Show helmet vs schooling helmet question

[searching4truth]

Hi,
I am considering getting back into showing after a 20 year break. When I was competing before, there was one option for a helmet- the old school hunt caps (very low profile!). I still am partial to this look, but the newer ones are starting to grow on me.

I am wondering what style everyone uses for the Hunter showring? I have read a few threads, but people only mention their beloved show helmet by brand and not model or style.

Thanks in advance!

[akhunterrider]

Try on helmets and buy what fits your head best, don’t just go by style or brand or model.

Lots of people wear Samshield helmets, but those don’t fit everyone.

Some people still wear various models of GPA helmets.

Lots of people wear Charles Owen helmets. I am partial to my AYR8 because it fits my head really well. Other people wear the GR8, some people wear the SP8, and there are some that still wear velvet helmets like the Hampton.

Some people wear IRH helmets as well. I am not familiar with the models.

Plenty of people school in Ovation helmets, some in Troxel and some in Tipperary. I wear a Tipperary because I like how it fits. Again, go try on helmets and buy what fits you best. That is the most important thing.

[searching4truth]

Thank you. I have been attempting to try on helmets locally, but am having a hard time finding one that will fit my head. I have narrowed it down to 3 that probably will fit- I will just need to pick one and order it before I will know if it fits. There are the CO Hampton, One K Defender, and IRH Elite Xtreme. Just curious if they are all acceptable in the Hunter ring?

[akhunterrider]

You would be just fine in any of those helmets. I forgot to mention One K.

[Belmont]

[QUOTE=searching4truth;8345355]
Thank you. I have been attempting to try on helmets locally, but am having a hard time finding one that will fit my head. I have narrowed it down to 3 that probably will fit- I will just need to pick one and order it before I will know if it fits. There are the CO Hampton, One K Defender, and IRH Elite Xtreme. Just curious if they are all acceptable in the Hunter ring?[/QUOTE]

I love, love, love, love, love my OneK Defender. I have it in suede. Next time I will be getting it in Matte. I think Matte is cheaper some places, too. I’m seeing more and more OneK’s in the hunter ring. They are freaking awesome.

ETA: CO didn’t fit me. Chose OneK over others because of fit and price.

[searching4truth]

[QUOTE=Belmont;8345452]
I love, love, love, love, love my OneK Defender. I have it in suede. Next time I will be getting it in Matte. I think Matte is cheaper some places, too. I’m seeing more and more OneK’s in the hunter ring. They are freaking awesome.

Does the Matte version of the One K seem as durable? It is $40 cheaper! I like them both

[BITSA]

Pretty much anything black in the hunter ring is fine.

I have a Samshield and love it. Fits my head and the washable liner is great.

[searching4truth]

Thank you so much Bitsa!

[foursocks]

I wear a OneK as my schooling helmet and a CO AYR8 for showing. The CO fits me better, but the OneK fits well enough, and it is very sturdy and forgiving of my mistreatment.

[searching4truth]

Does a helmet need to have a sueded finish for the Hunter ring, or is the matte version ok?

[222orchids]

Matte is fine. I LOVE my OneK

[BITSA]

[QUOTE=searching4truth;8345854]
Does a helmet need to have a sueded finish for the Hunter ring, or is the matte version ok?[/QUOTE]

Nope, you see both matte and sueded, some with vents some without. You can go from inexpensive Ovation to expensive Samshield–really get one that’s certified and that fits (SmartPak is great bc they have free returns).

[chicagojumper]

I school in an IRH and show in a OneK. I love the OneK! I have a really hard time finding helmets that fit my dome properly, and I didn’t want to spend a fortune if I was only going to be showing a few times per year. I love my OneK so much that I’ve hassled other people into trying them on…they usually end up buying the helmet, too.

I show with an A circuit h/j/big eq barn and the OneK has been perfectly acceptable. Nobody really notices what helmet you’re wearing when you’re in the ring, anyways.

[roamingnome]

I school in a suede OneK (it’s BLUE!) with the retractable sunglasses- got it on SUPER sale last year- I think I paid $100? $110? It’s just fabulous. And the glasses, which I’d never thought I’d use, are life savers- from the sun AND the wind.

I show/clinic in a GPA First Lady. Love that as well. I could show in the One K, except that it’s blue…

[Ibex]

I school in a Uvex that shall never set foot in a show ring :lol:. However it’s light, sturdy, and cool in the summer. Has a washable lining as well.

For shows I use a BR (which are EN kitemarked, not ATSM, so you can’t show in it in the US), but it’s a more traditional looking helmet.

(Just for laughs! If you change trainers from an eventing trainer to a hunter trainer, forget to tell them you do own appropriate show clothes and know how to use a hairnet. I had no idea my poor new trainer didn’t realize… until she “delicately” opened a conversation about appropriate show attire after I entered our first show :lol:. I don’t think she fully believed me until I turned up at the ring properly dressed. We’re a bit eventery in our schooling attire.)

[searching4truth]

Thank you all for the input! I decided to order the One K. Hoping it fits!!!
Ibex- that’s really funny!
-Searching