Innovations in Helmets (other sports)

[phoenixrises]

So this isn’t really just for eventing but I know that @Rayers frequents here and I’d love to learn about how some new innovations can be used for riding helmets, or why not.

My other sport is hockey. And the newer 3D printed lattice foam (https://www.engineering.com/shapeshift-3d-boosts-safety-and-performance-with-3d-printed-helmet-lining/) and custom fit helmets (https://www.bauer.com/pages/mybauer-reakt-custom-hockey-helmets?srsltid=AfmBOopSeu1LVbaWBLlIqtz6348VfcYiYTc4yqzEq-c-0zkk_xrOr9YJ) Are super intriguing to me.

Now of course force etc in hockey is different than horses and I 100% do not have the knowledge to know if this is useable in our sport. But I’d love to know from people who know these things if we can expect anyone to look into this? Because man is this helmet light and airy.

[Willesdon]

I’m certain that the manufacturers are already looking at new materials, ones that are stronger, lighter, easier to form etc. I know from conversations with the Boss of Charles Owen that they are constantly involved in research.

[callyhan]

That 3D printed lattice is really interesting. I was at a ski show in the fall and picked up a Smith helmet that had Koroyd (that is similar to the 3D lattice) instead of foam for the energy absorbtion layer. Very lightweight. I know Uvex does ski helmets so wondering when it will transfer to equestrian helmets.

[albytb]

@callyhan

That 3D printed lattice is really interesting

The new Antarès helmets have this material in them and apparently tested really well. I just got mine and it’s definitely a more bulky profile (Altho I have a huge head anyway) but it’s comfortable and I care the most about the safety features. Good price point like $500 and I tried the carbon version which was really comfortable but like $1000 so didn’t get that obv haha

[callyhan]

Antares Precision has a ERT waffle layer (their own version of MIPS) but the energy absorbing layer is still extruded polystyrene foam. Koroyd is like a honeycomb-ish/tube material and is replacing part or all of the extruded polystyrene foam in ski helmets. Pretty neat stuff.

[enjoytheride]

I could not find a MIPS that fit me and ended up with the ERT tech in an ovation.

[Xctrygirl]

Ok but how many of the MIPS equipped helmets did you try?

The obstacle for most is getting to a place that has more options than just a couple.

This is why on my MIPS Helmets FB group we remind people all the time that Fair Hill Saddlery Stocks ALL the MIPS models of all brands.

But this isn’t true of all shops.

Em

[enjoytheride]

9 different helmet models of different sizes and 3 different brands purchasing and returning, and having a brand helmet fitter.

[Pippigirl]

How do you find it fits? Suitable for an oval or round head? Does it feel like it perches on top of your head?

[enjoytheride]

I feel like I have a round head, and usually I stick with Ovation because they seem to fit more. I also have a CO Kylo that is a very similar fit on me if that helps. Besides a round head, I have thick hair. I don’t put it up in my helmet, but it makes my bulbous head even larger and I found the addition of MIPS made some helmets not fit. For example, I tried on the largest size of the Kylo using a helmet fitter at KY3day in both mips and non mips and the mips was just small enough to be not comfortable.