Does anyone have any info on the sizing? I was looking at the size chart and it says that a 59 is equal to a 7 3/8 (which is what I normally wear in CO) but a 7 3/8 in CO is 60 in centimeters. So do they run a bit smaller?
I don’t have a tack shop near me that carries the helmet so it will be trial and error with online ordering.
I had to order down to have it fit correctly. I have the Premium, which doesn’t touch the forehead, and went from a 6 ? to 6 ¾. Just make sure the size isn’t between shell sizes, because thats where you can get into trouble. Since the 6 ? was used for the medium shell, I had to swap it out for one with the small shell to fit the 6 ¾.
[QUOTE=Libby416;7814974]
I had to order down to have it fit correctly. I have the Premium, which doesn’t touch the forehead, and went from a 6 ? to 6 ¾. Just make sure the size isn’t between shell sizes, because thats where you can get into trouble. Since the 6 ? was used for the medium shell, I had to swap it out for one with the small shell to fit the 6 ¾.[/QUOTE]
Hmmm so the liners tend to run big? I’m going to get a Shadow Matt, but I can’t imagine it being to different from the premium. So I should actually order down to a 7 1/4?
It seems as though with the shells I’m smack dab in the middle of the large, so I could order a 7 3/8 liner and a 7 1/4 liner and just return the one that doesn’t fit.
Do order two liners! They’re good to have if for example, you show with your hair up, but ride at home with it in a braid or ponytail. It’s also good if you ever cut your hair short.
I was a 7/14 in CO/GPA, and my Samshield Shadow Matte is a 7 1/8, if that helps. Looks like your size is in the middle of the range for the medium shell, so just order a spare liner from Smartpak to try out.
I have always worn a 7 1/4 (59) in GPA helmets. Until I bought my last one (SpeedAir) which was a 7 3/8 (60). When I went to Samshield I found that the sizing was identical, though the fit feels different because it doesn’t touch your forehead. But I bought 2 liners, a 7 1/4 (59) and a 7 3/8 (60) and they fit exactly like my GPAs. The 7 1/4 works great with my ponytail out and the 7 3/8 works great with my hair up. So yes, definitely order both. You may find that you like having the flexibility, but it’s also a good way to check out the sizing.
In regards to the size chart, I would pay attention to whatever is written on the helmet/box. The size chart you looked at is incorrect. A 60 is still a 7 3/8 and a 59 is still a 7 1/4.
[QUOTE=AffirmedHope;7815103]
Hmmm so the liners tend to run big? I’m going to get a Shadow Matt, but I can’t imagine it being to different from the premium. So I should actually order down to a 7 1/4?
It seems as though with the shells I’m smack dab in the middle of the large, so I could order a 7 3/8 liner and a 7 1/4 liner and just return the one that doesn’t fit.[/QUOTE]
Don’t know why it corrected my 6 7 / 8 to a ? but I the two do fit differently. I was told the Premium is more of an oval, and the Shadowmatte is more of a circular shape. Just be sure to really shake your head when you first try them on, and make sure it is secure. I know of so many people, myself included, who have been fitted for these helmets by “sales reps” only to have them be WAY TO BIG.
I was the same in both helmets.
For me it depends on the liner. I had a 7 1/8 CO. I have two Samshields (a premium and shadowmatte). The liner for the premium is a 7 (because it doesn’t go all the way around in front–there’s an inch gap right in front). When I got my shadowmatte, I needed a 7 and 1/2 liner! (which would have put me into a large helmet shell and made me feel like a mushroom). I ended up just getting another premium liner for the shadowmatte (also in a 7) because I’ve gotten used to the way it feels. The helmets themselves are s-m-l; you should order a few liners though (maybe from smartpak so returns are easy).
I wear the same in both helmets and that was part of the reason I went from CO to Samsheild. The Samshield has a more solid back/ear cover part and slightly lower visor, but those are the only differences I noticed unless my head grew!
I have a couple extra liners incase they sink, but as of yet it’s still a perfect fit.
Hmmm so looks like I’ll order a 7 3/8 and then a 7 1/4 extra liner just in case.
What are the size ranges for each of the shell sizes? I can’t seem to find a clear cut answer.
Dover has a size chart (just click on the size chart tab):
http://www.doversaddlery.com/samshield®-shadow-matte-helmet/p/X1-36328/
the shadowmatt liners go all the way around and are more cushy than the premium liners (you can use a premium liner in a shadowmatter like I do). I needed to go up from my CO in the shadowmatt liner and down in the premium. The premium takes some getting used too but now I love it. Good luck!
[QUOTE=BITSA;7815669]
Dover has a size chart (just click on the size chart tab):
http://www.doversaddlery.com/samshield®-shadow-matte-helmet/p/X1-36328/
the shadowmatt liners go all the way around and are more cushy than the premium liners (you can use a premium liner in a shadowmatter like I do). I needed to go up from my CO in the shadowmatt liner and down in the premium. The premium takes some getting used too but now I love it. Good luck![/QUOTE]
So a 55 to 62 is a medium shell?
I’m a bit weary as that is the size chart that says a 7 3/8 is a 59.
Boy this is confusing! :lol: I think I’ll get one below and above 7 3/8 :lol: Good thing Smartpak rocks with returns!
[QUOTE=AffirmedHope;7815677]
So a 55 to 62 is a medium shell?
I’m a bit weary as that is the size chart that says a 7 3/8 is a 59.
Boy this is confusing! :lol: I think I’ll get one below and above 7 3/8 :lol: Good thing Smartpak rocks with returns![/QUOTE]
yes on Smartpak–I had to try a bunch of liners to get it right. But I ended up liking the helmet so much now I have two. You might also just call Smartpak and see if that sizing seems right–they should know. 
DD wore a 7 1/4 GPA and a 7 1/2 Charles Owen for years and through multiple helmets. She just got the flat black (not velvet) plain Samshield and is a 7 3/8–it seems to fit her the best of any helmet yet. We’ve noticed that sizing in a Samshield seems to be more dependent on how much hair one has to put under the helmet. Hope that helps!
[QUOTE=sma;7815903]
DD wore a 7 1/4 GPA and a 7 1/2 Charles Owen for years and through multiple helmets. She just got the flat black (not velvet) plain Samshield and is a 7 3/8–it seems to fit her the best of any helmet yet. We’ve noticed that sizing in a Samshield seems to be more dependent on how much hair one has to put under the helmet. Hope that helps![/QUOTE]
This is true–I can’t pile my hair on top like I did with the CO. I do a tight low ponytail and then flip my head over (so just the ponytail nub isn’t under the helmet). Good point re the hair.
This is a funky helmet to fit. I am an experienced helmet fitter and sell a ton of these so let me tell you a few things that will help.
First, the Premium liner in the Alcantara can either be worn with the space in front or you can use the extra piece that comes with this helmet to fill in the front gap. It simply attaches to the front area for those that need that space to be closed for fit or comfort. Many people and tack shops don’t know this piece exists to help fit this helmet.
Second, either liner can be used in either helmet. You may prefer the SM liner in the Alcantara helmet or vice versa. Tack shops like mine will not make you pay more for this set up but it will cost you more elsewhere as you have to buy the helmet with the original liner and then buy the other.
Finally, this helmet has a very low profile. Wear your ponytail under the leather flap in the same position every time. The helmet will fit differently if you change your hair. Having two size liners to wear hair up and down is a good idea.
I’m happy to help anyone. Not an attempt at marketing but helmet fitting is a topic I take very seriously and work very hard to make sure those we fit are fitted correctly…and look fabulous! Best- Chagrin Saddlery
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
