Why hockey neck guards aren't enough, and what you need instead

Hockey is fast, physical, and unpredictable. One bad angle, one split-second collision, and a skate blade is exactly where it shouldn’t be. That’s why neck protection isn’t optional. It’s essential. 

But here’s the truth no one’s talking about: most neck guards on the market don’t actually keep players safe.

If you think throwing on a $20 foam-padded neck guard is enough to stop a skate blade, think again. These flimsy, ill-fitting, outdated designs create a false sense of security, one that could cost a player everything.

Let’s break it down:

The problem with traditional neck guards

Most neck guards on the market today fall into two categories:

1. Strap-on, foam-padded designs that shift, twist, and leave critical areas exposed.

2. Velcro-based collars that loosen over time, meaning the protection isn’t where it needs to be when it matters most.

The common thread? They don’t actually stop a blade.

• Foam padding absorbs impact; it doesn’t prevent cuts. A hockey skate moving at full speed is razor-sharp. If it makes contact, traditional foam is useless.

• Poor fit equals poor protection. A neck guard that shifts or leaves gaps isn’t protecting anything. Players shouldn’t have to readjust their gear mid-game.

• Velcro straps fail when you need them most. They weaken, they come loose, and they don’t provide full, reinforced coverage.

So why are these still the standard? Because for too long, many companies have focused on “checking the box” rather than delivering real protection.

What real neck protection looks like

Titan doesn’t believe in “good enough.” We built our gear with one goal: Make the safest, most battle-ready protection on the ice. That means:

💪 Real cut-resistance. Titan’s Titanotex™ fabric delivers ANSI A8/A9 protection, the highest cut-resistance rating possible. Foam can’t stop a blade, but our gear does.

✅ Full-coverage design. No gaps. No shifting. No compromises. Our Stretch ProCurve™ Collar and ArcGuard™ technology conform to the neck’s contours, staying locked in place for complete protection.

🏒 Zero distractions, maximum mobility. Comfort matters. Our tech moves with the player, not against them, so they can focus on the game.

Cheap protection isn’t protection at all

If a neck guard can’t stop a blade, it’s not protection. It’s simpy a false sense of security. Parents, coaches, and players deserve better. That’s why Titan is raising the standard.

Shop our gear