Finding a flattering helmet

[Aristides]

I have more of an oval shaped face. I feel like every helmet I put on either looks ridiculously large and round on my head or it adds emphasis to the shape of my face and I look like Droopy the dog. LOL. I don’t live anywhere near a tack shop with a lot of helmets to try, so I’m looking for general advice for a place to start. Anyone out there who has a similar shaped face, what helmet(s) have you found that look flattering? I know I’m being a bit vain here (which feels foolish), but seriously, if I’m going to spend several hundred dollars, I don’t want to feel like I look idiotic in it!

Oh, and I need something I can wear in the dressage ring at the lower levels.

[AllWeatherGal]

You can return non-custom orders at SmartPak, so that might be a good place to start if you don’t mind plunking down a bunch of money to have them send a variety for you to try (in the comfort and privacy of your own home!).

I purchased an Antares. I got it for fit and function (coolest helmet I’ve tried), but I do get compliments.

[mzm_farm]

I am all for helmets and wear one EVERY time I am on a horse.

That said, flattering helmet is an oxymoron IMO :lol:

Comfortable, safe, YES, flattering - in another world, or hopefully the future?

[Mallard]

The helmet should fit your head… not flatter your face!
And you really have to try them on.

[LoveJubal]

Do you also have an oval shaped head? Some of the Helmet brands fit better than others. I’m a round head, myself, so I find that GPA and IRH fit me better than anything else. IRH is much cheaper though. They also have a long oval shape. CO doesn’t fit me at all, neither does Samshield.

[_DQ]

Not a well known brand - but Lami-Cell are great helmets and they don’t break the bank, plus a good fall-replacement policy. I think they look nice.
You can get them on european sites, and there’s one american carrier - Partrade.

[pony_baloney]

If you have an oval shaped head as well, the Ovation helmets are streamline and very comfy. Their more expensive one ($60+) is very nice.

[jstov96327]

I think your helmet can absolutely be safe and fit well while also being flattering! There are so many options now a days. I have a round head so GPA fits me way better than CO or One K. I’m actually helmet shopping now since a GPA isn’t so stylish in the dressage ring. I’m going to try an IRH. Ordering from Smartpak (free shipping and returns,) is a good way to try on helmets or going to the store.

[Lucassb]

I have an oval head and honestly, the OneK helmet I bought last year is the first one I’ve ever had that I like. No mushroom-head look and I find them comfortable (which is another first… in the past no matter how much I spent, I always wound up with a red line on my forehead.)

I think the only way to find what works is to try a bunch of them. Smartpak is very good about returns so I might start there.

[MelanieC]

I have a very round head (I’m Asian, we tend to be more brachycephalic than Europeans) and OneK fits me very well (even the “long oval” fit), as does GPA. I can’t wear CO at all. Ovation fits OK.

I think the OneK helmets are extremely flattering and plan to buy one for showing.

[ThreeFigs]

There is no such thing as a “Flattering Helmet”. Find one that fits comfortably and call it good!

[piccolopony]

I’ve also got a small oval face/head and have the same issue. I’ve been wearing a Tipperary which is extremely comfortable and reasonably priced but not very flattering. I’ve been looking for another option to show in and finally found that Uvex fit well as well. Now I’m going to look into OneK as well

[Trevelyan96]

I have a tiny oval pinhead and face, and the best looking helmet and most comfortable hemet on me is the he IRH Air 10. Its also the lightest I’ve ever worn but they are hard to find. I think Smartpak has them. I wear a size 6 1/2, so its really hard to find helmets.

I also have an IRH Elite EQ, and it doesn’t look bad, is almost as light as my Air10, but the harness is a bit more bulky at the base of my head.

Generally, a low profile helmet with a rounded brim that fits your head shape will be more flattering.

I cried when I couldn’t find a OneK small enough for me. I think they’re beautiful helmets. I find CO’s to be too heavy and are the worst for giving me the mushroom shape.

[Pehsness]

Bumping this because I was posting the exact same thread, except I have a round face.

I got my show photos and while there a couple I don’t hate completely, my helmet isn’t doing me any favours. It’s 5 years old so due to be replaced anyway.

I got the wide brim and I don’t think I will do that again. I can’t spend $1000 but expect to spend $500.

Any suggestions? Matte or shiny? Gold trim or solid black? (Current is silver, won’t do that again either).

I know the helmet can’t morph me in to size 6 and 28 years old again, but surely it can do a bit better than turn me in to my mother.

[Willesdon]

Ten years on, helmet technology has moved on considerably. The MIPs helmets are probably the best at preventing concussion, fixed peaks are to be avoided doing cross country, many fitters say they avoid the adjustable dial models because they are not as safe as one would wish. I’ve had a cable on a dial adjust model snap whilst I was jumping so I haven’t worn one since. Personally, I wear a MIPs skull with a cover - in a road visible bright yellow - because I care more about my head and my health than I do about wearing a less than pretty helmet I can’t even see when I’m wearing it.

[Pehsness]

Yes, I have the MIPS. I spent more money on this damn helmet than I could believe…

Looking more I think it sits low on my head, so my eyes are hidden, accentuating the round face. But I have enough hair to sink a ship so I need a larger helmet, unfortunately. I guess I’ll just have to try a pile on and see.

I remember loving this one and thought it looked so good. So perhaps it’s my 5 year older face that’s bothering me

[CanteringCarrot]

It’s so hard to find a MIPS helmet without a dial that fits though. The options are few and I’ve tried them (Champion and Charles Owen). I did try an Arro because it’s not fixed peak but not a skull per say, but it also didn’t work for my head (wasn’t deep enough). I’m about to go back to a skull with a cover and just look like the eventer that I’m not anymore

Looks aside, it can be so hard to find a MIPS that fits! I’ve tried so many.

Also, If you’re (whomever this may apply to) shopping online make sure that helmets are accepted as returns. Not all places allow it. I always read the fine print in the returns section before ordering. Smartpak, Riding Warehouse, and Horse Loverz have all been fine to deal with, to name a few.

[Pehsness]

I dont think id be brave enough to buy online, which will definitely limit my options.

[Jo]

@Pehsness

dont think id be brave enough to buy online, which will definitely limit my options

I’ve ordered and returned no less than 15 helmets from Ridinfg Warehouse and Dover. No issues with either retailer. Even with a local Dover, I was unable to find local options in my size to try.

[outerbanks77]

Here are the latest helmet safety ratings. The top rated helmets tend to be the uglier ones, which maybe says something about the best design not being the sleekest.

I’ve been riding in the TraumaVoid Lynx MIPS for about 5 years and don’t think it looks too atrocious. They do have the “micromocca” versions that have an ultrasuede covering and glittery stripe if you want more of a show helmet.

EquestriAn Helmet Ratings