Bauer RE-AKT 155 Helmet Breakdown and Review
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Time to read 6 min
Take on the toughest impacts with the Bauer RE-AKT 155 hockey helmet. We’ll check out the specs, initial feel, and whether this helmet is the right fit for you.
RE-AKT 155 Helmet - First Impressions
Initial Feel
As it is with all elite-level helmets, the RE-AKT 155 uses a variety of different types of foams in specific areas and at certain thicknesses to keep the helmet locked on your head. What may feel a little unexpected in a helmet of this calibre is the extra pressure you might experience in the temple and forehead regions the first few times you wear it, and potentially in other areas as well.
It’s important to note that this is not a design flaw. On top of featuring one of the best adjustment systems in the helmet department, the RE-AKT 155 does require a bit of an adjustment period, similar to what you might experience with gloves and skates. Of course, the helmet shouldn’t be so tight or ill-fitting that it’s genuinely painful or crushing your head in multiple spots. On the RE-AKT 155, though, a little extra pressure in a few spots isn’t necessarily a sign of bad fit. The foams are made and shaped this way so they can eventually mould to your head shape, so after a few uses, the helmet should fit snugly to your head.
Adjustment System
The FreeForm fit system is not new at all in the RE-AKT series, and with the capabilities it adds to the helmet, there’s really no surprise it’s back.
Bauer built the FreeForm fit system to change length and width independently, so you can fine-tune the fit to a more precise shape of your head. Helmets are most effective at protecting your head when they fit properly, which is why the combination of a snug foam liner and a multi-directional fit system makes such a difference.
Adjustment instructions can be found inside the helmet packaging. Additional sizing information, such as chin strap fixes and sizing guidelines, can also be found in the little booklet that comes attached to the helmet.
Keep in mind that, like all helmets, this one is designed to protect your head from impact injuries. No helmet can 100% protect you from concussions.
Certifications
The RE-AKT 155 is certified with CSA (required in Canada), HECC (required in the USA), CE (required in Europe), and UKCA (required in the UK) certifications.
CSA, CE, and UKCA do not expire. HECC does expire.
Construction
Key tech:
FreeForm fit system
DCT foam
Suspended, floating occipital padding
AV-Form rotating pods
EVA Expancell foam
Shell
The helmet uses a standard Bauer RE-AKT shell shape with high-impact plastics and comes in a variety of colourways: black, gold, white, navy, blue, red, Golden Knights Grey, LA Purple, kelly green, and forrest green.
Foams and Padding
We touched on the foams earlier when discussing fit, but didn’t dig into them in detail.
The main foam used for comfort is Defense Cloud Technology, or DCT foam. This foam is known to be extremely soft with multiple layers, designed to both cushion your head and disperse impact force. DCT is very common in Bauer hockey gear and a mainstay in their top-of-the-line equipment due to its amazing effectiveness in both safety and comfort. DCT is found throughout the inside padding, as the main point of contact between your head and the helmet. This is combined with EVA Expancell foam for greater comfort.
As the RE-AKT helmet family has been known for since its inception, some of the padding isn’t quite glued down, but suspended over your head, allowing the helmet to move a bit, which redirects and disperses impact force. This suspended section is also attached to the floating occipital padding, which is designed both to move with your head movements and lock your head in the right position.
What makes this helmet unique from the rest is the use of AV-Form rotating pods, which can be found in four strategic areas behind the DCT foam: the temples, the crown, and the forehead. These pods are designed to adapt to your head shape and, similar to the suspension padding, turn and rotate a little when hit with enough force. As concussions are strongly linked to rotational/angular acceleration of the brain, rotational pods can theoretically help mitigate some of the risk of concussions (not 100%); however, more research might be needed on this subject.
Final Thoughts - Is This Helmet the Right One for You?
Unfortunately, this is a very difficult question to answer when it comes to helmets. Finding a helmet that fits properly on your head is always the most important factor when protecting yourself from head injuries. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you visit your local hockey store and try on a variety of helmets before picking the right one for yourself.
That said, the RE-AKT 155 helmet boasts some really nice tech, with lots of focus on a snug fit and reactive protection. If these are qualities you’re interested in, then the RE-AKT 155 could be a solid option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the RE-AKT 155 helmet and the RE-AKT 150 helmet?
The primary difference between the 155 and the 150 is in the foams used along the inside of the shell. The 155 uses a more advanced form of the “comfort pod system” that the 150 had, and has switched to DCT, EVA Expancell, and AV-Form foams, which align more with their current protective foams. The 150 used IX foam, VTX foam, and XRD comfort pads.
What’s the difference between the RE-AKT 155 helmet and the RE-AKT 3D helmet?
The RE-AKT 3D helmet is a newer and more advanced RE-AKT helmet model that uses 3d-moulded Aerolite material in an ADAPTIV lattice design for increased comfort and protection. Both helmets use a “pod” system to manage impacts, but the 3D uses GX-Pod2 technology to absorb impact and optimize airflow, while the 155 uses AV-Form rotating pads.
What’s the difference between the RE-AKT 155 helmet and the HYPERLITE 2 helmet?
The RE-AKT 155 and the HYPERLITE 2 helmets are from different helmet families, so the shell and inside foams are also shaped a little differently. It’s important to try the helmets on at a local store before buying, so you know you’re getting the right fit. The HYPERLITE 2 uses G-Pod technology (an earlier version of what’s found in the RE-AKT 3D) and DCT padding (similar to the 155).
Do helmets expire? What do the dates the CSA and HECC certifications mean?
Helmets only expire depending on the certification your hockey league follows. Most certifications do not expire, but HECC (required in the USA), does have an expiration year outlined in the sticker. The date on CSA certification stickers is the date of manufacture, not an expiration date.
Can the RE-AKT 155 helmet protect me from concussions?
The RE-AKT 155 uses AV-Form rotational pods and suspension foams attached to occipital padding to help offer some additional protection against concussions, but nothing can 100% protect you against concussions.
