The "Bucket" helmet and it's downfall
The predecessor to the Cascade helmet in lacrosse was the traditional "bucket-style" helmet, also known as the "bull's-eye" helmet. These older-style helmets were widely used before the introduction of the Cascade helmet and lacked many of the advanced features and safety technologies seen in modern helmets.
The traditional bucket-style helmet typically featured a hard plastic shell with a foam liner inside for limited impact absorption. These helmets were simple in design, providing basic head protection without the innovative safety technologies found in the Cascade helmet. They had a boxier shape and did not offer the same level of customization or comfort as modern helmets.
Compared to the Cascade helmet, the traditional bucket-style helmets had limited ventilation, which could lead to discomfort and overheating during play. Additionally, their field of vision was more restricted, and players might have experienced reduced visibility due to the helmet's design.
As lacrosse evolved, especially with a growing focus on player safety, helmet manufacturers recognized the need for improved head protection. This led to the development of the Cascade helmet with its innovative Seven Technology™ liner and other advanced features, making it a significant leap forward in lacrosse helmet design and safety. The Cascade helmet's introduction and widespread adoption marked a turning point in the sport, encouraging other manufacturers to prioritize player protection and continuously improve helmet technology.
The Rise of the Cascade Lacrosse Helmet
The History of the Cascade Helmet
The Cascade helmet was created by Cascade Lacrosse, a company founded by Bill and Mike Carney. The helmet's development began in the early 1980s, and it was officially introduced to the market in 1986.
Bill and Mike Carney, two brothers who were avid lacrosse players, recognized the need for improved head protection in the sport. They set out to create a safer and more advanced lacrosse helmet that could better protect players from head injuries and concussions.
After several years of research and development, the Carney brothers launched the Cascade helmet in 1986. The helmet featured the revolutionary Seven Technology™ liner, which significantly improved impact protection compared to traditional foam liners. It quickly gained popularity and became a game-changer in the lacrosse equipment industry.
By the early 1990s, the Cascade helmet had become widely adopted at all levels of the game, from youth and high school to college and professional lacrosse. It became a preferred choice for players and teams seeking the best available head protection and comfort.
As Cascade Lacrosse continued to refine and innovate its helmet designs, releasing newer models with additional improvements, the Cascade brand solidified its position as a leader in the lacrosse equipment industry. Today, the Cascade helmet remains one of the most popular and respected choices among players, maintaining its status as a go-to helmet for those seeking top-tier protection and performance on the lacrosse field.
The Cascade helmet was revolutionary in lacrosse for several key reasons:
Safety and Protection: The Cascade helmet was one of the first lacrosse helmets designed with a primary focus on safety and player protection. It introduced innovative technologies and features that significantly improved head protection, reducing the risk of head injuries, concussions, and facial injuries.
Seven Technology™: The most groundbreaking aspect of the Cascade helmet was its patented Seven Technology™ liner. This liner featured a series of compressible cylinders that were designed to absorb and dissipate impact forces more effectively than traditional foam liners. The Seven Technology™ liner provided superior impact protection while maintaining a low-profile and lightweight design.
Vision and Visibility: The Cascade helmet's design took into account player vision and visibility on the field. It featured a wide field of vision and a streamlined design that allowed players to see the game more clearly, enabling better situational awareness and reaction times.
Custom Fit: The helmet introduced an adjustable fit system that allowed players to customize the fit of the helmet according to their head size and shape. This feature improved comfort, ensuring a snug and secure fit for each player.
Ventilation: The Cascade helmet was designed with ventilation in mind, featuring strategically placed vents that facilitated airflow and heat dissipation. This ventilation system helped keep players cool during intense gameplay.
Aesthetic Design: The Cascade helmet's aesthetic design was also a significant departure from traditional lacrosse helmets. It introduced a sleek, modern look with various color and customization options, setting a new standard for helmet design in the sport.
Player Endorsements: Many professional players began endorsing and using the Cascade helmet, raising its visibility and credibility within the lacrosse community. The adoption of the Cascade helmet by top players further contributed to its revolutionary status and popularity.
The introduction of the Cascade helmet marked a significant shift in the lacrosse equipment industry, setting new standards for player safety, comfort, and performance. Its innovative technologies and focus on safety helped establish a new era of helmet design, inspiring other manufacturers to prioritize safety and protection in their products as well. Today, the Cascade helmet remains one of the most popular and respected choices among lacrosse players at all levels of the game.