All this talk about half-shield and whatnot makes me wonder:
 
based on the general impressions put forth on Hockey-L:
The half-shield is dangerous because it allows for facial injury.
The full-shield is dangerous because it cuts down visibility and encourages
more aggressive play.
 
So why not make a better helmet?
 
One that doesn't cut down the visibility or comfort that the half-shield
provides, but still gives the protection people are looking for?
 
Furthermore, if the college ranks do move to allowing a half-shield there's
nothing stopping a player from continuing to use a full-shield. It's their
face and skull, it's their choice.
 
This is the same problem that both soccer and cycling have had for years
and years, but increasingly so in the last 5 years.
 
Until 5 years ago, professional cycling didn't even have a helmet
requirement. Only 10 years ago those pros that did ride with helmets rode
with what we called "hairnets" as they were little more than thick leather
straps that went over your head. 5 years ago a pro rider died in the Tour
de France on a rainy, steep descent when he crashed head-first into a large
boulder on the side of the road. Although most experts pointed out that a
helmet wouldn't have saved his life (even the best cycling helmet), it did
require helmets unilaterally and in turn, manufacturers began making
greater steps in the weight, ventilation and protection of the helmets.
 
In soccer for years it had to do with the size of shinguards and whether
ankle-cup protection should be required. This argument raged for years
until manufacturers simply found a way to make a lighter, stronger guard
that protected more of the shin and deflected stronger impact, as well as
protecting the ankle bones.
 
But what is common is that both soccer and cycling athletes learned that
you can't just hurl yourself down a hill or into an opponent's legs simply
because you're protected.
 
 
greenie
 
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