The Bauer NME 8 is one of the most recognizable and used masks in the goaltending world today. Looking to keep the mask at the cutting edge of the market, and improving it significantly Bauer has released the NME IX senior goalie mask, which incorporates features from the NME VTX down into a more affordable package, with a wider range of sizes.
Shell
The shell of the NME IX is Bauer’s Powercore Shell. This shell is a composite shell that is a significant increase in protection compared to the polycarbonate shell featured on its little brother the NME 4.
Liner
The liner of the NME IX is the biggest piece of technology that was brought down from the NME VTX senior goalie mask. The VTX foam brings modern foam protection to their performance level mask and improves impact performance over their older foams. The liner also includes Poron XRD for improved energy dampening and increased comfort. Finally, the mask utilizes Thermoformed IX foam to finish the foam package inside, creating something considerably more protective than the standard foams of the past.
Cage
The cage included on the NME IX goalie mask is a stainless steel wire cage that features flat bars for increased sightlines that would usually be blocked with full round bars.
Chin Cup
The chin cup in the NME IX mask is a simple styrofoam offering with a softer insert to be comfortable on your chin during play. It is also velcro adjustable.
Sweatband
The sweatband can be one of the most important parts of a goalie mask, especially when sweat is rolling into your eyes! The Bauer NME IX features a Thermo-Core sweatband for maximum absorption and sweat wicking so that you can see perfectly all game.
Certification
With the CSA Straight bar cage, the NME IX provides both HECC (5 Year expiry) and CSA certification. The mask is suitable for play in both Canada and the USA in the current configuration.
Mask Bag
The NME IX senior goal mask also features a padded Bauer mask bag to keep your mask in tip top shape, as well as an extra sweatband so there is always a fresh option available.
Sizes & Colors
One of the biggest changes from the NME 8 is the fact that the NME IX has an additional size that offers much more utility for young goalies that need high level head protection. The 0.5 fit is a “Junior” fit mask, but with the quality and shell strength of the senior mask. In addition to that Fit-1(S), Fit-2(M), and Fit-3(L) are available so that most goaltenders can find a mask that fits perfectly.