Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Helmets => Topic started by: WalkingWicket37 on August 01, 2016, 08:24:38 AM
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Masuri - the go to name in cricket helmets, and the choice of many an international player for generations.
Shrey - the new kids on the block. What they lack in heritage they make up for with vision. An impressive list of players are already wearing Shrey and they seem to be here to stay.
What we now have is a showdown between the top end offerings from both manufacturers.
I will say now, this thread is my opinion, so while I will be as factual possible some people will almost certainly disagree with some of the views shared.
Weight
This has been a contentious issue with the new standard helmets, as they generally weigh more than their predecessors.
The Masuri weighs in at 923g, with the stem guard adding an additional 93g. This means the helmet comes in at a whopping 1,016 grams when I am wearing it. That is over a kilo of extra weight on my bonce when I go out to bat.
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb450/CPye061194/20160731_223545_zpsct4prjhr.jpg) (http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/CPye061194/media/20160731_223545_zpsct4prjhr.jpg.html)
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb450/CPye061194/20160731_223739_zpstngfpzky.jpg) (http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/CPye061194/media/20160731_223739_zpstngfpzky.jpg.html)
The Shrey weighs in at 779g, with the neck protector adding just 14g to the overall weight. This means that the Shrey will still be below 800g (793 grams) so it is the lighter of the two lids by a considerable amount.
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb450/CPye061194/20160731_223617_zpsjrkfcsgz.jpg) (http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/CPye061194/media/20160731_223617_zpsjrkfcsgz.jpg.html)
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb450/CPye061194/20160731_223633_zpsg6mgmzhk.jpg) (http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/CPye061194/media/20160731_223633_zpsg6mgmzhk.jpg.html)
These weights may vary from helmet too helmet due to natural variance during the manufactur process, and I have removed the chin cups which will save a few grams.
It is worth noting that the stem guard and neck protector will each fit onto both helmets.
Stem Guard/Neck Protector
To my mind there it's no real comparison here. The stem guard is a product that has been designed and produced using high end materials. It attaches using clips so it is easy to remove but feels like a part of the helmets design. The neck protector is a bit of foam. It attached with Velcro so will not pop off on impact, but it doesn't have the same high end feel to it.
Whilst wearing the helmets the masuri stem guard does not come into contact with the back of your neck. It does however clink when running between the wickets. The Shrey neck guard feels more intrusive as it is in curacy with the back of your neck whilst wearing it, but you'd probably get used to this quickly.
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb450/CPye061194/20160731_231912_zpskrb1gv9v.jpg) (http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/CPye061194/media/20160731_231912_zpskrb1gv9v.jpg.html)
Fit and feel
The Masuri helmet feels secure on your head and doesn't wobble when running. The fit is adjusted with a wheel at the back that tightens or loosens the strap at the back of your head, which is designed to move. You can also but thicker internal padding and swoopa bands to alter the fit if necessary. A big plus point is that all the internal padding is removable and can be washed or replaced if required.
The Shrey fits like an old masuri. You can adjust a Velcro strap at the back to loosen or tighten it, and the swoopa bands come in different thicknesses. The downside for me is that the padding on the roof of the helmet is actually sewn in. There is a lot of fabric inside the lid and it cannot be removed, so it may get a bit smelly!
Value for Money
The RRP of the Masuri is £230, but a quick Google brings them up for £150. For the price you get the helmet, and that's it basically.
The Shrey has a RRP of £180 but it can currently be had from Talent cricket for £100. In the box you get the helmet, a storage bag, the neck protector and a thinner swoopa band. You feel like you're getting not for your money from Shrey.
Build quality
Some have reported the buttons quality of Shrey helmets isn't quite up to scratch. While there is a lot of fabric covering most things, it seems fine to my untrained eye.
This may be my imagination, but because of the added weight and more being on show the masuri has a sturdier feel to it, but this may be totally psychological.
Final thoughts
Both are decent lids in their own right. They shrey offers a cheaper option for a top of the range offering, and you get more extras in the box. Masuri set the standard with their vision series lid, and their top offering is superb. Despite the additional cost I feel the masuri stem guard is a lot sturdier than the Shrey neck guard.
With all that said I'd happily wear either out to bat, and may use the Shrey due to its lightness. However if I had to face anyone bowling real gas I'd put on the masuri without thinking twice!
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb450/CPye061194/20160731_231632_zpsygzk1lm2.jpg) (http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/CPye061194/media/20160731_231632_zpsygzk1lm2.jpg.html)
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb450/CPye061194/20160731_231700_zpsyljbmquy.jpg) (http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/CPye061194/media/20160731_231700_zpsyljbmquy.jpg.html)
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb450/CPye061194/20160731_231728_zpsyvzl6j1r.jpg) (http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/CPye061194/media/20160731_231728_zpsyvzl6j1r.jpg.html)
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very informative review, thanks for posting.
I guess the biggest questions are:
1) is the weight difference really noticeable once you are wearing it?
2) Which offers a better view while wearing?
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very informative review, thanks for posting.
I guess the biggest questions are:
1) is the weight difference really noticeable once you are wearing it?
2) Which offers a better view while wearing?
Having been wearing the masuri is the nets since last November the Shrey feels lighter, but this may be in my head. I'll need to have a long bat in the Shrey to answer this properly.
Visibility wise they are much of a muchness, the Masuri may edge it due to the eye line grille but the difference it makes isn't a deal breaker either way.
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Additional weight is mostly because the Masuri is a twin shell helmet. Shrey (and the new Masuri Legacy for less than £50) offer less impact protection at lighter weights with a single shell system.
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The Masuri legacy seems A decent option for club players. (my guess is this is what I got in the Sports Direct sale.)
They are good lids in my view.
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Still prefer the old masuri
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Is not the older Masuri built by shrey???
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Where I play. You get strange looks from people if you turn up to play with 2 bats...
Can you imagine if someone turned up with two helmets? Minds would be blown.
Great review though, I guess the moral of the story is: If you have the money, get the Masuri. Sure, the Shrey may be half the price, so represents much better value, but if the Masuri gives you that extra 5%, it's price worth paying. (Shrey Owner)
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Still prefer the old masuri
I am still using my old Masuri even though I have a brand new Vision Series sitting in a box. I don't want to change helmets mid-season as it might affect my game. My old shell has seen a lot of action though -- two grills have been replaced (top edged pulls right in the grills) and recently got hit in the head by a bowling machine. :D
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Excellent Comparison.
I'll be sticking with my Adidas Rawtek (Ayrtek) until it dies.
http://www.prodirectcricket.com/products/adidas-adipower-rawtek-Senior-Helmet-Black-Pro-Direct-Cricket-73834.aspx (http://www.prodirectcricket.com/products/adidas-adipower-rawtek-Senior-Helmet-Black-Pro-Direct-Cricket-73834.aspx)
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Agree with @sarg Ayrtek is the best lid I've ever had. Most comfortable and easiest to see out of.
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I had one of the new masuri's and just couldnt get on with the weight so sold it on. As said above i love my ayrtek ACIS titanium, mainly as its the only lid apart from the new masuri that fits my massive irregular shaped head
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Always nice to hear people still loving the Ayrteks, ive been working on re-vamping the liner material so that it soaks up more sweat and increases comfort. Hopefully ill be in a position to get the compliant model through testing ready for the 2017 season with the ACIS in them.
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I'm on my second Masuri VS Elite Titanium (the first one took a ding from Amjad Khan) and I can honestly say that I love my Masuri, I had the old test for a number of years and the Vision Series for me is fantastic, great protection, good visability and ventilation. Definitely my go to brand when ever I need a new helmet
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Always nice to hear people still loving the Ayrteks, ive been working on re-vamping the liner material so that it soaks up more sweat and increases comfort. Hopefully ill be in a position to get the compliant model through testing ready for the 2017 season with the ACIS in them.
Not fussed on acis, I prefer the fixed liner. Just waiting for a compliant carbon shell for abit more weight saving.
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Reviving an old thread if I may, just curious as to why the older masuris were lighter. Is it due to the single shell back then versus the twin shell in current models..Also, were all older masuris made by Shrey or some of them or none at all?
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Someone else will correct me im sure , but .... i think masuri used to be made in india , then moved production to uk . Shrey are made in india in the same factory that masuri used to be made .... so some people view shreys as being akin to old masuris .
I think the extra grille protection around the ear/side of neck , aswell as some having 2 front grille bars ( and possibly other new certification measures) is behind the added weight. My old masuris are double shelled yet weigh a fair bit less than the new models ( vision series , at least ) . The single shell 'legacy' series are meant to be lighter than the vision series , but i don't know if they are lighter or heavier than old masuris .
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Someone else will correct me im sure , but .... i think masuri used to be made in india , then moved production to uk . Shrey are made in india in the same factory that masuri used to be made .... so some people view shreys as being akin to old masuris .
I think the extra grille protection around the ear/side of neck , aswell as some having 2 front grille bars ( and possibly other new certification measures) is behind the added weight. My old masuris are double shelled yet weigh a fair bit less than the new models ( vision series , at least ) . The single shell 'legacy' series are meant to be lighter than the vision series , but i don't know if they are lighter or heavier than old masuris .
Old Masuris are single shell helmets. The vision series is the only twin shell cricket helmet and this accounts for the additional weight
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Old Masuris are single shell helmets. The vision series is the only twin shell cricket helmet and this accounts for the additional weight
My masuris are circa 2010-11ish..... got hit on the helmet once and the outer was dented badly (about 2mm or so) but the inner was not dented at all.... seemed 2 shelled to me.
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I have a legacy/premier it is as light as an older style masuri.
As Jake said, it is a single shell lid...
https://goo.gl/photos/r7biGHWExHt7ucbL6
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My masuris are circa 2010-11ish..... got hit on the helmet once and the outer was dented badly (about 2mm or so) but the inner was not dented at all.... seemed 2 shelled to me.
A 2010/11 helmet is definitely single shelled. An inner lining is not a shell. The Vision Series has a hard outer shell, a layer of foam that on most helmets would be deemed the 'inner' and then closest to the head is another hard shell, padded out with some comfort foams.
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This is great info..Thanks @Vitas Cricket and others..Generally with bats, we know brands which started made in UK but later have moved to Ind but surprised with Masuri it is the other way round. Wonder what could have been the reason that despite the lower costs with Shrey manufacture, they decided to move back to UK. Maybe they were not satisfied with the quality by Shrey? At least the theory goes in line with the quality issues reported on Shreys here.
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Maybe they were not satisfied with the quality by Shrey? At least the theory goes in line with the quality issues reported on Shreys here.
Got it in one.
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A 2010/11 helmet is definitely single shelled. An inner lining is not a shell. The Vision Series has a hard outer shell, a layer of foam that on most helmets would be deemed the 'inner' and then closest to the head is another hard shell, padded out with some comfort foams.
http://share.photobucket.com/shareprofile/indexshare.php?id=ODk4NjE= (http://share.photobucket.com/shareprofile/indexshare.php?id=ODk4NjE=)
Ok Jake , thanks. Looking at this helmet the inner lining is such hard plastic ( it feels harder than the outer shell on many helmets , and its not hollow ie its packed with foam) and is then padded out with comfort foams aswell - I'm sure you're right that this is technically not a second shell , but it is so damn tough and is a 2nd , non foam barrier , has foam inner/lining sandwiched between it etc , that it is kinda a 'quasi 2nd shell' at least ? Its certainly not just a single shell with a foam liner though , is it ?
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Sandwich construction, hard outer with foam core followed by another hard inner, didnt bode to well when helmet concave did inwards when impacted leading to high level of force being transmitted to headform inside of said helmet.
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Sandwich construction, hard outer with foam core followed by another hard inner, didnt bode to well when helmet concave did inwards when impacted leading to high level of force being transmitted to headform inside of said helmet.
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The helmet in the pic had an impact of the type you mention Tom ( i keep it for parts for my other masuri that i use for training....because my two ayrteks are too pretty and i love them too much... and i can extend the life of the ayrteks a bit that way too).
I show people the dent in the helmet and they sometimes freak a little. When it happened i apparently was a grumpy (No Swearing Please) for the rest of that bowling machine session ( just sitting around, not batting).
My ears were ringing a bit for a couple days and i had a headache for a week. It was the second worst concussion ive ever had .
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I've had a look at my old Masuri from 2012 and whilst i can see what you are getting at, the build is definitely a one shell construction, the 'inner' and 'outer' layers are all one component.
The Vision Series is 2 separate shells independent of one another, have a close look at the internal structure of a VS helmet next time you get a chance and you should be able to see the 3 layers through the ventilation holes.
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I've had a look at my old Masuri from 2012 and whilst i can see what you are getting at, the build is definitely a one shell construction, the 'inner' and 'outer' layers are all one component.
The Vision Series is 2 separate shells independent of one another, have a close look at the internal structure of a VS helmet next time you get a chance and you should be able to see the 3 layers through the ventilation holes.
Cool , will be interesting to see the construction , thanks for the tip re looking through the vent holes . Nice to be able to get a construct in mind to more easily differentiate .