Riding hat problem

[_MizElz_]

I recently bought a skull cap, as I know I will not be allowed to use my GPA for XC if I ever get enough courage to try it.

I really wanted a Champion Ventair, but after being fitted by three different places, I was told by each of them that the style does not suit me. I couldnt understand this; out of all the hats I tried (and believe me, I've been through the whole range of Champions, Charles Owen, Dublin, Gatehouse etc) the Ventair was by far the most comfortable, and actually felt like it fit me in a similar way to my GPA. Anyway, I listened to the 'expert' advice I was given and decided not to buy one, for reasons of safety.

I ended up buying a Charles Owen Junior jockey skull. It was almost half the price of the Ventair, but after trying on oodles of hats this was the one that the fitter felt was the best fit for me. It felt comfortable enough - albeit not as nice as the Ventair - and I thought hey, I might as well go for it as I wont be wearing it often (will still use my GPA for hacking).

Two weeks on, I have used my new hat three times, and on each occasion it has practically killed my head I get an awful headache, and if I'm honest I feel that it tips forward a fair bit - more than the Ventair did, anyway. The saddlery where I bought it from have a strict (and understandable) policy that hats cannot be returned unless faulty. This one clearly isnt - I just dont think it fits as well as I felt it did on the day.

I have two questions now. If I really feel I cannot put up with this hat, do you think it would if be possible to sell it on Ebay and not make too much of a loss?

And.....do you think it would be foolish of me to buy the Ventair, which I have had my eye on for over a year now?

 

[Angelbones]

Returns policy or not, if they fitted it to you then i think you should go back and tell them it in fact doesn't fit you. You shouldn't be getting headaches and it shouldn't be slipping. Surely its worth a try? If you run into problems try quoting the Sale of Goods Act or whatever it is called, which says goods have to be fit for purpose, which if your hat doesn't fit and is dangerously slipping, I would say isn't fit for purpose. I'm sure someone will correct me on that one, but that's all that springs to mind, sorry. Hope you have some joy with the shop.

ps a year or so ago I took an unused hat back to Frogpool Manor and they gave me a credit note. I had bought the hat at the start of the previous year's hunting season, one of their girls fitted it to me, but when I got it out to wear it - the following season - I couldn't get it on. Either the girl had picked up the wrong hat at the till, or for some reason it fitted in the shop but not later, but they could see it was unworn and that there was no way I could wear it, so they credited me. I didn't even have the receipt at this point. Some people surprise you!

 

[teddyt]

I dont blame them for having a non returns policy for hats. In fact i think it would be crazy for a shop to take returns on a hat and just one of the reasons why you should never buy one off the internet. (remind me never to buy a hat from frogpool!!!!)

However, it clearly isnt right and you havnt had it long so i would go back to the shop and talk to them.

 

[MrsMozartletoe]

Take it back. It has to be fit for purpose and you relied on their expertise.

I bought a motorbike helmet a couple of years ago. Got eighty miles down the road and had to pull over - the pain was so great I was almost sick at the side of the road . The shop took the helmet back and got someone else to fit another one, which was fine

If you have any trouble, call Trading Standards.