The start to the year as brought many changes to AQHA shows all across the country. A major change happened to be that all youth participating in any English events in 2015 are now required to wear helmets.
There has been quiet the buzz around tack shops as families make their helmet purchases. With show season quickly approaching, it is time to start thinking about your helmet purchase. The transition from the typical hunt cap to the helmet may be quiet different look for many riders.
With many different brands and styles, the difference in helmets can provide a different look on each rider depending on their size and shape of their face. This all needs to be taken in to account when choosing the best fit. We have done research on some of the popular helmets brands that need to be checked out for this season. All of these helmets can be purchased on the SmartPak website by clicking here.
The Charles Owen GR8 is the classic formal look for both showing and practicing. The low profile design with a slightly round brim and smooth lines throughout the middle of the helmet will not over power your face. This helmet is a great fit on someone with a round or square shaped face as well as those with a smaller head size. To top off the classy appearance with the soft, moist-wicking Coolmax liner to keep your head comfortable and cool. The GR8 comes in four color combinations to achieve the look you want and ranges in sizes from 6 5/8 to 8. Retail price is $319
The Charles Owen AYR8 is an updated version of the GR8. Giving you a low profile, up-to-date look that keeps your head cool. The center panel is mesh covered with 12 ventilation apertures from front to back, giving you maximum air flow. The microfiber suede side panels and a slight rounded brim gives you a professional look. The soft interior headband is made up of silver ions for antimicrobial which keeps the odor out on those hot days. The AYR8 comes in six different color combinations to achieve the look you want and ranges in size from 6 5/8 – 7 1/2. Retail price is $379.
The Samshield Shadow Matt is great for a more sophisticated look for showing and practicing. The helmet is a great fit on someone with a round shaped face as well as those with a larger head size. It provides excellent ventilation down the center part of the helmet, underneath the visor, as well as the throughout the shell. The outer shell gives off a finished painted look that will not scratch. The memory foam liner conforms to the head and wont compress. The liner is also removable and washable. The Shadow Matt comes in four different color combinations to achieve the look you want and ranges in size from 6 5/8 – 7 ¾. Retail price is $420.
The GPA Titium Professional is a low profile helmet that is great for both showing and practicing. It gives you a professional look that fits excellent on a rounded shape face and head that is more suitable for someone with a larger head size. Made out of titanium and aluminum makes it light weight and the front four vents and back vents help it be breathable. The low brim, sleek lines down the side will not over power your face. The anatomically shaped foam protector with two wide vents is soft towards the neck but matches the hard exterior of the helmet. The GPA Titium comes in three different color combinations to achieve the look you want and ranges in size from 6 3/8 – 7 ¾. Retail price is $399.
The One K Defender has a different style for both showing and practicing. This new design brings a fun style for someone who has a long and rounded shaped face, this helmet fits great on someone who may have a larger head size. The ventilation points on the outside shell as well as the logo all point towards your face. This gives you a more open look. It has a washable, quick drying, and moist wicking liner to keep the inside odor free. The One K Defender comes in one color and ranges in sizes from 6 5/8 – 7 ½. Retail price is $234.
The IRH ATH SSV is a great choice for both showing and practicing. The design feature is a rich ultra-suede with stainless steel grids for maximum air flow. It is a great low profile helmet for someone with a narrow face shape. It provides two back vents to keep you. The ATH SSV comes in two color options and ranges in sizes from 6 5/8 – 7 ½. Retail price is $249.
I had the chance to interview English riders to find out their favorite helmets.
Jodi Pearsall: GPA’s are currently my favorite, they just fit me the best. I love how light weight and cool my speed air is. But since I don’t love that look in the hunters, I am going to be switching back to the GPA Titium to show in. I will still wear the speed air all summer to school in because of how comfortable it is. I wear my helmet all day, so it has to be comfy! I also really like the classic look of the Charles Owen. The One K and older style GPAs are great too!
Ariel Herrin: For me, comfort and proper fit are obvious list toppers for my ideal helmet, but also I look for a low profile, not overly bulky helmet that gives me a slim look. I have several brands of helmets, but my favorites have been the Charles Owen GR8 and my current favorite and show helmet is a Samshield Shadow Matt. I like that it is a little different than a lot of popular styles. I really like that it is made of matte material so that is very easy to wipe off when it gets dusty, better ventilated, and lighter weight. The Charles Owen has a classic look, very comfortable, but it gets very hot in the summer.
Jennifer Klika: I recently bought a Samshield Pro, I love the fit and comfort. It provides a different look which I like! I also have an Antares which you do not see much on the Quarter Horse circuit. I really like the look, fit, and how light it is.
