A total of youth hockey helmets have been evaluated using the STAR testing system. These tests assess each helmet’s ability to reduce both linear and rotational head acceleration from impact scenarios representative of youth ice hockey. Helmets with more stars are associated with lower concussion risk in these scenarios.
infoUnderstanding the rating system
Our ratings are an independent and objective assessment of helmet performance for consumers and are conducted free from manufacturer influence.
Each youth hockey helmet is evaluated based on the results of 48 laboratory impact tests. These tests are designed to represent the types of head impacts that can occur during youth hockey play. For each impact, we measure both linear and rotational head acceleration, which are correlated to concussion risk.
To generate these impacts, we recreate on-ice head impact conditions in the laboratory using a pendulum impactor. Helmets are tested across multiple locations on the head at low, medium, and high impact speeds. All helmets are tested with a facemask attached, consistent with how youth hockey helmets are worn in competition.
For each test condition, concussion risk is estimated from the measured head accelerations and weighted based on the relative frequency of low, medium, and high severity impacts on the ice. These weighted risks are summed across all test conditions to produce an overall score for each helmet.
A lower score indicates better helmet performance and a greater estimated reduction in concussion risk.
Score values from youth hockey ratings should not be compared to scores from helmet ratings in other sports, as test methods, impact conditions, and risk calculations differ by sport.
Cost shown is the price of the helmet (and facemask configuration) at the time of testing.
*Any player in any sport can sustain a head injury with even the very best head protection. This analysis is based on data trends and probabilities, and therefore a specific person’s risk may vary. This variation is likely dominated by genetic differences, health history, and impact factors such as muscle activation.