Bauer HyperLite Helmet Review
The Bauer HyperLite helmet will keep you feeling light, fast, and strong from the beginning of the game to the final buzzer. This revolutionary hockey helmet is incredibly lightweight and is highly customizable with both length AND width adjustment options. Crafted with SHOCKLITE Foam Technology, the HyperLite is 20% lighter than Bauer’s previous top dog. Built on the foundation of Bauer’s mission to perfect lighter, quicker, and stronger products, this cutting-edge hockey helmet is truly built for the elite players looking to bring their game to the next level.
SHOCKLITE Foam Technology
New this season, Bauer introduces their new SHOCKLITE Foam Technology. This revolutionary foam is built into all 5 key zones of the helmet optimizing lightweight protection and comfort without sacrificing impact performance. Bauer was able to by subjecting each piece to over 2000 impact tests and 1500 plus hours of impact testing to ensure the HyperLite is top-tier.
The SHOCKLITE Foam technology combined with molded XRD multi-density foam protects the head across all energy levels as well. The liner is infused with memory foam and moisture channels to promote cooling and ensure a comfortable wrap of the head.
Foam technology has come a long way. It's great to see Bauer push the envelope to develop and implement new materials that offer a balance of comfort, protection, heat regulation - all while being extremely lightweight.
Outer Shell Construction
After mastering the Re-Akt 150 FreeForm system, Bauer has optimized the HyperLite even further to a two-piece shell with variable shell thicknesses in key areas. Bauer has combined the two-piece shell with a high occipital cut profile to reduce the shell weight even further.
Even though the HyperLite is an astonishing 20% lighter than its predecessor the Re-Akt 150, Bauer did not lose track of the importance of comfort and fit to the player’s head. The HyperLite has optimized the head position in the shell, so the player has a deeper and more secure wrap. This is immediately noticeable the first time you try on the helmet.
Fit & Sizing Adjustments
What makes this helmet stand out among the rest is its adjustment features. The HyperLite is unique for top-of-the-line helmets in that it has independent width AND length adjustment options. These can be customized through three tool-free adjustment hinges/clamps. The width adjustment clamps are located just behind each ear cover and the length clamp can be found along the summit of the helmet.
This FreeForm customization system allows for 18mm of width adjustment, which is approximately 2.5 times more than any other competitor on the market. Bauer has also restructured their sizing in the HyperLite model into two size ranges: Small/Medium, and Medium/Large.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the sizing guide:
Small/Medium \\ Head Circumference 54 cm - 59 cm \\ 21.2 inches - 23.2 inches
Medium/Large \\ Head Circumference 57 cm - 62.5 cm \\ 22.4 inches - 24.6 inches
Final Thoughts
I'm sitting here trying to think of some sort of criticism, and the only thing that comes to mind is the lime green SHOCKLITE foam interior. I’m more of a blue kind of guy, but I guess I can settle for green. Just nitpicking for the sake of nitpicking - I always think of blue when I think of Bauer. The green tech call outs do look sharp!
Simply put, The HyperLite is the best helmet Bauer has ever released. This unparalleled helmet is the lightest helmet I have ever picked up - and it’s insanely comfortable too! I highly recommend you give the HyperLite a try.
Reviewed By: Mike Ball
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