When it comes to hockey safety, not all neck guards are created equal. While many products on the market meet the bare minimum for protection, recent testing – including lab simulations from the Mayo Clinic – suggests that standard ratings like ANSI A3 or A6 may not offer enough defense in real high-contact scenarios. As leagues adopt stricter requirements, players and parents are looking for gear that goes beyond the basics.
In this comparison, we break down how leading brands like Bauer stack up against newer, boutique options like Titan BattleGear. We evaluate each product across key criteria including cut resistance, neck coverage, comfort, fit, customization, and price — so you can decide which neck guard shirt delivers the best protection without sacrificing performance.
Titan vs. Bauer: cut resistance level
Titan offers ANSI A9 protection at the collar and A7 at the wrists, among the highest ratings available.
Bauer’s shirt is rated A3 at the collar with no cut resistance at the wrists.
Winner: Titan – higher protection where it matters most.
Titan vs. Bauer: neck coverage
Titan’s Stretch ProCurve™ Collar uses a contoured, stretch-fit design that moves with the player and offers full coverage of the carotid artery and jugular vein. The contoured coverage moves dynamically with the player throughout extreme gameplay. Titan offers wrist protection from glove to elbow pad, featuring cut-resistance and a protective triple layer guard.
Bauer’s neck guard shirts use a flat-shaped collar design that provides coverage around the neck. While the collar height offers protection in key areas, some players may find that a taller profile under the chin can create bunching or discomfort depending on fit preference. Bauer's Velcro collar allows for adjustability, while Titan's Stretch ProCurve™ collar is designed with a contoured shape intended to move with the player and reduce bulk during play.
Bauer's neck guard shirts do not include integrated wrist protection. Titan offers wrist protection as an additional feature for players who want extended cut-resistant coverage in the wrist and forearm areas, beyond what's currently required by most leagues.
Winner: Titan – More comprehensive coverage and a better fit.
Titan vs. Bauer: colors & design
Titan offers dozens of bold colors, including bright neons, drips, novelty prints, team customizations, and limited edition drops. Titan releases groundbreaking technologies and innovations on a regular basis, including its velcro-free collar design. The innovations are tested at its R&D lab in Michigan, where gear is battle-tested by the Ironwood Lumberjacks, a SIJHL team.
Bauer’s shirts are available only in black, making them a more traditional option for players who prefer a standard look. Bauer’s design is simple and functional, but it lacks the innovative features that Titan offers. The velcro-only collar system and basic design limits customization and aesthetic options.
Winner: Titan – More color and more regular innovation.
Titan vs. Bauer: customization for teams
Titan is available in 10 stock team colors, for matching your neck and wrist protection to your team’s uniform colors. For the ultimate team style, Titan can be customized with team logos, team colors, player name and number, as well as entirely bespoke designs.
Bauer does not offer team customization, limiting teams to basic color options and standard designs.
Winner: Titan – offers team customization and Bauer does not.
Titan vs. Bauer: performance, comfort, fit, and styles
Titan offers advanced, super-lightweight fabrics used in premium cycling jerseys to keep players cool on the ice. BattleGear has ergonomically designed sleeves ensuring perfect form-fit, while the body has an athletic tapered cut with room to move. Titan offers both long and short sleeve versions, with both a velcro and non-velcro, patented Stretch ProCurve™ collar. Available in 11 sizes, including youth XS for four-year olds through senior 3XL to ensure fit for players of all sizes.
Bauer’s neck guard shirts are designed to provide functional neck coverage within a traditional baselayer construction. Some players may prefer alternative fabric compositions or garment designs depending on personal comfort, fit, and play style. Titan's baselayer is engineered with premium, performance-focused fabrics selected to enhance breathability, moisture management, and comfort during play.
Bauer's neck guard shirts are currently offered in a long-sleeve format with a Velcro-collar closure. Titan offers multiple sleeve options to accommodate different player preferences.
Winner: Titan – Better fabrics, more options
Titan vs. Bauer: production, fabrics, manufacturing, and sustainability
All of Titan’s product line is made entirely in the USA. No matter the product, all of Titan’s cut-resistant Titanotex™ materials are made in North Carolina from advanced yarns and ultimately knit to a final textile in California. Manufacturing is based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Titan has secondary manufacturing partners based in Colombia, a free trade partner with the United States. Titan pays only for products, not for tariffs. Additionally, Titan’s US-based supply chain and sustainability standards for its partners reflect its commitment to responsible manufacturing and long-lasting performance.
-
Titan body and sleeve: 87% Poly, 13% Lycra, 4.16oz
-
Titan back and mesh: 90% Poly, 10% Lycra, 3.24 oz
-
Wrist protection powered by Titanotex™ cut resistant material
-
4-way stretch
-
Quick-dry technology
-
Thermo-regulated
-
Mesh back & underarm panel
-
Anti-bacterial
Bauer uses cheaper fabrics produced primarily in China and Vietnam. While functional, these fabrics do not offer the same level of premium quality. These fabrics may not provide the same comfort or durability, especially under intense conditions. Bauer relies on a far-east production (model as tested was made in Vietnam) for much of its manufacturing, leading to longer supply chains and increased carbon footprint. The company’s reliance on overseas manufacturing can also lead to less oversight and quality control. Bauer has made some efforts toward sustainable manufacturing, but overseas production methods inherently limit the company’s ability to implement the same eco-friendly practices and local production strategies as Titan.
Winner: Titan – made in the USA with premium American fabrics
Titan vs. Bauer: customer experience and support
Titan offers free domestic shipping on orders over $50 (within the USA), free returns for 30 days, and the neck guard shirts are guaranteed from manufacturing defects for one year.
Bauer offers free shipping on orders over $99 for Tier 2 members of its loyalty program. Bauer also offers a 90-day warranty on manufacturing defects. It offers free returns for 30 days.
Winner: Titan – free shipping, returns, and 1-year warranty
Titan vs. Bauer: price
Titan
-
$149 youth short sleeve
-
$159 youth long sleeve
-
$159 senior short sleeve
-
$169 senior long sleeve
Shop Titan BattleGear neck guard shirts here
Bauer
-
$74.99 youth long sleeve (no wrist guard)
-
$79.99 senior long sleeve (no wrist guard)
Shop Bauer neck protection here
If price is your top priority, Bauer offers more budget-oriented options. However, those products use lower ANSI cut-resistant materials and do not include integrated wrist protection. Titan is built for players who prioritize maximum cut-resistance coverage and additional protective features.
Winner: Titan – For players who want the highest cut-resistant materials and expanded coverage.
The product comparisons presented on this page are based on publicly available specifications, customer reviews, and Titan BattleGear’s internal analysis as of June 2025. All brand names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used here for comparative and informational purposes only. Titan BattleGear is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any of the brands mentioned. We strive to ensure all information is accurate and up to date, but product specifications may change over time. If you are a brand representative and believe any information is incorrect, please contact us here for review and correction.
