Initially, the new helmet – known as the Super Tacks X – was trialled by three of the world’s leading players, Seth Jones of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Toronto Maple Leafs duo John Tavares and Auston Matthews. Now though, CCM has partnered with Shapeshift 3D to make the helmet available to order in your size. Your actual size.
Shapeshift 3D specializes in custom fitting for the human body, and fitting technology once only available to elite NHL players is now available to anyone who wants a Super Tacks X helmet, ensuring the perfect fit for players, whether they’re professionals or amateurs.
The helmet itself is unique thanks to its use of a 3D printed lattice structure in the lining of the helmet that is said to drastically improve both breathability, comfort, and protection. It’s made using Carbon’s DLS 3D printing technology and replaces the foam pads you’d find on a normal hockey helmet with a lattice structure consisting of 130,000 individual struts. For a while, you’ve been able to order one in small, medium and large sizes, but Shapeshift 3D’s software now means you can get one perfectly custom fitted.
According to the NHL news site, the helmet took 6 months to develop and CCM provided Carbon with years of impact data so that the helmet’s numerous struts could be positioned in such a way to minimize the risk of injury. With hockey being such a high-paced, high-impact sport, this technology has the potential to decrease the chances of head injuries occurring to players of all levels while remaining highly comfortable.
The helmet has also been adopted right the way across the NHL too, so there’s a good chance you’ll see more of the game’s leading talents using it in the Stanley Cup Playoffs that are happening right now.
Priced at around $400, it’s far from the cheapest hockey helmet out there, but it is one of the most advanced, and it’s received a lot of praise from players of varying levels that have played in it. Besides, when it comes to protecting your head, you probably want to seek out the best gear possible.
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