One K Defender for hunters?

[baysandgrays]

I’m going to take advantage of the helmet sales tomorrow and buy my daughter a new show helmet. Not trying to break the bank as she’s just 11 and still growing. We’re just doing C rated and schooling shows at the moment, but do plan to keep progressing. I see all kinds of helmets at shows, but by far I see the most Charles Owen helmets on the kids in the hunter ring.

My daughter has the GR8, which is the cheaper model. It is way too heavy and bulky and she gets way too hot in it. Although it technically fits her, after about a half hour of wearing it, she says it hurts her head so I’m thinking the shape isn’t quite right for her. I want to get something lighter and more ventilated, plus something that fits better so I think I need to look outside of the Charles Owen helmets. I am looking at the One K Defender in black matte. Is this going to be “appropriate” in the hunter ring, or is there another brand/style I should consider before going in that direction? I really don’t want to spend more than $250 if I can avoid it! I don’t live near a tack shop where I can go try a bunch of different ones, so I will have to do this via mail order!

[541hunter]

Lots of OneKs in the hunter ring in my area (PacNW), including the A shows! You’ll be fine with one of those.

[Cabaret_SK]

I’ve seen a bunch of people in the OneK at shows in my area, too.

[KateKat]

totally appropriate. Maybe get the suede version but they are actually really nice looking helmets.

ETA: just saw you wanted the black matte which is fine too! The suede just has a more traditional look. I have a suede one now and its great, but I’m going to be switching to the black matte too because…cheaper.

[222orchids]

I have the black matte and it is fine. Really, any black helmet seems to be OK anymore; the hideous but trendy (and pricey) GPA has a strong presence in the hunters these days too.

[baysandgrays]

Can you comment on this helmet from a comfort perspective? Is it at all clunky and/or excessively hot to wear?

[QUOTE=222orchids;8252760]
I have the black matte and it is fine. Really, any black helmet seems to be OK anymore; the hideous but trendy (and pricey) GPA has a strong presence in the hunters these days too.[/QUOTE]

[541hunter]

[QUOTE=baysandgrays;8252776]
Can you comment on this helmet from a comfort perspective? Is it at all clunky and/or excessively hot to wear?[/QUOTE]

Not first hand, but a friend of mine had the OneK Defender and the Samshield Shadowmatte – she said the two were very comparable in comfort and fit, and said the OneK might even have the advantage in airflow.

[supershorty628]

[QUOTE=baysandgrays;8252776]
Can you comment on this helmet from a comfort perspective? Is it at all clunky and/or excessively hot to wear?[/QUOTE]

I have a Defender and find it to be really cool (temperature-wise) compared to my previous helmet. The low profile that it has looks nice, too.

[KateKat]

[QUOTE=baysandgrays;8252776]
Can you comment on this helmet from a comfort perspective? Is it at all clunky and/or excessively hot to wear?[/QUOTE]

Not clunky at all! Very low profile and flattering. It is manufactured in the same place as Samshields…just more than half the price Very comfortable, good ventilation.

I’ve had mine for over three years and it still looks great. The only wear has been on the harness. I’ve replaced the washable liner once because even with washing those can get kind of funky.

[AllisonWunderlund]

Love my OneK! Great fit, light weight, well vented. And you have the removable, washable liner!! And I agree that it does have a lower profile than a lot of the newer helmets. Several other students at the barn have them and they all look good in them.

[Calvincrowe]

I have the suede and wish I’d gotten the matte version, but still love the fit and it is very cool–lots of vents. I like the matte as the suede’s logo seems shinier. Saw a ton in the jumper and hunter rings this year. Really, a good value and comfortable. I like the removable/replaceable liners, too. Great idea!

[tua37516]

I show in the One K matte black helmet in both local and rated shows. It was the most comfortable helmet I tried on and fit me the best. The nice thing is I can school and show in it, just wipe off any ring dust with a damp towel.

Tough since you can’t just go try on lots of stuff to find the best fit, my advice is if you are taking advantage of the helmet awareness day sales to order somewhere with other good options so you can exchange in the event the brand isn’t the best fit.

But a huge fan here!

[alittlegray]

Another vote for the one k! We see them all the time here in the hunter and jumper rings!

[paintjumper63]

Today the One K Defender in Matte is $165 at SmartPak. Free shipping and returns.

[aabradley82]

I have the One K defender in matte, and it is literally the most comfortable helmet I have ever tried on!!! The vents keep my head way cooler than my Charles Owen Wellington Classic! it does buckle on the opposite side of my chin from my Charles Owen, but that’s no biggie. I love mine!!! Love the washable liner!!! I can wipe it down with a rag & don’t have to worry about the suede or velvet getting gross. I show locals & A’s… see them all the time!P.S. I wear a 6 3/4 and went with the Small size.

[janedoe726]

I saw these being offered as of today (website says not available in the U.S., but maybe they were released today?), and I love the look. Plus I’m an IRH fan, so there you go! I saw them offered for $120, which probably includes the Helmet Discount, but still a great price point.

http://irhhelmets.com/-IRH-Riding-Helmet-ID-3300.html