Shires Karben Sienna riding hat

[Birker2020]

I bought one of these at the weekend in a local saddlery sale. Does anyone have one and if so are they comfortable? What do you use it for?

I liked it because of the front and back vents and also the fact it was lightweight and low profile.

 

[sunleychops]

just more cheap chinese product flooding the market

 

[Pippity]

just more cheap chinese product flooding the market

Shires aren't exactly a new, unknown brand (they have the royal warrant); it's PAS15:2011 so meets a reasonable level of safety; and at £70+ it's far from the cheapest on the market.

It's a nice-looking hat, Birker, especially if it's low-profile. I like my Gatehouses but I do look like a mushroom in them.

 

[SpotsandBays]

I see a few people raving about these on social media! I think they’re pretty smart for the price bracket

 

[Birker2020]

just more cheap chinese product flooding the market

I guess us poor people can't justify paying £300 for a riding hat.

 

[LEC]

I guess us poor people can't justify paying £300 for a riding hat.

And still made in China anyway….

 

[Birker2020]

And still made in China anyway….

And your point is? What exactly? Stereotypes.

 

[milliepops]

that even if you drop £££££s on a fashionable riding hat it's not made by an artisan hatmaker in the cotswolds, it's made in china.

 

[Birker2020]

To be quite honest I don't care where a product is made. The old fashioned stereotype about China being poor quality and the products won't last long is at best old fashioned.

As long as it has the safety PAS 015 then I'm happy.

 

[2ndtimearound]

Enquiring minds would like to ask if these Shires hats are more for round or oval-shaped heads? One is of an age when ventilated headgear is much preferred, and it looks smarter than my current Uvex Exxential (though I won't be swapping that just yet, and obviously would go to try on before buying!). Thank you kindly!

 

[Birker2020]

Enquiring minds would like to ask if these Shires hats are more for round or oval-shaped heads? One is of an age when ventilated headgear is much preferred, and it looks smarter than my current Uvex Exxential (though I won't be swapping that just yet, and obviously would go to try on before buying!). Thank you kindly!

Hi 2ndtimearound - the hat fitter in the shop said that I had a more round shaped head. Its a smart looking hat, seems lower profile that my previous Champion Junior hat. It has one of those dials at the back to adjust the fit somewhat too so it fits 59cm - 61cm.

As well as Champion hats I also fit into Rhinegold hats but not Charles Owen. I also found the Champion skull cap not as comfortable as the Champion Junior hat but that might be because I've not used it as much over the years.

 

[HollyWoozle]

Enquiring minds would like to ask if these Shires hats are more for round or oval-shaped heads? One is of an age when ventilated headgear is much preferred, and it looks smarter than my current Uvex Exxential (though I won't be swapping that just yet, and obviously would go to try on before buying!). Thank you kindly!

I also have a Uvex Exxential and whilst it does the job, is lightweight etc. I do hate the shape of it!

 

[2ndtimearound]

Hi 2ndtimearound - the hat fitter in the shop said that I had a more round shaped head. Its a smart looking hat, seems lower profile that my previous Champion Junior hat. It has one of those dials at the back to adjust the fit somewhat too so it fits 59cm - 61cm.

As well as Champion hats I also fit into Rhinegold hats but not Charles Owen. I also found the Champion skull cap not as comfortable as the Champion Junior hat but that might be because I've not used it as much over the years.

Thanks. Previous to my Uvex I had two Champion X-Air junior skull caps, so it sounds like there is a possibility it would fit me OK, when I get to the point of needing a new one.

 

[LEC]

that even if you drop £££££s on a fashionable riding hat it's not made by an artisan hatmaker in the cotswolds, it's made in china.

Exactly my point.
A lot are manufactured in China because that factory will have the specialism and it’s costs are lower due to lower labour costs. We used to produce our trainers at same factory as Nike. The only difference in price was due to the badge….

 

[horsesense]

Champion and Charles Owen hats are made in GB and not extortionately expensive. As far as the Chinese product is concerned are you happy to support that country and its government in view of its total disregard for human rights?

 

[usaequestrian]

To be quite honest I don't care where a product is made. The old fashioned stereotype about China being poor quality and the products won't last long is at best old fashioned.

As long as it has the safety PAS 015 then I'm happy.

Exactly, to me safety is the most important quality. You can't get another brain! However I am a sucker for a samshield...

 

[Tiddlypom]

Anyone know where Gatehouse hats are manufactured? I've got my latest in a series of HS1 jockey skulls. It's incredibly unflattering in the size 60cm/3.5 that I need for my big head - a real mushroom top. Doesn't seem to have country of manufacture attached to it anywhere, and I can't find reference to it on the Gatehouse website.

My new Uvex Exxential mips ventilated hat is waay more flattering than my HS1 ?, and is made in Germany.