CCM Axis XF Goal Mask & Custom Mask Review
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Time to read 6 min
In the not-so-distant past, the process of getting a custom goalie mask began with a plaster face mold. Goaltenders would encapsulate their faces with plaster strips upon which a custom mask could be built.
Not only was this uncomfortable, cumbersome, and, depending on where the breathing holes were located, potentially dangerous, but it also caused many to pray that the Vaseline, hair conditioner, and Saran Wrap would help reduce the amount of facial hair and eyelashes lost. This fear led many to shy away from the process—out of fear that they would have to draw on their eyebrows for the foreseeable future. For many goaltenders, however, this was worthwhile to begin constructing their perfect-fitting goal mask. Using their preexisting custom scanning technology, CCM has brought the custom mask process into the 21st century.
Why a Custom Mask?
Helmets and goal masks are by far the most important pieces of equipment in a player’s hockey bag. In a rough contact sport, your head can take quite a beating, so protecting it from all types of impact is crucial. Although many goaltenders may not think twice about the helmet they use, the way it fits is directly related to its ability to do its job when taking a puck or any other type of impact to the mask. When fitting a mask, the foam should make the most contact possible with all areas of the head and face. With the straps properly adjusted, the mask should be snug yet not uncomfortable, with no gaps between the padding and the goaltender's face.
Because every person’s head is a different shape, and each manufacturer uses their own molds as the foundation for their masks, it is common for each one you try on to fit differently. While most people will be able to find something that fits them well, some goaltenders may struggle depending on their head size and face shape. For this population, a custom mask then becomes a great option. Likewise, any goaltender playing elite-level hockey requiring pro-level protection, or anybody who simply wants the best possible security for their head should consider a custom mask.
An improperly fitting mask can result in a serious head injury, so even if you are not interested in a custom mask, please let the experts at The Hockey Shop help you find the one that fits you best.
How custom masks used to be fitted. From Ed Cubberly Custom Goalie Masks and Lifecast Sculpture; Source Link.
CCM's Custom Fitting Protocol
The fitting process for the Axis XF mask uses the same 3D scanning technology currently used in both player helmets and custom skates. The initial step is for the goaltender to try on the CCM XF mask, guided by a fit expert to ensure the best fit for optimal protection and comfort. The aim is to determine the correct shell size for that goaltender, which is what their custom mask will be built around. Photos are taken of the goaltender in the mask to act as a reference for CCM.
Next comes the scan itself. The goalie will put on a special balaclava coordinated with the shell size selected in the previous step. By smoothing the head and facial features, this covering allows the scan to gather all the details needed for the perfect helmet fit. Once the scan is complete, photos will be taken of the goaltender in the balaclava, which are again used for reference by CCM in the manufacturing process.
Once the scan is complete, the goaltender will work with an associate to note any areas on the mask they tried on that need adjustment, choose the shell and harness colours, select the style and colour of the cage, and finalize the custom nameplate that will be placed inside the backplate.
Axis XF Goal Mask Review
The Axis XF is the long-awaited replacement of the Axis mask with a new shell shape, construction, and highly anticipated liner.
Shell
CCM pays homage to their Reebok roots with the new shape seen on the XF mask. The sharp ridges on the crown and chin as well as the polygonal vent holes are reminiscent of the 9K mask from years past. The shell itself is made of what CCM call their ExoShell Composite. This is a lightweight carbon fibre designed to give goaltenders the best possible protection from the biggest impacts.
CCM has improved the impact protection of the XF mask through a strategic use of ridges that act as deflection points. These ridges more evenly disperse impacts throughout the shell rather than transfer the energy to the goaltender's head. CCM implements their Air Tech design in the XF mask, helping keep the goaltender cool throughout the game. Part of this system is in the strategic vent hole placement, which enhances airflow while facilitating hearing.
Liner
First seen in the revolutionary Tacks X helmet, Air Tech and Nest Tech have made their way into the Axis XF goal mask. The Nest Tech liner is a 3D-printed, multi-layer lattice-like structure that is designed to absorb and disperse energy from different kinds of impacts. The way this liner is engineered allows CCM to control how impacts are absorbed and dispersed more carefully than would be possible using traditional foam.
An additional benefit to the open lattice structure of the Nest Tech liner is the implementation of Air Tech. Air Tech promotes optimal airflow within the mask, aided by the placement of vent holes and the lattice structure of the padding; this system helps keep the goaltender’s head cool throughout the game. Because of the airflow and open nature of the padding, goalies will be able to hear the game much easier, which then helps them communicate more effectively with their teammates, rather than the often muted hearing they typically experience with other designs.
Cage
New to the XF mask, CCM has engineered a shock-dampening system to which the cage of the new Axis mask is attached. This setup helps to better absorb impacts to the cage and disperse them, rather than transferring them to the goaltender's head (if you’ve ever gotten a shot to the cage and both heard and felt that loud clank, you would know what I mean). With this system in place, the amount of energy transferred to the goaltender's head can be minimized.
Harness
The harness of a mask will rarely receive any attention, as they have remained essentially the same since the 90s. However, CCM has created a new 3-point strap adjustment system on this mask that tightens it more evenly on the head, making for a better fit and feel when wearing. Because there are no clips on the top of the helmet, the mask is far less likely to come loose during play from a snapped buckle.
Fit and Feel
Having heard feedback from the Tacks X helmet that the padding can be scratchy and uncomfortable, I wasn’t sure its application in a goal mask was a good idea. However, after trying it on, I found the padding actually felt similar to what you would normally find in a goal mask, that being equally supple yet supportive. The main difference I felt was the airflow. Even just having the mask on for a short period, you can tell that it will keep your head cooler on the ice.
After trying this mask on myself, while additionally fitting it on many different goaltenders in our store, a common piece of feedback is that the temples of the mask run narrow. This is especially true for goaltenders with larger or wider heads, though it's important to note that this feedback has been made by goaltenders wearing all different sizes of XF masks. Be sure to try it on in-store and get properly sized to ensure the best fit.
Final Thoughts
The Axis XF goal mask is an elite offering from CCM designed to protect goaltenders at the highest level of play. After proving their effectiveness in player helmets, CCM has now incorporated technologies such as Nest Tech and Air Tech on the goalie side, into the XF mask. In addition to the technologies within the liner and shell of the XF, CCM has for the first time unveiled a custom mask program at the retail level. Custom mask fitting will allow all goaltenders to get a perfect-fitting helmet, which only improves the already great protection of the XF mask.
