I have seen more and more major league catchers chosing the new golie style helmet..Does any one know if the new style is beter then the old style 2-piece helmet

I never used the new goalie style helmet, but I believe I would still prefer the old 2 piece skull cap and mask. However, if you're in high school (which your name seems to indicate) it doesn't matter.....goalie style is required.

Are you sure? because a catcher in my district wears the old 2-piece helmet and no umpires have said anything...i dont know if its differnt from state to state

as long as your state is a NFHS rules state..and I believe Virginia is.....the rule is as follows...

The catchers helmet and mask combination must meet the NOCSAE standard, Any helmet or helmet and mask combination shall have full ear protection (dual ear flaps)....

this rules out the old style skull cap and mask or prostyle hemet and mask combo...

There are some types of helmets and masks that are not quite the Hockey goalie types that do meet the standards, but they arent as popular.

If a NFHS umpire is allowing a illegal helmet/mask combo then he is not doing his job...

Even under Federation rules, a catcher can wear the 2-piece once the proper steps are taken. This involves paperwork of some sort and a proper exemption. There are a number of HS catchers that do wear the two piece here in Texas and can do so because of the exemption.

I always wore the one piece hockey-style helmet until college, then had to wear the old-school 2 piece helmet/mask combo (coach's rule). His explanation is that the hockey style mask didn't dissipate the force of impact on a foul tip and led to mini-concussions and eventually brain damage.
After foul tips to the 2-piece mask without the dizziness and ringing I was accustomed to I agree 100% that the old school helmet/mask combo is much safer in the long run. Your ears and neck are slightly more open with that, but it is a risk I would take vs. concussions/brain damage...

What are your thoughts and experience with the Wilson Shock FX helmets?Are they just a gimmick or would they offer maybe the best of both worlds?Protection as well as shock protection.

I know the hockey style helmets are generally hotter to wear then the two piece style helmet and mask combo but they seem to fit better.I like my son to leave his helmet on for everything except maybe a pop up.For plays at the plate,the hockey style helmet doesn't move around or restrict his vision so I see no reason for him to throw it off.I don't like the idea of his head taking the force of a foul tip though.

I see alot more college and MLB catchers on TV wearing the two piece style than the hockey style.Is that more for comfort than protection?

I bought my son a wilson shock helmet last year right before he left for Ga.
The first thing he noticed about it was that his vision was much better with this helmet. The main reason I bought it was that he was getting his "bell rung" on foul tips off of his mask.After almost 1 full year this has not happened 1 time yet and he says when he does take one off of the cage it does not bother him any more,so i guess it may work as advertised.

Sugi,

The research I have read (and it's been awhile) I believe suggested that the 2-piece mask absorbs the shock better than the goalie-style. On the flip side, the goalie-style is designed to not allow the ball to deliver the full blow. It is supposed to deflect off rather than absorb. Whether that is truly the case or not is still up for debate.

I have worn both and I personally prefer the goalie-style. To me, it's easier to keep on and it provides better all-around protection. I have received blows to the back of the head a couple times from a backswing.

I have not tried the Wilson Shock FX, but from what I've seen it looks to be very nice.

quote:

Originally posted by Catcherz_Dad:
Even under Federation rules, a catcher can wear the 2-piece once the proper steps are taken. This involves paperwork of some sort and a proper exemption. There are a number of HS catchers that do wear the two piece here in Texas and can do so because of the exemption.

GED10 prefers a two-piece old school skullcap and mask. Both have the NOCSAE seal on them. Even though we have gone thru the process to certify it, several umpires have ruled against it. He always travels with both. He used it in several games in the Metroplex, got ruled out in ElPaso?!? He likes it because it is much lighter and more comfortable than his Easton Comp.
GED10DaD

I have both and still prefer the hockey mask. The range of vision is so much better.

I love the New Goalie Style. With the old 2 piece every pitch it seems like I had to adjust my mask. And I don't want a guy coming in hard on me on a play at the plate if my mask is in the way or something is kicked etc. The goalie mask fits nice and doesn't move much. The 2 piece is also not able to be worn in Minnesota High School ball so that might sway my ideas too. I think either way whatever feels more comfortable is the best for you.