Topic: New Helmets - Visibility (Read 5079 times)

jimmyca · « **on:** August 17, 2021, 04:30:28 PM »

Was looking at purchasing a new helmet for next season, with a plan to buying it now to use in the last couple of games. I haven't worn a helmet much (being old enough that we weren't required to at youth) and so I will pretty much be going from cap to helmet. This is mainly due to some dodgy pitches, decent bowlers and also to give me more confidence on pull/sweep shots generally.

I currently have a Albion 98 Ultimate (medium 57-60cm) with the Ti grill but i have two issues - first is my head is 60cm and so the fit is somewhat snug and not comfy. The second is that the foam pads that come with it didnt last long and I cannot find any spares.

I was looking at the Masuri T-Line Titanium and the Shrey Air 2.0 Titanium as two new options, and with local shops not having stock I wondered if people were able to compare how they found the visibility between these two? Any better than other? Similar weights but visibility key for me.

But one other thing, with the modern helmet setups of a small gap, I am wondering if it might be an option to look at a custom approach, potentially to try and source a larger Albion 98 helmet (or something else that fits the Ti grill?) and use that initially before spending �100+ on a helmet... thoughts welcome!

Thanks

six and out · « **Reply #1 on:** August 17, 2021, 05:14:28 PM »

I know you have said the local shops are out of stock, but I am presuming that means you are lucky enough to have cricket shops local to you? As its not an urgent purchase I really would wait till you can go in and try some on and actually see how they feel and look through the fixed grill etc...

Helmets are such a personal preference, I use a Masuri VS Elite Titanium (what they call the E Line now I think) with the double bar, which I think really helps with visibility but I know a number of people who absolutely hated it.

Jaffa · « **Reply #2 on:** August 17, 2021, 06:15:05 PM »

The sweat band on the Albions is pretty thick. Have you tried using a smaller variant?

I use a medium myself and I've found the grilles that Hunts sold a while back give more vis than the Ti ones. They were sold as lightweight steel versions and have a union jack on them.

If you fancy selling your Medium Albion then let me know. I'd just be after the helmet so maybe you could make a few bob selling the Ti grille.

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/mount-druitt/other-sports-fitness/albion-cricket-helmet-ultimate-98/1271272962

jimmyca · « **Reply #3 on:** August 17, 2021, 07:45:02 PM »

Quote from: six and out on August 17, 2021, 05:14:28 PM

I know you have said the local shops are out of stock, but I am presuming that means you are lucky enough to have cricket shops local to you? As its not an urgent purchase I really would wait till you can go in and try some on and actually see how they feel and look through the fixed grill etc...

Helmets are such a personal preference, I use a Masuri VS Elite Titanium (what they call the E Line now I think) with the double bar, which I think really helps with visibility but I know a number of people who absolutely hated it.

Yes this is a good point, that was the plan if they had stock and so if buying newer helmet I may well just wait so i can try them on at same time to compare.

jimmyca · « **Reply #4 on:** August 17, 2021, 09:36:38 PM »

Quote from: Jaffa on August 17, 2021, 06:15:05 PM

The sweat band on the Albions is pretty thick. Have you tried using a smaller variant?

I use a medium myself and I've found the grilles that Hunts sold a while back give more vis than the Ti ones. They were sold as lightweight steel versions and have a union jack on them.

If you fancy selling your Medium Albion then let me know. I'd just be after the helmet so maybe you could make a few bob selling the Ti grille.

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/mount-druitt/other-sports-fitness/albion-cricket-helmet-ultimate-98/1271272962

I have struggled to find anything like the Albion sweatband to replace to be honest, you are right it is massive and so a smaller version may help. I have seen generic replacement pads but not the front sweatband one.

I will keep an eye out on whats about, haven't come across the Hunts one you mention.

Warneymonster · « **Reply #5 on:** August 18, 2021, 09:11:02 AM »

ive struggled since my old masuri finally gave up a few years ago. the newer lids feel a lot heavier and i cant see the ball as well, the best i have been able to find was a shrey but im loathed to pay �200 for something i use twice a year.

its all Broadys fault for getting hit in the face

jonny77 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 18, 2021, 09:29:06 AM »

I was in a similar position to you a few years ago. Didn't used top wear helmets a lot as a kid, so wasn't a huge fan. Bought a Masuri with the fixed grill and felt the visibility wasn't great, so bought an older masuri and switched the grill from the new one onto the old one. It's been great, as really comfortable and slightly better visibility, without feeling there's a huge huge gap.

Obviously not up to regs and appreciate I'm rubbing a risk of a ball sneaking through, but i don't face express nowadays so I'm happy to compromise.

Neon Cricket · « **Reply #7 on:** August 18, 2021, 10:02:32 AM »

Had the same issue when the regs changed - I've switched to using a titanium Masuri which is now this model after the name changes: https://shop.masuri.com/products/original-series-mk2-elite-titanium-cricket-helmet

Yes it's pricey, but visibility wise I've had no issues and its light enough that I don't notice it anymore. Speak to a forum retailer, sure either will sort you out.

jimmyca · « **Reply #8 on:** August 18, 2021, 11:00:54 AM »

Thanks all for input, good to know i'm not the only one on this!

jimmyca · « **Reply #9 on:** August 18, 2021, 11:04:04 AM »

Quote from: jonny77 on August 18, 2021, 09:29:06 AM

I was in a similar position to you a few years ago. Didn't used top wear helmets a lot as a kid, so wasn't a huge fan. Bought a Masuri with the fixed grill and felt the visibility wasn't great, so bought an older masuri and switched the grill from the new one onto the old one. It's been great, as really comfortable and slightly better visibility, without feeling there's a huge huge gap.

Obviously not up to regs and appreciate I'm rubbing a risk of a ball sneaking through, but i don't face express nowadays so I'm happy to compromise.

The custom route is currently my preferred option I think, whilst there are decent bowlers we dont face any 80mph+ I would say and so as you say whilst there is a risk with the older setups it is probably a risk i'm also willing to compromise on.

Author Topic: New Helmets - Visibility (Read 5079 times)

jimmyca

New Helmets - Visibility

six and out

Re: New Helmets - Visibility

Jaffa

Re: New Helmets - Visibility

jimmyca

Re: New Helmets - Visibility

jimmyca

Re: New Helmets - Visibility

Warneymonster

Re: New Helmets - Visibility

jonny77

Re: New Helmets - Visibility

Neon Cricket

Re: New Helmets - Visibility

jimmyca

Re: New Helmets - Visibility

jimmyca

Re: New Helmets - Visibility