Fitting hats and body protectors.

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zoelouisem

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Hi all,

Have decided to get my 6 year daughter properly fitted somewhere for hat and body protector. Shes fallen off on both recently. And shes had both a while, i think the bp may have been a hand me down

Shes now doing a bit of everything XC, showjumping ect ect, and joining the PC when i get the form printed off!! So figured ill do the best i can for her safety wise!

Going for a skull cap obviously, but would like reccomedations for combination of the safest and comfort too.

So what makes would you reccomend and anywhere in surrey/berkshire thats good at fitting and wont just fob us off with the most expensive make for making monies sake.

Thankyou all.:)
 
Best advice is to call your local shops and ask what body protectors they fit. Then go to the company websites first and search the makes and how they fit so you can do so yourself, or at least watch the 'expert' fit it with an educated eye.

Having worked in a tack shop, for the vast majority of staff, the 'training' process is literary being told whats available on the website and company literature. It really isn't complicated, and this way you guaruntee not being fobbed off.

Ditto with hats, thoguh with those the same fitting rules apply to all hats :) Charles and Owen are commonly fitted for kids hats as they are good quality but low cost, which is great for growing kids.
 
Chobham Rider has always been good - they had the grace to admit they could not fit my small daughter which is more than many have. Or make the trip to Robinsons in Basingstoke. Lilco Atlees in Dorking is a way from you, but do carry the Point 2 jackets for Children if you want that.

Part of the issue can be that smaller tack shops can only have a narrow range of options which can mean if your child is harder to fit (mine is) then you have to know enough to walk away. Robinsons at least has a broad range to choose from - although do ask for a senior fitter.

Hat wise - make sure what you buy is PC approved, otherwise you'll end up having to get another. The major makes should be fine - Charles Owen is the Classic children's skull but depending on her head size the HS1 Gateway or Champion are also great. The PC will not approve a Poly hat so don't bother with them - even if you can put stickers on them!

BP wise - Aerowear have just launched a really good new range that fits the skinny minnies very well. Personally I don't like racesafe but more solidly built children seem to find the fit more forgiving. If your daughter is shorter you will find your options very limited in what will not catch on the back of the saddle. Rodney Powell do good BPs for the very small ones. Personally I'd go with the new aerowear if you can.

You can find relatively good clear fitting guides on the internet. Not a substitute for a qualified fitter (a properly qualified fitter - not one who has just been shown the product range!). But if you know more or less what you need to look for you will be in a better position to check any advice offered. And to know when your daugher's kit no longer fits!
 
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Hi, thanks for the replies.

TBH ive always fitted them myslef with her, im not complety trusting with the tackshops they always seem to want to sell you the most expensive thing. But after a few articles on children either fatally injuring themselves or very seriously been injured thought id do the best by her. But by the sounds of it, im just as qualified as the majority of tackshop staff.

I like the Charles Owen range, weve been bought the newest type at worl with the leather harness so think ill go for that, i think thats whats shes got now.

As for BPs i like the rodney powell range thats what she had last time, cant remember what shes got not my minds gone blank. I wont be going for the point 2 jacket, shes going to be wearing on a daily basis so could work out very expensive for me the amount she falls off!!!;)
 
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