Best riding hat brands?

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hugotheboss

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I am looking at getting a new hat but since I last bought my hat 10 years ago, I have no idea on what brands are good? I am not too fussed on fixed peak or skull cap.

Any suggestions?
 
After a thread on here I would avoid KEP.

Looking for ones with the PAS 015 (20011) standard would be a good start. SNELL is also a very good standard to go for. BSEN 1384 is being withdrawn, so you don't want a hat with only that standard if you want to do any competitions or if your riding school asks for a current standard hat to be worn.

Really the brand will be governed by what fits your head shape but Charles Owen and Gatehouse are popular and reliable hats.
 
Definately try hats on I have Charles Owen for showing an H20 and I have bought an Ayr 8 for hacking. Previously I had a champion hat as I really like the way they look, I bought it at a trade stand direct from Champion and they were really helpful but I have a narrow oval head and they altered the lining and cheek pieces and I got it home and hated it for the way it looked. I believe some hats fit round heads and some oval so try plenty on.
 
Another vote for Charles Owen hats; I've just had to replace mine (jockey skull cap) after a couple of falls in close succession and I got the same type of hat as in both cases when I came off I could remember both falls in detail. This is a big improvement as more than once in the past (with other makes) when I have come off I have had concussion and some memory loss.
 
my current hat is a Charles own pro 2 gold skull cap and it fits well. I also like the look of the Charles owen ayr8. I wonder if fit will be the same as the pro 2? Perhaps might be worth trying some on.
 
I like Charles Owen and gatehouse, tried on a samshield yesterday and it was lovely too.

The most important thing OP is that it fits properly so find somewhere that stocks a number of brands and go try them on
 
Think it would help you OP if you determine what head-shape you are. I have an oval shaped head as opposed to a more rounded one (sorry, that sounds very funny when I say it LOL), but if you do have an oval shaped head you may find that a lot of the "classic" hats will not fit you.

Champion's may fit you if you have an oval shape......... if that's any help.

But really OP you firstly need to establish exactly WHAT sort of riding you will be doing; and go from there, i.e. if you are into Eventing or SJ or Team Chasing then you simply foolish if you don't have a hat which offers enough protection. Having said that, a fall is a fall - whether the rider is of professional standard or a happy hacker...........
 
The best riding hats are the ones that fit you and are certified to at least PAS 015. Champion hats do not fit me as they gape at the back and I can slide them backwards and forwards on my head. I have generally had good luck with Charles Owen hats. Try them on, if you are unsure get the trained hat fitter to help you.
 
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