Popular Event Helmets

[tua37516]

Hey all,

Taking a field from H/J land to ask a question for a non-internet savvy friend. Event pro friend of mine is verrry overdue to replace her helmet. Last time she bought was probably 8-10 years ago and apparently CO skull caps were all the rage. What are the must haves out there? What do we see a lot of the pros wearing nowadays? She wants to get the most up to date and “in” helmet so when she is out and about she will look professional and updated. I could rattle you a list in h/j world but wanted to get her good feedback on what everyone in her discipline is into now. FWIW She is not opposed to having a brim.

Thanks!

[scubed]

Many are wearing the COs, but more often the newer custom AYR8 or GR8 helmets. Some are wearing sponsors helmets, Antares, OneK, etc. If you check top eventers sites, they often mention their helmet sponsors. Sinead Halpin is sponsored by KEP Italia and wears their helmet. Buck Davidson is sponsored by Charles Owen http://www.buckdavidson.com/, as is Boyd Martin http://www.boydandsilvamartin.com/Pages/boyd/sponsors.html.

What is most important is that the helmet fits your head well.

[GotSpots]

[QUOTE=scubed;7977808]
What is most important is that the helmet fits your head well.[/QUOTE] This. One of the nicest things about eventing is that No One Cares what helmet you’re wearing. They’ll notice if it’s falling down over your eyes; they’ll notice if your hair is so all-over-the-place that it’s covering up your number; or they’ll notice if your chin strap isn’t fastened. Other than that, it’s all about what meets appropriate safety standards, fits, and is comfortable for the rider.

[tua37516]

[QUOTE=scubed;7977808]
Many are wearing the COs, but more often the newer custom AYR8 or GR8 helmets. Some are wearing sponsors helmets, Antares, OneK, etc. If you check top eventers sites, they often mention their helmet sponsors. Sinead Halpin is sponsored by KEP Italia and wears their helmet. Buck Davidson is sponsored by Charles Owen http://www.buckdavidson.com/, as is Boyd Martin http://www.boydandsilvamartin.com/Pages/boyd/sponsors.html.

What is most important is that the helmet fits your head well.[/QUOTE]

Thanks this is the type of stuff I was looking to hear. Pro will wear what is safe and well fitting, but just wants to narrow down top brands to look at.

[KayBee]

Your friend should buy what fits her and what she can afford. In eventing, especially at the lower levels, helmet brand is not something that is of high (if any) importance.

[tua37516]

She is an UL eventer, if that helps? What brands/models are we seeing on UL eventers these days? Should she have a skull cap for XC and then another for showjumping and dressage? What do most event pros teach/ride in at home?

[Highflyer]

Yes most people have multiple helmets. Generally any of the matte (non velvet) black or navy helmets will be fine and fit in for dressage and show jumping (assuming it’s not a 1 day horse trials). Probably the CO Gr8 or ayr8 are the most common but Samshield, irh, Antares, gpa etc are also popular and really truly there is no “in” or “better” helmet. Most people do wear a skullcap with cover for xc and again I think CO is probably the most common but once you put a cover on it no one will be able to tell.

Also “we” are seeing pretty much the same brands on UL riders as low level ones especially since most UL riders compete at the lower levels as well.

A $30 schooling helmet would probably be a step up from a 10 year old helmet anyway. Seriously, try on a number of helmets you think look nice. Buy the one that fits best. Throw it away after you fall or have worn it for five years.

[allpurpose]

There are so many different brands now, and each fits differently. My huge oval head is a Samshield fit, but not a Charles Owen. Make sure she tries on several!

[Jealoushe]

CO skull caps are still all the rage.

I see KEP helmets are popular too but man are they UGLY.

[Hunterkid]

I love my COs!!

[Duckz]

Am I the only one who looks hideous in a skull cap? Luckily(?) I took a fall in mine and had to retire it. My favorite is the GPA but I never see them on eventers. Lots of COs, either the skull caps or the AYR8 style.

[PaintedHunter]

[QUOTE=Duckz;7980214]
Am I the only one who looks hideous in a skull cap? Luckily(?) I took a fall in mine and had to retire it. My favorite is the GPA but I never see them on eventers. Lots of COs, either the skull caps or the AYR8 style.[/QUOTE]

Personally, I look hideous in everything because I have a kid-sized head on top of Hulk Shoulders. Like a reverse bobblehead.

[RPM]

You have received your answer, from all the people who replied saying no one cares.

She should buy the best she can afford that fits her well.

Brand name, name of UL famous big name eventer who wears brand X, doesn’t matter. If she is wearing what BNE wears because Brand X pays him to wear that, but it doesn’t fit her and she is having to pay to wear it, that would be the wrong helmet for her.

Good grief. Get a Troxel for $39.99, or get a skull cap/crash helmet for $$$. Whatever fits and she can afford.

[wildlifer]

^^^^ Seriously, we’re eventers. No. One. Cares. Buy what fits your head comfortably, wear it all. the. time. and carry on. I can promise you, you can walk up and ASK Buck, he’ll give you the exact same answer (unless you have a sponsor that requires use) – although being Buck, it will be the most polite, gracious version of that answer.