skulls and safety -- confusion

ponypalz

ponypalz

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May 24, 2009
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A friend told me that for CC, riders must wear skull style helmets, rather than hard hat for safety purposes (no hard brim to poke my face and comes down further on head).

Got me thinking, if skull style is safer, why aren't all helmets this style?

I did get a skull and must say it feels very nicely constructed with much more padding and much safer than the mostly plastic hard hat that I've been wearing. It also does cover more of my head. But noticed that it is rated the same for safety as my other much flimsier feeling hard hat.

Just curious, I guess.:confused:
 
I have often wondered about cycling helmets. Mine has a lot more ventilation than my riding hat, I look like I have been in the shower.

If you come off on concrete road at speed and it can save your head, then why cant we wear that instead of a horse helmet.

I feel a peak on the hat should be harder than they are to protect your face more, and why not add a cage at the bottom to protect teeth, seeing as dental work is covered on all insurance policies. (Like the cricket players and some other sports have).

Some kids were here from spain on holiday a few years back and had semihard neck pieces at the back of the riding hats and they were told they are dangerous and cannot wear them in UK competitions.

:confused:
 
The problem with making the peak harder is when you do hit the deck face first (I've done it). The peak that doesn't bend ends up pushing the helmut beckwards into the neck, which can result in pinched nerves and something akin to whip lash. My cap's peak is quick hard and I had a pinched nerve in the back of my neck for 2 weeks following my fall.
 
How do you like the AYR8, JustJas? I really like the look of it. Is the Peak soft?

I just got the J3 which feels safe and fits very well, but looks a bit funny on my head unless I have the silk on. I didn't know the AYR8 was a skull. Might consider returning the J3 and getting the AYR8.
 
Xandos, maybe that is why the Spanish ones had a neck piece on? I had whiplash and squashed neck discs from a car accident 30 yrs ago, still bothers me a lot now. If it a problem they should redesign helmets of all types.
 
Jinglejoys - in my case 11.3, so not much difference. lol I wouldnt like to fall off 17h either.:D
 
kturner -- interesting about the Spanish ones with neck pieces -- totally agree that if the hard peak is dangerous, then all helmets need redesigning.

Seems odd to me that they'd design only some helmets to be the safest especially if they are all rated the same. Maybe I just don't understand safety standards.

Thank god for ponies! Would hate to fall off 17 hands. Hurts enough to fall of 13 hh. So sorry about your injury.


Hi Jinglejoys --yes my last helmet was like the Spirit, too, and I was happy with it, as well... until my friend mentioned that skulls were safer and I became obsessed with a new hat. Then, I started wondering since the Sprit is rated the same as the fancy skull .... and that's what keeps bringing me back to the oddness of the safety standards and which hats are best.
 
Dont quote me, but I think depending on the discipline, then the falls will be different, and therefore the level or type of safety equipment will differ (and that with a cycle helmet).

Your unlikely to have a rotational fall doing flatwork/ dressage.
 
ponypalz said:
How do you like the AYR8, JustJas? I really like the look of it. Is the Peak soft?

I just got the J3 which feels safe and fits very well, but looks a bit funny on my head unless I have the silk on. I didn't know the AYR8 was a skull. Might consider returning the J3 and getting the AYR8.
Click to expand...

I would keep your J3 as it is a genuine skull cap and fully approved as this for all competitions. I could not suggest using an AYR8 instead as i do not know the rules for hats. The GR and AYR8 are usually classed in the skull caps by saddlerys rather than a traditional riding hat. I can not say from that it is approved for any particular discipline.

A skull just needs a silk then looks good esp the J3.
 
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Bessy said:
Dont quote me, but I think depending on the discipline, then the falls will be different, and therefore the level or type of safety equipment will differ (and that with a cycle helmet).

Your unlikely to have a rotational fall doing flatwork/ dressage.
Click to expand...

That makes sense! :)
 
Go for a Charles Owen they are the best on the market most pro's wear them. Cost a lot of bucks, but remember you can do without some fingers on toes but you only get one head so don't lose it.
 
Bessy said:
Your unlikely to have a rotational fall doing flatwork/ dressage.
Click to expand...

My goodness, that would be something, wouldn't it, Bessy?

However, I'm a one hat sort of gal so I probably will be wearing my skull for flatwork /dressage, anyways. ;)

HeatherA, I had a vented tipperary, too, and as I recall it came down pretty far on the back of my head like the skull does and was very comfortable. Mine started cracking though -- for no reason-- it just developed fine cracks along the front. Maybe the newer ones are better. Thanks for the link. What a good website.

Thanks for another vote of confidence for the CO, pinkheather. As pricey as it is, I noticed that GPA which I notice to be very popular for show jumping is even pricier.:eek:

I've never got up close to a GPA Anyone know what those are like? Could they be worth the cost?
 
pinkheather said:
Go for a Charles Owen they are the best on the market most pro's wear them. Cost a lot of bucks, but remember you can do without some fingers on toes but you only get one head so don't lose it.
Click to expand...



actually, sorry, i disagree:o Tests showed the Gatehouse HS1 was the best, followed by Champion VentAir Skull.... C&O dont always get a good safety write up.

i have the C&O GR8 for show jumping, its a lovely hat, but i wear my champion ventair skull for xc and hacking;)
 
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