CCM Jetspeed FTW Hockey Helmet Review
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Time to read 5 min
The new FTW helmet is the final piece of CCM’s goal to create a full set of hockey gear designed from the ground up for female hockey players. You may recognize a lot of the tech returning from the Tacks 920 helmet, with a bit of a twist—the adjustments and inside shape have been adjusted to fit the women’s head shape, rather than the men’s. We’ll take a look at exactly how the FTW compares and what makes it one of the best helmets on the market for female hockey players.
It's important to remember that while hockey helmets are engineered to absorb impact energy and reduce the risk of head injuries, no helmet can ever guarantee 100% protection against concussions.
CCM: Full Head-to-Toe
With the release of the FTW helmet, CCM has officially accomplished the feat of creating a full set of gear “from head to toe” designed specifically for female hockey players. This gear isn’t just taking the male variation and shrinking it down, as some clothing brands may do—but instead, starting almost entirely from scratch, with new measurements and data.
Every part of CCM’s FTW series was crafted using a combination of lab research and direct insights from female hockey players across different levels. The FTW helmet is categorized as equipment designed for elite-level play, but purchasing a new hockey helmet is more about fit than level of play. If the FTW fits comfortably around your head, then it may be worth considering for your next helmet.
CCM FTW Helmet Features
AER-TEC Thermoregulation System
AER-TEC has been a staple in CCM gear for years now, and that hasn’t changed in the women’s gear line. As with most of CCM-designed equipment now, the FTW helmet is outfitted with a fully integrated AER-TEC Thermoregulation System. In essence, this means the shell is shaped both for agility and to allow for optimal airflow, while Nest Tech and strategically placed liners inside the helmet guide fresh air throughout. Heat is pushed out through the top and rear air vents of the shell.
We've been seeing Nest Tech in CCM protectives since the Tacks AS-V series. This 3D-printed lattice structure is designed to mold comfortably to your head, offering a secure fit while providing protection and enhanced breathability throughout the helmet. Its design also enables it to absorb energy and dissipate it better, protecting your head on impact.
Shell & ADPTFit 360
If you held the Tacks 920 helmet up next to the FTW helmet, you may notice something—that the shell and even the material inside (Nest Tech and R3FLEX foam) are the same. And you’d be right; both helmets use the same shell and technology. The FTW series is made for elite female hockey players, which means the gear needs to be ready to compete at the highest level while also being proportioned to fit female hockey players better. So it makes perfect sense that the FTW helmet would use the highest-end shell design from CCM as well.
This helmet comes with larger air holes in the front, the top, and the back to complement the AER-TEC thermoregulation system, along with the new ADPTFit 360 shape and adjustment system. This sleek new shell was inspired by feedback from elite and professional players, who provided input on a few key adjustments they wanted made to the previous design. Current Tacks 710 users will immediately spot the upgrade in the shell's ventilation. The holes are noticeably larger and contoured for better aerodynamics while you move, enhancing your speed and agility on the ice.
In addition to the ventilation changes, other upgrades include an extended size range, an optimized occipital cushion, and a user-friendly single-button adjustment lock in the back.
Size and Shape Designed for Women — 3-in-1 R3FLEX Protection Foam
Helmets work best when they fit perfectly to your head, but not everyone is able to pick up a brand new custom helmet on the spot. The new 3-in-1 R3FLEX protection foam helps mold the helmet even closer to your head while offering reliable, dynamic protection that can respond to every impact.
As mentioned, the FTW shares many of the same features as the 920, and that includes the use of R3FLEX protection foam and Nest Tech. The main difference between the FTW and 920 helmets is in how the Nest Tech and R3FLEX foams inside are shaped. The 920 uses CCM’s standard stock helmet shape for the inner foam, which is ideal for the male head shape; by contrast, the FTW uses a new fit and foam shape tailored specifically for the female head shape.
Occipital+ Cushion & Integrated Hair Groove
Protecting and fitting helmets around the occipital lobe is a major priority with hockey helmets. Not only does this area house your brain's visual cortex, but achieving a secure fit here is also crucial to keeping the helmet securely in place on your head.
Not only is this the location of the visual function in your brain—thus making it extremely important by itself—but making sure this spot is fitted perfectly is also what will influence how well the helmet fits overall. While some other helmets may use a separate dial in the occipital area to tighten the fit, the Tacks 920 and FTW helmets integrate this function directly into the single adjustment lock for a more streamlined system.
Many female players know the struggle of constantly readjusting their helmets and hair ties to fit under traditional models. The FTW helmet incorporates a small groove in the back to fit tied hair comfortably, eliminating the annoying need to adjust it pre-game or mid-shift.
Final Thoughts
The first time I tried out the FTW helmet, I knew instantly that this would be my next helmet.
For a long time, I’d wondered why people seemed to prefer certain helmets over others because… weren’t they all uncomfortable? As a female hockey player, I understood that whenever I put my helmet on, it would be a struggle getting it to fit just right with my ponytail.
But even then, nothing ever fit just right. Most helmets I tried would either constantly push on uncomfortable pressure points on my head or fit much too loosely to be safe.
I didn’t realize that one factor could have been that none of the helmets I’d had before were designed for my head shape. Putting on the FTW helmet was the first time I didn’t have to do any readjustments; I didn’t even have to do much with the lock adjustment. If you’re a female hockey player looking for a new bucket, I highly recommend checking out the FTW and seeing if it's right for you!
