Masuri Titanium

Masuri have transformed the image of a cricket helmet, as well as sticking to the key principal - safety.

Cricket helmets have come a long, long way since Australian Graham Yallop strode out to bat wearing one for the very first time in a Test match against West Indies back in 1978. Not only can you select the design and weight of your new 'lid', you can also choose the colour from a B&Q-style colour selector! Previously deemed unfashionable and ugly, brands such as Masuri have completely transformed the image of a cricket helmet, as well as sticking to the key principal - keeping us safe. Masuri, a market leader in head protection for the past 15 years, not only keep thousands of club cricketers safe week-in-week-out, they also cater for the best in the business with many international cricketers putting their trust in the Basingstoke-based brand. Here at skysports.com, we put their latest Test Titanium helmet to the test, measuring protection, comfort and design. When the package first arrived at my desk I was unsure if general manager Sam Miller had actually included the helmet, such was the lightness of the box. This model in question is widely used in the first-class and Test match arena, mainly due to its carbon fibre reinforced construction. This not only provides brilliant protection, it also means you hardly notice you are wearing anything on top. It is available in four stylish cloth covers - bottle green, maroon, black or navy, I was handed the bottle green, a classy colour which went as a perfect match with my aluminous green Kookaburra bat. So what? You may ask. However the fashionable aspect of playing cricket is becoming increasingly important. If you look good, you feel good. Surely that can only help your confidence? With the bowling machine cranked up into the high 80s... ok maybe not, but up to what I class as a considerable speed (I won't put an exact number on it) the idea was not to get hit by the short-pitched bowling, but to see if the helmet in any way affected my agility and vision. I've always tried to avoid wearing a helmet if possible, it always makes me feel claustrophobic and I get easily distracted when out in the middle. However, I can honestly say my experience with the Masuri Test Titanium has made me a convert to a lid. Not only was the helmet extremely secure - mainly due to the unique adjustable head band and hand-moulded laminated shell - it also provided plenty of space through the visor, thus not jeopardising my view. The vented shell of the helmet is light but strong and has an adjustable head band to achieve a tailored fit. Perfect. Looking for a helmet this summer? Look no further than Masuri.

Locker Room rating: 5/5