Skull hat size. Confused.

[PapaverFollis]

My current hat, Champion Jnr Jockey Skull, is size "57-58cm" or "2 1/2".
I want to replace it. Going somewhere in person is not an option, I know it would be better but such is life.

Looking to replace like for like more or less. But the sizing on the Champion skull hats I'm finding is different? 57cm = 2 and 58cm = 2 1/2. Sooooo, which am I? I think my current hat could be more snug. But a whole half size snug? I measured my head and think I got 57cm but I will check again later.

Confused.

About to risk 80 quid on getting it right. ?

It's too bloody long since I bought the hat so can't remember if I tried a size 2 on and what the cm label in it said...

Any insight appreciated.

 

[tda]

Have you actually measured your head recently?
Obviously a new one will be much tighter at the start.

 

[Rowreach]

I’d ring them up.

 

[IrishMilo]

Tbh every single hat I've tried has fit different, even ones of the same size/brand. If it doubt I'd go with the smaller size as it will stretch, rather than having to pad it out with panty liners like I have in one of mine...

 

[PapaverFollis]

I’d ring them up.

A darn fine idea I hadn't even thought of. Some poor sales person needs to brace themselves for my incoming stupidity and "butbutbut but but"...

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Tbh every single hat I've tried has fit different, even ones of the same size/brand. If it doubt I'd go with the smaller size as it will stretch, rather than having to pad it out with panty liners like I have in one of mine...

I agree, I never wore gatehouse as they were not my shape.
However, when the RXC1 came out, it fitted beautifully. I replaced it after a tip off going xc and this fitted too.
After another 2 yrs I slipped coming out of the lorry and hit my head (thank goodness I was wearing crash hat) so went to replace it. Same saddler, tried all 4 in exactly the same size and not one fitted. Hat specialist fitter looked at mine that I'd purchased 2 yrs before and did measurements and made a call, finding that the model had indeed been changed very slightly and I was now 'between' sizes and the shaping was different.
I came out clutching a well fitting CO instead...

 

[NR88]

I'd recommend going for a proper fitting. Tack shops have adjusted and both my local ones have masks and sanitiser on the go as well daily tests for staff.

Depending on when you bought your skull hat there have been changes within most brands as to fit. For example CO now offer "standard" or round fit.

CO were always too round for me but now due to their adjustments I now needed the round shape from their range. Very confusing as the typically more oval Champion, that had always been a good fit, was now not a comfortable fit.

I appreciate that you are anxious about covid but I strongly advise that you get a hat properly fitted so that, should it be needed, it can do the job that it was bought for and be comfortable meanwhile.

 

[Rowreach]

I loathe hat shopping, I have a small round head and hardly any brand fits. The only bonus is I get junior ones which are cheaper.

 

[Rumtytum]

I loathe hat shopping, I have a small round head and hardly any brand fits. The only bonus is I get junior ones which are cheaper.

I have a small head too, my hat has pictures of Thelwell ponies inside…

 

[ArklePig]

I have a small head too, my hat has pictures of Thelwell ponies inside…

I had the Thelwell one and got a bang to the head. I was absolutely fuming when they didn't have my size when I went for a replacement and ended up with a Thelwell less hat

 

[Rowreach]

Yup, Thelwell hats rock ?

 

[PapaverFollis]

Nothing to do with covid really, more to do with a 5 hour round trip.

 

[NR88]

Nothing to do with covid really, more to do with a 5 hour round trip.

I really think it would be worth it. Shape and fittings have changed within brands so much.

 

[PapaverFollis]

It might be worth it but I can't see it being possible at this moment in time really. I know it's the best way and it is annoying that it's not really an option. I don't really want to go into my reasoning about why I would prefer to get something mail order at this point too much to be honest. It might be something I do but I'm working on the basis of it not being possible.

I would be interested if anyone has a size 2 Champion junior skull from about 4 or 5 years ago that say xx cm - xx cm on the inside. It was 55 to 56 cm I might do something different than if it was 56 to 57 cm... if you see what I mean.

I think phoning Champion is probably my best bet for a good guess and info about how their sizing might have changed etc. I genuinely hadn't thought of that.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Can you order both and return one? I’d be happy to fit my own rather than a 5 hr trip!
I’m not sure if hats are returnable though, that would definitely need checking!

 

[PapaverFollis]

Yeah, I don't think you can return hats. So it's definitely money down the drain if I get the wrong size or fit. Measured head at less than 57cm so I'm thinking the 57cm size 2 will do it.

Will continue to mull it over.

 

[NR88]

Can you order both and return one? I’d be happy to fit my own rather than a 5 hr trip!
I’m not sure if hats are returnable though, that would definitely need checking!

Most websites have a disclaimer that hats are not returnable. I've just been online hat shopping and that jumped out to me*. There is also a 10-14 week delay with some models due to covid (and brexit?) affecting the manufacturers.

* I know the model and size that I need, not taking any chances.

 

[TealH0rse]

A darn fine idea I hadn't even thought of. Some poor sales person needs to brace themselves for my incoming stupidity and "butbutbut but but"...

I’d suggest going to a store to get one fitted regardless. Hats of the same brand have fit me differently and as a result of it I’ve got two helmets I ordered online thinking they were my size end up being way too big.

Might also be worth trying some other helmets from a price point of view. Charles Owen and gatehouse usually end up in sales around this time of year and I ended up making switch to gatehouse for new helmets when I realised how much more comfortable they are.

 

[ycbm]

Yup, Thelwell hats rock ?

I've got one too

I remember being thrilled to read that the only difference in the hat was the Thelwell pictures and the lack of VAT. Three cheers for a child size head!

 

[southerncomfort]

It might be worth it but I can't see it being possible at this moment in time really. I know it's the best way and it is annoying that it's not really an option. I don't really want to go into my reasoning about why I would prefer to get something mail order at this point too much to be honest. It might be something I do but I'm working on the basis of it not being possible.

I would be interested if anyone has a size 2 Champion junior skull from about 4 or 5 years ago that say xx cm - xx cm on the inside. It was 55 to 56 cm I might do something different than if it was 56 to 57 cm... if you see what I mean.

I think phoning Champion is probably my best bet for a good guess and info about how their sizing might have changed etc. I genuinely hadn't thought of that.

Can you let us know what they say please?

Mine will need replacing soon too.

 

[PapaverFollis]

Can you let us know what they say please?

Mine will need replacing soon too.

Yes. Will report back with any results. Either "I phoned and they said this" or "I've spent a million pounds on hats and still haven't got one that fits" ?

 

[Season’s Bleatings]

I am fairly sure mine is the Thelwell version, I ordered from Amazon recently - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Champion-R...elmet+vented+pas015,aps,55&sr=8-1&th=1&psc=1#

 

[Leandy]

In those circumstances, I would order both to try and then send back the one I didn't want.

 

[southerncomfort]

Not sure if this is helpful or not as not a Champion hat, but I saw a Charles Owen hat in the sale on Naylors website.

I'm close enough to visit so went this morning and had it fitted. The last hat I had was 57cm but this one is 56cm and fits like a glove. My head feels cocooned! So you could definitely be a half size smaller now.

This is the hat. Very good quality for the price.

https://www.naylors.com/charles-owen-adults-js1-pro-skull-helmet-black#133=3629