Favorite Helmets??

[owest1991]

Okay y’all, I know this question is asked quite frequently but I figured I would give it a go for myself haha

I’ve always ridden in Charles Owens and haven’t had any major issues but I wanted to see what else is out there! I splurged and got the AYR8 a few years ago and had a minor crash so I definitely want to replace it! There are a few problems I have with the AYR8 I have also that have made me want to switch it up:
-the liner isn’t removable (UGHHHHH, my head sweats so much here in the south, removable, washable liner is a must!!)
-I have a really round, small face (and small head) and I’m convinced I look like an acorn with a massive top wearing COs (I know, I know, it’s not all about fashion but this is the hunters… I don’t want to like a deformed acorn)

I’ve had my eye on Samshield but what else do y’all like/dislike?? I don’t mind spending money on a good quality product.

[PrincessPonies]

With helmets I always go try them on in person. When I was replacing mine last year I went to three different stores and each time was helped by someone under 30 who just seemed to want to finish already. I had no luck at each place. When I tried my local family run tack shop I found a great helmet. Yes they didn’t have as large of selection but the woman who helped me knew what she was doing and was willing to take the time.
Personally I like GPA but most of my helmets have been IRHs. I find they have the best fit for me. No matter what I’d suggest getting someone who knows what they’re doing to help find the right fit.

[luckylion]

I am more budget minded and have had 2 CO JR8s. One has “aged out of use”. I bought a vented IRH on clearanceto school in (can’t remember the model) and it doesn’t fit quite right. Gaps at the sides. Had a fall a couple of weeks ago, that had a bit of head bonk. Left a small tear in the mesh and scratches on the surface, not to mention it obviously slipped forward when I hit the ground and bonked the bridge of my nose and bruised it! So, I’m thinking it needs to be retired, too. I was just at Dover and tried a few on and was very surprised to find the One K Defender actually fit. I tried one a few years ago and it didn’t fit at all and the retailer told me I had an oval head and I was probably limited to CO. It felt great and looked so much better on me than my Charles Owens. They give me mushroom head and the IRH I tried that fit gave me serious bubble head. I just ordered my new One K and am excited for it to get here. So, trying them on is the best thing. You never know what a redesign might do. It took a 2 hour drive to get to the Dover, but it was worth it and Capital One appreciated it, as well!

[Showbizz]

My family members all love their One Ks.

[BHTC]

I have a Samsheild, LOVE it. So comfy, nice profile, though I must admit, I do miss my GPA Speed Air, as I think it just fit my head slightly better. However, I don’t miss it enough to do anything about it.

Prior to the GPAs I was a CO believer, and had about 5 different COs over the years as I always bought my helmets online. Then I tried the GPA Speed Air on, and it fit so much better, but the GPA Titium Pro (which was the helmet prior to the speed) was a little… too round for my head.

So, best bet is to try on as MANY helmets as you can. Don’t look in a mirror until you feel comfortable in it. Then you can assume vanity into the mix

[GoneAway]

You need to buy what fits you, not what is fashionable. So best bet would be to go to a tack store and try several of them on, and decide what fits best and what you like the overall look of.

That said, Trauma Void just came out with their new riding helmet, the EQ3, which has an interesting new MIPS technology which should help reduce the risk and/or severity of some concussions by reducing the rotational forces on the brain during an angled impact. This is a very exciting development for riding helmets, the first application of MIPS in riding-specific head protection.

https://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/f…t-mips-helmets
https://www.backontrackproducts.com/Riding-Helmets-c16/
www.traumavoid.com
http://the900facebookpony.com/2018/03/02/eq3-helmets-and-mips-technology

I just bought mine, ridden in it a few times and I love it. In addition to the MIPS technology, the helmets themselves look pretty fancy (especially for the reasonable $250 pricetag) and aren’t super common yet. Check out that thread for more info and feedback on fit.

ETA: Trauma Void has a warranty on the helmet and a reduced price replacement program if you register your helmet on their site within 30 days of purchase (50% off first year, 25% off second year).

[Xctrygirl]

Like @GoneAway I got a new Trauma Void EQ3 and so far it’s MUCH better than almost all my CO helmets. The APMII is still holding steady but the others give me repeated headaches.The EQ3 is comfy, pretty and stylish and I am already thanking my stars that I bought it quickly and didn’t sit and wait (while still suffering headaches daily) just to see if I really wanted it. I do and I’m glad it’s here.

Em

[Scribbler]

I liked my CO AYR8 and replaced it with a CO AYRbrush matte helmet with removable washable band liner.

The AYRbrush is great for rain and stinkyhead, but I feel it fits a tad snugger which I have never liked. Also the matte surface can be dented.

I tried on a One K defender last year and loved it. The liner is also removable and the price is cheaper than C0 in Canada. I think it will be my next helmet.

As far as how they look … all helmets look goofy on ones own self and unnoticeable on everyone else. It’s like getting a bathing suit. You will never love how you look even when you are 22 and beautiful but it has to fit and stay on in the surf!

[hairystockings]

OK so I’ve had a few (starting with ye olde plastic hats back in the day). I had a slew of Charles Owen helmets at one point. From their classic velvet to a couple of the AYR8’s or whatever they were. I hated that the lining wouldn’t come out, I felt like it shortened their life span because it would break down and get stinky and then there was nothing you could do about it. I have had two GPA first ladies and that is a stupid comfortable helmet. GPA has a less expensive line of their speed air’s now which a couple people in my barn have and like but say the speed air is definitely more comfortable. I have a Samshield (a Miss Shield) now and I think it’s my favorite I’ve ever had. They have two types of liners to choose from depending on your preferences, which is cool. The Samshield is the first helmet I’ve ever had where I felt like the harness is actually participating in the process of securing your helmet to your head. GPA harnesses are terrible, they always loosen and just hang below your chin. I have similar memories of the Charles Owen harness.

I have lots of barn mates who use the OneK and love it, they look like great fitting, comfortable helmets.

It’s always best to try on in person of course and see what fits your head comfortably and correctly. And of course try it on with your hair the way you would wear it every day with your helmet, whether that’s up in a net or down in a pony tail. I solved that problem by going the way of the pixie cut. Haven’t bought hair nets in years horaaay!

[mmeqcenter]

Love my One K

[222orchids]

Happily in my second One K (did the 5-year recommended replacement). I wear a size small and it’s very comfortable, light and well-vented. Does not look mushroom-y. At $229 or so, a great buy. Don’t need the $500 (+) Samshield, which is made by the same manufacturer. One K is my fave helmet ever (and i’ve gone through CO’s entire catalogue over the years).

[Ladylexie]

I like my Charles Owen Gr8 but I’m brand new to the helmet thing having ridden saddle seat for a zillion years. I’m very happy that I now wear a hard hat although most of the people in my classes wear non safety helmets still.

[ktm_here]

Buy what fits the best and is comfortable. For hot areas, CO are the worst–lack of vents and non-removable liner. I don’t do well in the heat at all and got a GPA. It’s a huge difference. It is not as comfortable as my CO but makes riding in the heat bearable . And the liner is removable. So now, I ride in my CO in the winter and the GPA in the summer. I think the Samshield and OneK are great helmets. You really can’t go wrong. Good luck

[mroades]

CO is the only brand that fits my very egg head…sigh. I live in Florida now…sweat ville

[largo]

I’m a Samshield girl. I’ve got a shadow Matt and a premium right now, but this is actually my 3rd premium after a few falls I love how cool these stay, I had a series of AYR8s before these and putting on a helmet with REAL vents was a huge improvement! Also, removable liners are a plus so I can keep my head somewhat clean, and also different liners depending on how much hair/how I wear my hair! Like others have said the harness actually stays in place, so I feel like it’s more secure.

I desperately wanted GPA to fit before I went to Samshield, but alas, they do not so I can’t recommend them.

[WBmare]

I used to have Charles Owens and still really like them. But when it came time to replace mine I got a OneK in oval and love it. Plus the liner is removable.

[WBmare]

@mroades

CO is the only brand that fits my very egg head…sigh. I live in Florida now…sweat ville

OneK makes an oval size. I too have an odd shaped head and the OneK oval is very comfortable for me.

[Dewey]

I don’t want to be tempted to hesitate to throw out a helmet I’ve worn during a fall during which I’ve hit my head. For that reason I won’t spend a ton on a helmet. I use an Ovation Protege for everyday riding and a CO JR8 for showing.

[lmlacross]

Echoing the “what fits best” comment. Try them all on. What one person loves may perch, create pressure points, or otherwise not fit you well at all. One K fits me well (regular, not oval), and I really value the interchangeable liners both from a freshening-up perspective and a fit perspective. It helps extend use for a kid who may still be growing OR will maintain a quality fit an adult rider who sometimes wears her hair down, sometimes up in a single helmet.

Samshield offers even more liner fit options per shell size, and the premium and regular liners can be swapped between all helmets in their line (for some head shapes, the gap at the front of the premium liner helps fit, while for others, it doesn’t). Naturally, you need to be comfortable with their price point, which is another point in OneK’s column for me (again, since both brands fit me well). Unfortunately, while GPA’s were my go-to when we all made the move from pretty velvet hats years ago, they don’t fit my head shape anymore as they did in the early 2000’s.

I think Charles Owen makes a great hat, but liners are a non-negotiable for me now. I don’t love the JR8’s harness design (prefer the nape-of-neck coverage offered by other brands’ harnesses), and the total lack of vents would make it a non-starter for me (some of their other, pricer models have gotten better with venting).

[csm]

I have a Samshield and love it!!! In the past I have had the Charles Owen GR8 and JR8, but my Samshield is by far my favorite of all! It is so comfortable and the removable liner is really helpful!