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[FattusCattus]

Hello Chums - I don't really use helmets, so I'm very rusty on setting them up etc.

Can I get the grill to open up any wider than this, and is it safe to do so?  You can see from the alignment with the ball how much space I've got, the gap is around 50mm.

At the moment, I feel that the gap between the top bar and the peak is very narrow, and bit like looking out of a postbox - I find the top bar a bit distracting.

[Ayrtek Cricket]

Brucey, try pushing the ball through the gap with it current setting you have pics of....you maybe surprised at the result.

[Woodyspin]

The holes toward the back of the grill are for peak-grill spacing. The slot towards the front is basically grill-face spacing.

[FattusCattus]

So what are you saying Tom - this sort of gap is ok, and it shouldn't go any wider?

I can't seem to work out a hole combination which allows a wider gap anyway.

[Ayrtek Cricket]

So what are you saying Tom - this sort of gap is ok, and it shouldn't go any wider?

I can't seem to work out a hole combination which allows a wider gap anyway.

Holding the ball Upto it isn't what happens when the ball is travelling at speed, the peak will bend upon impact so the smaller the gap the better. You need to try and get used to the smaller gap if possible as this will provide the best level of protection available should you get pinned.

[WalkingWicket37]

Try the top hole closest to the middle of the grille to improve visibility mate.

[GoodLeave]

You could try stripping the paint off the grill. I find that I notice the white grill more on my gray nics helmet than the stainless steel on my Shrey, gap to the peak is the same, just don't seem to notice it as much. Might just be psychological?

[smilley792]

@FattusCattus quick question. If you wanted to make a thread, but you was struggling to make the title sound wrong. Would you still post said thread. Or just leave it?

[play-yourself-in]

All I'll say is that a white helmet is very brave...oh er!

[Jaffa]

These Albion's are light enough so I'd look for a cheap steel grille. I suspect the darker one won't catch your eye as much. Ti grilles are nicer though, if only for the cool yellow stickers.

What I do like about these is even though they don't meet current regulations because the grille can be altered so a ball can pass through, if set properly the peak is pretty sturdy and gap should withstand not only the pace of bowling we face but also a top edge.

What also helps is the peak and grille stick out about the same amount so the ball if travelling upwards won't be deflected inwards by a peak that sticks out more. This in my opinion is what happened to Broad. The newer/safer Ayrteks the peak does not stick out as much and is pretty much in line with the grille. Anyway for whatever reason the new Ayrtek peak is shorter so there must be something in it.

If all else fails, I'd recommend circumcision. All round visibility and I'm told you'll last longer at the crease.       

[well past my peak]

All I'll say is that a white helmet is very brave...oh er!

yeah white helmet a hefty hefty fine at my club

[Ayrtek Cricket]

Evidence was presented a L'boro to the BSI committee showing helmets that appeared a lot like this one failed at 30mph as the peak just isn't rigid enough to prevent the ball passing through hence why Albion have had to go back to the drawing board (like many brands have) to re-design things.

What might feel like a fairly rigid peak changed drastically in structure when a ball hits it at any speed as the slow mo videos show.

[FattusCattus]

So, coming back to my problem - that gap is basically as wide as I can get it then?

[skip1973]

Without getting a drill involved yes.

[smilley792]

All I'll say is that a white helmet is very brave...oh er!

yeah white helmet a hefty hefty fine at my club

More evidence of why cricket is dying and numbers are dwindling.