I can’t make up my mind. I know the JR8 is a juniors helmet but I don’t think it looks that different then then GR8 and is more affordable. The AY8 is only a bit more than the G. Have these helmets been compared before on these threads? In short…it would be nice to save money but I’m 38…far from a Junior and not sure if it looks a lot different from the G or A.
I have all 3. The JR8’s harness is not nearly as nice as the other 2. Plus it is not as “low profile” as the others. (I got my JR8 as a schooling helmet - I was on clearance and is black with a light pink stripe.)
The ARY8 is definitely my favorite. It is vented, which is a big deal here in Texas. Maybe not such a big deal for where you are. That is the main difference between it and the GR8.
Depending on what size you wear, here is a good deal on a GR8
http://www.ridingwarehouse.com/Charles_Owen_GR8_Riding_Helmet/descpage-COGR8H.html
I found the gr8 and the ayr8 to fit slightly differently. I found the ayr8 has a deeper bowl. It was a much better fit for me than the gr8. Make sure you try them on. I agree that the harness on the jr8 is not near as nice, and it is worth spending the extra money. Helmet awareness day is coming up, so you might be able to find a deal!
I bought a jr8 before I knew better or that it’s was a kids helmet…it’s straps are not as nice and cut into my ears. I’d get the AYR if I was going to get one because of the venting (and you can get custom piping colors)
My adult daughter wears a JR8 as her show helmet. It has a slightly different fit, and it suits her better. In the ring, the different harness is absolutely not noticeable.
I found the JR8 to fit narrower. The GR8 has no vents and the AYR8 does. All CO helmets fit a bit differently so definitely try them on. I’ve found the AYR8 to fit me best.
I bought the JR8 because it was actually affordable. Looks fine, fits fine. Yes, the harness isn’t as nice, but its also nice to not spend tons of money on a helmet that will eventually need to be replaced anyway. Great for someone on a budget!
I’ve tried on most of the CO helmets and they do not all fit the same even when the size and shape would indicate otherwise. Just because something is a long oval in size X doesn’t mean that the same size and shape will fit in a different model.
I would buy whatever fits your head the best and is the most comfortable.
I have all three, and they all fit differently. There is nothing inherently junior about theJR8.
The GR8 is the standard one. The JR8 has a nylon harness instead of the fancy one. The AYR8 is vented. Those are the main differences.
The AYR8 fits a bit deeper. The JR8 fits a bit shallower and a hair more narrow, IMHO.
I have the JR8 and I am older than you and show on the A circuit, but have a limited budget. If it is truly more narrow than the others, maybe I made a good choice. As it is about 5 years old, I am starting to think about replacement and tried on the OneK at a horse show, because it is on the more affordable side. It didn’t fit me at all and I was told the OneK is a rounder shape and CO tend to be more oval.
I’m on my second JR8, but looking to replace it on helmet awareness day this weekend. I was going to get an AYR8 as although I love my JR8, my head gets soooo sweaty! However now I’m not sure if it will fit (I assumed the three models would’ve all fit the same, but apparently not). Try them on and see!
The JR8 is the exact same helmet as the GR8 except for the harness. Spend an extra $150 for a fancy harness if you want. My JR8 looks just as nice in the show ring.
38 years old here and I totally wear my JR8 as a show helmet - no one’s been all “OMG! YOU’RE WEARING A KIDS’ HELMET!!” It’s not like it has My Little Ponies on it. Wear what first your head and is in your budget.
