Help me buy a new riding hat please

Fabforester

Fabforester

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.....returning to riding after a fairly big break, and need a nice new hat for hacking/schooling and to get away with wearing to local - unaff shows.
Am a size 60 (7 3/8) (measured in a saddlers yesterday) and would like to get the best for the least money, of course!
 
So you went to a saddlers, waster their time getting your head measured & now want a bargain buying online from someone with no overheads :rolleyes:

Go back to the tack shop & get a hat properly fitted. Yes you might have to pay a few extra quid but you get service included & if you gave any problems you can always go back there.
 
I've got a harry hall one (can't remember the type but it's the ones in various different colours with the strip down the middle different colours) and I love it! Keeps my head well ventilated in the hot weather and everyone agrees it is the comfiest hat they have put onto their heads.

I use mine for breaking/schooling/coverings etc etc
 
Do not rely upon getting measured at the shop. You need to get properly fitted in the hat, as different styles and brands fit differently. My DH and I wear the same size hat but I can't wear his, it hurts my head.

Decide whether you want a skull cap or a fixed peak and then go into a saddlery that carries a good selection of hats (better still go to more than one saddlery) and try some on with the help of a qualified fitter. Then buy the one that fits best and is suitable for whatever discipline you plan to compete in.

Do not take chances with the safety of your head get your hat professionally fitted - buying hats or body protectors online is mental unless you have a qualified fitter who will check it for you or you already have the same one that has been professionally fitted and you are replacing like for like.
 
Also remember that the same size will have different fit depending on the make. A 60 in one make will fit you and 60 in another will not.

I need a new hat and I will be going to my local saddler so I can make sure that the hat I buy fits. I'd rather pay a couple of quid more and make sure that my hat fits.
 
I agree, you need to try them as the makes are all a bit different, also take style in to consideration [I want a beagler, but can't justify it], I bought a Tipperary Driving helmet [for driving initially] which turns out to be really light and never sweats, comfortable and easily adjusted with foam pads.
 
Even the same brand can have differently fitting individual models. I agree, back to that tack shop! Your head is too valuable to risk. I have a very long oval head, actually slightly rectangular (no honestly, I don't look like an alien :p) and there are few hats that really work well for me - Charles Owen SJXP for posh, Dublin Onyx for everyday, and I'd love a Champion Ventair (and I always thought Champions were for round heads!).

I've also bought more than one hat (both Charles Owens) that felt okay when I tried them but ended up feeling really tight on long rides and had to go.
 
Shop and try it on. They do feel slightly different even if same size, but you will know when you find one. Tesco sell them but you are looking at £40+ for a basic hat. I wouldnt buy second hand etc needs to meet all current standards.
 
Go to a tack shop - even though your are a 7 3/8, not every hat will fit like a 7 3/8.
Hats will fit differently and if you try a few on in the shop they will be able to see what sits best and which fit properly
I tried 3 in my size only one fitted properly and it's soo comfy
Also it's what hat suits your shape of head I seem to fit champions and Charles owen ...


Remember - you only get one head! :D
 
JennBags said:
So you went to a saddlers, waster their time getting your head measured & now want a bargain buying online from someone with no overheads :rolleyes:

Go back to the tack shop & get a hat properly fitted. Yes you might have to pay a few extra quid but you get service included & if you gave any problems you can always go back there.
Click to expand...
Um no, I went to my Friend's saddlers, spent a small fortune on uneccessary things for ned & children, had head measured but their stock was low and only a Charles Owen in my size which looked huge on my head. But thanks for your comments.
 
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