Champion Vs Charles Owen

Celestica

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I'm in need of a new riding hat and have discovered that my Harry Hall 'ventair' in fact is just a gimmick, no vents what so ever! So I was looking around online and found these two to be quite popular, I tend to get a sweaty head so need something with very good vents!

What are your thoughts on either of these helmets?
 
I use a Charles Owen Ayr 8 and love it! However, I am very much a CO fit - you'll usually find that if you fit Charles Owen, you won't fit Champion and vice versa so do make sure you try them on!!
 
I use a Charles Owen Ayr 8 and love it! However, I am very much a CO fit - you'll usually find that if you fit Charles Owen, you won't fit Champion and vice versa so do make sure you try them on!!

^^^totally agree with this ^^^

I have a Champion shaped head, I can't wear CO hats as they give me a headache.
I have a Champion VentAir skull cap and a show hat aswell as the newer type of helmet. I wouldn't say any is preferable although it has taken a while to get used to the helmet which isn't as deep as the traditional type of hat.
 
You need to try them, champion and Charles Owen are about as different a fit as they come only one will fit you. Personally I wear a champion as they fit my head shape. I believe Harry Hall hats are a similar fit to the champions so if your current hat fits well the champion is more likely to be the one for you.
 
Strangely I have both Champ and CO - I have the CO J3 Skull cap and also the H200 velvet hat. Recently I needed to get a new skull cap and ended up with the Champion Ventair (the one with the silver stripey thing).

I find all the above really comfortable - the Champ does keep my head a bit cooler I think but not much in it TBH.

I tried the Harry Hall on once - absolutely awful! They seem to sit on my head about 4 inches above my eyebrows - they just perch! Wierd!
 
I use a Charles Owen Ayr 8 and love it! However, I am very much a CO fit - you'll usually find that if you fit Charles Owen, you won't fit Champion and vice versa so do make sure you try them on!!

In my experience, if you have a more oval shaped head the Charles Owen or JTE hats tend to fit. For rounder heads the Champions tend to be a better fit.
 
I again strangely have both a CO and a champion!

Normally I would never have anything other than CO but I have a champion evolution which keeps my head quite cool.

I have a Charles Owen J3 skull although looking to upgrade to the Pro II as I have had it a very long time!

Strangely I find my CO Wellington classic keeps my head cool even though it is 'traditional' style without vents!

Best bet is to try them on and see which fits best
 
My Charles Owen helmet does have vents and the inner pads are removable so really handy for washing. Once mine is on I don't even notice it's there. Even when I rode in the UAE it did not feel hot on my head and stayed really comfy. I Also tried both champion and Harry hall and neither fitted me properly. A good fitter is really important whatever you buy.
 
I have a Champion hat, I did try a Charles Owen but it didn't fit as well because I apparently have a narrow head and the Charles Owen hats seem to be rounded :rolleyes: Maybe that is just me though!
 
I think you just have to try on. There are variations in fit between models by the same manufacturer. I can wear a CO Showjumper, but not a CO Fiona. I can also wear a Champion Ventair.

Good luck.
 
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