Warrior Burn X Helmet Review
OMNISHOCK protection, a full-wrap BOA fit and Jet Stream venting. Here's how Warrior's top helmet held up after a month of real games, side by side with the original Burn.
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It's been a few years since I last wore the Warrior Burn. After buying the Warrior Burn X, I pulled the old Burn out of my collection to compare the two. So, does the Burn X live up to the hype?
I went with a white shell, black mask and black chin, and the oversized decals with gray accents gave it an aggressive, sleek look. Warrior clearly put a lot of thought into the cuts and contours, and I loved how it looked in person.
Key Features and Specs of the Warrior Burn X
Before we get into the review, here's a quick look at the key features and specs.
- Position
- All field players
- Level
- High school / college / adult
- Fit system
- AdaptFit 270 by BOA
- Warranty
- 1 year
- Price
- $309.99
- Venting
- Jet Stream
- Built with
- OMNISHOCK system
- IMPAX pods
- JAWS chin piece
- Custom fit inserts
Pros & Cons
- OMNISHOCK and IMPAX pods soak up big hits
- BOA fit wraps the whole head with one dial
- Great ventilation for hot-weather games
- Sturdy shell that holds up to aggressive checks
- Lots of color customization
- Facemask bars cut into peripheral vision
- JAWS chin piece is a little bulky
- Custom fit inserts feel a bit thick
Protection and Safety
The Burn X brings solid protection on paper, but what matters is how it performs on the field. The OMNISHOCK protection system with IMPAX pods is my favorite feature.
At first, I thought Warrior was over-selling it. But it gave me a clear safety edge. The shock absorption did a great job protecting my head, so I worried a lot less in physical games.
The OMNISHOCK system with IMPAX pods.
The IMPAX foam adds even more protection and handled both rotational and direct impacts well. The outer shell is strong enough to cushion the blows and take the sting out of them.
The JAWS integrated chin piece gives you reliable jaw protection, though it's a little bulky. I felt confident in high-contact plays knowing it covered vulnerable spots like the cheek and jawbone.
It felt a bit restrictive when I was moving at top speed or turning quickly, but I got used to it after a few days. Overall, it wraps the whole head and gives you 360° protection without feeling too tight.
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Comfort and Fit
I ordered a medium, and it fits me perfectly. The BOA system wraps around your whole head, not just the back, so the helmet adjusts completely with one quick turn of the dial. Check the Warrior helmet size chart before you order.
The custom fit inserts and the AdaptFit 270 by BOA system kept the helmet in place, even after some hard checks.
The full-wrap BOA fit system.
The Burn X's center of gravity is well balanced. The top of the shell didn't feel heavy, and it stayed put without shifting or wobbling. I actually liked the fit better than the one-size Cascade XRS Pro.
The custom fit inserts could use some work, though. They do the job but feel a little thicker than I'd like. If you prefer thin padding around the jawline, I'd suggest the Cascade XRS.
The chin strap is soft and flexible, a huge improvement over past models. The chin cup didn't feel bulky, and the straps didn't dig into my face, so it's pretty comfortable.
Ventilation and Breathability
When I say the Burn X has good ventilation, I'm not just blowing smoke. I took a trip to Colorado with my lacrosse buddies, and they all said the same thing about it.
The Jet Stream system gives you great airflow in hot weather, and the inner lining soaks up sweat and keeps your head dry.
Jet Stream venting on the top and sides.
The open design on the top and sides gives you good airflow without giving up protection. The Cascade XRS Pro set a high bar here with its XFlow venting, but the Burn X holds its own.
If you play somewhere hot, like summer ball in Virginia Beach, Austin or Colorado, the Burn X is a great choice.
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Materials and Construction
The BOA knob on my original Burn broke after a check. Warrior's customer service sent me a replacement quickly, but it was still disappointing, so I expected better quality from the Burn X.
The Burn X shell after a month of games.
This time, I'm happy to say the helmet feels sturdy. After a month in the Burn X, I'm impressed with its durability. Even after aggressive checks and hits, the shell only has minor scratches, with no real wear and tear.
A month is a short time to judge how long a helmet will last, but so far, I'd say it's worth the money. It also comes with a 1-year warranty, so you're covered if something goes wrong early.
Coach's note: Whatever lid you wear, check your chin strap and BOA dial before every game. A helmet only protects you if it's snug, and a loose strap is the first thing that fails on a big hit. Keep a spare chin strap in your bag.
Vision Depth
Good vision helps you read the field and dodge defenders when the game gets fast. Facemask bars often get in the way of your peripheral vision and slow you down, which is why I like how Cascade designs its facemasks for wider sightlines.
The Burn X facemask.
The Burn X didn't let me down, but I had one minor issue. The facemask bars cut back in at an odd angle and block some of my peripheral vision.
It wasn't a huge deal, but I noticed it during games. If wide-open vision is a priority, try the Cascade XRS Pro Lacrosse Helmet ($339.99).
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Customization Options
I love the customization options on the Burn X. You can pick the shell color, chin piece and even the chin strap, so it's easy to match your team's colors.
The range of sizes and the adjustable straps and fit make it one of the best custom helmets out there.
Warrior Burn X vs. Cascade XRS Pro
Compared to the Cascade XRS Pro, the Burn X gives you good value for the money. It doesn't have the same wide-vision facemask, but the fit and design are outstanding.
Burn X vs. XRS Pro.
| Warrior Burn X | Cascade XRS Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price at BattleLax | $309.99 | $339.99 |
| Fit system | Full-wrap BOA dial | One size with adjustable fit |
| Vision | Bars cut into peripheral vision | Wider sightlines |
| Ventilation | Jet Stream | XFlow |
Warrior also improved the shell durability over the original Burn and the Burn Jr, and the new venting fixes the breathability the original Burn lacked.
The Burn X also has more sizing options and more color customization than the Cascade lineup. Overall, it's one of the best lacrosse helmets for adults, with a protective fit and a great look.
Quick answers
What is a lacrosse helmet used for?
A lacrosse helmet protects players from head injuries. It guards against stick checks, shots, falls and body checks during high-contact plays.
What is another name for a lacrosse helmet?
Most players just call it a helmet, a lid or a bucket. Women's lacrosse uses optional soft headgear, which is a different piece of equipment.
Why do men wear helmets in lacrosse?
Men's lacrosse allows body checks and stick checks, so helmets are required to protect against head and facial injuries from sticks, balls and hits.
What is the difference between hockey and lacrosse helmets?
Lacrosse helmets have a full face mask, a chin piece and a different shell shape built for stick checks and shots, and they're certified to lacrosse standards. A hockey helmet isn't legal for lacrosse.
What features make the Warrior Burn X helmet stand out?
The OMNISHOCK protection system with IMPAX pods, a BOA dial that adjusts the fit all the way around your head, and Jet Stream ventilation for comfort and airflow.
Final Verdict
The Warrior Burn X gives you premium quality, protection and durability at a fair price. It's not just a safe helmet. It's a comfortable one that keeps your head cool.
I'd call the Burn X a good investment, especially if you play in the heat and want a fit you can dial in fast.
