Masuri review
We review the X-Line Vision Series helmet following Stuart Broad’s switch in headgear.
Tuesday 9 September 2014 12:18, UK
‘You wearing a helmet today?’
It’s a question posed in almost every changing room over a weekend of club cricket with many looking for any excuse not to wear one.
‘Too heavy’, ‘too claustrophobic’, ‘I can’t see’ are regular excuses but this summer we were given a stark reminder of just how important wearing protective headgear is.
When Stuart Broad top-edged a bouncer from Varun Aaron through the peak of his helmet and flush into his nose during the fourth Test against India, the whole of Old Trafford held its breath as England’s medical team raced on to the pitch.
Despite a fractured nose and a couple of black eyes, Broad was back in time for the next match of the series, however the fact that the ball breached his protection prompted a mini inquest.
Broad joined seven of his England team-mates by shifting from ‘Ayrtek’ to the well-respected ‘Masuri’ brand, and after trialling one of the Vision Series helmets, it’s easy to see why.
Not only is the Masuri Vision Series light and comfortable, it also has a patented double bar at the top of the grille to ensure extra protection by reducing the gap for a ball to squeeze through.
Masuri managing director Sam Miller said at the time: “We are delighted to see Stuart Broad back fit and well and wearing one of our latest helmets.
“After Stuart was injured at Old Trafford, we were immediately asked to provide a helmet for him try out in the nets.
“Our new Vision Series range has been designed with the latest ICC December 2013 safety standard specifically in mind.
“Masuri have liaised closely with the testing team at Loughborough University to ensure the Vision Series helmets will pass the new safety standard when official testing gets underway."
Key features
Eye-line Grille
"The eye-line grille is an additional top bar, placed on the eye line, presents a greater surface area to the ball on impact. The rear bar forces the ball upwards towards the solid part of the peak and deflects it away from the players face."
AP Tech
"The Active Peak Technology does what no other helmet can. It reacts when the ball strikes between the peak and grille. The peak movement absorbs the force of the ball protecting the player."
Snug without feeling tight to your head, the extra air-flow at the top of the helmet also keeps you at a more comfortable temperature whilst batting.
One of my main gripes with a helmet is it rattling around, particular when running, however this X-Line stays in place despite sharp movements.
Overall verdict: Masuri continue to raise the bar in helmet innovation. A must for the kit bag and an investment well worth making.
