Started Laoch Sports after getting tired of seeing players — mine included — wearing helmets that were either too loose to do their job or so tight nobody kept them on during a full training session.

A few things that actually matter when picking a hurling helmet:

1. Faceguard/cage clearance — you want roughly a finger's width between the cage and your nose/chin. Too tight and a stray hit transfers straight through; too loose and the ball can get in.

2. Strap tension, not just size — most injuries I hear about aren't from the wrong size shell, they're from a helmet that shifted mid-play because the chin strap wasn't tightened properly. Check it before every session, not just when you buy it.

3. Regulation compliance — for club and county play, make sure it meets the required standard. It's not just a formality, it's what actually gets tested for impact.

4. Comfort over a full season — a helmet that's fine for one training session but starts hurting after 60+ minutes is the wrong one. Padding breaks in, but it shouldn't need to.

Built Laoch Sports helmets around exactly this — regulation-compliant, comfortable enough for a full season, priced fairly ($89). Happy to answer fitting questions for anyone here even if you don't buy from me — just trying to get more people playing safely.