Skull caps - which one?

riderroo

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I'd like to get a new skull cap now that I have started to do a bit of jumping - currently showjumping but will do a bit of cross-country (both just for fun). I like to look of both the Charles Owen Pro II and Charles Owen J3. I also really like the look of the Gatehouse HS1 - which seems to be very popular with eventers. Could anybody let me know the pros and cons of each - I have no idea which to buy!!
Thanks
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I have a Dublin Onyx which I love, as it has a padded bit at the back (hard to explain) which makes it extra comfy and it's ventilated. It also has a detachable peak which is always useful.
 
I've recently bought a Charles Owen Pro II for competing in (apparently I have a CO shaped head not a Champion shaped one
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) - I love it, really comfortable and easy to wear
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I went to buy a CO Pro II, but did not fit my head as well as the Champion Ventair, so ended up with that and love it. I think a lot of it comes down to the shape of your head.
 
I agree it depends on the shape of your head not which hat you want. Charles Owens def don't fit my head so I've got a Champion junior jockey skull at the mo. The best thing to do is to go to a good tack shop that has a range of hats for you to try so you can find one that fits your head.
 
I have a Champion Ventair which I love, tried the Pro II as well but didn't feel as safe or comfortable in it fortunately I have yet to find a hat that doesn't fit my head shape so I have the full choices. But as others have said the one that fits best is the one to go for, if more than 1 fit equally as well then that's when you need to make a decision!

Silver Breeze - The Pro II and ventair definitely are.
 
Ooops forgot to add that the HS1 is definitely BE approved too.

I think you'll find that pretty much all COs and Champions are approved although it goes without saying that you should always double check.

Other makes I would check carefully although the shop assistant or manufacturer's site should spell out clearly when it is, if it doesn't say it's up to standard then the chances are that it isn't.
 
If you have a 'CO head' deffo go for the PRO II
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I had the J3 and this year CO sponsored me with a new PRO II it is v light and after 6 months wear it is still smelling sweet as it has some kinda 'anti-stinky head' technology
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Mine is silver and I love it, if you fit CO hats and are happy with them then I would stick with them.
 
The only one that fits my head and doesn't give me headaches is the HS1, very light weight too.

Wish they had more grippy and less shiney on them though, my hat silk keeps coming off and as I wear a fluorescent one on the road taping it on is a faff.
 
The HS1 also comes in a grippy version. It took me about 5 minutes to get the hat silk (lycra) on it, but that's probably because I'm a clutz!

I'd definitely recommend the HS1 (it fits me really well), but I can't comment on the others.
 
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