If you are a Box Lacrosse player then you'll be no stranger to a flip mask on your helmet. Well, it seems that field lacrosse has adopted the idea in the latest helmet from market leaders Cascade.
In the 3 plus decades I've played this sport, there is only 1 model of Cascade lacrosse helmet that I didn't play in and that was the C2. My only gripe with any helmet from Cascade was that the rear pad at the back of the CPX broken off mine but I'd bought it second hand and it was beat to hell. A little known fact but I studied art and design so I've always appreciated the iconic design elements that make Cascade the most identifiable helmet on a lacrosse field, some of which other brands have imitated over the years but failed to hit the mark.
Innovation is exciting and sometimes it takes a while to get used to something new but I'm very split on my feelings on the Cascade Z. I've always tried to be as honest as possible with customers about the products we offer, nobody wants to be hoodwinked in to buying something they don't need and as a company we want to see returning customers who value the advice we offer.
I want to address my doubts first and the main one is a front flipping mask. Has this been introduced for problems that don't exist? Cascade's FlipTek, a first-of-its-kind, allows the helmet’s mask flips up for instant access when you need it and locks back into place with a click to provide a secure fit. Now having thought it might be a safety feature, Cascade actually say the following on their website "A flip-up mask allows players to effortlessly refuel, rest, and connect on the sidelines without having to take off their helmet."
Now I have never had an issue refueling, I've used strawed water bottles or squirted water through the mask. Ok, one time I squirted Gatoraide through the mask getting it over of face, neck and chest which attracted bees during a hot day at the Amsterdam tournament with Gin & Juice many years ago. As it happens his was a blessing in disguise as two brothers on defense for the opposing team were allergic to bee strings so we ran a play we named "Bees" which me playing the crease and waving my arms around shouting "bees, bees", the defender would leave you naked on the crease and the rest is lacrosse history, there's a large trophy somewhere in the store from that event.
The Z is expensive but I'm afraid to say all higher end lacrosse equipment is expensive and costs increase year on year, as a consumer you have to make the call on what your budget is when it comes to you purchase no matter what it is. Cascade is continuing the produce the XRS Pro model and I personally think that's really smart and gives you more options when buying what is an elite level lacrosse helmet. I've love my XRS Pro but something I've noticed the more I've worn the Z is that it does seem to offer better peripheral vision.
I will say that the Z is the most comfortable lacrosse helmet I've ever worn and although I'm a little torn on the FlipTek this model is last growing on me.