In an overdue follow-up, check out how to dial-in one of our most overlooked pieces of equipment - the aptly described helmet 'dangler'.
Also frequently called a lexan throat or neck protector, this simple piece of plastic is much more important than it first appears. It is also one of the most misused accessories we have, being incorrectly applied by not being supplemented with a neck guard under the chest protector (which will also be cover in my next post, the chest protector!), or impeding vision and leaving gaps for pucks to find their way in.
Let's start with fit, generally the dangler is attached far too loose to be useful in any sense. We've all seen this; clanging around, covering your vision in-tight and being more of a distraction than anything for the wearer. Even the pros aren't immune, fan favourite Marc-Andre Fleury was one of the worst offenders even in his prime:
I also see people using a junior size once they have sized up into a senior helmet, this will also leave undesirable gaps and most junior danglers seem to be of a thinner plastic which will be more susceptible to breaking. Even Tim Thomas used an extra small dangler with some of his setups (some were better than others), leaving a gap towards the back of the jaw despite the larger chin of his helmets:

So what's the remedy? Well first, the correct size for helmet. The dangler should match the size of helmet, though they are only sold in Junior and Senior. It should generally match the profile of the helmet (there are rounder and more v-shaped versions) and extend past the cage to the ear holes or close to. I recommend tying the dangler through the ear holes too, this will help prevent the dangler from pivoting up and into your field of vision as is tendency when tied from the corner of the cage. Using both holes at the back edge of the dangler will also help the tilting issues. Lacing should be short enough to prevent gaps and allowing the protector from slipping under the edge of your helmet and getting stuck. See the below images for some examples of these techniques:
While not as annoying as a too loose dangler, having your protector tied up too tight defeats the purpose of the guard and can still leave you exposed to pucks finding their way through. By following the above tricks, you'll be able to find the happy medium that won't impede your vision and won't annoy the heck out of you every time you move your noggin!
Final tip: take some spare vinyl or Padskinz and run a strip along the bottom edge of the chin of your mask. This will take away some of the 'clang' that comes with a dangler and will protect against rubbing wear.
Need a dangler of your own? I can order them in! I have access to Nash's full catalogue of accessories and can install them just right too!
happy tending,
mek
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