Alright, so let’s talk about this goalie mask thing. I’ve been messing around with hockey gear lately, and let me tell you, the goalie mask is a whole different beast. I started this little project because, well, I wanted to see if I could make a decent mask without breaking the bank or my face.
Getting Started
First things first, I had to figure out what the heck I was doing. I’m no pro, just a guy who likes to tinker. I dug around online, watched a bunch of videos, and read some articles. The main thing I learned? Safety first. These masks are meant to stop a puck flying at you at like, 60 miles per hour or more. So, no cutting corners.
The Shell Game
I found out there are basically two types of materials for the shell: polycarbonate and fiberglass. Polycarbonate is cheaper, but fiberglass is the real deal. It’s tougher and spreads out the impact better. I decided to go with fiberglass because, you know, I like my head in one piece. I managed to snag a used fiberglass shell online for a pretty good price. It was a bit beat up, but nothing I couldn’t fix.
Padding and Stuffing
Next up was the inside of the mask. This is where it gets tricky. You need foam that can absorb a hit but also be comfortable. I’m not going to lie; this took some trial and error. I bought a few different types of foam from a local sports store. Some were too hard, some were too soft. Finally, I found one that felt just right. It was a bit of a puzzle fitting it all in there, but I got it done. It felt snug but not like my head was in a vise.
Cage Match
Now, about the cage. There are these “cat-eye” cages that look cool, but they’re not certified for serious play. They might not stop a puck or a stick from getting through. I went with a certified cage that can handle those high-speed impacts. It wasn’t the cheapest, but hey, better safe than sorry, right?
Sizing It Up
Getting the right size was another headache. I used a cloth tape measure, wrapped it around my head like a headband, right above my eyebrows. You measure from the center of your forehead. I did this a few times to make sure I got it right. My head’s a bit on the bigger side, so I had to adjust the straps and padding a bit to get a good fit.
Putting It All Together
Putting everything together was like assembling a weird, face-shaped puzzle. I had to make sure the cage was attached securely, the foam was in place, and the straps were adjusted just right. It took a few tries, but eventually, I had a mask that fit well and felt solid. It was heavier than I expected, but I guess that’s a good thing. This wasn’t going to fly off my head with every hit.
Testing, Testing
Now for the fun part – testing it out. I went to a local rink with a buddy. He took some shots, starting slow and then ramping up the speed. I won’t say it was the most comfortable thing, but I didn’t feel any sharp impacts. The mask did its job. It was a bit weird seeing through the cage at first, but I got used to it pretty quickly.
Final Thoughts
So, after all that, what do I think? Well, making your own goalie mask is definitely doable, but it’s not a walk in the park. You need to be careful, do your research, and not cut corners on safety. Would I use this mask in a pro game? Probably not. But for casual play or practice, it’s pretty darn good. Plus, I learned a ton along the way. If you’re thinking about doing this, just remember: your head is important, so don’t mess around with cheap materials or bad fits. Take your time, and you might just end up with a mask you can be proud of.
In the end, I ended up with a mask that feels pretty great and way better than spending a fortune on a brand-new one. Plus, I got to say I made it myself, which is always a cool feeling. If you’re into DIY stuff and need a goalie mask, give it a shot. Just remember, safety first, folks!
