Warrior Ritual Goalie Masks Review

While there are new releases that excite and impress us every year, it isn't often that an entirely new mask line is introduced. Warrior is in the spotlight with their all new Ritual F1 goalie mask lineup. These masks have been a topic of discussion and interest for the goalie world ever since the first pictures were posted and for good reason. The Ritual F1 Pro model boasts Warrior’s FantomFIT, IMPAX with X foam, and a carbon layered shell, that all adds up to an impressive entry into a highly competitive goalie mask market.

Goalie masks have always been a hot topic among the goalie community. As goalies, we are always interested to see what companies can come up with to keep our heads safe while maintaining an element of classic style and swagger that all of us look for. When it comes to masks it’s typical to see a refinement of a line that has worked well in the past however, it is entirely unusual to see new models, let alone a new brand. Warrior dove headfirst (bad pun I know) into the mask market for the 2020 season. Let’s take a closer look at the line and find out why it should get the honor of protecting your head.


Warrior Ritual Goalie Masks

Design

Warrior has spent countless hours in the lab designing the Ritual F1 line. After taking multiple 3D scans of the current competition, they settled on a look that could only be described as Bauer/CCM lovechild (and that is not a bad thing). I find the ridges and the contoured chin design, reminiscent of that classic 90’s goalie mask look. What makes the mask stand out to me is the sharper edges incorporated into the design that add a sense of style to the mask. When all combined, the Ritual F1 line has an almost deja vu like look that will be sure to turn both goalies and players heads alike.


Warrior Ritual Goalie Masks

Shell

Starting with the Warrior Ritual F1 Pro mask, it introduces a Minimus carbon G1200 reinforced shell. Warrior has refined the carbon weave to create the stiffest construction possible while also promoting a light mask. What stood out to me was the thickness of the shell itself. We have seen masks from other brands made of carbon fiber and one thing I commonly notice is how thin the actual shell is. In this case of the Warrior, you can see how substantial the carbon layering is, this helps to ease some of the uncertainty of going with an all carbon mask.


Warrior Ritual Goalie Masks

Some people will be quick to point out that carbon fiber is a brittle material and although that statement is correct in some forms, it’s not the case here. Carbon fiber gains its strength and loses its fragility based on the way it’s weaved together and the thickness of the weaves. Rest assured this is one tough shell.


Ritual F1 Sr+ Mask

Ritual F1 Sr+ Mask

The Ritual F1 Sr+ mask features a fiberglass shell reinforced with G1000 Minimus carbon providing the lightweight, durable performance to the senior price point. This does make the Sr+ a bit heavier than the pro with a weight difference of 200 grams in comparable sizes. Warrior has also added another size to Sr+ price point in the Ritual F1 Jr+. The F1 Jr+ mask features the same foam and shell construction as the SR+ however it is offered in a smaller junior size for the younger goalies looking for that step up in protection.


Warrior Ritual F1 Sr Mask

Ritual F1 Sr Mask

To round out Warrior’s new line, the Ritual F1 Sr mask sports a polycarbonate build similar to what CCM and Bauer offer at this price point. What helps to set the F1 Sr mask apart from its peers is the addition of the Omni shock and IMPAX foam, but more on those upgrades later.


Warrior Ritual Goalie Masks

F1 Pro Inners

In order to design a comfortable, universal fitting mask that feels just right for most head shapes, Warrior spent as much time focusing on the inside of the mask as the outside. We had several of our goalie staff here try all the models on and we experienced great fit and feel feedback.

Warrior introduces their OmniShock+ system for comfort and protection to the F1 Pro. This system consists of 2 main parts, the first layer being IMPAX foam throughout the mask with a layer of X-foam in the crown of the mask for added protection. The second layer is a molded IMPAX foam, providing a very comfortable fit.


Warrior Ritual Goalie Masks

F1 Sr+ Inners

The Ritual F1 Sr+ and Jr+ feature the same OmniShock+ system as seen on the F1 Pro mask, only it uses IMPAX foam in the crown rather than the Pro level X-foam. While the Sr+ and Jr+ masks already have strong shells, the addition of these foams not only improves fit but also protection by absorbing impact and maintaining good connection points around the head.


Warrior Ritual Goalie Masks

F1 Sr Inners

A scaled down OmniShock system was designed for the Ritual F1 Sr and Jr models. The F1 Sr and Jr use IMPAX foams for added protection and a better fit, setting this mask apart from the others at this price point and ensuring well-rounded protection for any level.


Warrior Ritual Goalie Masks

FantomFIT

This new Ritual mask line sports Warrior's proprietary FantomFIT, which provides optimal fit characteristics. This design prevents any sort of pinching and pressure points while also locking you in creating more contact areas with your face so the mask doesn’t shake, rattle or ring while you're playing.

The Ritual F1 Pro and SR+ masks come in senior sizes S/M, M/L and L/XL while the F1 SR only comes in sizes S/M and M/L.

The Ritual F1 JR+ provides top quality junior protection while there are also F1 JR and F1 YTH masks, each of these masks come in one size.


Warrior Ritual Goalie Masks

Cage

All the new Warrior Ritual line masks come standard with a CSA approved stainless steel cage with rounded bars. The masks also include a clear dangler for goalies who like that extra neck protection. The Lexan provides a nice fit around the mask ensuring the two pieces move together rather than getting caught on each other.


Warrior Ritual Goalie Masks

Extra specs

The Warrior Ritual F1 Pro model features an invisible backplate strap system, providing Pro level straps while keeping the backplate clean, perfect for custom painting or decals. The Ritual Sr+ and SR as well as the Jr+ and Jr masks all come with traditional, non-hidden pro-quality straps.


Warrior Ritual Goalie Masks

Chin Cup

Each mask comes with an easily adjustable chin cup that allows for increased mobility. Warrior also includes two large Polygiene sweatbands designed for optimal comfort while also reducing odor.


Warrior Ritual Goalie Masks

Neck Protection

All masks also include a clear dangler for goalies who like that extra neck protection. The Lexan provides a nice fit around the mask ensuring the two pieces move together rather than getting caught on each other.


Warrior Ritual Goalie Masks

Padded Mask Bag

Lastly, all the masks come with a padded mask bag to keep them safe from dings in your bag.

Final Thoughts

After trying on all of Warrior's new masks, I’m really impressed with the quality and comfort. The shell on the Pro is rigid while providing enough give so that the mask disperses energy from impacts efficiently to keep you protected. The Sr+ and Jr+ both have nice, solid shells and should provide more than enough protection for whatever comes your way. The Ritual Sr and Jr are strong and rigid compared to other polycarbonate shell masks on the market, giving newer goalies a protective yet reasonably priced option.

As for the foams, the F1 Pro and Sr+ models both have a very comfortable liner. While not overly soft, the slightly stiffer foams allow the mask to dry out easily while providing a good fit.

Thanks to Warrior’s new FantomFIT technology, each mask felt snug and locked in place without feeling uncomfortably tight. The Sr and Jr masks use foams that outperform their price point making them a very good option for the entry level goalie. What impressed me the most was that there were no uncomfortable pressure points or pinching in any price point of the Ritual line masks. I also like that the Ritual line masks provide good sightlines for nearly completely unobstructed vision.

Warrior took the time to fully develop this Ritual mask line, learning from issues with other masks in order to build something capable of working for everybody. While it may be hard for Warrior to break into a market that is dominated by Bauer and CCM, they have built a quality line of masks that are worth considering if looking for a mask for when it comes time to hit the ice again.

Reviewed By: Cedric Hastings

 

Warrior Ritual Goalie Masks Gallery


Bauer AG5NT Goal Stick Review
Bauer KONEKT Goalie Skate Review
CCM Axis 2 Leg Pad Review
TRUE Project X Stick Review
CCM Jetspeed FT6 Pro Stick Review
What is Pro Stock Equipment?
Hockey Stick Basics: Guide on Stick Blades