Bauer NME IX Senior Goalie Mask
Free Shipping $100+
Fast Easy Returns
Best Price Promise
Ships Canada Only
The Bauer NME 8 is one of the most recognizable and used masks in the goaltending world today. Looking to keep the mask at the cutting edge of the market, and improving it significantly Bauer has released the NME IX senior goalie mask, which incorporates features from the NME VTX down into a more affordable package, with a wider range of sizes.
Shell
The shell of the NME IX is Bauer’s Powercore Shell. This shell is a composite shell that is a significant increase in protection compared to the polycarbonate shell featured on its little brother the NME 4.
Liner
The liner of the NME IX is the biggest piece of technology that was brought down from the NME VTX senior goalie mask. The VTX foam brings modern foam protection to their performance level mask and improves impact performance over their older foams. The liner also includes Poron XRD for improved energy dampening and increased comfort. Finally, the mask utilizes Thermoformed IX foam to finish the foam package inside, creating something considerably more protective than the standard foams of the past.
Cage
The cage included on the NME IX goalie mask is a stainless steel wire cage that features flat bars for increased sightlines that would usually be blocked with full round bars.
Chin Cup
The chin cup in the NME IX mask is a simple styrofoam offering with a softer insert to be comfortable on your chin during play. It is also velcro adjustable.
Sweatband
The sweatband can be one of the most important parts of a goalie mask, especially when sweat is rolling into your eyes! The Bauer NME IX features a Thermo-Core sweatband for maximum absorption and sweat wicking so that you can see perfectly all game.
Certification
With the CSA Straight bar cage, the NME IX provides both HECC (5 Year expiry) and CSA certification. The mask is suitable for play in both Canada and the USA in the current configuration.
Mask Bag
The NME IX senior goal mask also features a padded Bauer mask bag to keep your mask in tip top shape, as well as an extra sweatband so there is always a fresh option available.
Sizes & Colors
One of the biggest changes from the NME 8 is the fact that the NME IX has an additional size that offers much more utility for young goalies that need high level head protection. The 0.5 fit is a “Junior” fit mask, but with the quality and shell strength of the senior mask. In addition to that Fit-1(S), Fit-2(M), and Fit-3(L) are available so that most goaltenders can find a mask that fits perfectly.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cage Model/Color | NME Chrome |
| Category | Performance |
| Certification | CSA, HECC |
| Chin Cup Material | Foam |
| External Material | PowerCore Shell |
| Harness | Profile Pro Harness |
| Liner | VTX technology, PORON XRD Foam |
| Made In | Vietnam |
| Mask Bag | Padded |
| Sweat Band | Thermo-Core Technology |
| Warranty | 90 Days |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs (Fit-1 Small) |
| Bauer NME IX Goal Mask Sizing Chart | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mask Model/Size | Hat Size | Circumference |
| Fit 0.5 - Extra Small | 6½ - 7 | 20.3” - 21.8” |
| Fit 1 - Small | 6¾ - 7⅛ | 20.8” – 22.4” |
| Fit 2 - Medium | 6⅞ - 7¼ | 21.6” - 22.8” |
| Fit 3 - Large | 7⅛ - 7⅝ | 22.4” – 24” |
Goalie Mask Sizing
When purchasing a new mask it is crucial to ensure that it fits properly. Even entry-level masks with a proper fit will do a better job at protecting the head compared to a superior model that is ill fitted. Unlike other pieces of gear, we usually wouldn’t size for growth as a) it sacrifices protection and b) the mask will expand over time creating more room for a growing head.
The first step is to approximate the size using the sizing charts listed on any individual mask’s product page on our website; usually this is accomplished by matching a head circumference and/or hat size to a given mask size. When measuring your head’s circumference, it is important to measure at approximately 1” above the eyebrows while keeping the tape measure parallel (at the “hat line”) around the entire head. In addition, when using hat sizes should be those of fitted hats that aren’t overly tight or loose.
Once a size has been established there are four parameters the goaltender should be looking for:
- 1) The top edge of the window (opening inside the cage) is about 1” above the eyebrows and the sweatband inside the mask sits directly on the skin (ie. there is no gap between the mask and forehead).
- 2) The backplate hugs the back of the goaltender’s head and its edges don’t extend past the edges of the mask’s shell. Here, we want to reduce the possibility for gaps at the back of the goaltender’s head as well as ensuring the head is secure inside the mask. It should be noted, that if all other parameters are met as far as fitting is concerned, the backplate extending a little too far isn’t of major concern.
- 3) The chin cup is tightened such that it is worn securely against the chin and prevents the mask from shifting up and down while on the head.
- 4) The temples and/or cheeks are snug against the foam of the mask such that there are little to no visible gaps on each side of the head and prevents the mask from shifting laterally while on the head.
Once these have been accounted for an indicator of good fit is if the mask shifts on the head. Try grabbing the cage and shaking the mask back and forth – if the mask forces your head to move (rather than the mask moving on your head) you’ve got a great fit!
Lastly, be sure to check your fit every few months or so as compressed foams, dented cages and stretched harnesses will make the mask loose over time.
