Charles Owen JR8 to which MIPS helmet?

[Simkie]

I’ve worn a CO JR8 for just about forever. It’s been by far the best fit I’ve had in anything, and went that way because it was the helmet for oval skulls at the time.

But now we’ve got MIPS and it seems smart to go that way. I tried on the CO Halo (way too round) and the CO MyPS (better, but rounder than my JR8 & gapped at the sides.) The One K I tried just didn’t fit and didn’t really feel stable on my head. That was the extent of what was available at my local tack store.

I’d really like to avoid the whole dial fit thing.

Is there a MIPS helmet, without dial fit, that fits oval skulls in a similar way as the JR8? What else should I try?

[Posting_Trot]

My experience might be informative. I’ve worn COs for a long time, and had an Ayr8 that I loved. When it needed to be replaced, I thought I’d replace with a MIPS, and went with a OneK, in an oval shape. It seemed to fit pretty well, although not as well as the Ayr8.

I took a fall in the OneK, and I did ok. No concussion (I went to the ER), but I was pretty fuzzy. (Fuzzier than when I’d fallen in a previous Ayr8). When I replaced it with another OneK, it just didn’t seem to fit well.

I bought another Ayr8, partly based on the ratings of the Virginia Tech study which listed the Ayr8 as #11, and the OneK as #32. I know that these ratings may not be definitive, but between the better fit and the ratings, I feel better with the Ayr8.

EquestriAn Helmet Ratings

[Simkie]

Thank you, I was just looking at that! I wish they’d evaluated the JR8, but was really surprised to see MIPS helmets all through the ratings, and non MIPS helmets scoring higher in many instances.

Maybe I should just stick with what I have, since I know it fits well?

[findeight]

Seems sensible to stick with the CO.

[Impractical_Horsewoman]

I think a better-fitting less technically advanced helmet is safer than an ill-fitting one with the latest technology.

I wear the same model CO and have also never found one which fits as well.

[Simkie]

Glad to hear I’m not the only one!

It’s seems kind of bonkers that there aren’t more options out there, though… why is it still so damned hard to find a helmet that fits? I don’t understand why the Charles Owen site talks about how most people have oval skulls but soooo many helmets are built on such a round template with no oval option at all.

I got curious about how other sports handle this and ZOMG on this motorcycle helmet site you can actually filter by head shape. How cool IS THAT. Why can’t we have that?!

[Impractical_Horsewoman]

We must have the exact same head! It’s weird how well that one helmet fits me, and others are literally hanging off my skull in weird places. I agree that most seem to be built on a very round-headed model.

Dial helmets are a nightmare. Always “dialed” too tight or too lose.

[Simkie]

@Impractical_Horsewoman

Dial helmets are a nightmare. Always “dialed” too tight or too lose.

Right?! Totally agree.

I guess we should be glad to have this one helmet that fits! I don’t know if you had the same experience, but I remember my helmets before this one NOT being comfortable or fitting well at all.

[MorganMaresVT]

Just adding here to commiserate as another loyal JR8 user. I have a new one sitting in my closet ready to swap in as soon as the heat and humidity subside for the year- don’t want to stink up the brand new one right away so will wear my current one for the next month or so then switch to new.

I got caught up in the hype of all the MIPS studies and rankings when they came out, but decided to just listen to the voice in my head that said a well-fitting helmet for you is the best option. While I have tried on several others at the tack store, I still come back to the JR8.

Now body protectors/air vests…that’s a whole other issue when you have a huge chest, narrow shoulders, and no torso to speak of. The variety in vest fit for different body types is even worse than the limited helmet options

[Impractical_Horsewoman]

Wow, we should start a support group of people “JR8 Only Riders.”

At least it’s a relatively easy-to-find model and brand. But you’d think that some other companies would realize there’s a bunch of us out there who might love to try a different model but can’t fit into anything else! @MorganMaresVT-I don’t use a body protector often, but as a petite person with, er, boobs, I ran into the same problem.

[risuenaVT]

This thread is making me think I should try a JR8 the next time I’m looking for a helmet. I currently use an oval MyPS with MIPS, which is the best fitting helmet I’ve had so far, but it does gape a bit at the sides and on longer rides, I can feel a bit of pressure on my forehead. So basically while it works, more or less, it is a little too round for me.

It’s only two years old, so I’m not quite ready to replace it based on age and it fits well enough that I’d be okay getting one again, but it would be nice to find something with a better fit. So I will squirrel away this info about the JR8 being more oval shaped and hope that maybe they’ll have a MIPS version of it before I need a new helmet.

[Simkie]

Oh, yes, definitely check it out next time you’re shopping! Although I do wonder if there’s something about the MIPS system itself that limits the shape of the helmet to something more round…? Not sure what else might be driving that, or why so many of the sized MIPS helmets are listed as “suitable for round heads” if oval is more common in the population

I need to check the date on my current helmet before this week is over. It feels like it’s only been a year or two since purchase but time flies and I guess it wouldn’t be surprising if it’s older. I sure would’ve liked one of those snazzy MIPS helmets with the plastic shells…the “velvet” on the JR8 does certainly attract dust. Ah well, that’s probably the least important aspect about the whole thing, right?

@MorganMaresVT & @Impractical_Horsewoman it’s been forever since I’ve ridden in a vest (so maybe shopping is easier now for my shape?) but back then fitting that wasn’t any easier as a woman with a long torso and flat chest When will these companies realize that people come in all sorts of shapes???

[Impractical_Horsewoman]

omg, yes, the velvet and the lack of ventilation in the summer is a killer! I like the traditional look sometimes, but it would be also nice to try a snazzier appearance (and something that can be wiped clean).

[MorganMaresVT]

I just use it as an excuse to buy fun matchy matchy helmet covers. But I don’t show

[Simkie]

Oh hey, WHAT IS THIS???

Charles Owen JR8 Ltd Riding Helmet CLOSEOUT

Hard shell, removable liner??? Is this really a JR8 and omg why have I never seen it before?

Anyone know how it fits our funky heads?? Same as the typical JR8?

What the hell, I’ll pick one up and find out!

[MorganMaresVT]

Nice! Haven’t seen it, but let us know!

[Simkie]

Hrm. Well. The JR8 from Carousel arrived. It fits a little smaller than the typical JR8 but not terribly so. I like the hard shell and the vents. The removable liner is tbd–it velcros to the rim only, so tough to tell how that will hold up.

What is more concerning to me is that it has a manufacture date of 01/2020. It’s nearly five years old! I thought the clock started ticking on these things at the manufacture date but is that true?

CO says The maximum useful lifespan of a riding helmet is five years, from the date of first wear, depending on frequency of use. But also says on that same page “Over time the materials naturally degrade, even if you simply left the helmet on a shelf and never used it.” …which seems to negate the “five years from first wear” thing. :-/

eta: wow, the response from Carousel is “you should’ve asked about the manufacture date”

That is certainly…something

[Posting_Trot]

Well, that’s certainly an unhelpful reply!

You might try email Chas Owen itself to ask about what the real start date it (first wear vs. actual date of manufacture). They might be able to provide greater clarity.

[Simkie]

Huh. Well, okay, the regular JR8 I ordered during the same week as backup (to take advantage of the sale price) fits about the same as the JR8 Ltd, or maybe even smaller, which is quite a bit snugger than my old JR8. I guess the difference is “JR8 Plus” which is being sold now vs the straight up “JR8” which is what I’ve always worn.

Frustrating. Now they both go back and I guess I go to the tack store to find out what size I need now. Siiiigh.

@Posting_Trot yeah, I had exactly the same thought and sent a note off to the Charles Owen people about the date and what might be expected lifespan after sitting on the shelf for 5 years. If they respond, I’ll share!

[MorganMaresVT]

Sounds like the seller was trying to unload expiring models and you’re not the only one who happened to notice. Guess that’s the reason for the big sale, but still frustrating!