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Please note: all prices are in US dollar.
The Bauer Profile 960XPM Goalie Mask is a high level mask. Recommended 5 to 7 uses per week.
Bauer Profile 960XPM Goalie Mask
The Bauer Profile 960XPM goalie mask is one of the most iconic and storied goalie masks of all time. The 960 goalie mask shape was originally designed by Jerry Wright which was then carried on to the Itech 960 lines and now the Bauer 960XPM model. This mask shape has the distinction of being one of the most used shapes in NHL history. The Bauer 960XPM uses an epoxy shell that has three layers of carbon fiber along with the outer shell being lined with 12k carbon. The chin and forehead have an extra layer of INNEGRA to create the most protection in these critical impact areas. The padding in the Bauer 960XPM is mechanically attached so it can be easily removed or replaced. In past versions of the 960 masks, the foam was glued in and became problematic to replace or clean. Bauer has also updated the foams in the 960XPM in key areas to newer impact-absorbing XRD foam and soft VN foams to better manage impacts. Another change from past generations of the Bauer 960 masks is the sizing. There are now two sizes available in the 960XPM compared to one in the past. Finally when you combine all of these factors together, the 960 XPM is a lighter and stronger mask compared to the classic models of the past without sacrificing the shape and look.
Bauer Profile 960XPM Goalie Mask Features:
- SHELL: 12k carbon outer layer; INNEGRA reinforced chin & forehead; Vibration dampening tape; Carbon edge wrap reduces chipping
- LINER: Mechanically attached liner; XRD® Foam in impact zones; Super soft VN foams for added comfort; 37.5® Technology sweatband
- WIRE: Stainless steel wire; Wire wrap technology
- SIZE: Small/Medium 21.5in. to 22.75in.
- SIZE: Medium/Large 22.5 to 23.5
- HECC & CSA Certified
- ALSO INCLUDED: Padded mask bag & Extra sweatband
Goalie Mask Construction
Goalies Plus is very particular about the kind of masks we sell, we feel there are good masks on the market today and unsafe masks on the market today. Our pro level masks and high mid-level masks are all glass lay-up shells with either carbon or Kevlar reinforcement. These types of masks are very rigid, when a shot hits the goalies mask – the mask is solid enough to deflect about 90 to 95 percent shots away from the head without any or minimal shell flex. What this means is the mask shell will not flex towards the goalies head under impact. Under extreme impact, the mask will actually start to crack and disperse the shock away from the goalies head. This dispersion keeps the mask from flexing in towards the goalies head. The glass lay-up masks are also very rigid so if you try to squeeze the mask at the ears, it will have very minimal flex. This is very important if a larger player falls on the goalie. The rigidness of the mask helps minimize the risk of a compression concussion. These types of masks start in the price range of $ 350.00 and go up from there based on features. We feel that this is a very sound investment for any goalie. Even at a recreational level, a beginner or low level player can still get a hold of a shot by dumb luck, better to be safe then sorry in our opinion.
Now for the other type of mask construction – plastic injected masks. You will hear terms like polycarbonate or other fancy terms but the reality is these mask are built in a mold by plastic injection. There are claims of these shells being crack resistant or holding up better under hammer or puck shooting machine tests. These are actually true, a plastic injected mask generally will not crack; however the problem of shock transfer to the head is increased dramatically in our opinion. Plastic injected masks do not break – they bend, when it bends the impact is transferred back through the goalies head. This is our opinion and we feel this makes a very dangerous situation for a goalie has the impact transfers from the shell through the foam and onto the head. Also, when you squeeze the ear areas together, there is a huge amount of flex. If a larger player falls on a goalie, this can create a compression concussion. Sometimes at a youth or junior level, there may not be an option for a higher level mask so a goalie may have to choose a plastic injected mask. However at the senior sizes, there are plenty of safer options. Again these are our opinions about goalie masks and we feel confident that our customers are being given the proper information to make an educated decision on their head protection.