I'm getting a new helmet

[Annie&Dixie]

Well, the title says it all. I am shopping for a new helmet, I've been wearing mine more than usual lately and almost every time I've worn it, I've gotten a headache.

I have been seriously looking at three different ones; the Troxel Sierra, Troxel Reliance, and the Tipperary Sportage.

I really like all three but I've heard bad things about the slider option on the Sierra and Reliance...and when I think about it, I'm not too sure about it either. I've always liked the looks of the Reliance but it is an english show helmet which I don't really need so that one's probably already out of the running, it's also over $100 and I would prefer not to go over $100.

I am also really liking the Tipperary Sportage, I think I like the look but I'm not sure. I would love to see photos if any of you have it. I think I like the way it's designed though, it looks like it would be very comforatable. I kind of prefer the older model but I can't find any still for sale.

Thank you in advance!

[laredo454]

I have the Tipperary and I absolutely love it! Ventilation is great, lightweight, and protects your lower brain area. I'll try to find a photo.



http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa106/laredo454/Picture140-1.jpg
Only one I could find, haha by the way that was decades ago xD

[Annie&Dixie]

Do you have the older version? If so, what do you think of the newer one?

[laredo454]

Do you have the older version? If so, what do you think of the newer one?

I personally like the older version of it, looks wise :)

[Dakota Sunrise]

I'm not a big helmet person, so I'm not too familiar with the ones you mentioned, except the tipperary. I've never worn one, but I think I like the look of them too.

I never wear a helmet, but when I was younger my parents made me wear one (which ended when I turned 15). I had (actually I still have it) this one, and it was pretty comfy, and not *too* overly expensive. http://www.horse.com/Riding-Apparel/Hats-Helmets/Troxel-Legacy-Gold-Duratec-Helmet-RXM30.html
At least I think it was that one... I remember it costing that much (usually I wouldn't have paid that much, but my grandma actually bought it for me for a birthday preset one year), and I'm 99% it was a Legacy.

Unfortunately I don't think I have any pictures of me wearing it, at least not on the computer. But I have it on in this video. YouTube - Forever the Same
It's the only time I've ever worn it since August 2007 (when I turned 15, I'm 16 now). That was right after I fell off Beauty three times in a row trying to ride her bareback.:rolleyes: I made my mom a little nervous, so to make her feel better I put it on the next day when I made a second bareback attempt- which actually went quite well.:D

[laredo454]

I've had a troxel too, not sure what kind it is, but it was pink, haha. I didn't like it because it felt a bit bulky and in the way. I like a helmet I don't realize I have it on xD The Tipperary and Charles Owen achieves that :)

[cloedoll]

I wore Taylor's Tipperary and I probably needed the size up, but it's REALLY comfy! I would definitely go with that one, hehe. =D

[Annie&Dixie]

Laredo - Thank you very much for the picture! I'm thinking I like the looks of the older one better too, not so space agey ;)

Dakota - Thank you for the info, I'm the same way where I barely ever wear a helmet but I've been more recently. I do like that helmet but it's got the slider thingy again which I'm kinda weary about. I've got an older Aegis which I hate now and it has a dial.

ETA - Thanks Cloe! I'm leaning towards the Tipperary, I think I need to try one on first at the tack store though. I'm so nervous about getting the wrong size if I have to get the newer one, I've heard they run really small!

[rums_mom]

I just replaced my daughter's Charles Owens show helmet with the J3 skullcap. She loves it. We got a free cover with it when we ordered from Dover and found a cover with her colors for XC. It does not have the visor, which our trainer said is a safer version. She said that not having a visor is actually safer. There are picts of her on another thread. You can check it out to see how it looks.

She had used Troxels to start and she tried an IRH and it did not fit her head, you either have a CO head or a IRH head........go from there. We got the J3 for under $200. Well worth it. If it is between the Tip or the other ones you are looking at, go with the Tip. My daughter is very particular about her helmets and fit but she is doing Horse Trials. Remember that whatever helmet you get will need to be replace within 3 years regardless of falls or injury.

So it depends on your comfort level and what you will be doing in riding for the next 3 years. The CO we got, really lasted her, bought it used from someone who's son grew out of it. It looks horrible, but we are keeping it as a back up.;)

IMHO, do not go with a Troxel. Great for beginners but not so good for doing much else.

[mypaintpony]

Out of those three go with the Tipperary Sportage helmet. They actually don't sell the older model anymore but I think that one looked a tad bit better than the new one. I find that Troxels don't fit well and they look very, very bulky on your head.

I have an International (IRH) schooling helmet and I love it. I don't like the dial system but they seem to make most helmets with that these days.

[JackieB]

I've got the Troxel Sierra and I think it's great. The slider hasn't ever bothered me. The new Troxel Cheyenne looks pretty snazzy, too.

[Annie&Dixie]

Thank everybody for your suggestions and thank you RM for the caring PM :)

I'm think I'm gonna have to go for the Tipperary, is there any place left on the world that sells the older version?

[oursarge]

I have a Troxel, not sure of the name of it but it is heavy and bulky, it's their "Western" one, it's leather. A friend has the Tipperary and seems to like that alot.

[moka]

<--- I have a Tip and really like it. I should replace it but do not think that the newer models look as nice. But I think I will replace it with a Tip again.

[elleng]

I have the Sportage Plus which I absolutely love. it is a very comfortable helmet. Yes it kind of looks like a mushroom but at my age I don't bounce back as easily so I'm happy to have the protection. I also have an older sportage which I no longer wear but was not as happy with.

Good luck

[MNHorsegal]

I would check Ebay, I would bet money someone on there is selling the older one!

I like torxels for their light-weight-ness, but they can seem a bit bulky.

[prissy18]

I have the older version tipperary they are very common around here and we all love them

[Annie&Dixie]

I really would love to get the Tipperary but I can't find the older one anywhere and I'm not full 100% on buying the newer space agey looking model...I looked on ebay but nothin'...:(

[prissy18]

I will look around for ya.

[vicklynn]

IMHO, do not go with a Troxel. Great for beginners but not so good for doing much else.
Why is that rums mom? I have a Troxel Spirit and it is very comfortable and light.
Is there something wrong with them? I ask, as I will be looking for one for Bob, gonna make him wear one next yr. Need light and easy for him.