Bauer 4000 Domes

[Seth]

Review Title: Bauer 4000 Domes
Date: March 22, 2005



Rating (Out of Five):

Durability and Comfort (Out of Five):
Durability:
Comfort:

Advantages: A comfortable helmet that still uses all foam to pad the insides.

Disadvantages: The Bauer 4000 Helmet is susceptible to cracks where the screws are tightened and bulkier foam padding.

Main Point: The Bauer 4000 helmet provides a looser (comfy) fit for those who like the loose fitting domes. It uses the more traditional foam padding instead of the newer EPP foam in the 5000 and up line.

Complete Review:
I have to admit, I am a big fan of the loose fit helmet. That’s why I prefer the Bauer 4000 helmet over the 5000 line. The Bauer 4000 helmet provides adequate protection while maintaining the comfort level that some players require. However the one major flaw with these helmets is durability. Many times during the season we had to replace helmets due to fractures in the shell. This is a stress point within the helmet which makes it easier to break so buyers beware.

Conclusion: I prefer the Bauer 4000 helmet over the others out there because of the advantages I detailed. However, with helmets one mans trash is another mans treasure. I would venture to say that 90% of the players I have worked with wore this model including me. While I outlined the fracture problem as a player I haven’t had one crack. Only the ones that I help take care of.

[McDougalfaschnitzer]

The 4000 has a nice classic look to it, and is still good enough in the protection department to hold its own in the pros. I used a 4000 helmet and enjoyed it, but the comfort level wasn't as high as when I tried on a 5000. After using a 4000 for a few years, the foam lining was rock solid and discolored, and also the foam needed to be reglued on a few occasions. I've been using the 5000 for the last 6 or 7 years and I haven't had to repair or alter anything on it.

[jbyun04]

this is probably the best helmet that i've ever tried on, the 5000 just didn't fit me right but the 4000 did. It was a big improvement over my old 1000

[1/2 Cab]

I've been rockin the Bauer 4000/Nike 0004 ever since it was the Cooper model in the mid 90's. Excellent helmet, relatively light and suits my head shape. Also is compatible with most visors, and looks particularly sexy with the Oakley modified aviator and the Itech HS-22 straight cut. Along with the CCM HT 650's and to a lesser extent the Itech HC-95/100, is one of the only 'traditional' looking helmets left on the market.

Comfort wise, its not quite on the level of the Bauer 5000 and 8000, but I find the foam to actually be more comfortable over time than that of the 5000 (taking into account the known issue of the foam in the 5000 becoming brittle and hard over time). In particular I find the helmet is friendlier to those with longer hair as well. The helmet is fairly light.

Protection is fairly good - again not as solid as the bulkier 5000 - but it's more than enough for myself, especially given that I'm playing only beer-league level now. As previously mentioned, there is a small issue with durability; of particular note is the propensity to crack along the side/back, right above the chin strap loops.

Overall I would definitely reccomend the Bauer 4000, though those looking for top-flight protection (and other features such as tooless adjustment) may want to look elsewhere.