- Aug 2, 2017
- 17
- 3
Hi all,
Thought I could contribute some information...My DD has drastically outgrown her Diamond ix3 catchers gear and really needs larger stuff ASAP. Where we live there are really zero stores to try on equipment so I had two shipped to compare and will ship back what she does not like/fit. I narrowed my choices on the helmets based on reviews and customer feedback.
Helmets reviewed: Schutt, Diamond (this is her existing old helmet), All-Star
Anyone who has ever wondered what some of the differences are in helmets, I can provide some feedback. Oh, I also have a scale leftover from the pinewood derby with my son so I also have helmet weights to provide for anyone interested.
Old helmet Diamond ix3 (I am told the new Diamond ix5 is identical so you should expect all aspects to be similar to the ix3)
Diamond ix3 size Small: Fit is very true to what head it says it should fit.
Weight: 36 ounces: Ridiculously feather light. Most enjoyable to wear!
Field of Vision: Poor. This one provides the least amount of peripheral vision (side to side) as well as vision above your head.
Quality: Very well made. Has lasted her many years. Foam on the ix3 is not replaceable in the helmet, but it has lasted well. Chin pad is replaceable but has lasted as well. Snaps are super strong and sturdy. Note: the newer ix5 has replaceable helmet padding.
Summary: High quality helmet, that is super light but offers the worst field of vision.
New Helmets we are trying:
All-Star MVP 2500 series. Size large. (this helmet fits very large and is too big for her and we would have to go down to a small. Helmet runs large so keep that in mind.
Weight: 44.5 ounces. This was the medium weight helmet of the three.
Field of Vision: Descent. This one was better than the Diamond ix3. The peripheral vision (side to side) was excellent and on par with the Schutt. But sight above the head is hindered.
Quality: All padding inside including the chin is replaceable. Buckles are all metal and well made. Very comfortable to wear.
Summary: High quality helmet, that runs a little big on the sizing and it has overall descent field of vision. Good peripheral vision and just okay above the head vision.
Schutt Air Maxx 2966 series:
Size: one size fits all. Found it to be very adjustable and fits very well.
Weight: 46.5 ounces. The is the heavyweight of all 3 helmets. It is heavy but my daughter says she does not mind.
Field of Vision: out of control good!!! Best peripheral vision and the best vision above your head. It easily provides 25 degrees more field of vision over your head than even the All-Star.
Quality: Very good. All padding is removable including the chin and the padding inside the helmet is the same type of padding used in their football helmets. My one issue are the snaps. The part attached to the helmet are metal but the buckles including the female side of the snap is plastic. There is no doubt in my mind that if you pull apart these snaps too many times it will eventually stretch out and stop snapping tight...but that is just my opinion.
Which one will we keep?
The Schutt.
Very good protection
Fits well and very adjustable
Outstanding field of vision. You can see everything with this.
Buckles? I'm trying to find metal replacements or at least order a set of OEM plastic replacements in preparation for if and when they go bad.
Hope this information helps someone else looking to buy a new helmet.
Thought I could contribute some information...My DD has drastically outgrown her Diamond ix3 catchers gear and really needs larger stuff ASAP. Where we live there are really zero stores to try on equipment so I had two shipped to compare and will ship back what she does not like/fit. I narrowed my choices on the helmets based on reviews and customer feedback.
Helmets reviewed: Schutt, Diamond (this is her existing old helmet), All-Star
Anyone who has ever wondered what some of the differences are in helmets, I can provide some feedback. Oh, I also have a scale leftover from the pinewood derby with my son so I also have helmet weights to provide for anyone interested.
Old helmet Diamond ix3 (I am told the new Diamond ix5 is identical so you should expect all aspects to be similar to the ix3)
Diamond ix3 size Small: Fit is very true to what head it says it should fit.
Weight: 36 ounces: Ridiculously feather light. Most enjoyable to wear!
Field of Vision: Poor. This one provides the least amount of peripheral vision (side to side) as well as vision above your head.
Quality: Very well made. Has lasted her many years. Foam on the ix3 is not replaceable in the helmet, but it has lasted well. Chin pad is replaceable but has lasted as well. Snaps are super strong and sturdy. Note: the newer ix5 has replaceable helmet padding.
Summary: High quality helmet, that is super light but offers the worst field of vision.
New Helmets we are trying:
All-Star MVP 2500 series. Size large. (this helmet fits very large and is too big for her and we would have to go down to a small. Helmet runs large so keep that in mind.
Weight: 44.5 ounces. This was the medium weight helmet of the three.
Field of Vision: Descent. This one was better than the Diamond ix3. The peripheral vision (side to side) was excellent and on par with the Schutt. But sight above the head is hindered.
Quality: All padding inside including the chin is replaceable. Buckles are all metal and well made. Very comfortable to wear.
Summary: High quality helmet, that runs a little big on the sizing and it has overall descent field of vision. Good peripheral vision and just okay above the head vision.
Schutt Air Maxx 2966 series:
Size: one size fits all. Found it to be very adjustable and fits very well.
Weight: 46.5 ounces. The is the heavyweight of all 3 helmets. It is heavy but my daughter says she does not mind.
Field of Vision: out of control good!!! Best peripheral vision and the best vision above your head. It easily provides 25 degrees more field of vision over your head than even the All-Star.
Quality: Very good. All padding is removable including the chin and the padding inside the helmet is the same type of padding used in their football helmets. My one issue are the snaps. The part attached to the helmet are metal but the buckles including the female side of the snap is plastic. There is no doubt in my mind that if you pull apart these snaps too many times it will eventually stretch out and stop snapping tight...but that is just my opinion.
Which one will we keep?
The Schutt.
Very good protection
Fits well and very adjustable
Outstanding field of vision. You can see everything with this.
Buckles? I'm trying to find metal replacements or at least order a set of OEM plastic replacements in preparation for if and when they go bad.
Hope this information helps someone else looking to buy a new helmet.