Riding hats - experiences?

[Box_Of_Frogs]

Following my recent accident where my riding hat was knocked off my head at the very time I needed it, ie landing backwards head first onto tarmac at speed, I no longer trust the damn thing now. Hospital have given me a tentative all clear as the wound is healing well but I am absolutely forbidden to ride for at least another month and I am absolutely forbidden to land on that bit of my head ever again. So, naturally, the first thing I need to do is get a new hat so I can have a quiet sit on Sunny for a few mins asap lol!

I've printed off the "BETA Safety - riding hat standards explained" info so know the essentials I need but I do prefer the low profile, ventilated hats. Has anyone got any experience of either the Charles Owen Ayr8 Riding hat (p 39 in the new Robinsons catalogue) or the Troxel Spirit Plus (p49 of same catalogue) or the Harry Hall Legend riding hat (p69 in new Rideaway catalogue)? Comfort, security of chin strap, fit etc? Many thanks x

 

[PBT]

I have a Troxel - love it. it is lightweight yet feels very secure on my head. Wouldn't use anything else now.

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

Thanks PBT x

 

[JessPickle]

I have a dublin onyx hat which is more secure than any hat I have had, hard to explain but the back on it is extended a bit to ensure it doesn't slip about, you can see the extended padding on this link. I have the leather harness version which I personally prefer, I got mine from equestrian clearance

Details : http://www.dublinclothing.com/UK/range/Safety/OnyxWebHarn.asp

Equestrian Clearance: http://www.equestrianclearance.com/weatherbeeta/onyx_jockey_skull/index.html

 

[amycov]

I don't know about any of those, but I love my Champion hat.

 

[dressage_diva]

I like my Champion Hat too!

 

[CrazyMare]

I have the Charles Owen J3 - with extended bit at the back to cover the back/bottom of your head.

Very light and comfy. Worth every penny - I'm on number three now - never fallen off in one but managed to run one over.....

 

[flyingfeet]

This is a very good survey on hat safety:
http://www.mdirf.co.uk/enhapresults/welcome.asp

Troxel are supposed to be one of the better for safety

 

[Donkeymad]

Please, please, go to a tack shop with a qualified hat fitter and ensure that the hat you buy is the very best for you. Hats vary like clothes, even amongst different models by the same make.

 

[only_me]

what about a HS1 - they have the highest safety standards of any hat in europe. They have excellent neck protection as well

or how about the APM skull cap - they look excellent imo and have backprotectot material around the ears and base of neck protection

 

[dwi]

I have a Dublin Onyx as well and it certainly has always protected me when I've fallen off but the advantage with it is that it fits my head shape. I'd be going to a big shop or waiting for the season to start and going to a show so that you can try on lots of different types of hat and see what works for you.

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

BoF - glad to see you have posted a little update - was going to ask how you were doing.

Agree with the others - please get whichever hat fitted properly. I currently have a Champion - only one that fitted properly and was a guilt present from ex!!!

- but prior to that I had a Troxel which was great especially in the summer as it kept my head lovely and cool!!

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

Thanks hugely everyone - truly appreciated xxx