I am planning on ordering my daughter her first helmet and a new one for myself. I would like to hear what are some of the best to look at. I know I will get a lot of different opinions but all advice would be great thanks.
I’ve always ridden in Troxels, for some reason they just fit my head well and I like the feel of them. That and I can say that one of their helmets literally saved my life about eight years ago. I recently bought this one in black, and plan to buy it for my SO for Christmas in the darker brown color. Really comfy, with adjustable fit.
http://www.doversaddlery.com/troxel-sierra-riding-helmet/p/X1-36197/cn/288/
I also have a Troxell and really like it. It performed well through a few falls, and it’s also great for the occasional tree branch that my horse gets past perfectly fine, but forgets I that I won’t clear it, LOL! I’d love the brown one posted above 
We like the Tipperary. Fits well, well ventilated.
another vote for the Tipperary, low profile, fits great, you can forget you have it on. Rode in Troxels for years, fit is a little sloppier, but then maybe it’s my head shape?
go to many shops with your daughter and try diffrent types.
abumalek , saudi arabia
My riding buddy and I have tipperaries–however, the new model has a lot of really bulky padding and might not be able to do what my older one does, which is keep my head from getting wringing wet sweaty riding in midsummer in GA. I can get off the horse after a 5 hour ride with temps in the 90s and have dry hair when I take the Tip off. And I am a sweaty person. That’s pretty good ventilation. I have literally walked back to my house from the barn and realized I still had the durn helmet on my head–that’s pretty comfortable.
I have a “long oval” head–meaning Stetsons dont work but Resistols do, in Western hats. Head shape and size have a lot to do with helmet comfort–I can make a dial-fit Troxel stay on snug but will have a crease around my forehead afterwards.
The best helmet is the one you’ll use :). Which means it’s the one that fits your head best. Like the prior poster said, go out and try on as many as you can (or need to) until you find one that you really like. Of course, make sure it’s up to ASTM and SEI standards.
http://www.tackroominc.com/images/TroxelSierraHelmetTan.jpg
That’s mine. I love it! Troxel Sierra. They come in black also.
[QUOTE=Auventera Two;3623496]
http://www.tackroominc.com/images/TroxelSierraHelmetTan.jpg
That’s mine. I love it! Troxel Sierra. They come in black also.[/QUOTE]
I looooooove the ‘western line’ of Troxels so much… but they don’t fit my shape of head! Booooooo. 
As for OP, I have a Tipperary and love it. The new ones suck, but the old style Sportages are comfy and airy. If you’re going on a budget, the Troxel schooling helmets or International schooling helmets are usually around $40.
I bought two Troxel dial-a-fit helmets, one for me and one for girl child. After a few rides I found that the helmet slipped over my eyes when I was in two point no matter how hard I cranked that dial down. I hate the dial fit helmets and would never get one again. I got a Charles Owen that was sized to my head and that helmet stayed in place when I took a hard fall. When I looked at the helmet after the fall I was so glad that it fit like it did and that it had such great padding! Find one that fits properly regardless of cost. :yes:
[QUOTE=jnel;3624522]
I bought two Troxel dial-a-fit helmets, one for me and one for girl child. After a few rides I found that the helmet slipped over my eyes when I was in two point no matter how hard I cranked that dial down. I hate the dial fit helmets and would never get one again. I got a Charles Owen that was sized to my head and that helmet stayed in place when I took a hard fall. When I looked at the helmet after the fall I was so glad that it fit like it did and that it had such great padding! Find one that fits properly regardless of cost. :yes:[/QUOTE]
You don’t need a $300+ helmet to get one that fits, though. There is a helmet for just about any size and shape of head under $80, I’d say.
Triple vote for the Troxels, speaking from someone who has landed on her head a few times…
Another vote for Tipperary. Fits (me) well, lightweight, and well ventilated. Even in sweltering heat of sunny South FL summer it was comfortable. Aesthetically, I don’t think they look as “bubble-heady” as some others. Definitely try some on before you order, sizes and shapes vary and you want to be comfortable!
I’ve tried a couple of Troxels; could not find one that fit me (I’m between LG and XL with a “long oval” head). The shop I was looking in carries two kinds of helmets: the very low end and a the very high end.
I ended up with an International Riding Helmet ATH. It was more money than I’d planned on spending, but the fit was good. And, when I needed one, it worked.
Since I consider helmets a “one time use” item I contacted them, send the very slightly damaged helmet in, and they gave me a deeply discounted replacement. It came tonight.
I’m very satisfied with the IRH product and their replacement policy.
G.
The best helmet is the one that fits the wearer best.
That said, I love the Tipperary helmets. I even like the new Sportage better than the old one, and I thought the old one was perfect. I used to wear Troxels, but compared to the Tipps, they just feel like they are perching on my head.
just my 2 sense!
I pleasure ride in Troxels and foxhunt in an International. Use Troxels because the price is right too!
But ANY helmet should fit right before you buy it. I used to work at a tack store and learned about helping customers buy the right one. Remember…put the helmet on and leave it un-tied…then bend over at the waist until your head is at least waist level and shake your head. The helmet should not come off or be able to be shaken off regardless of whether the straps are snapped. It needs to be snug. And be sure to wear your hair; the way you would when wearing it. Pony tails can give irregular fits so be careful. And of course; the helmet MUST be ASTM approved.
And wearing it IS key!!
Yes, try on ALL the helmet brands. Some will fit different than others. My Troxel that fit BEFORE I had my son no longer fits my head without giving me alot of pressure in front, and a headache.
The International ones fit me quite nicely, so that’s what I and my son now use (he also had the forehead pressure and loose sides in the Troxel).
Can’t go on what people say, you need to put one on your head and see.
Troxels seem to fit me best. I’ve tried a few others, but. I think maybe I just have a wierd head. hehe:)
Troxels fit my head so that’s what I wear, but both daughters use International Riding Helmets (IRH). Both companies have been excellent to do business with over the past 15 years or so, when we needed to replace “injured” helmets.
Take your daughter shopping and try several. Be sure that she tips her head over, upside down and wiggles her head. It should NOT move. Learn how the harness works. Most helmets come with pads to add to ensure fit.
It is to be LEVEL… .not tipped back on her head like I see so many people do with bike helmets. grrrrrr…
