Choosing A New Riding Helmet

So many helmets to choose from!

Well I am sad to say that my Fancy-Schmancy riding helmet has just had it’s third birthday. Which means it’s time for me to replace it.

I’m kind of sad about that. Because it has served me very well. However, it wasn’t cheap. And this time I’m not looking to plunk down $300 for a riding helmet. Especially when I have the fear in the back of my head that if I have a fall, I have to spend another $300 to replace it.

And just in case you were looking for a helmet, I thought I would take you along with me while I look at a new riding helmet, and maybe inspire you to replace yours, if it needs to be replaced!

Affiliate Disclaimer: In this blog post there are links that will allow you to purchase different products and services online provided by other merchants, and not myself. Some of the links that I post on my site are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive an affiliate commission.*Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

If you didn’t know, when you purchase a helmet it needs to be replaced. So basically, a riding helmet has a 3 year life span. That is, if it has never been involved in a fall. Well, the current recommendation is that you should replace your riding helmet for 2 situations.

• 1, if it has been in a fall
• 2, if it is 3 years old

And because my helmet is 3 years old, its time that I replace it. Safety first right? Ok, so let me show you some of the helmets I am considering for my replacement. And I should also tell you all of these helmets are available at Riding Warehouse. From doing lots of google searches, and looking at other retailers, they had the biggest selection at the best prices. So, here we go!

Ovation Glitz Riding Helmet $119.95

Ok, I love a little bling. Just a little though. I am not the type who likes everything to be blinged out. But a little bit is something I really like, which is why I like this helmet.

Helmet Description from Riding Warehouse:

Add some sparkle to your look with the Ovation Z-6 Glitz Riding Helmet! The smooth, rubberized outer shell is super easy to clean, while the leather harness and visor give a sophisticated look ready for the show ring.  High flow vents across the top add to the sporty look and provide impressive ventilation to keep you cool, with added glitz for just the right amount of flair. The convenient Coolmax liner is removable for washing, ensuring a fresh feel again and again. With a YKK clip and buckle designed to stay off the rider’s face and dial fit system, you can be sure to find a comfortable fit. Functional and stylish, the Z-6 Glitz will quickly become a favorite!

Helmet Features:

• Easy to Clean Rubberized Outer Shell
• Leather Harness and Visor
• High Flow Air Vents Across Top
• Dial-Fit
• Removable Coolmax Liner
• ASTM F1163-15/SEI Certified

From the reviews, this helmet is suited more for a round head. There are some helmets that are more suited to an oval head too. But I have learned that my head is more on the round side, so I think this helmet would suit me just fine.

And something new that I have been seeing helmet manufactures do is offer a 3 year replacement period on their helmets. How cool is that? Ovation is just such a company! And what this means is that if your helmet has been involved in a fall, you can get a replacement helmet for a reduced cost. So that means if I bought this helmet, and then had to replace it due to a fall, I could get a new helmet for $50.00 plus $5.00 for shipping.

So definitely something to consider if you are looking for a new helmet.

IRH Equi-Pro SV Wide Sun Brim Riding Helmet: $64.95

I really like this helmet because of the wider brim. I have bought the attachable sun brims which are really big, but having a wider attached brim sounds pretty cool. And the helmet comes in some pretty snazzy colors.

While I should go with the traditional black, I am leaning toward the navy blue

Or the grey

Helmet Description from Riding Warehouse:

Offering the proven performance and sleek style of the IRH brand, the IRH Equi-Pro SV Riding Helmet boasts technical features and a modern design without exorbitant costs!

A convenient dial-fit adjustment system allows riders to achieve a custom fit while the removable Cool-On lining draws moisture away from the skin to maintain a cool, dry and comfortable feel. Exclusive IRH Elite front ventilation design geometry pulls air in through the front of the helmet to circulate over the rider’s head for a cooling effect. Finished with a wide brim, this helmet provides extra protection against the sun’s rays.

Helmet Features:

• Modern, Sleek Design
• Easy-to-Clean Matte Finish
• Easy-Adjust Dial Fit Harness System
• Exclusive IRH Elite Front Ventilation
• Removable, Washable Cool-On Liner
• Sun Brim
• ASTM F1163-15/SEI Certified

IRH also has a helmet replacement policy in place for their helmets, for 3 years. So if I bought this helmet and needed a replacement it would cost me $35.00.

I really like the look of this helmet. It seems like it would look good for smaller shows in the show ring too, what do you think?

One K Defender Series Riding Helmet: $249.95

Ok, so this is the helmet that I have right now, and needing to replace. And honestly, I really do like this helmet. It has served me very well over the past 3 years.

Helmet Description from Riding Warehouse

Enter the show ring with sophisticated style and undeniable comfort with the One K Defender Riding Helmet. A sleek injection-molded outer shell with discreet stainless steel ventilation panels boasts a professional finish to appeal to even the most discerning of fashion-forward equestrians. Modern technology ensures maximum safety while unique user-friendly features provide optimal comfort, durability, and ease of use.

With a washable, quick-dry, anti-microbial lining system, the One K Defender stands true to its name to fight moisture build-up and prevent odor and discomfort. A unique padded harness with a soft synthetic suede lining features Velcro adjustment options for a truly customized fit while the Fastex chin buckle allows one-handed ease of use!

Helmet Features:

• Polycarbonate/Advanced ABS Composite Outer Shell
• Washable, Quick-Dry Lining with Anti-Microbial Protection
• Sleek, Stainless Steel Mesh Ventilation Channels
• Comfort Padded Harness with Soft Synthetic Suede Lining
• Customizable Velcro-Adjustment Chin Strap with Fastex Buckle
• Painted Matte Finish for a Sleek & Professional Appeal
• ASTM F1163-15/SEI Certified

I love the buckle system. I love the look of the helmet. It is very comfortable on my head and to ride in. And the only negative things I can say about this helmet are that my head gets really hot in it, and the brim is not wide. But I didn’t know you could get a wider brim, although it seems like many helmets are evolving this way.

And just like Ovation, and IRH, the One K Helmets also offer the 3 year replacement policy on their helmets. To me this is just so exciting. To know that helmet manufactures really care enough to do something like this is great. And maybe this replacement policy has been around for a while, I don’t know because I haven’t been in the market for a new riding helmet in the past 3 years. So things must have changed. And I am super glad they have, because this replacement policy is pretty nice.

Samshield Shadowmatt Riding Helmet – 5 Crystals: $574.00

Ok, so this helmet is out of my budget. But look at it, it’s gorgeous!

If I were rich, I think this is the helmet I would buy. I love the way it looks!

Helmet Description from Riding Warehouse

Samshield Shadowmatt Equestrian Riding Helmet with 5 Crystals is a marriage of technical demands and creative vision! A meticulous design carefully crafted for performance with each component conceived as an ingenious fusion of safety and style to enjoy while riding your horse.

Comfort is a close second. All Samshield helmets have a removable/washable memory foam interior lining: a feature that allows the helmet to conform fully to your head preventing the discomfort of compression points. And enhancing the comfort of memory foam, Samshield has bypassed the necessity for shell vents with the incorporation of their innovative ventilation system that sends air flowing under the visor and up into the space between the shell and memory foam liner, keeping you cool and your focus on your horse, not the heat!

Key Features:

• Strong, Lightweight Polycarbonate Shell
• Expanded Polystyrene Inner Core
• Discreetly Effective Airflow Channels
• Removable, Washable Lining
• Hypoallergenic Memory Foam Inserts
• Leather Covered Foam Harness System
• Exclusive Swarovski 5 Crystal Trim
• Safety Certified: SEI/ASTM F1163-15, EN 1384:2017

It looks VERY nice. And they also have a policy for replacing your helmet if it is involved in a fall. On their website they give a couple of different options of how they will accommodate a replacement. So it would seem that this helmet replacement policy has been around for some time now. But honestly, I would have never known about it until I visited Riding Warehouse to buy a new helmet. They put this replacement policy right below the description of the helmet in the case of the IRH, Ovation, and One K Helmets. And they might have it on others too, but these were the helmets I was debating on purchasing, so I stuck with these.

Trauma Void Helmets

I did try the Trauma Void Helmets at my local Dover Saddlery, but I didn’t like the way it looked on me, and this is when I was informed that my head is more round, and the helmet I was trying was the Trauma Void EQ3 MIPS Safety Riding Helmet Smooth. I really wanted to love this helmet because it has the new ‘MIPS’ system (MIPS Technology Reduces Rotational Force During Impact) but it just wasn’t for me.

And yes, Trauma Void also offers a helmet replacement policy, but you have to register your helmet within 30 days of purchasing it in order to be eligible. I guess this is why it’s important to read stuff right?

Which Helmet Did I Choose?

Ok, after writing this blog post, I committed, and made my purchase! Which helmet did I choose? Let me ask you, which helmet do you think I chose? I can tell you no, it wasn’t the Samshield, even though I really really REALLY wanted it!

I ordered my new helmet on Monday, April 12, 2021. And because Riding Warehouse is super fast at shipping, it will get to me by April 16, 2021. They do have a disclaimer that shipping is taking a little bit longer, so even if it isn’t here by then, I’m ok with that. As soon as my helmet gets here, I will have a new post about it.

Maybe I should even make a video? And go through everything? I think that’s a great idea! How about you? Ok, so look for a blog post about my new helmet, along with a video!