Helmets for bigger heads - spinoff from NYT article thread - other options?

[hillary_again]

@Dru, hope you can answer a question for me.

In light of the article in the NYT regarding helmets that accommodate Black equestrians, I wondered about using other helmets (from other sports) which might accommodate more sizes.

I notice that helmets for skateboarding do come in larger sizes, and, reading a little bit about the ASTM standards, are tested at even higher heights than riding helmets. What else in the ASTM standard is different between these two types? Would these be suitable for riders looking for an option?

[Bogie]

I have also read that endurance riders use mountain biking helmets (MIPS) which might also offer more options.

[Impractical_Horsewoman]

I’d be very reluctant to use a helmet designed for a sport other than riding, since the stresses placed by riding seem pretty unique (I’ve always been told).

I suspect other sports have more large-sized options because more men play them, and men tend to have larger skulls.

I have a larger head and wiry hair, but I also know some smaller-skulled riders struggle to find helmets, though.

I have trouble finding short enough tall boots and breeches, and I know many larger riders struggle with the opposite issue, of finding clothing options.

It’s really frustrating how it’s like a treasure hunt, sometimes, to find equipment, if you’re not a standard size.

[Southernboy]

If appearance is not a concern, look up search and rescue helmets. Very adjustable (big head, big hair ok), very protective, and some might think ugly. When I was with mounted SAR, I had one that was certified for just about everything you could bump your head on or fall off of. Horses, atvs, rocks, you name it.

[anon29046226]

This reminded me of way back when certified helmets became mandatory at shows. The biggest argument was how they looked, second to I love my patey.

[furlong47]

The certification and testing is different for each type of helmet, because the types of falls or impacts are different for each sport. I would not use any helmet for horseback riding unless it was specifically tested and certified for use in horseback riding. In the same vein, I wouldn’t use my riding helmet on a bike or to play football.

[walktrot]

It is not just smashing your head on the ground, they also have to protect from a hoof, someitmes shod, hitting it.

[hillary_again]

I agree - I am not suggesting that using a skateboarding helmet is the end answer. I’m in a part of the country where I see a lot of different equestrian sports, like roping and barrels, and don’t see a lot of helmet use in these groups. Is lack of size options one reason? Maybe. Is lack of size options keeping beginners out of lesson programs? Maybe. Is using a different helmet a solution to those situations? Maybe. If so, what’s the best of those different helmets? That’s why I was hoping Dru would chime in. BTW, the skateboarding one is way cheaper than any equestrian helmet, and is tested per the specifics of the ASTM standard from a higher height than the equestrian ones (but no, not tested to take a blow from a hoof…).

[furlong47]

@hillary_again

I see a lot of different equestrian sports, like roping and barrels, and don’t see a lot of helmet use in these groups.

I think you’re mainly seeing a) tradition/fashion and b) stereotyping (helmets are for inexperienced riders, or English riders, or people who aren’t tough enough, or they’re uncool, or they make you look dumb). If you asked a bunch of those people why they don’t wear a helmet, I doubt your top answers would have much to do with size availability.

[Impractical_Horsewoman]

It’s definitely the culture of the sport–I know people who ride English disciplines and Western, and although they certainly have a helmet and wear it when riding English, they don’t riding Western. I guess they might make the excuse that the saddle is more secure or something, but really, it’s the “look” and when everyone is doing something, even if it’s unsafe, there’s more peer pressure to give in. I mean, mad respect for barrel racers and other Western disciplines at speed, but they are definitely not risk-free!

[NaturallyHappy]

I always thought the helmets bull riders wear look like football helmets…,