Cheaper helmets that you still show hunters in

[Ready_To_Riot]

I’m not really ready to spend $300 plus on a helmet as I’m kind of a crappy rider and I fall off a lot. Haha

There are lots of cheaper brands that I like the look of, but I’m not sure if I can wear them in the hunter ring. iRH makes one that I love that I’ve found for $150, troxel had one I liked too, as well as ovation. I want a one k, but I’m really greedy with my money and despite that everything is going on sale in 2 days for helmet awareness day, all I’m going to see is the cheaper brands being even cheaper!! Lol

So, what inexpensive helmet do you show in?

I’ve always had a lamicell, but I had a nasty fall today and I’m not riding again until I get a new helmet!

[PNWjumper]

I have a nice Samshield that I normally show in, but also have a cheap Ovation helmet (Z-6, this one: https://www.horseloverz.com/rider-apparel-clothes/protective-horse-riding-equipment/horse-riding-helmets/ovation-z-6-elite-helmet) that I have ridden in both the hunters and the jumpers in at big shows. It’s super comfortable and not only my daily riding helmet, but the one that I like the best.

[AmmyByNature]

Whatever fits and you can afford is fine! People show hunters in GPA Speed Airs, which are pretty much the farthest thing from traditional you can get. If you want traditional, many IRHs that knock off the Charles Owens helmets are inexpensive. The JR8 is pretty reasonable, too. I had a Troxel Avalon I liked… Pretty much anything goes these days. Just get one that fits.

Personally I wear Samshields and One K helmets. For what it’s worth, my One K is really good looking and should be well under 200 on helmet awareness day. But if you want to spend less you certainly can!!

[equest]

Most of the riders/barn mates I know seem to like OneK, myself included.

I bought mine through my local vendor during a sale and it came to about $180. It’s comfortable on my head and the price was reasonable.

In the heat we ride in here in Florida, you can’t beat the ability to take out the liner and wash it. I’ve seen OneKs at rated shows as well as locals.

[beau159]

Well… I’ve only even done local open shows, and I show in my Tippery Sportage. Bought a new tan one this year and it was only $60.

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/r_beau/2015%20Horse%20Pictures/IMG_5485_zpsxacemayp.jpg

[541hunter]

I’ve seen riders at the local-level shows wearing the Ovation Deluxe. It’s pretty non-obtrusive. Haven’t seen anyone in my area showing rated in those though. The IRH CO knock-off is nice. One-Ks are gaining popularity around here in all rings.

Basically stick to matte black (either matte plastic or the fabric ones) and lower profile and you’ll be fine.

[Dubarry]

This weekend is Helmet Awareness so you might be able to score a deal!

http://www.doversaddlery.com/helmetday.aspx

[anmoro]

I wear the Charles Owen JR8. I’m definitely not a kid, but I liked the ability to adjust the straps in the back to make it fit better and I have purchased both of mine for $150 or less.

[BITSA]

Buy this weekend and you will get a discount at most places. Anything black will do, there’s nothing fancy required and you see all types. There’s a basic ovation that looks totally fine and meets all the safety requirements which is what really counts.

https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/ovation-competitor-helmet-8868

[BITSA]

this one looks nice too
https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/troxel-intrepid-helmet-11207

[mlm7914]

Just a thought too- If you do invest in a OneK (which I use and LOVE) they have a great replacement program. I bought mine for well under 200 I think last year during the helmet awareness sale and had a ball fall this summer. They replaced it for 100. So you don’t actually end up spending $250 again and again.

[TwoDreamRides]

I have shown both Hunters & Jumpers in my $45 Ovation Schooler Deluxe. I love it.

https://scontent-mia1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/1911021_737306819259_3525483187456562849_o.jpg

https://scontent-mia1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14192556_940960021609_5482782576579248745_n.jpg?oh=284cc28bfde0bbb3f92667cb4193f875&oe=5881C1DE

[JenEM]

I got my OneK during Helmet Awareness week last year, and have gone in all three rings (and dressage too!) with it. Pretty reasonable, with the discount. Prior to that I had a JR8 and a GR8, so a JR8 might be worth looking in to, too. For the price difference between the two, I didn’t feel like there was much difference.

If you’re looking for something for schooling and maybe local showing, look at the Ovations. I know quite a few people who school in those and really like them.

[touchstone]

Another One-K fan. Nice helmet for the price, and you see some top hunter riders in them, including one of the equitation finals winners last year, so it doesn’t feel like a fashion compromise.

I can also vouch for their replacement program. I had a bad crash and they promptly sent me a new helmet for a very reasonable fee.

[Belmont]

A barn mate recently bought this IRH helmet.

http://www.doversaddlery.com/irh-ir-4g-matte-helmet-15/p/X1-36650/

It should be pretty cheap on Helmet Awareness day (and by pretty cheap I mean dirt cheap). I’m thinking about picking one up, as well, if I don’t go for a OneK Defender in Matte (my current one is the original defender).

She shows the hunters a A/AA shows, if that says anything. It’s a VERY nice helmet.

[RugBug]

There are so many options and as long as it’s matte black you should be fine these days. I would not go shiny…but even if you do, I am not sure you can be marked down for it. Certainly people may whisper about you because your helmet isn’t “right” but that’s more of a shame on them, than on you…

[costco_muffins]

[QUOTE=PNWjumper;8845966]
I have a nice Samshield that I normally show in, but also have a cheap Ovation helmet (Z-6, this one: https://www.horseloverz.com/rider-apparel-clothes/protective-horse-riding-equipment/horse-riding-helmets/ovation-z-6-elite-helmet) that I have ridden in both the hunters and the jumpers in at big shows. It’s super comfortable and not only my daily riding helmet, but the one that I like the best.[/QUOTE]

I (because clearly I just imitate PNW all the time!) also have the Z6 Elite Ovation and love it.

I also have a cheaper GPA (http://www.gpa-sport.com/en/shop/riding/easy-2/) that works nicely enough and is more budget friendly.

[Ready_To_Riot]

I really liked that IRH that Belmont posted. It was one I was looking at and the troxel Avalon was another. I was worried the troxel would stand out too much, but I really really liked it! Thank you guys! I love one k and that’s great to know about the replacement!! I probably need to buy two helmets, because right now I can’t ride since I only had one helmet.

[Backstage]

[QUOTE=Belmont;8846392]
A barn mate recently bought this IRH helmet.

http://www.doversaddlery.com/irh-ir-4g-matte-helmet-15/p/X1-36650/

It should be pretty cheap on Helmet Awareness day (and by pretty cheap I mean dirt cheap). I’m thinking about picking one up, as well, if I don’t go for a OneK Defender in Matte (my current one is the original defender).

She shows the hunters a A/AA shows, if that says anything. It’s a VERY nice helmet.[/QUOTE]

I have this one. Well, an earlier version. Mine isn’t the same matte finish. I really like it - super comfortable and very durable. It was actually purchased as a show helmet when I decided to return to showing after 13 years off. I ended up buying a Samshield for shows, and this one has become my day to day helmet as I like it so much.

My head is round and this fits the same as a GPA in my experience.

[Green_Acres]

I also show in an IRH, love them. They actually fit me while some of the more expensive ones don’t fit my odd shaped head.