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[Nato]

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.

[Simmy]

dont use anything but a cap

[BigBlueMachine]

If getting a mask have a look at the range used in hockey.

[WalkingWicket37]

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 

[MD2812]

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.

[coady123]

what helmet do you use nato ?

[thecord]

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!

[Nato]

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.

[coady123]

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

[thecord]

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 

[WalkingWicket37]

if using a helmet id go for using a masuri an Ayrtek very good protection , light and visibility is amazing

[thecord]

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.

[Nato]

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...

[thecord]

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

[coady123]

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