So I need a new helmet and am hoping the COTH community can give me recommendations. Currently I have a GPA First Lady and I like the profile, but when I jump it slips down over my eyes, so that is not working. When I was shopping for that helmet, I tried Charles Owen and they were too round for my head. So, I think I need something on the oval-ish side.
I did a search, but most of the helmet threads were old and helmet styling changes.
This helmet is going to be be for horse showing, so I need to think about what is appropriate for A horse shows.
If your current GPA is sliding down over your eyes I would question if it is the correct size. Have you tried on a size smaller? Normally when I try on helmets I rock my head back-and-forth a few times to ensure that it is not going to slide up or down.
I have always worn “long oval” shaped helmets, and GPA’s have never fit me, but the Charles Owen AYR8 models fit me like a glove. Lots of AYR8 models are on sale online these days, so you might try one of those.
If a CO is too round, you must have the world’s oval-est head! My noggin is too oval for a one k oval L, but the CO Ayr8 fits perfectly. I will say that CO’s new wide brim helmet is not all too flattering though…
I have the GPA First Lady and the Samshield Miss Shield. What I like about the Samshield is that I can use the liner that came with it (more for round head fit) or I can use the other liner that came with my other Samshield (premium model with more space in the forehead region). The two liners fit a little differently. Also, you can keep a single shell size (S,M, L) and replace with different size liners, so you can salvage a bad fit or a hair change. GPA is a specifically sized helmet shell, on the other hand, so there is no room for error as you can’t correct it with a different sized liner. Your helmet sounds too large. When fitting the helmets, you have to keep in mind that it will compress a little bit after a few rides. It should be able to sit on your head not strapped in and should not move when you push on it back and forth. Also, something I will share about when I bought a CO helmet - I was trying on a 7 1/4 and it felt sooo tight. The woman told me it was too big and I thought she was nuts, it felt so tight. She put on the 7 1/8 and it felt so much better. It was really strange. She explained that a lot of people size up when they really need to go down, as helmets can be confusing.
I love both my helmets - my First Lady is tight and snug and sporty. The Samshield is honestly the more comfortable option.
Best of luck finding a solution that works for you!
My experience with the GPA is that the padding inside SIGNIFICANTLY compresses over time. The GPA that used to fit me is now like a huge bucket. You may just need a new one.
I would agree that if your helmet is slipping down over your eyes, it’s too big. You should be able to grab the brim and kind of move it around and the helmet should stay snug. I’d go buy a smaller GPA if you like the style (I’m with ya - tried them all, and GPA fits me the absolute best. Just hate the price tag, but you can’t put a dollar value on safety!)
ETA: I currently wear the Little Lady. Super similar profile to the First Lady, just way cheaper.
Tack shop owner here so I fit a lot of people for helmets.
GPA helmets are very round helmets. Charles Owen helmets are very oval helmets. OneK and Samshield fall in the middle of not super oval or round.
Your helmet should not move at all when you ride so you are definitely wearing a helmet that is too big for you.
A lot of people don’t realize helmets stretch so when you first try it on it should feel a bit too snug.
Go find yourself a local tack shop if possible and try on helmets to find the brand that fits you best and the correct size!
I had a GPA that got too big after the padding squished too much inside. Would bop on my head on the landing. I ended up getting a OneK Defender and I love it. I have one in matte and one in suede. 1/2 the price as Samshield, CO, and others.
I had a GPA but after a fall the padding strips put a divot in my head. I have had a couple of AYR8s and like them very much. I just got a Charles Owen MyPS online from Riding Warehouse. The MyPS is very much the AYR8 with the mips shell inside. It fit me much better than the Trauma Void. And whoever says helmets can last three years, well not for me.
Thank you for all the responses.
I ended up getting a Little Lady, but I have already noticed a slight change in fit after three rides…not quite as tight. Ugh. Here I go again. I think the GPA lining compacts easily.
I am going to keep an eye out for some of the other brands to try. I tried on a few of those when I bought the Little Lady and some just did not work for me, but they now have so many models to try.
My son had a Uvex when they first were available…a GPA look at a lower price point. However, the dial mechanism failed after a few months. Since then, I have avoided dial helmets.
