Hockey is more than a game – it’s a battle. Every shift and every play is a fight for victory. And in battle, warriors need armor. But, here’s the truth: most so-called “cut-resistant” shirts barely hold up under pressure. That’s why we created Titan Battlegear, but that’s a story for another time.

You may have seen terms like "ANSI A2" or "ANSI A9" on product descriptions, but what do these numbers actually mean? More importantly, how do they impact your player’s safety on the ice? Let’s break down what ANSI cut levels mean.

What is ANSI cut resistance?

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) sets safety standards for protective materials, including those used in hockey gear. The cut-resistance scale runs from A1 (least resistant) to A9 (most resistant) based on how much force a material can withstand before being cut through.

The ANSI cut levels explained:

  • A1 - A3: Low cut resistance and paper-thin protection. This is about as protective as a long-sleeve cotton t-shirt – aka, completely useless. A blade will slice through this like a hot knife through butter.

  • A4 - A5: Moderate protection. Better, but still not hockey-ready. Think thin work gloves or lightweight industrial gear, stuff designed for splinters, not skate blades. You might slow down a cut, but not stop it.

  • A6 - A7: High protection and heavy-duty, but still not top-tier. Used in heavy-duty gear, but why settle?

  • A8 - A9: Maximum cut resistance. Used in high-risk applications like industrial safety gloves and Titan Battlegear’s Titanotex™ fabric. This is the level players actually need and anything less is a gamble.

Bottom line – if your gear isn’t A8 or A9, it’s not built for hockey.

Most "cut-resistant" hockey shirts on the market fall between A2 and A3, meaning they barely slow down a skate blade. Titan Battlegear's Titanotex™ fabric is rated A8-A9, engineered for players who refuse to take chances.

Why ANSI A9 matters for hockey players

Hockey is a game of milliseconds, of split-second decisions, of speed and power. The last thing your player should be thinking about is whether their gear will hold up. Here’s why ANSI A9 cut resistance is a game-changer:

  1. Protection against life-threatening injuries
    A skate blade can exert hundreds of pounds of force per square inch. That’s more than enough to gut through standard fabrics like butter. An A2-rated shirt may slow a cut, but it won’t stop it. Titanotex™ A9-rated fabric is built to withstand that force, preventing deep lacerations.

  2. More coverage without bulk
    Some brands use foam padding instead of real cut-resistant materials. Foam absorbs some impact, but it won’t stop a blade. Titanotex™ delivers elite-level cut protection without adding unnecessary weight and slowing your player down. We don’t compromise on speed, agility, or power.

  3. Verified, lab-tested safety
    Many brands claim "cut resistance" without providing actual ratings. Titan Battlegear's fabric is independently tested and ANSI-certified, so you know exactly what you're getting - rink-ready safety.

How to choose the right cut-resistant shirt

Here are three things to help you make the right choice:

  • Check the ANSI rating: If a shirt doesn’t list its official ANSI level, it’s probably low-quality.

  • Look for breathable, flexible materials: Maximum protection shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort or mobility. Protection means nothing if your player feels restricted.

  • Trust proven technology: Titanotex™ A9 fabric is used by players who demand the best. When it comes to safety, second-best isn’t an option. Shop Titan Battlegear.

Final thoughts: Make the safe choice

We get it – we’re hockey parents too. You want your players to be safe, but you also want them to be unstoppable. The right protection can mean the difference between a close call and a devastating injury. But when they’re rocking Titan Battlegear, they’re protected and primed for performance.

Titan Battlegear is committed to raising the standard for safety with our elite-level Titanotex™ fabric. When the stakes are high, confidence comes from knowing you’re wearing the best protection available.

Latest Stories

View all

Chris Wideman joins Titan BattleGear as Strategic Advisor

Chris Wideman joins Titan BattleGear as Strategic Advisor

Former NHL defenseman Chris Wideman has joined Titan BattleGear as Strategic Advisor. After 12 seasons on the ice, he’s bringing his experience, vision, and voice to the next generation of hockey protection – with a clear message: safety doesn’t make you soft.

Read more

Titan BattleGear’s safety approvals & certifications

Titan BattleGear’s safety approvals & certifications

Titan BattleGear is cleared for use in the NHL, USA Hockey, and international leagues. This page covers where our neck guards are approved for play.

Read more

Titan BattleGear cleared for NHL use

Titan BattleGear cleared for NHL use

Titan BattleGear is officially cleared for NHL use – bringing elite-level cut resistance and full-coverage neck protection to the highest level of hockey.

Read more

Everything you need to know about BNQ certification for hockey neck guards

Everything you need to know about BNQ certification for hockey neck guards

Think BNQ certification is enough? Here’s the ultimate guide every hockey parent needs to understand what it really takes to protect your player’s neck.

Read more

He never wants to take it off: why this 6-year-old is obsessed with Titan BattleGear

He never wants to take it off: why this 6-year-old is obsessed with Titan BattleGear

At just six years old, Easton is already flying on the ice and doing it in his favorite protective gear: his slime-green Titan BattleGear. His dad Matt, a hockey player and coach, searched for the safest gear he could find after trying and rejecting other brands. What won him over? Neck and wrist protection that fits, a neck guard his son wants to wear, and a company he calls “the best in the business.” 

Read more

Titan BattleGear vs. Warroad Hockey Neck Guards

Titan BattleGear vs. Warroad Hockey Neck Guards

Warroad is known for sleek designs and lifestyle appeal, but how does it hold up under pressure? In this comprehensive review, we compare Titan BattleGear vs. Warroad across cut resistance, neck and wrist coverage, fit, customization, and price. This guide will help you separate style from substance to find the safest, most functional gear on the market.

Read more

Titan BattleGear vs. Bauer Hockey Neck Guards

Titan BattleGear vs. Bauer Hockey Neck Guards

Bauer may be the most recognized name in hockey gear, but does it deliver the safety today’s players need? In this deep dive, we compare Bauer’s neck guard shirts to Titan BattleGear across critical categories like cut resistance, comfort, coverage, and sustainability. If you're deciding between tradition and innovation, this review will help you make the call – with no fluff, just facts.

Read more

Titan BattleGear vs. CCM Hockey Neck Guards

Titan BattleGear vs. CCM Hockey Neck Guards

CCM is a staple in hockey gear – but when it comes to neck protection, does it keep up with new innovations? We put Titan BattleGear and CCM neck guard shirts head-to-head across the metrics that matter most: cut resistance, coverage, comfort, materials, customization, and sustainability. This in-depth comparison breaks down the differences to help you choose the safest and most high-performing neck guard.

Read more