Hockey Cages - Bauer True Vision 1 and Bauer Profile 2

A tale of two cages, neither I shopped for specifically. One was at the local hockey shop, the other came with the helmet.


Bauer True Vision 1 Cage

Bauer 2100 True Vision 1 Cage mounted on a Bauer 4500 helmet.

Bauer Profile 2 Cage

Bauer Profile 2 Cage mounted on a Bauer 5100 helmet.

When I bought the 4500 helmet, I neglected to buy a cage. I didn't even think about it at the time. On my first hockey night playing with my group, all of them wore cages and suggested that I do the same. I didn't research it or anything, because at the time I didn't have much money, so the decision was made for me. I bought the least expensive large cage I could get at my LHS, the Bauer True Vision 1.
The cage connects to the helmet via two screws in the forehead, then rests in J-clips mounted on the side. The 2100 True Vision cage has a foam chin support mounted to the cage, which is then connected to the helmet via straps to buttons behind the ear. Overall a decent, safe system. A little chin-strappy, but safe.

Something called "True Vision" should live up to its name. I find the cage functional, but not the best as far as vision goes. There are a couple of reasons for that.

In the two photos above, there are obvious differences in shape and design. The True Vision cage is more rounded with the horizontal "wires" running more elliptical than level, like the Profile 2. The Profile 2 also has more pronounced sections to the cage; the upper section covering from above the eyes to the tip of the nose, and the lower, more angled section covering the mouth and chin. This gives me better field of vision than the True Vision does, and has less wires crossing into my sight lines. I can look straight ahead and still pick up the puck underneath me.
Also, about those wires...on the Profile 2, the wires in the front are oval-shaped, not round, therefore they're thinner in width. It keeps them strong but puts less metal in front of your view. Major difference between the two cages, and a definite reason to buy the Profile 2 over the True Vision.

The Profile 2 also has a strap connected to the cage as well as straps that connect the cage to the helmet, so it feels much less like the whole thing is running on the chin strap like the True Vision does. It's a better, overall more stable feeling.


Conclusion: The Bauer True Vision is a perfectly functional cage for the price, but if you're looking to improve your vision on the ice, consider something like the Profile 2.