Getting the gear for this year!

[Grey_Showjumper]

So i am thinking of buying a new hat as my current one is so uncomfy, i have fallen off a lot since having it, although never on my head but have kncked etc. it is also really really hot/itchy.
so reccomend me a hat?!
for eventing, hunting, show jumping, dressage, hacking- everything really. Must meet all regulations for PC, BE, BSJA and cannot have a fixed peak!
Also shoulder pads on back protectors- yay or nay? competing at PC open, and BSJA newcomers and hopefully BE

 

[daisyL]

Gatehouse HS1 hats are the best for what you want to do in my opinon- I work everyday & compete eventing in mine- comfy & one of the safest around!- Well worth the money. As for shoulder pads I would say yes you may as well have some as not a huge extra cost and have been previously proven to reduce the risk of shoulder/collarbone injuries. Having said that I broke my collarbone with shoulder pads on in a nasty fall last year, but I think the break could have been a lot worse had it not been for my shoulder pads- but it's all down to personal opinion & preference!

 

[Baileyhoss]

Gatehouse HS1 are lovely hats, but you either have a gatehouse head or you don't.

I don't, but the Charles Owen J3 fits me like a glove and I would highly recommend them. CO also do the ventair, which has a removable washable liner i believe.

You'll have to try some on to see which brand suits your head shape

I personally don't like shoulder pads as i think they make me look a bit ninja turtleish and I like minimal bulk. That's purely from a cosmetic view though, not a safety view. Perhaps get the removeable shoulder pads, at least then you can choose whether you want them on, like if you are doing something high risk?

I have the airowear zippa bp, which I love. Many recommend the Rodney Powell one, but the zippa seems to suit my shape better. Again, try some on and see what feels best.

Happy shopping !

 

[Chloe_GHE]

I wear the Charles Owen PRO II very light not hot and has special stuff in it to make it smell nice!

BP wise I have a Kan Teq and having now worn and ridden in that I wouldn't look twice at any other BP (they are just for ladies though, sorry not sure if you are a girl!)

 

[daisycrazy]

I find Charles Owen fit me really well and if you can get a junior size (1 1/2 down) then they're a very good price. Although I don't have a "Gatehouse" head, I have an HS1 that has been adjusted very effectively with padding and fits well. It's still not as comfy as the Charles Owen, but I was happy to compromise a little for the extra protection.

 

[Mbronze]

I don't know much about hats, but mine is a charles owen and i think it is rather comfy.
In regards to shoulder protectors, i have a rodney powell body protector and got the shoulder pads as well. I wouldn't be without them now and i don't feel to bulky with them.

 

[Grey_Showjumper]

Ok, well im going to go try some hats on and see what fits best. I really am fed up of the "egg-head" hats as i get such a hot head and they are really not very comfy.
Sadly im just out of kids hats- size 2

but dad is happy to pay if its going to mean i am more safe- my current hat has had a few too many knocks!
I have an airowear BP but didn't get the shoulder pads at the time when i bought that, but i am not thinking maybe i should, especially as i have gone up a level in my riding.