Hackva (Mask)

[Stryker908]

Short Version: Hackva makes an top end mask at a incredible price, the quality, weight, craftsmenship and price make it the best mask out there (In my humble opinion)

Long Version: About 3 months ago a friend of mine borrowed some of my equipment so he could play goalie, I borrowed his skates so I could play forward; both of us should have stayed where we were :p. I found I dont like skating on rockered skates, and he found diving head first at the shooter was not always the most effective save selection.

After the game I found that my Itech 1200 had a nice dent right under the left eye, the weld was broken, and the cage would need to be replaced.... Perfect, this was just the excuse I had been looking for to buy myself a new mask.....

My major deciding factor when it came to a mask was price, I wanted to keep things under 300 dollars, I looked at the Itech 2500 and was not impressed, Eddy made a nice mask, but the local HockeyGiant didnt carry it with the Cat Eye Cage I had come to love. NXI was next on the list, and their reputation made them an instant front runner, that mixed with the varity of custom colors available made it pretty clear that they were going to be my choice, then I read an artical about a little known mask maker Gabe Hackva...

Gabe aparently had been making masks for a number of the "bigger name" hockey companies such as Sherwood and I believe Koho (I could be wrong on the Koho one). At the time Gabe was only selling his masks directly from the factory, so I sent him an email and asked about his masks, he informed me that they were Carbon/Kevlar. CARBON/KEVLAR ?! Really?! Obvioulsy this mask was going to be more then I could afford, the Itech Carbon mask is 800 dollars, Eddy 900...... and this was a custom order..... When Gabe gave me the price I was floored, 300 dollars for a Carbon/Kevlar mask...I was sold right there .....

When the mask arived I couldnt wait to open it, I actuely ran home over my lunch break to pick it up from FED Ex. The mask is beautiful, a wide face alowing exilent viewing angles, a chin that is protective with out becoming a hinderance and the overall style of the mask is just beautiful. It has that "nasty" goalie mask look (I dont know how else to discribe it).

When I got the mask home I wanted to see how much it weighed, I put it on the scale and it came back at 46oz. just 3oz more then my Itech 1200. When I tried the mask on the ice I was again astounded, the mask felt cool and breathed well, but aditionaly to that the vision both out the front (with the cat eyes) and side to side was perfect no "floaters" or Blind spots.

Finely I want to state what exilent customer service Gabe offers, he was quick to respond to every single one of my silly questions, he sent some extra foam so I could get the fit right (my itech never fit just right) and even after the sale when I was concerned about something I thought might have been wrong he was quick to respond and assure me that he would replace the mask at no charge if he needed to (after sending him pictures he informed me that there was no issue, and to date there has not been, just a production "fluke", it looks like some resen didnt set right, but the spot has not "frayed" like I was concerned it would)

Gabe no longer sells his masks directly, but you can find them at Don Simmons website, and Goalie monkey (to name a few) the price is still less then 400 (in most cases less then 300) if your looking for a mask I highly recomend taking a look at the Hackva! You will not be displeased!

(WoW that was longer then I intended! :D)

I'll post some pictures later if anybody wants

[TheBigM]

Pictures please!

M.

[Stryker908]

Pictures please!

M.


I will take some and post them tonight...

Anything specific?

[HotBranch!]

I will take some and post them tonight...

Anything specific?

I'd really like to see the backplate harness and the foam inside in addition to the regular shots.

Cheers!

[Stryker908]

Here ya go guys ... as promised here are the pictures of my mask

In the pictures of the back plate you will notice I moved the back straps to the inside so I have a "smooth" Backplate, this is strictly an aesthetic choice and has nothing to do with functionality.

I hope this is enough pictures of the foam (if need be I can take more).

I apologized for the quality of the images, I took these pictures with my cell phone.

[Stryker908]

The rest of the pictures, (You can only attach 5 per post)

[Stryker908]

OK 2 more... Thats it I promise!! (unless anybody wants anymore)

[HotBranch!]

Awesome stuff! Thanks Stryker.

[jimbones]

Still waiting for my Hackva mask :-((

[goalie S]

Long Version: About 3 months ago a friend of mine borrowed some of my equipment so he could play goalie,...

After the game I found that my Itech 1200 had a nice dent right under the left eye, the weld was broken, and the cage would need to be replaced....

Are you sure he was your friend. Friends don't let friends wear an Itech 1200. :D

[Scipio]

I too was comming from an Itech 1200 looking for something a little better. Or a lot better actually but I didnt want to toss out $800 for a new lid so I did some looking around and came across Hackva Helmets. Everything said about his customer service is spot on. He certainly has a customer for life out of me. Every single question I had was answered, every email responded to within an hour, every concern put to rest. The mask is superb. It sits well on my head doesn't move around a lot and is extremely comfortable. I've been hit in the head many times now with no ringers or ill effects from said shots. The mask is nice and his customer service is even better. It seems today so many companies are overlooking that aspect of their lines of business not realizing how much of a difference it does make to the little man.

10 / 10 on the whole experience

Something not mentioned was that the cages differ a bit depending on where you buy it. If you buy it at Simmons you get the double bar down the center. If you buy from Goaliemonkey you get the single bar.

Also I did the same thing as Stryker with moving the harness to the inside of the backplate. You dont even notice that its there when its on as the harness isn't thick or stiff like most other helmets I've put on.

[Gators76]

Thanks for the information. I am going to be ordering a Hackva this weekend from GM. Just not sure on the color.

[Law Goalie]

Does Hackva do custom masks at the factory? I'm completely happy with my NXI Phantom, for the moment, but if and when I do make a change, I'd like to move to a custom-fitted mask for an absolute certainty of protection. Hackva's one of only two mask makers I've been able to find in the GTA (the other is Sportmask in Oakville), and I *love* the look of the Hackva masks.

[Scipio]

You might contact Gabe from his site. Any questions you have will be answered. He's very helpful.

[Stryker908]

You might contact Gabe from his site. Any questions you have will be answered. He's very helpful.
^^^^

What he said,

2nd time I've heard somebody ask this question, let us know what you find out!

[2Four]

I'm in the market for a new mask, and am seriously leaning towards Hackva or Sportmask to replace my old ITECH Profile Pro 960 (circa 1992, but in excellent shape, I'll post soon :)).

The only problem is I live in New Brunswick:(, and have to order online somehow:(. I have seen both at goaliemonkey, and know of a place in Halifax area that sells sportmask, but I really want to compare. I like the Sportmask Razor VX and T3, and of course the Hackva GM2608 Carbon. I am going to get whatever helmet custom painted to complement my Battram gear, but I really could use some feed back on the various helmets.


Please, if any of you have input for me please share.

2Four

[Zapmehome]

- thanks for making us aware of this great mask
- always wondered about this brand
- I think I am decided now too.

[Jase96]

Are you sure he was your friend. Friends don't let friends wear an Itech 1200. :D

QFT!

I also wear a black Hackva mask, best mask I have ever tried on. Most comfortably fits my head with padding in all the right places. Especially at the price it is unbeatable. The ONLY issue I have ever had with it is that the chin cup seems to slide up and down when you flip the mask up and down. Usually you will need to push it back under your chin but that is only a minor inconvenience. I mentioned this to Gabe directly and he did not hesitate to send me velcro for free to see if I could replicate the itech chin cup setup myself.

[Oil Machine]

hello all,
well i am a newbie to the board, but not in the net,
I been goaltending since i was 6, and i am 24 now.

I thought i would pipe in this conversation, All i can say about Hackva and gabe is SOLID, honoustly, if your looking for a mask that does it all at the fraction of the cost, this mask is it, i have had many different masks, from itech to eddy, and nothing felt as nice on my head as my new hackva.

Reasons to why i love it,
1. vision is unreal, could see from side to side perfectly.
2. protection, for some reason, this mask just felt alot better on my head then others, and the chin protection is the best i have had yet. Plus i took one off the temple, and it didnt ring or sting, very nice.. :D
3. customer service, i live in edmonton, and needed a mask for a tourny i was in that weekend (dont ask about my itech, a reason i will never go back to that brand), you cant buy direct, but it was as close as possible, i contacted gabe, he told me to pay my local dealer (credit card, plus they were out of stock of their hackvas) i paid, and my mask was there 10 am the next morning, just in time for the tourny.

I am now using my friends old koho for the moment, as i have sent the mask back to gabe to get my custom paint on it..

i will put the pics up when i get it back..

but all i can say about gabe and hackva is first class all the way...

for $380, there is no better mask on the market.... NONE....

[Old Style 31]

i contacted gabe, he told me to pay my local dealer (credit card, plus they were out of stock of their hackvas) i paid, and my mask was there 10 am the next morning, just in time for the tourny.

Local dealer? Seriously dude, you gotta tell me where you got this from. I've been all over the city, and no one I've seen carries Hackvas. I talked to the guys at United, and they wouldn't even order one in for me!

[Oil Machine]

Local dealer? Seriously dude, you gotta tell me where you got this from. I've been all over the city, and no one I've seen carries Hackvas. I talked to the guys at United, and they wouldn't even order one in for me!


its all good

Totem Outdoor Outfitters
7430 - 99 Street
Edmonton, Albert
T6E 3R9

Attn: Dan M
tel: 780-432-0070

talk to dan , if they dont have the style you want, they will order it in.

[Old Style 31]

Thanks Oilmachine,

I'm going to head over there during my lunch hour tomorrow! Hopefully they've got something in stock.

[Oil Machine]

i got a sneak peak of the mask from gabe today, he is just finishing up the back plate today, and hopefully i get it back next week, but this is it so far, super stoked to get it back now,
http://hfboards.com/imagehosting/5784447603732a5fa7.jpg

[velvet hammer]

Oilmachine:
What's the turn around time for the paint? Do they do it all in house or is it farmed out to other painters? How did you find the correspondence between you and the painter, in regards to your ideas? Sorry for all the questions, but I am really interested in getting one of these beauties. I currently have a Sportsmask Razor, with custom paint.

122

[Richie Rich]

Oilmachine:
What's the turn around time for the paint? Do they do it all in house or is it farmed out to other painters? How did you find the correspondence between you and the painter, in regards to your ideas? Sorry for all the questions, but I am really interested in getting one of these beauties. I currently have a Sportsmask Razor, with custom paint.

122


Gabe, does all the painting in house. The time it takes to paint a mask depends on the artwork you are requesting. As far as correspondence, he is very good at answering your questions in a timely manner and he's easy to talk to. Check out his website www.hackva.com (http://www.hackva.com), you;ll find a contact email address there. I think it is info@hackva.com

[Oil Machine]

Oilmachine:
What's the turn around time for the paint? Do they do it all in house or is it farmed out to other painters? How did you find the correspondence between you and the painter, in regards to your ideas? Sorry for all the questions, but I am really interested in getting one of these beauties. I currently have a Sportsmask Razor, with custom paint.

122


honoustly, its been a breeze, from the time i sent it out, to the time i SHOULD get it back, will be about 4 -5 weeks, and its actually painted by the guy who makes the helmets, so its a pretty good system.

With regards to communication with the painter, i have done everything by e-mail, and it has been real easy, he has always got back to me, and fast at that, every question was usually answered in a hour.

if you are looking for a new mask, or a painter, gabe would be the guy.

i have been incredibily happy through out the whole proccess, only problem i see at the moment, is now i have seen it, i want it now. :D

[velvet hammer]

Thanks for the info. I'm starting to get an itchy trigger finger......

hammer

[Oil Machine]

here is the new beast, sorry pics take some time to load, but super stoked to use it tonight.. have it all readjusted now i have it back

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg306/oilmachine/IMG_1258.jpg

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg306/oilmachine/IMG_1263.jpg

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg306/oilmachine/IMG_1264.jpg

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg306/oilmachine/IMG_1265.jpg

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg306/oilmachine/IMG_1267.jpg

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg306/oilmachine/IMG_1269.jpg

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg306/oilmachine/IMG_1271.jpg

a huge thanks to gabe at hackva, i love it

[Zapmehome]

do the sides on the HAckva mask extend further out for extra coverage so that there is no exposed gap between the backplate ?



Short Version: Hackva makes an top end mask at a incredible price, the quality, weight, craftsmenship and price make it the best mask out there (In my humble opinion)


I'll post some pictures later if anybody wants

[Jase96]

for mine it extends past the backplate, but that may be because I have a smaller mellon

[Oil Machine]

truthfully its a NON issue,
it fits perfectly for me as well

[goalie33]

nice lid oilmachine

[Oil Machine]

thanks goalie33 i love it too, i get alot of comments on,all have been good :D

[Martysgirl74]

Last week I tried a Sportsmask on and yesterday I tried one of these babies on. Normally I have a hard time finding a mask that really feels good. One area where masks always seem to fit me funny is in the chin. This was the case with the Sportsmask. It was light and comfortable, but would have required a lot of adjusting to get it to fit correctly in the chin. The Hackva fit like it was built for me right off the shelf with no adjustmenst what so ever. It wasn't as light as the Sportsmask, but the comfort of the fit and the price of the Hackva have me sold......now I just have to find the money. Damn!

[Jester]

Out of curiosity, has anyone used a gold cage from Hackva, or somebody else for that matter. Do they cause a problem with reflection?

Thanks.

[Cheese Bandit]

Depens on the finish. Some are shiny - some are matt - get matt.

CB

[Jester]

Well, I finally took the plunge and acquired a Hackva mask. It has been shipped to Don McClelland Designs for painting. I am hoing I will have it back for the Woodstock clinic.... (assuming I can go).

I will post pictures when I get it back.

[Oil Machine]

i look forward to seeing it at the camp jester :D

[Downfall]

I loves my Hackva, I got mine painted by Doug at Weasel Head

http://img01.picoodle.com/img/img01/8/5/3/f_caclearedm_3c2e95a.jpg

This is what it looks like with my Battram set
http://img32.picoodle.com/img/img32/4/4/2/f_fnewsetm800m_4930593.jpg

[Oil Machine]

looking good :D

[Timmaayy]

Interesting thread. I've seen quite a few Hackva's on ebay lately and on the GSBB for sale. I'm curious as to why so many people put them up for sale. Maybe I'm just more aware of them... they look really nice, and for the money... half the cost of a Razor.

I may have to jump on the Hackva bandwagon. Any idea on what custom paint costs? Would I send in ideas and images I'd like used and let Gabe take it from there? What's a minimum cost on custom paintwork?

[Law Goalie]

I think a lot of people are buying them on-spec because of the low price, without really checking the sizing or finding out whether the fit works for them.

[Timmaayy]

Ahh... that makes sense. They seem like a great mask for the money. Been there before... my first new mask was a 4601... never fit quite right but I made it wok since I dropped the cash for it.

I've got some ideas I'm playing around with for mask art. I'll work on it and get it to Gabe when I'm ready. Thanks for the input. :)

[EdwardL]

In case anyone was going to order one and has the same size head as me. 22" head and I wear a medium hackva.

[bones35]

The price for custom paint all depends on what your after. The last one I priced out for someone was $600 ontop of the price for the mask. He wanted it painted to look like an old style mask on someones head with the guys ears and hair showing. Also wanted the back plate done as well. But it all depends on what your after.

Hope that helps

[goalies-r-us]

Here's DØM's new lid, just came in today.

This is an adult small (kid's got his dad's fat head). The design (other than the name on the backplate) is from Gabe's stock designs.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/ImaHockeyMom/boards/zfront.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/ImaHockeyMom/boards/zleft.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/ImaHockeyMom/boards/zright.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/ImaHockeyMom/boards/ztop.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/ImaHockeyMom/boards/zback.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/ImaHockeyMom/boards/ztop1.jpg

[Vision]

Something just doesn't appear right in those pictures.

::m

[goalies-r-us]

Something just doesn't appear right in those pictures.

::m

The yellow tank top? :p

[Vision]

Not quite.

::m

[Punisher]

Not quite.

::m

Mask's to far up?

he's looking through the wrong holes.

pun.

[Eagle85]

That and it looks way to big for him

[goalies-r-us]

Sizing went by measurements plus pictures (bare head, plus head in same-size Hackva) that were sent to Gabe.

These pics were taken right after I got home with it, before the straps were adjusted, which may account for some of what you're seeing. :confused:

I'll try to get some more pics, probably next week at Keeks' camp, to show it "in use" and after we've battened down the hatches, as it were.

[Eagle85]

The Chin drop still looks like it is to big/long for him

[Zooie]

My son (11 yrs old) has an Itech 1400, one day I noticed he was looking out the wrong holes similar to Dom, I loosened the top strap a little bit and it dropped right into position. My son is now in peewee, the kids are really starting to shoot a lot harder so I am looking into getting him a new mask (along with pads, gloves and skates, they grow like weeds), thinking about the Hackva. How does the weight compare to his old mask

[goalies-r-us]

My son (11 yrs old) has an Itech 1400, one day I noticed he was looking out the wrong holes similar to Dom, I loosened the top strap a little bit and it dropped right into position. My son is now in peewee, the kids are really starting to shoot a lot harder so I am looking into getting him a new mask (along with pads, gloves and skates, they grow like weeds), thinking about the Hackva. How does the weight compare to his old mask

I haven't done a side-by-side comparison yet, but I'll check it out and get back with you.

Also, thanks for the tip on the straps -- now if I can just get him out of the swimming pool long enough to reconfigure the straps... the kid sure does love summertime! :p

[acmeguy]

My son (11 yrs old) has an Itech 1400, one day I noticed he was looking out the wrong holes similar to Dom, I loosened the top strap a little bit and it dropped right into position. My son is now in peewee, the kids are really starting to shoot a lot harder so I am looking into getting him a new mask (along with pads, gloves and skates, they grow like weeds), thinking about the Hackva. How does the weight compare to his old mask

Please everyone stop worrying so much about the weight of a mask. They are all ballpark 3lbs. Yes some are more and some are slightly less, more important is the fit.

Every mask now a days is made from similar materials ( except the ABS plastic ones, let's not go there ) Similar materials = Similar weight

[Zooie]

I wasn't concerned with the weight, I was curious as to the weight difference between the cheaper plastic masks and the Hackva mask. I'm assuming that Dom, like my son Spencer is coming out of a plastic mask.

[kwasyd]

New Hackva.
Guys I bought a Hackva about a month back. Still in golfing mode so I haven't tried it on the ice yet. It fits like a glove though and seems very nice.
I can tell you though.. all wasn't smooth.... well sort of.
I received my first mask and the mask was not aligned correctly. The mask was crocked to the shell. My eyes were looking through bars instead of the holes in the mask. I took pictures and sent them in and instantly I was asked to send the mask back. My shipping costs were paid and in a couple of weeks a new mask showed up and is perfect.
Must have been a Friday build mask the first time.. :) I will try to add some pics.
file:///C:/Users/User/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-4.jpg

[acmeguy]

Friday mask maybe, the point is they made good. Congrats.

[Scott Battram]

Please everyone stop worrying so much about the weight of a mask. They are all ballpark 3lbs. Yes some are more and some are slightly less, more important is the fit.

Every mask now a days is made from similar materials ( except the ABS plastic ones, let's not go there ) Similar materials = Similar weight

Personally, I would be more confident in wearing a heavier mask on my head!

I have handled Keeks Harrison mask and one of the first things I noted was that it was much heavier than my Itech 961 mask. I also got to see Marc Michauds Cubberley mask and it felt heavier too, I didnt look at these as bad things, but more so as a good thing, since I felt the masks both had substance to them.

I just weighed my Sportmask and it tips the scale at 2.8 - 3.0 lbs Again a bit heavier than some of the off the shelf masks I have held but again it makes me more confident.

[Vanniek]

Personally, I would be more confident in wearing a heavier mask on my head!

I have handled Keeks Harrison mask and one of the first things I noted was that it was much heavier than my Itech 961 mask. I also got to see Marc Michauds Cubberley mask and it felt heavier too, I didnt look at these as bad things, but more so as a good thing, since I felt the masks both had substance to them.

I just weighed my Sportmask and it tips the scale at 2.8 - 3.0 lbs Again a bit heavier than some of the off the shelf masks I have held but again it makes me more confident.

Amen,

I just took a bomb off my Sportmask and it actually cracked the fibre and kevlar, if i would have had a lightweight mask on I would surely be drinking through a straw right now.


And we all know beer SUCKS through a straw ;) (seriously though I'm glad I had a quality mask, even though it is a bit heavier.)

If you can't handle an extra pound on your head you have more issues than just finding a mask to work for you.

[Bassai]

Personally, I would be more confident in wearing a heavier mask on my head!

I have handled Keeks Harrison mask and one of the first things I noted was that it was much heavier than my Itech 961 mask. I also got to see Marc Michauds Cubberley mask and it felt heavier too, I didnt look at these as bad things, but more so as a good thing, since I felt the masks both had substance to them.

I just weighed my Sportmask and it tips the scale at 2.8 - 3.0 lbs Again a bit heavier than some of the off the shelf masks I have held but again it makes me more confident.

This weighs 3 to 3.5 lbs depending on the size of your melon:

http://www.operation-helmet.org/images/helmets/ach-helmet3.jpg


Heavy but you get used to it. My Stacey weighs roughly 1100 grams or 2 lbs 6 oz. My old Itech about 1150. Hated and suffered in the Itech and I love the Stacey. What makes the difference for the above and the two masks is how they fit.

[Jim**]

My Vapor weights about as much as my old Van Veldon..but feels much more balanced.. took a good one off the mellon tonight.. no ear rings or problems at all....

Weight i consider .. so long as not excessive is a good thing..
:D

[habsfan]

Just by hand-weighing (both masks with both hands), my Hackva was a bit heavier than my Itech 2000. It's much better balanced though, and feels lighter on the head.

[Vision]

I wouldn't doubt that but at least the Hackva stands a chance at preventing brain damage, should you get struck in the head with a puck.

Keep in mind that the distribution of weight has a much to do with the perception of weight when a mask is put on your head. That and the overall fit of a mask can make one think that a mask that scales higher feel lighter when worn.

::m

[goalies-r-us]

Well, Dom wore his new Skull Hackva at Keeks' Future Pro camp this past week, two hours in the morning, two hours in the afternoon, for five days straight.

No complaints at all from him on the mask -- he claims he never took a shot to the head, but he's got a HUGE red paint rub-mark across the top of the head (I'm assuming from a stick -- hopefully not a post!!!). He has no clue how the red paint got on his lid, and it was obviously a pretty good hit in order to transfer that much paint (the rub is about two inches long). Either he's just COMPLETELY brain dead (which is, of course, always a possibility with my kid) or else even with that much of an impact, he just simply didn't feel it happen from the inside of the Hackva.

Some people mentioned concerns about the fit of the Hackva on Dom's head after the pics I first posted. I did fiddle with the strapping quite a bit when I finally got him to sit down long enough, and then on the first morning of Keeks' camp I asked Steve to check out the fit for me, b/c he knows WAY more about this stuff than I do. Later on Steve shot me a "thumbs up" and said the helmet fit perfectly on the kid. And Dom had no complaints about the fit or performance of the Hackva (and he's going to take every possible chance to blame a goal on an equipment failure like dull skates, snow on his stick, etc.... he is a goalie, afterall! :p).

I've got some pics and vids from his goalie camp, but they're all still in the cameras. I'll try to get some posted here so you can see the lid on his head after I fitted the straps and with the rest of his gear on.

[Richie Rich]

To bad you did not mention your interests about getting a Hackva mask at Keeks Woodstock clinic. I could have set up a meet and greet with Gabe at his factory and get him to do a fitting. His factory is in the eastend of Toronto or what was formely known as Scarborough.

[goalies-r-us]

To bad you did not mention your interests about getting a Hackva mask at Keeks Woodstock clinic. I could have set up a meet and greet with Gabe at his factory and get him to do a fitting. His factory is in the eastend of Toronto or what was formely known as Scarborough.

I had thought about contacting Cindy since we were going to be so close, but I didn't want to bother them on a weekend. (I know they'd say it's no bother, but still....)

Between the measurements of Dom's fat head, pictures of Dom's fat head, and pictures of Dom's fat head in a Hackva at our local Hockey Services store, Gabe was able to fit it perfectly. There was a *slight* (less than half an hour total) adjustment period for Dom getting used to wearing it, I'm guessing because he was used to the sloppier feel of his widowmaker Itech 1200, but that period passed almost without mention.

(Dom didn't even bring it up until I asked him specifically about how the new mask felt, at which point he said it was "too tight"... however, he was also in a pissy mood b/c his skates hadn't gotten sharpened before the start of the camp -- once his skates were sharpened to the exacting standards of His Royal Highness the Dominator, suddenly the Hackva fit his fat head perfectly. :rolleyes: It reminded me of the fairy tale about the Princess and the Pea! :p )

[Jester]

Got my Hackva mask just in time for the Woodstock clinic. So after two months of use, I figured I was due for a quick review.

Everything that has been said in this thread points to great customer service from Gabe. In the months leading to my purchase, I exchanged many e-mails with the Hackva folks. They were always quick to reply and that raised my level of confidence.

I ordered my mask thru Don S*****S. There service was impeccable too. They were good at handling my request. Originally, I asked for my masked to be primed only. That did not fly with them or Gabe. Then when I insisted on the white cage, they called back to verify that was what I really wanted.

As for the mask construction, I don't have much to add there. Almost everything was good. The finish was excellent. No pitted surfaces, wavy marks or uneven paint. From a structural point of view, the only issue was that the holes for ventilation were not quite the same from left to right. That came into play when it came time to get the paint job done (location of the hawk's beak). Short of getting the mask on a coordinate measuring machine, it appears the holes were either slightly off left to right or the mask is slightly skewed.

The approved cage is really sturdy. I have taken a few shot on it and it has worked like a champ. An interesting features of the mask is that is has a strap that goes under the chin to keep it in place should you make contact with another player or the ice. I have seen many masks where that strap is attached on the outside of the mask. The Hackva keeps everything on the inside. It is a 2 piece strap with a buckle in the middle. After fiddling with it for a while, I got it where it is comfortable. I never unclip it since I can't really reach it when I have my C/A on.

The performance in game has been great. The mask fits my head perfectly. No wobble. That means the mask is incredibly comfortable. The line of sight through the holes of the cages is excellent. Field of vision is outstanding. The mask is a little hotter than my Mage Pro but that is to be expected. I have taken a few solid shots on the head. One did ring my right ear but that was an accidental stick blow to the head and it lasted only 2 or 3 seconds.

My mask was painted by Don McClelland and he mostly duplicated what he had done on my previous mask.

Overall I am happy with my purchase. Given the price of the mask, it is an outstanding value.

Dan
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/USJester/hackvaside2a.jpg
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/USJester/hackvafront2.jpg

[AL-E-Gator]

To BONES 35 Hackva Dealer


I'm interested ina Hackva mask with one very different paint job -
(*) I'm really liking a graphic with a religious theme:
- A pic of the Risen Jesus (smiling, victorious)coming off the Cross and
outof the - and from the tomb. Bloody white tunic, but radiant light coming
from his body
(blood & all) *blood on hands for where they pierced his wrists, blood
on his emaciated torso from when his heart was pierced, and at the feet
where his feet were pierced
- flanked on either side by a White Dove of the Holy Spirit on either side of
the temple, with a bloody crown of thorns around the forehead of the
Mask.
within the body of the White Dove the JOHN:3:16 done in larger letters
- In the Center Chin of the Mask, the Red Icthus symbol with the Numbers
done in the Patrick Roy Avalanche Characters "33" done in White
within the fish
- accross the top of the crown, above Jesus head:
"Jesus Saves . . . and leaves no Rebounds" done in a beautiful but
readily readable Script - possibly in gold script

- On the sides of the mask, to have Life-Source Family Medicine
at one angle of the jaw and
- and on the other side have Life-Source Hyperbaric Oxygen
- the mask could be done on a sky-darkerblue background with lots of clouds
beneath the Ichtus symbol on the chin to have the web page
WWW.HBOT4Colorado.com (http://www.HBOT4Colorado.com) done in gold HBOT & Colorado

I would like it to catch attention, have a realistic Jesus, as speaking to Hockey Players is Part of my Ministry. Any discounts for Ministers as members of the cloth?

[Jase96]

To BONES 35 Hackva Dealer


I'm interested ina Hackva mask with one very different paint job -
(*) I'm really liking a graphic with a religious theme:
- A pic of the Risen Jesus (smiling, victorious)coming off the Cross and
outof the - and from the tomb. Bloody white tunic, but radiant light coming
from his body
(blood & all) *blood on hands for where they pierced his wrists, blood
on his emaciated torso from when his heart was pierced, and at the feet
where his feet were pierced
- flanked on either side by a White Dove of the Holy Spirit on either side of
the temple, with a bloody crown of thorns around the forehead of the
Mask.
within the body of the White Dove the JOHN:3:16 done in larger letters
- In the Center Chin of the Mask, the Red Icthus symbol with the Numbers
done in the Patrick Roy Avalanche Characters "33" done in White
within the fish
- accross the top of the crown, above Jesus head:
"Jesus Saves . . . and leaves no Rebounds" done in a beautiful but
readily readable Script - possibly in gold script

- On the sides of the mask, to have Life-Source Family Medicine
at one angle of the jaw and
- and on the other side have Life-Source Hyperbaric Oxygen
- the mask could be done on a sky-darkerblue background with lots of clouds
beneath the Ichtus symbol on the chin to have the web page
WWW.HBOT4Colorado.com (http://www.HBOT4Colorado.com) done in gold HBOT & Colorado

I would like it to catch attention, have a realistic Jesus, as speaking to Hockey Players is Part of my Ministry. Any discounts for Ministers as members of the cloth?

shouldn't the letters be in blood red then? cuz its the blood of christ that saves... is it not?

[Sprawl]

Just got myself a Hackva mask. stock Black Telexium paint job.

wore it the first time on Thursday last week. Very comfortable with great site lines.

Much lighter than the Vaughn so my neck was a lil stiff from the change in balance, but otherwise seems to be a well built mask

[Kael29]

Amen,

I just took a bomb off my Sportmask and it actually cracked the fibre and kevlar, if i would have had a lightweight mask on I would surely be drinking through a straw right now.


And we all know beer SUCKS through a straw ;) (seriously though I'm glad I had a quality mask, even though it is a bit heavier.)

If you can't handle an extra pound on your head you have more issues than just finding a mask to work for you.

What model Sportmask? Razor? X8? T3?

Do they offer a warranty on the shell? You think they would on at least the T3.

------------------------------------

Has anyone here tried both 960 and Hackva? How do they stack up in protection? I'm going to order within the week and I need to decide if I want to dump my current 960 for a Hackva or Sportmask T3. I usually get 5 years out of my lids, so I'm not too concerned about the cost. I just want the absolute best protection.

[Sprawl]

Not to hate on Hackva, but I dont think that the two masks are even in the same caliber.

The Hackva is extremely protective and pretty damn good, But probably a more mid level pro mask, i'd say probbably closer to the 4600 style mask.. The 960 is known to be the top of the line itech pro NHL level mask. There's a reason the prices are so significantly different

[acmeguy]

Kael29, Plain and simple, the one that fits you the best will offer you the most protection.

[Kael29]

Kael29, Plain and simple, the one that fits you the best will offer you the most protection.

Not necessarily. The materials play a big role in how a mask handles impacts. If it was all about a fit, a 1200 would be perfectly suitable for 95mph slappers to the head. Additionally, the shape of the mask also plays a big role in it's ability to A) protect certain areas (neck/etc) and B) deflect the impact force.

:)

[acmeguy]

Yes, yes, but out of those three masks you mentioned.

The shape of the mask has a lot to do with how it will fit you, No?

Out of those three masks you mentioned, the shells are comparable. The Itech will be the most rigid, the Sportmask has the best finish (and probably fit) the Hackva will be the most economical.

You asked :)

[Martysgirl74]

Yes, yes, but out of those three masks you mentioned.

The shape of the mask has a lot to do with how it will fit you, No?

Out of those three masks you mentioned, the shells are comparable. The Itech will be the most rigid, the Sportmask has the best finish (and probably fit) the Hackva will be the most economical.

You asked :)

Just a note here....

I've tried both the Sportmask and the Hackva and the Sportmask while similar in fit was too big in the chin area for me even after adjusting. The Hackva fit me with out adjusting at all that's why I went with it personally. Just something to consider. There are some slight fit differences.

[acmeguy]

That's all I'm trying to say. The mask that fits you most properly will offer better protection.

Therefore making it the best mask, I don't care what the brand name says.

[baronvonnekots]

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii30/baronvonnekots/S7300129.jpg

Here is my self painted Hackva per clear coat (the clear coat made the Chrome paint duller sadly, but it still looks quite nice) I also added some door moulding in chrome to the edges and really looks smashing.

I played it in a few times before painting it, did quite well as I got shouldered in the head (and into the cross bar) whacked in the ear with a defenseman's stick and various other none puck related tests of durability.

[Vintage Goalie]

Here's a few pics of my Hackva painted by Tony Jarrett at Masked Expressions. I wanted a Bernie Parent looking mask all beat up without the ears and hair. Tony was great to work with. Very reasonable price and turn time.

http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/769/mask3or4.th.jpg (http://img92.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mask3or4.jpg)
http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/1233/imgp1011be0.th.jpg (http://img92.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imgp1011be0.jpg)

[acmeguy]

One of my favorite paint ideas, it makes you do a double take when you see it in action.435

[AL-E-Gator]

One of my favorite paint ideas, it makes you do a double take when you see it in action.435

Looks great! Reminds me of the Mighty Ducks Character Goalie.
What would a Paint Job like this cost someone?:D

Dr. AL-E-Gator
Billy Smith School of Crease Managment

[goalie S]

I love that paint job.
Dany Sabourin had this paint job in while in Vancouver.
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/4150/dany2ow4.png http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/4892/dany1rl2.png

acmeguy, I would love to see this paint job with your paint style, if it was possible to incorporate your style on it. I think it would put an interesting twist on this design.

[Free Willy]

Stryker908 - Why is the white mask plugged in?

Ear warmers or block heater?

[acmeguy]

Thanks, but actually that is my style. I painted that mask for him when he was in Pittsburgh. If you can find a really good image it says "acme art co" across the forehead just under the cage. He had to wear it in Vancouver for a while until I did up a slightly different version (eyes) in the team colours. The Vancouver mask is the one in post #82

Of all the masks I have painted it truly is one of my favourites.

[Moving Target]

Thanks, but actually that is my style. I painted that mask for him when he was in Pittsburgh.

name-dropper :p;):rolleyes::D


great mask ron! :)

[acmeguy]

Curtis Joseph, Patrick Roy, Byron Dafoe, Patrick Lalime and Martin Biron.

No, I never painted thier masks but I did do some good replicas. I almost had you didn't I?

Take care.

[Telgip33]

Curtis Joseph, Patrick Roy, Byron Dafoe, Patrick Lalime and Martin Biron.

No, I never painted thier masks but I did do some good replicas. I almost had you didn't I?

Take care.

So you mean the Marvin the Marshin mask on your site is not the actual mask Partick Lalime used in Ottawa?

[acmeguy]

No Sir, A replica. It was for an Italian fella, that's why it's red, white and green.

[Moving Target]

No Sir, A replica. It was for an Italian fella, that's why it's red, white and green.

Oh man, you rolled over too easy.

I wanted more fun :( :p

[acmeguy]

Sorry Target, I like to have fun too but when asked about my work I just can't play :(:):D

[Moving Target]

Sorry Target, I like to have fun too but when asked about my work I just can't play :(:):D

:D Fair enough :)

[baronvonnekots]

Here is my self painted Hackva. I love the mask as its protected me from being slammed into the post head first by a forward and also taking a stick to the side of the head from my own D.

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii30/baronvonnekots/S7300179.jpg

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii30/baronvonnekots/S7300181.jpg

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii30/baronvonnekots/S7300182.jpg

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii30/baronvonnekots/S7300183.jpg

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii30/baronvonnekots/S7300184.jpg

[njt42]

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh151/njt35/pads080.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh151/njt35/pads079.jpg
My New hackva. I have used it twice, and so far it has been the best mask I've ever used. I came from an envy7, and I'm wondering why I even chose it over the hackva in the first place. My envy cracked pretty badly on the chin.

[Goalie97]

That silver tex. is what I am looking to get also but with cat eye cage. Think it would look pretty nice with my mirrored throat guard.

Anybody know where I could mail order one and get the best value for the american dollar? I found a place that will sell me one for around 268.00, but not sure if thats the cheapest tex. I can get for the exchange rate.

I plan to order one in the next few weeks. I love my TPS, but since I can not find another TPS and my current one is getting up there in age I wanted to invest in a Hackva.

[PatrickBateman]

Hackva. Best I've ever owned.
Your ears won't ring, you'll hear Su-su-sudio by Phil Collins.

[Sprawl]

Here is a sneak peak photo of my little project I'm working on.

almost done. need a ****load of touchup and a final gloss. Will post the complete how i did it when i'm 100% complete

Not great. first time ever doing it. Almost entirely by hand. spray paint and brush for the touchups. based off early potvinw ith the leafs. Blue is the same blue as my pads so the colours all match (surprisingly... it's the perfect colour match for my car too)

still got a lot of work i guess to do. but it's been fun!

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b17/lordvic/Hockey/IMG_0899.jpg

[rpearce76]

NICE job man!

[Gwyren]

Sprawl, is that the first mask you have painted?

[PatrickBateman]

-A Potvinny/ Venom from Spiderman looking design. I likey!

I'm looking to design a double layered mask. -A clear plexi watertight fishbowl mask. I'd have to use the mini-goldfish, or minnows. Not sure where I'd put the treasure-chest bubbler though.

[Sprawl]

Sprawl, is that the first mask you have painted?
yuppers! just randomly decided to try

[acmeguy]

Way to go Sprawl! You gotta' admit it's kinda fun isn't it?

The Potvin design is one that seems more simple than it actually is. If not done clean and symmetrical will look off.

If you ever decide to try again, use regular economy 2" tape instead of the expensive low tack kind. It will prevent all those bleed-throughs because it wont lift as much on the compound curves.

If anyone is ever in need of do-it-yourself painting tips just ask, I'd love to help out.

If there's any interest (and time) I can make a step by step thread on the "how to basics"

[Sprawl]

yup. things i'm learning now. now iv'e done it once, i want to try again and again.

i did it all by hand, even the design. the taping was by hand by creating templates on paper than cutting the tape to design.

looking back, there are differnt methods i'd prob try. for symetry, i might measure alil more. For symetry of the design itself (mines off, but not insanely noticable). i would try buying some of that printer acetate paper that sticks and printing the design from the computer, instead of creating a cardboard template and fliping, tracing, cutting.

I also want to try with an airbrush kit some more complex designs. I always wanted to design a mask with Eddie and Vic from Megadeth and Iron maiden.

but this simple design took me the better part of a day to just line out! i couldn't imagine anything more complex, or anything close to what you do!


Right now though, I need to find black and blue paitns for touch up. the michaels near me was all out.

than to find someone who can clear coat it

[Rbrownie]

Sprawl,

What did you use to paint it? Rattle can? Spray gun? Paint Brush??

[Sprawl]

Rattle Can. Automotive grade paints

[nethead89]

I am 15 and am going to be playing tier 2 and high school hockey this year and i have had many problems with head injuries including a cuncussion and bleeding in my right eye (much like a boxing type injury):eek: and feeling very sick after taking shots to the head. currently i have 2 helmets that fit me....they are both itechs but im not sure which model, i just know they were not pricey at all...and me and my parents were looking at a hackva but i was wondering how much it costs around and if the in stock paints and texalium design or texalium colors cost more (all in stock) it would be very nice to get a reply and information soon because i might be going to detroit for a high level tier 1 and tier 2 tournament in october

[acmeguy]

Nethead, click on the members list (top of page, in blue) find Spanky495 and contact him through a private message here.

He is a Hackva dealer and will provide you with any information you need to help make an informed decision, then he'll set you up and make you safe and pretty for Detroit.

It doesn't matter where you live, it doesn't matter where he operates from, Hackva will drop ship to your door.

If you're in Canada, even better! no import brokerage or duty on shipping.

[rpearce76]

I got my regular white Hackva mast on sale for 300 CAD but they retail at a couple of stores in the GTA for 349 CAD. The Tex is about 80 or 90 bux more than that and the painted ones are somewhere around 550 CAD I believe. You can go to their site and find out from there where you can find one in your area: http://www.hackva.com/dealer_locator.php

[rickeyratt]

I'm wearing a Hackva mask too. I bought mine from Reid's in Central BC. Quick service, answered every question I had. I had my mask within a week after I ordered it.

It's the best mask I've worn. I've been hit with a few pucks, and hardly noticed them.

I had mine painted by Mark Hart of Hart Designs. The graphics on my new gear Scott just finished are based on the mask. (see profile pic). The art Chakal did was pretty good, so I can't wait to see my pads and gloves.

[rickeyratt]

Here's the link for Reid's

http://www.reidsgoaliemasks-hackva.com/index.html

and for Mark Hart as well

http://www.hartdesigns.ca/

[Wannago]

My 12 year old has been wearing a Hackva for about a year and a half.

Last week, one of his coaches nailed him square in the grill with a very hard slapshot. They were doing breakouts, and the coach was outside the blueline shooting pucks on goal, for the goalies to play into the corner for the d-men.

This guy really leaned into this shot. Mu guess-timate would be in the vicinity of 85 mph or so. My son saw it coming, and when I asked him why he didn't try to catch it (or duck), he said he was going to let it him him in the chest - only thing, it didn't drop like a shot he was used to, this thing was rising the entire way.

Anyway, it nailed him dead-on and dropped him right away. He was on the ice for a few seconds (clearing the stars), but was able to get up and carry on. (Good thing for the coach!).

The only thing he complained about was that the muscles in his jaw hurt for a day or so afterwards (no headache, dizziness, blurred vision etc.). He said when the puck hit him, his mask rode up his face a bit and obviously jammed his jaw back. He has taken several hard shots to the mask before, but nothing like this!

I am so glad he was wearing his Hackva. I shudder to think what would have happened if he was wearing a lesser mask.

We have just ordered a new Hackva which I am going to have custom painted by David Arrigo. In my opinion, and after witnessing it with my own eyes, the protection afforded by these masks is very very good, and, especially at this price point, can't be beat.

[Spanky495]

I'd love to help get anyone in a Hackva. Just take a look around my site. Call or email with an questions you have.

http://www.thetexasgoalieshop.com (http://www.thetexasgoalieshop.com/)

[Goaliebri35]

I have an Eddy mask right now, its the only one i've ever had and ive had it for a long time(now beginning to chip so just in need of a new one, was happy with the eddy) so im really new to shopping for a new good helmet. i play junior womens hockey so just a step above high school really, looking to play college in years to follow. i was looking at the bauer nme 7 but see that it isn't really reinforced as the nme 9 is but the nme 9 is too spendy. Then looking at the Hackva masks everything sound really great but the look of just the basic helmet i find noooot exactly girl approved ill say. My Eddy is big and kluncky so i'm looking for a slender helmet, don't know what to do.

[macrylinda1]

I too was comming from an Itech 1200 looking for something a little better. Or a lot better actually but I didnt want to toss out $800 for a new lid so I did some looking around and came across Hackva Helmets. Everything said about his customer service is spot on. He certainly has a customer for life out of me. Every single question I had was answered, every email responded to within an hour, every concern put to rest. The mask is superb. It sits well on my head doesn't move around a lot and is extremely comfortable. I've been hit in the head many times now with no ringers or ill effects from said shots. The mask is nice and his customer service is even better. It seems today so many companies are overlooking that aspect of their lines of business not realizing how much of a difference it does make to the little man.

10 / 10 on the whole experience

Something not mentioned was that the cages differ a bit depending on where you buy it. If you buy it at Simmons you get the double bar down the center. If you buy from Goaliemonkey you get the single bar.

Also I did the same thing as Stryker with moving the harness to the inside of the backplate. You dont even notice that its there when its on as the harness isn't thick or stiff like most other helmets I've put on.
Thanks for the information. I am going to be ordering a Hackva this weekend from GM. Just not sure on the color.

[davidwillson]

Are you sure he was your friend. Friends don't let friends wear an Itech 1200. :D
Something not mentioned was that the cages differ a bit depending on where you buy it. If you buy it at Simmons you get the double bar down the center. If you buy from Goaliemonkey you get the single bar.

[Vintage Goalie]

My Hackva.... Bunny Larocque inspired paint job. Center bar slightly bent from a rocket I took right between the eyes. Didn't feel a thing.

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/2945/imgp7832.jpg

[nikole957]

Thanks for the information. I am going to be ordering a Hackva this weekend from GM. Just not sure on the color.
Does Hackva do custom masks at the factory? I'm completely happy with my NXI Phantom, for the moment, but if and when I do make a change, I'd like to move to a custom-fitted mask for an absolute certainty of protection. Hackva's one of only two mask makers I've been able to find in the GTA (the other is Sportmask in Oakville), and I *love* the look of the Hackva masks.

[Vision]

You could check with gabe but, as far as I know, they only build off the shelf models at the moment.

::m

[justadad]

My Hackva.... Bunny Larocque inspired paint job. Center bar slightly bent from a rocket I took right between the eyes. Didn't feel a thing.

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/2945/imgp7832.jpg

Very nice simple paint job.And I mean that in a good way.

[Butum]

I just ordered my custom Hackva today, new splash design with custom colors and a single bar cat's eye cage. I'm upgrading from an Envy 7 with a birdcage which has started rusting and I recently took a nice shot off the tip of the chin which split the paint and it has started flaking off. I spoke with Cindy Hackman from Hackva and Mark from Don Simmons and they we're both INCREDIBLY helpful. I'll post pics when I receive it which could not be soon enough.