I got a concussion wearing a ventilated ASTM helmet on a hot summer day. I now accept sweat, wear a doo-rag to soak it up, and wear my CO at all times. Rather a bit hot than a bit dead.
retread, are you saying that you believe your concussion was caused by the helmet, whether because it was ventilated, cheaper or…?
Are you saying that you believe the CO is safer/you are less likely to get a concussion with it?
I’ll just come right out and say I got a concussion while wearing a Sportage. I don’t even know how I landed but a witness told me she didn’t even think I hit my head; we were only trotting and the horse slipped. So I could have been concussed by forces that did not make direct contact with my helmet. There were no visible marks on the helmet after the fall, but I replaced it anyway, just in case.
I also recently had a fall while wearing (my new) Sportage. I mostly landed on my butt/hip but did make contact with my head and the ground. There were some scratches & dirt on the helmet. Again, I feel it probably did its job and I have already replaced it. For $70 it’s a smart decision for me.
With the exception of a few new technologies (like the conehead and one from Sweden that JER has) my understanding is that the ASTM & SEI certifications mean the helmets all protect the same, regardless of price or design differences.
I got a concussion wearing an ASTM approved, full coverage, non ventilated helmet.
Unfortunately I don’t think there are any studies proving that one is more safe than the other. It would be really nice if there were some comparision studies.
I have fallen victim to heat stroke on XC before -becoming disoriented and blacking out while galloping can be quite dangerous as well!
I am very grateful for the ventilated helmets we have these days. With the number of days we have that top the upper 90’s and low 100’s around here - I don’t know how I would ride without one!
I found JER’s reference to the helmet, it is made with MIPS technology:
Back on Track EQ2. MIPS technology claims to result in an up to 40% reduction in forces to the head.
I know the research has not found a significant difference in the safety of the various helmets. But that does not mean there there is NO difference; it only means that they haven’t found a difference.
One factor that I think is most important is helmet fit. MY CO fits snug and doesn’t slip around on my head. My Tipperary slides all over even when adjusted properly with padding etc. Maybe it is the shape of my head. A helmet that shifts around is NOT going to be as safe, obviously.
As for favorite helmet: I do not like the CO 4star because it’s just plain ugly and I am vain enough to consider that a factor. I love the Pro Skull II and I’m on my second and third one (I have one for schooling and one with my silks on it for show). I tossed my previous one because it hit the ground. I have always bought CO helmets in the January sales which does make them more affordable.
So I only wear the Tipperary on very hot days and then only on less “at risk” horses.
Winding Down, I hadn’t considered that someone would take what I said as “buy a Tipperary even if it doesn’t fit.” Thanks for bringing that up. To do its job properly, helmet must fit well. On that note, I hope you will re-consider wearing the Tipperary on “less at-risk” horses - put on a helmet that fits, no matter what.
For years I wore the Tipperary Sportage in the hot summer. Recently I wore the CO 4 Star and was surprised that it was more comfortable/cooler than my trusty Tipp! The cool max lining and vents were great. Now it is my helmet of choice regardless of the temperature. This is my first CO.
Also I am extremely heat sensitive due to health challenges so I also put a cold gel pack( from the dentist) in my helmets…soft and cold helps keep my head temp comfortable so my brain can actually function in extreme heat.
[QUOTE=Blugal;7721301]
Winding Down, I hadn’t considered that someone would take what I said as “buy a Tipperary even if it doesn’t fit.” .[/QUOTE]
Oh I did NOT take what you said that way at all and I assume the “” are for emphasis and not actually quotes. 
[QUOTE=Winding Down;7721686]
Oh I did NOT take what you said that way at all and I assume the “” are for emphasis and not actually quotes. :)[/QUOTE]
No, I didn’t mean you, but your post gave me the idea that it was possible. So I just wanted to clarify that it wasn’t my position at all!
