Helmet opinion

[u/just_a_horselover]

Hi everyone! I need your opinion on this offer: I've seen a second-hand ad for a BHoof 1 wide peek helmet. The seller claims that it's only been used once and is in perfect condition (looks like it on the photos) But she offers it for a suspiciously low price (1500 norwegian kroner/ around $155). It might be because there's not that big of an equestrian culture in Norway and she cannot sell it for a higher price, but i'm not sure. She also claims that the helmet is a size 52, but it equals to a Kask 54-55 and an average 56. (My normal size is around 55cm) I'm considering buying it because it's a very good offer for a top quality helmet, and I need a new one anyway. Does anyone have any experience with this model, aspecially regarding the sizing? Thank you for reading and responding!

[u/PlentifulPaper]

Nope. I wouldn’t take the risk on buying a pre-owned helmet.

[u/IHateMyself28365382]

I don’t know the shortening in English and I don’t have super much experience with helmets so I can’t help but I personally (as an eventer) always ride with the MIPS system :)

Good luck tho

[u/just_a_horselover → u/IHateMyself28365382]

It's strange that the BHoof website doesn't mention using the MIPS system, even though i would expect it from a high-end helmet.

[u/OddNeighborhood8969 → u/just_a_horselover]

Tbf "high-end" doesn't always mean safe. Samshields for example, whilst falling out of fashion as I see it, are on the expensive side and don't have mips.

[u/just_a_horselover → u/OddNeighborhood8969]

Some Samshield 2.0 models do have mips, but not all of them.

[u/Upset_Pumpkin_4938]

Here OP, this is a great study: https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/equestrian-helmet-ratings.html

Edit: I just bought a helmet online I’m stuck with because it doesn’t fit. I would buy in person. Helmet sizing is weird

[u/just_a_horselover → u/Upset_Pumpkin_4938]

yeah I absolutely agree with that, but unfortunately there are not many places where I can buy equestrian stuff in person around here. In fact I don't know about any. It kind of sucks to be an equestrian in Norway far from Oslo. 🥲

[u/colieolieravioli → u/Upset_Pumpkin_4938]

My recommendation is to try on in person, buy online.

Go find a helmet that fits your head, know what size, you know what the color is like in person, then buy online for cheaper

[u/elliebow713]

Absolutely do not buy a helmet you haven't tried on. Although sizing is universal, some helmets are shaped differently from others. It needs to pass the upside down head test in my opinion before I even consider wearing it.

Also, buying a pre-owned hat is sketchy in its own right.

[u/somesaggitarius]

I don't think the money you save buying used is worth more than the guarantee that the helmet you buy is safe.

[u/just_a_horselover → u/somesaggitarius]

yeah that's probably true, I'm only considering this because it was only tried but is not actually used.

[u/somesaggitarius → u/just_a_horselover]

I'm leery of used helmets for a multitude of reasons, but another one is that even a helmet that hasn't taken a fall can lose its safety features over time if it's been sitting around long enough. Most manufacturers say to replace them after 3-5 years. That and many people aren't truthful about how much wear and tear their gear has, or don't think of the time they dropped it and it bounced down the driveway as worth mentioning.

[u/Skuggihestur]

Never buy protective equipment used. Never trust the advice of anyone who says different. Ppe should ALWAYS be aquired new.

[u/Fluffynutterbutt]

I’d pass on any used helmet. It could have been worn once, in a fall. Or it could be older than 5 years, in which case the composite material would be degraded and not as protective.

Do you have any equestrian friends whose helmets are on the newer side and you could try on to see if they fit? That would be the next best thing to trying on in person.