What is the safest hat design?

[mickey]

I have a Charles Owen 2000, velvet hat with beige chinstrap and fixed velvet peak. I also have a champion ventair but I have to say it doesn't seem to be the best fit...........
I am thinking of getting a bog standard jockey skull as I figure it may be the safest, esp with no fixed peak?

 

[NicoleD]

Go for the highest standard you can get PAS 015 or a SNELL no. Should have a British Standards Kitemark to prove the hats are batch tested and not just the original design. Jockey skulls are best for cross country, you need to find a make that fits you rather than going on looks alone. If you like your CO why not get one of their skull caps- there are a few of theirs to choose from with various prices.

 

[WFL]

The ones that look cycling helmets are the safest.

 

[alphanumeric]

Go for a Patey

 

[Thistle]

whatever fits you head the best, if it is of a high standard.

 

[suzysparkle]

Currently, it would be the Gatehouse HS1 hat as it passes all 3 safety standards (only one to do so). All the top eventers seem to be using these now.
http://www.rideaway.co.uk/index2.php3?se...mp;catcode2=HS1

 

[k9h]

There is also the one the show jumper invented, was it Peter Charles. Whoever designed it did after having a terrible fall, alot of the SJ lot wear it now?
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=h...l%3Den%26sa%3DN

 

[TGM]

This chart is helpful in assessing the safety of different brands of hat:

http://www.mdirf.co.uk/enhapresults/Enhap2006REVISED4ppA5v9.pdf

 

[mickey]

Thanks very much everyone. I have a number of great resources now to check out!