Charles Owen AYR8 versus AYRbrush helmet?

[Scribbler]

I currently have a Charles Owen AYR8 helmet, which fits me well.

When it comes time to replace it, I’ve seen the new (or newish?) AYRbrush helmet on-line. It is like an AYR8 with the ventilation, but no microsuede surface, just the bare hard surface. And it has a removable, washable inside liner.

I like both those features! I ride in the rain, and even with a plastic cap, the fabric-covered helmets get damp, un-glue, etc. In general, I’m also starting to like the look of the hard-surface “sporty” helmets. Plus, the washable liner appeals because I fight a losing battle against helmet stinky-head, and the scum of sunscreen lotion that builds up on the liner. It is also a few dollars cheaper than the AYR8.

I’ve emailed the company and they say that it fits like the AYR8.

I was wondering if anyone had thoughts on how they compare?

From the photos it looks matte black with shiny stripes, but the CO website calls it high gloss finish?

And in general, how do these hard surface helmets hold up to wear and tear, not falls but just life in a gym bag or tack trunk. Do they scratch much?

I don’t believe any of our local tackshops carry it as regular stock, so it would need to be a special order or bought on-line, meaning I couldn’t try it on before I bought it.

[ChagrinSaddlery]

We carry it and picked it up immediately as a soon as it came out.
The shell wear is similar to that of a Samshield. It will scratch if you are not careful but is a very durable helmet. So far, no complaints about it scratching too easily.
The profile is beautiful. Almost a bit lower profile with the brim than the AYR8. The brim is also leather look.
All in all it is a really cool helmet that looks even nicer on.
I hope this helps.

[IPEsq]

I have the AYRBRUSH. It is great. I got the same size I usually wear in CO. I haven’t scratched it up yet. I like that it’s easy to wipe dust off, and the price point was nicer compared to the AYR8. I bought it on int’l helmet awareness day to replace one that had been in a fall. At first, I thought the removable liner looked a little bulky, but I have gotten used to it.

[IndyEquestrian]

We carry both, and I have both.

The fit is similar in both. . It took me a tiny bit longer to break the AyrBrush in, or maybe my hair is thicker now than when I purchased my Ayr8. I wear a 7 1/4 in both and can wear them interchangeably now. I LOVE the removable liner in the AyrBrush, I also love that it wipes off with a damp cloth. I have the leather look Ayr8, so it wipes off as well, but not as nicely as the AyrBrush. If you have any questions or need pics etc, just shoot me a PM or an email! Amanda@indyequestrian.com.

[Scribbler]

Just wondering if you can get replacement liners for the AYRbrush, for the inevitable moment you take it out to wash it and lose it, or the horse eats it?

[IndyEquestrian]

Scribbler

You can get new liners. . . I already have 2 because, inevitably, I will lose them!!!