GPA Air S- Outdated or Suitable for Hunters?

[tua37516]

I currently have a matte black One K which I love, but came across this deal and while I have never worn GPA’s (too expensive to try on and fall in love with), I have always liked the idea of the lower neck protection. I had a bad fall a few years ago and a recent car accident, so I have post-concussive symptoms and bang up my head easily.

They have this in my size in matte navy. Outdated in the hunter ring?
http://www.equestrian.com/p/womens-riding-hats/gpa-air-s-riding-hat---helmet---adults/gpa110/#/

I don’t show heavily but also would like to get my young WB into a few rated shows this spring to do some 2’6"-2’9" Baby Green or Opportunity/Modified type divisions. This could be for schooling at home (and use my One K for shows) or shows only. Do you guys think the lower neck protection of the GPA is any better than the helmets that do not have it?

[AffirmedHope]

That’s a good deal and if it fits go for it. It won’t be a big deal at shows, epscially at the levels that you are showing in (I still see some riders that gasp show in those velvet Troxel and International helmets)

Lol I was also just thinking about how EVERYBODY had to have one of these helmets a few short years ago and now it’s apparently outdated :lol:

[tua37516]

[QUOTE=AffirmedHope;7926305]
That’s a good deal and if it fits go for it. It won’t be a big deal at shows, epscially at the levels that you are showing in (I still see some riders that gasp show in those velvet Troxel and International helmets)

Lol I was also just thinking about how EVERYBODY had to have one of these helmets a few short years ago and now it’s apparently outdated :lol:[/QUOTE]

I know but I am remembering the GPA Titanium being a big deal before the Speed Air came out circa what 2006-9? Even at our local show circuit I don’t see anyone in anything Troxel/Velvety (except the rare timeless pro now and then). I am in SE PA if that helps. I don’t wear a helmet because everyone else does but for the rated shows I don’t want to buy a helmet that will look dated.

[AffirmedHope]

Personally, I think you’d be fine. But if you do want to be on the up and up of fashion than spring a little more $$ and get a Charles Owen or Samshield

[kmcnam]

At an A show you will look dated. At local shows you would probably be fine. Would you look so out of place that it would actually matter? Probably not, but it won’t get any more ‘current’. I don’t think the “neck protection” does anything except hide the lower part of a hairnet if you’re looking for support in that regard (speaking simply as an owner of GPA helmets). Also navy helmets are not popular or “in” if you are concerned about style.

I would stick with the One K.

[eclipse]

Bottom line is buy what fits as long as it’s approved! So what if Samshield is the latest coolest "in helmet " if it doesn’t fit your noggin! I got rid of mine for just that reason and I’m now loving and rocking an Ovation Schooling in, yes, rated hunters!

[Angelico]

No it won’t look dated, several people still wear them. The people that look silly to me are the ones who went out and bought a Samshield just because Lillie and Reed were wearing them. I personally love Samshields, but I hate the sudden “trend”. Don’t be the idiot with a “trendy” helmet that doesn’t fit.

[Renn_aissance]

Absolutely no one cares what’s on your head as long as it’s approved, except for people who don’t have anything better to do.

Great price for that helmet but as that model is discontinued it may be worth checking the manufacturing date.

[AliCat]

OMG, as of a couple years ago I showed in the hunters with a Charles Own Hampton on my head. Now I understand my low placings. It wasn’t the chips, adds, refusals, or obscenities on course after all!

[In_the_Air]

I actually really like the way that helmet looks on my students who wear that particular one. It fits close to the head, not too big. If they had my size or my daughters size I would be ordering one also.

[Moe_and_Me]

[QUOTE=AffirmedHope;7926305]
That’s a good deal and if it fits go for it. It won’t be a big deal at shows, epscially at the levels that you are showing in (I still see some riders that gasp show in those velvet Troxel and International helmets)

Lol I was also just thinking about how EVERYBODY had to have one of these helmets a few short years ago and now it’s apparently outdated :lol:[/QUOTE]

I definitely agree. I still see plenty of people riding in similar hats at schooling shows in my area. The price is right for sure, if you like it and it fits I’d definitely say go for it.

I have a One K too, and I love it. If you’re going to do anything rated I’d stick to that one.

[vxf111]

Be sure it has the ASTM sticker AND that it’s not a late manufacture date helmet!

[Jo]

I inquired about the DOM and received this:

Unfortunately I am unable to provide any details of the date of manufacture for these hats at none of the ones which were available to look at had any labels or tags with this information on them.

[Renn_aissance]

[QUOTE=Jo;7930038]
I inquired about the DOM and received this:

Unfortunately I am unable to provide any details of the date of manufacture for these hats at none of the ones which were available to look at had any labels or tags with this information on them.[/QUOTE]

…well that’s bananas. I have an Air S (the second of two I’ve owned) and the DOM is clearly indicated on a label inside the helmet. I believe it was also indicated on the box.

On that basis alone, OP, I would not buy this helmet. GPA discontinued the Air S at least as of last winter so anything on the shelf now will be at least a year old. Considering they should be replaced every 4 years due to material deterioration, anything being sold now has depreciated by at least 25% of its value. In this case you’re also seeing that reflected in the price, so, fine. But if they can’t tell you how old the helmet is, return shipping from the US to the UK for an item of this weight can get pretty pricy if you determine the helmet is old enough not to be safe.

Tack Room Inc has tiny-head Air S helmets still in stock (6 1/2" I believe) although I had an uncharacteristically lousy experience with that vendor when I tried to order that same helmet from them last year. I’ve ordered from them before and quite like them, but the helmet they shipped me arrived damaged in a way that was unlikely to be related to shipping, and communication (and refund speed) was poor. I’d order from them again since I’ve had good experiences with them in the past, but given that we’re talking about the same product, I thought I’d mention it.

If you have a common head size you probably will not find one of these helmets on the shelves. I know this because last year I purchased what I am pretty darn sure was the last 58cm Air S available in North America and the UK.

[findeight]

[QUOTE=AliCat;7927491]
OMG, as of a couple years ago I showed in the hunters with a Charles Own Hampton on my head. Now I understand my low placings. It wasn’t the chips, adds, refusals, or obscenities on course after all![/QUOTE]

Clothing labels, saddle brands, shirt color, color or markings of horse, physical build of rider are handy hook to hide real causes of poor or no placings under. It avoids admitting the fact you sucked and your horse did not think it was funny or that you buried yourself in a mire of mediocrity and the judge chose to reward excellence.

It does not matter except to little clutches of tweener fashionistas hanging around the gate instead of riding.

However, if there is any question about the standards and date on that helmet? I would replace it with the best quality that meets the standard and fits you best within your budget. Don’t worry any choice will cost you future placings.

[vxf111]

[QUOTE=Jo;7930038]
I inquired about the DOM and received this:

Unfortunately I am unable to provide any details of the date of manufacture for these hats at none of the ones which were available to look at had any labels or tags with this information on them.[/QUOTE]

I’d be really concerned about why there are not tags in helmets that are manufactured with tags!

[minnie]

Silly me. I still like the real black velvet helmets.

[Renn_aissance]

[QUOTE=minnie;7930161]
Silly me. I still like the real black velvet helmets.[/QUOTE]

I don’t like how hot they make my head! The advent of vented helmets makes summer riding so much more pleasurable.

@vxf111;7930139

I’d be really concerned about why there are not tags in helmets that are manufactured with tags!

Me too! I wonder about that statement.

[vxf111]

I cannot think of any good reasons why the tag would be gone. Only bad ones (the helmets were used/tried and returned, the manufacture date was too old to sell, the tags were marked irregular or some such, etc.)

[AffirmedHope]

Maybe we can bring these back! Along with the TS pants with the seam across the thigh!