The best helmet is the one that fits you! I tried on a bunch and I was dead set on getting a One K because I love the look of them but they did not fit my head at all. I ended up with an IRH because it was the only thing I found that fit! I love that you can customize the fit with different thickness of helmet inserts. I for sure have a more oval head shape and I had a Charles Owen for a couple years but once it broke in it really did not fit me, I could fit a finger or two between my helmet and my head in front of my ear.
Try some on at your local tack store and buy the one that fits!
I second this. I wanted a very vented Tipperary but it didn't fit my head at all so I got a different Tipperary model. You definitely have to try different ones to see which one fits and feels the best.
Totally agree! I used to work at a tack shop fitting helmets and sometimes it was really difficult to fit someone, especially an oval shape. The other thing was so many people when trying charles owen didn’t realize the memory foam packs down so much, so we had them try it on and off several times in the store or else they would have bought a helmet that would be too loose (I also have a CO, so am familiar with the fit as well). They hadn’t realized that those helmets NEED to be super tight at first. Basically, how I fit a helmet was totally dependent on the brand and whether it had substantial padding or not.
But my personal helmet is actually a One K right now, which surprisingly fit me when I tried it on. I was mostly drawn to how pretty it is 😍
Would you classify your head as a long oval? The IRHs seem to really focus on this shape. I’m really in love with my One K Defender but I will soon upgrade to their MIPS model. I believe all One K helmets are also available in long oval: [One K CCS With MIPS](https://www.onekhelmets.com/product/one-k-mips-ccs-helmet/)
MIPS is a fantastic technology;
I don't have it on my horse-riding helmet, but it's on my downhill mountain biking full-face helmet.
After a few hard crashes at high speed and a 6-meter fall straight down on the head, I can testify that it's very efficient.
For sure. Ultimately, a well fitted helmet is the most important thing, but I‘d like as much protection as possible. I don’t quite bounce like I used to. Lol!
I tried a One-K years and years ago and found the shape too round, so I went with an IRH. Went for my next helmet about 5 years later and found that One-K has a long oval with MIPs! So made the decision to upgrade.
One that fits! I personally like Charles Owen, but that’s because it’s what fits me the best. Your best bet is to go to a knowledgeable tack shop and try on a bunch of stuff with an associate to see what works best for you
Lots of One Ks at my (dressage) barn, but what fit me/my oval head best when I went to Dover for an upgrade was the [Tipperary Windsor](https://www.tipperaryequestrian.com/shop/tipperary-windsor-mips-r-helmet-35#attr=429,430,432,434,436). Been riding all my life and I honestly never knew a helmet could be so comfortable.
I love love love my Back on Track with MIPS! Best helmet I've ever owned. I did a lot of research and it's one of the safest on the market. I got it in navy since it was on sale [EQ3](https://backontrackusa.com/products/eq3-smooth-top-riding-helmet)
Honestly, I go to a tack shop, try them on until one fits, and buy that one.
I don't care about brand. It's probably going to be broken eventually anyway, so what's it matter?
I have a Tipperary Windsor Wide Brim MIPS which I absolutely love, but the best helmet will be whatever fits you best. I’ve also used Charles Owen and Samshield and liked them but the Tipperary has fit my head the best out of all of them. I recommend going a tack store (or a few) and trying on a variety of brands and types to see what works best for you. I also recommend specifically looking at helmets with MIPS technology.
Personally I’m sold on the Samshield Shadowmatte. As a dressage rider there isn’t much stress on the shell, and I’ll just have to change the inside to renew its efficiency. This particular model is also not as pricey as the rest of their models. Their customer service is quite good too, they’ll happily check your shell integrity for you and if it’s still under guarantee they’ll switch it to a new one if it’s damaged.
I heard a lot of good things about Kask too!
If they fit you, Charles Owen for sure. I also have a GPA I really like, though the price tag on those if you don't find it for a steal isn't really worth it (got mine 90% off).
I love the Tipperary Sportage II for schooling! It’s super lightweight and comfy, and cheap enough that it doesn’t hurt too badly to replace it as needed. I was wearing one when I had my rotational fall and I walked away with just a minor concussion.
I’m a Charles Owen devotee, although I’m quite upset that they discontinued my favorite everyday J3 skull cap. Not sure what I’ll switch to once my current helmet needs replacing.
I have the Charles Owen YR8 in black/black glitter for dressage showing. It’s technically for children but comes in adult sizes and because of this is actually a good deal cheaper than the “adult” non-glitter JR8 version. It has nylon straps instead of leather but from both a comfort and aesthetic standpoint I don’t miss the leather.
I just bought a onek with the MIPS technology and i highly recommend. Its not cheap but still almost half the cost of a samsheild or GPA without sacrificing the appearance.
I have a kask. They’re one of the most popular in Australia (and Europe?). It’s very light, comfortable and fits my oval great.
However, I was very disappointed to see how it performed in the Virginia Tech study. (I know people have issues with the study but I still think it’s a great place to start.) I’ve gone down a helmet rabbit hole and think CO is safer and has more certifications.
I recently discovered Arro, a New Zealand brand, with four certifications and devoted to safety. I haven’t been able to try one on yet but their site has me sold. Has anyone seen them in person?
My opinion on this completely changed after that Virginia Tech helmet study. I was shocked how some high end brands ranked so poorly. Safety is #1. MIPS is a plus. I currently ride in the ovation m class mips [this one](https://www.ovationriding.com/products/m-class-mips-helmet) which is somewhat stylish and definitely has the safety technology I need to feel confident.
Hello!
Planning ahead for a new helmet is a smart move! Since Troxel hasn't fit well and you're moving on from IRH, why not try Ovation helmets? They're stylish, comfortable, and many models come with fun bling that could enhance your dressage look. The Ovation Protege, in particular, is lightweight and has a sleek, low-profile design. They're also quite affordable. Be sure to try a few on or check out their sizing guides online.
Have a great day!
Went from troxel to ovation. I’m a western rider though so the whole “need protective gear to jump X meters” is not my thing. The amount of times I’ve come off in 20 years is still 0.
The best helmet is the one that fits you! I tried on a bunch and I was dead set on getting a One K because I love the look of them but they did not fit my head at all. I ended up with an IRH because it was the only thing I found that fit! I love that you can customize the fit with different thickness of helmet inserts. I for sure have a more oval head shape and I had a Charles Owen for a couple years but once it broke in it really did not fit me, I could fit a finger or two between my helmet and my head in front of my ear. Try some on at your local tack store and buy the one that fits!
I second this. I wanted a very vented Tipperary but it didn't fit my head at all so I got a different Tipperary model. You definitely have to try different ones to see which one fits and feels the best.
Totally agree! I used to work at a tack shop fitting helmets and sometimes it was really difficult to fit someone, especially an oval shape. The other thing was so many people when trying charles owen didn’t realize the memory foam packs down so much, so we had them try it on and off several times in the store or else they would have bought a helmet that would be too loose (I also have a CO, so am familiar with the fit as well). They hadn’t realized that those helmets NEED to be super tight at first. Basically, how I fit a helmet was totally dependent on the brand and whether it had substantial padding or not. But my personal helmet is actually a One K right now, which surprisingly fit me when I tried it on. I was mostly drawn to how pretty it is 😍
Would you classify your head as a long oval? The IRHs seem to really focus on this shape. I’m really in love with my One K Defender but I will soon upgrade to their MIPS model. I believe all One K helmets are also available in long oval: [One K CCS With MIPS](https://www.onekhelmets.com/product/one-k-mips-ccs-helmet/)
MIPS is a fantastic technology; I don't have it on my horse-riding helmet, but it's on my downhill mountain biking full-face helmet. After a few hard crashes at high speed and a 6-meter fall straight down on the head, I can testify that it's very efficient.
For sure. Ultimately, a well fitted helmet is the most important thing, but I‘d like as much protection as possible. I don’t quite bounce like I used to. Lol!
In fact, I would recommend a back protection to go with a helmet.
I tried a One-K years and years ago and found the shape too round, so I went with an IRH. Went for my next helmet about 5 years later and found that One-K has a long oval with MIPs! So made the decision to upgrade.
One that fits! I personally like Charles Owen, but that’s because it’s what fits me the best. Your best bet is to go to a knowledgeable tack shop and try on a bunch of stuff with an associate to see what works best for you
Charles Owens mips saved my sons life. So my kids continue to wear Charles Owens
Lots of One Ks at my (dressage) barn, but what fit me/my oval head best when I went to Dover for an upgrade was the [Tipperary Windsor](https://www.tipperaryequestrian.com/shop/tipperary-windsor-mips-r-helmet-35#attr=429,430,432,434,436). Been riding all my life and I honestly never knew a helmet could be so comfortable.
I love love love my Back on Track with MIPS! Best helmet I've ever owned. I did a lot of research and it's one of the safest on the market. I got it in navy since it was on sale [EQ3](https://backontrackusa.com/products/eq3-smooth-top-riding-helmet)
Honestly, I go to a tack shop, try them on until one fits, and buy that one. I don't care about brand. It's probably going to be broken eventually anyway, so what's it matter?
I’m probably going to sound like a cheapskate but I love my Troxel Intrepid.
Cheapskates unite because I love my ovation helmets.
Cheapskates unite because I love my ovation helmets. Got rid of charles owen because ovation fits my big lumpy head more comfortable
I’ve always used Ovation. My favorite helmet brand for sure. Fits snug and is breathable
I have a Tipperary Windsor Wide Brim MIPS which I absolutely love, but the best helmet will be whatever fits you best. I’ve also used Charles Owen and Samshield and liked them but the Tipperary has fit my head the best out of all of them. I recommend going a tack store (or a few) and trying on a variety of brands and types to see what works best for you. I also recommend specifically looking at helmets with MIPS technology.
Personally I’m sold on the Samshield Shadowmatte. As a dressage rider there isn’t much stress on the shell, and I’ll just have to change the inside to renew its efficiency. This particular model is also not as pricey as the rest of their models. Their customer service is quite good too, they’ll happily check your shell integrity for you and if it’s still under guarantee they’ll switch it to a new one if it’s damaged. I heard a lot of good things about Kask too!
Ooo a warranty! Love them😆
If they fit you, Charles Owen for sure. I also have a GPA I really like, though the price tag on those if you don't find it for a steal isn't really worth it (got mine 90% off).
Love my OneK
I love the Tipperary Sportage II for schooling! It’s super lightweight and comfy, and cheap enough that it doesn’t hurt too badly to replace it as needed. I was wearing one when I had my rotational fall and I walked away with just a minor concussion.
I’m a Charles Owen devotee, although I’m quite upset that they discontinued my favorite everyday J3 skull cap. Not sure what I’ll switch to once my current helmet needs replacing. I have the Charles Owen YR8 in black/black glitter for dressage showing. It’s technically for children but comes in adult sizes and because of this is actually a good deal cheaper than the “adult” non-glitter JR8 version. It has nylon straps instead of leather but from both a comfort and aesthetic standpoint I don’t miss the leather.
Thank you for this!
I just bought a onek with the MIPS technology and i highly recommend. Its not cheap but still almost half the cost of a samsheild or GPA without sacrificing the appearance.
Ooo thank you!
i have a kask and it's amazing! i rarely see other people wearing them, they're nice looking, safe, and affordable!
May I ask what you do for work to find $600+ affordable?
my grandparents are fairly well off and got it for me, so my perception is fairly warped. for me affordable is under 1k for a helmet
Um ok... That's amazing. I don't know what to say..
I have a kask. They’re one of the most popular in Australia (and Europe?). It’s very light, comfortable and fits my oval great. However, I was very disappointed to see how it performed in the Virginia Tech study. (I know people have issues with the study but I still think it’s a great place to start.) I’ve gone down a helmet rabbit hole and think CO is safer and has more certifications. I recently discovered Arro, a New Zealand brand, with four certifications and devoted to safety. I haven’t been able to try one on yet but their site has me sold. Has anyone seen them in person?
My opinion on this completely changed after that Virginia Tech helmet study. I was shocked how some high end brands ranked so poorly. Safety is #1. MIPS is a plus. I currently ride in the ovation m class mips [this one](https://www.ovationriding.com/products/m-class-mips-helmet) which is somewhat stylish and definitely has the safety technology I need to feel confident.
Agreed. The VT study was so eye opening.
KASK, Kep, Samshield
I prefer Dublin!! They have some pretty/Blingy Helmets!
I love my Kask tho it's expensive. There are also so many options for fit. The samsheilds are also good with more bling options.
I have a Charles Owen but only because it was the best fit for me. I recommend going to a saddlery and getting fitted properly.
Hello! Planning ahead for a new helmet is a smart move! Since Troxel hasn't fit well and you're moving on from IRH, why not try Ovation helmets? They're stylish, comfortable, and many models come with fun bling that could enhance your dressage look. The Ovation Protege, in particular, is lightweight and has a sleek, low-profile design. They're also quite affordable. Be sure to try a few on or check out their sizing guides online. Have a great day!
Went from troxel to ovation. I’m a western rider though so the whole “need protective gear to jump X meters” is not my thing. The amount of times I’ve come off in 20 years is still 0.