forma one (I normally use helmet only in Nets)
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: TangoWhiskey on July 13, 2015, 09:21:33 AM
I like the look of the GN lids.
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: liscon12 on July 13, 2015, 09:44:58 AM
I'm surprised S.Watson is wearing the GM Icon helmet, its only 39.99 and hasn't got a titanium grill. Maybe worth a look?
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: Phoenix on July 13, 2015, 10:09:47 AM
I'm surprised S.Watson is wearing the GM Icon helmet, its only 39.99 and hasn't got a titanium grill. Maybe worth a look?
I'm not surprised that Watson only wears a cheap helmet. Everybody aims at his front pad  :D
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: Toby on July 13, 2015, 10:43:13 AM
I have used the GN Test Opener Helmet all season after switching from a Puma Lid . I'd say it's great value for money and that I've haven't noticed a great deal of difference than my previous lid but it is lighter than my teammate's new Masuri Elite
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: felix on July 13, 2015, 11:42:33 AM
I have used the GN Test Opener Helmet all season after switching from a Puma Lid . I'd say it's great value for money and that I've haven't noticed a great deal of difference than my previous lid but it is lighter than my teammate's new Masuri Elite

I tried one on before I bought my Albion.  Thought it was comfortable (more so than the new Masuri) however the grille seemed very bulky to me and was worried it would interfere with me tucking in my chin in my normal stance and would rub on my shoulder.  Guess it depends on your stance but I try to look down a bit so that I focus more on the ball and my vision isn't disturbed by the top bar of the grille.  The Albion grille is a bit slimmer, though on the other hand maybe doesn't offer quite as much protection.  But something to bear in mind.
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: Nmcgee on July 13, 2015, 11:58:39 AM
Albion elite with a titanium grille Buzz. They retail for $100 Aussie over here. Super light and they breathe well.
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: Aussie on July 13, 2015, 12:20:04 PM
Can't go wrong with any current albion. I've always worn one, either plastic or cloth.
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: edge on July 14, 2015, 04:12:49 AM
Tried on a teammate's Gray Nics lid, seemed ok but bloody heavy, grill felt very unbalanced although I expect this might not be so bad when you've got the helmet fitted properly.

The GM I've tried on once in a shop, seemed pretty good to me. Weight wasn't super light but wasn't bad either, only thing I didn't like was the field of view compared to the old standard lids. Definitely better than the GN, for me anyway.

Shrey Armour? Haven't tried one properly as the shop only had kids size, but crammed my head half in to get an idea of the view and it seemed alright. Not too bad on weight either.
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: Buzz on July 14, 2015, 05:56:57 AM
I have ordered a GM one. Hoping one of the ti grilles I have will fit it, whilst not losing the safety aspects.

I am really surprised so few people on here have experience of the new lids.

Also worth noting that Cook went back to his old lid and ditched the new style!
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: TheBiologist on July 14, 2015, 09:36:31 PM
I got an a youth size Ayrtek PremierTek (titanium grille). The lid is quite comfortable and is quite snug on my head. The visibility with titanium grill was horrible. So I had to change it with the cheap grill from my old BDM helmet. So my opinion is anything but AyrTek, unless there is a better grill to go with it out there.
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: Bruce on July 14, 2015, 10:27:40 PM

I am really surprised so few people on here have experience of the new lids.
The majority stil love Masuri
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: edge on July 14, 2015, 10:54:25 PM
The majority stil love Masuri
Exactly this, spent a while looking at new lids and decided to try and track down an old masuri instead, fortunately Uzi still had one in my size! Choice on new lids would have been the GM or an expensive titanium Shrey for me though. Be interested to know if the GM can take old Masuri grilles.
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: Buzz on July 15, 2015, 05:45:34 AM
Will find out today what grilles the gm can take.

I still prefer the look of the masuri, but I have a sore head which says I need a safer one...

I am very glad I reduced the gap on my peak/grille this season or I could be looking like kieswetter.
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: tim2000s on July 15, 2015, 06:41:31 AM
The majority stil love Masuri
Or Ayrtek!
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on July 15, 2015, 08:39:17 AM
Or Ayrtek!

Really? I'd say, having spoken to a few people both while wearing and since getting rid of mine, that the majority still say "they look stupid" and since the Broad incident have lost faith in them.
That might just be the club I play for though, I can't speak for opinions nationwide.
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: thecord on July 15, 2015, 09:13:53 AM
Really? I'd say, having spoken to a few people both while wearing and since getting rid of mine, that the majority still say "they look stupid" and since the Broad incident have lost faith in them.
That might just be the club I play for though, I can't speak for opinions nationwide.

Still loving mine and never received a single comment on the field about the look
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on July 15, 2015, 09:30:40 AM
Still loving mine and never received a single comment on the field about the look

I clearly play with/against a bunch of knobs!  :-[

I regret selling my Ayrtek Premier, as great a product as my AdiRaw I replaced it with was quality wise, it just never felt as comfortable  :(
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: jwebber86 on July 15, 2015, 06:12:59 PM
there is a few of us at my club that wear ayrtek helmets never heard any comments and we all love them.

@WalkingWicket37 your ayrtek premier is still being lovingly used by my dad although he hasnt played for a few weeks due to having hand surgery
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: Buzz on July 15, 2015, 09:02:57 PM
So this is what I have ended up with.
GM Icon geo (not the cheaper sports direct model) with the ti grille from my old lid.

I can't force a ball through the gap which is good.
Weight wise, the gm lid is heavier and I haven't got it as comfortable on my head yet, but visibility is really good.
With the gm grille it is really pretty heavy.
(http://i895.photobucket.com/albums/ac151/buzzrockport/Mobile%20Uploads/utf-8BSU1BRzAwMjguanBn_zpsbe9831ed.jpg) (http://s895.photobucket.com/user/buzzrockport/media/Mobile%20Uploads/utf-8BSU1BRzAwMjguanBn_zpsbe9831ed.jpg.html)
(http://i895.photobucket.com/albums/ac151/buzzrockport/Mobile%20Uploads/utf-8BSU1BRzAwMjkuanBn_zpsbd13f750.jpg) (http://s895.photobucket.com/user/buzzrockport/media/Mobile%20Uploads/utf-8BSU1BRzAwMjkuanBn_zpsbd13f750.jpg.html)

(http://i895.photobucket.com/albums/ac151/buzzrockport/Mobile%20Uploads/utf-8BSU1BRzAwMzAuanBn_zpsbdf74075.jpg) (http://s895.photobucket.com/user/buzzrockport/media/Mobile%20Uploads/utf-8BSU1BRzAwMzAuanBn_zpsbdf74075.jpg.html)

I went with this due to price and the ability to change the grille. Plus it is apparently good enough for international cricket. Although no one would bowl a bouncer at Shane Watson so it would be difficult to know for sure!
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: 19reading87 on July 16, 2015, 08:08:33 AM
Graeme Swann esc...
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: Buzz on July 16, 2015, 08:49:04 AM
Not sure I want to bat like Swann either!!

Going to need to sort the padding out inside it to make it more comfortable... still it could be worse.
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: Buzz on July 17, 2015, 07:48:18 PM
Further to this I wanted to mention that with the masuri grille it only weighs 100gramms more than the masuri shell with the same grille, which is pretty good.
Worth thinking about.

The ayrtek grille also fits, so with the adidas sale you can get a really good, bs compliant lid for around £60. Which I think is good value.
Title: Re: Which lid?
Post by: Buzz on August 06, 2015, 03:16:15 PM
Been having a conversation with GM about the lids and the possibility of a Titanium grille - they said that the new range will be out in September so it might be worth keeping an eye out then - also to remember

The Geo grille has been designed and positioned specifically for this helmet in the following ways:

- Possible impact points
- The gap between the peak and top wire of the grille is within a precise tolerance
- The position of the grille horizontally in relation to the front of the peak is within a specific tolerance
- The bottom bar of the grille is aligned accurately with chin clearance in mind

so if you have changed the grille - you have done it at your own risk and it is absolutely not recommended in any way by the manufacturer.