Helmet Technology

Helmets are traditionally checked by measuring the peak acceleration of a helmeted steel headform falling onto a steel surface.

For Charles Owen, this is only the start of analysing how a helmet will perform in the real world.

At Charles Owens design headquarters in Wrexham UK, they use advanced computer simulation to understand how to maximise the dissipation of energy from an impact by using complex combinations of materials. Impact analysis is commonly used in the car industry to recreate accidents that are often too complex to recreate. With so many variables and elements to check, it becomes essential to understand what going on at a microscopic level to understand how to better protect a rider in a potential accident.

This is just another way that your Charles Owen helmet is tuned to look after you, so that you can focus on your job.

Gatehouse safety also has an industry leading helmet standards as explained in the video below.

Another popular brand that Tack Shack sells is Champion

CHAMPION RIDING HATS OUT PERFORM BRITISH STANDARDS SAFETY TESTS DAY AFTER DAY. WHY DAILY?

Because Champion believe that hats should not only be safety tested at the design stage, but continuously tested throughout manufacture. Penetration test; a 3kg toughened steel spike is dropped directly onto the hat - a test which demonstrates the hats resiliance against sharp objects such as horse shoe studs. Harness test; tests both the strength of the harness, and the ability to keep the hat securely in place. Shock test; a hat fixed to a metal head is dropped vertically onto a steel anvil - this tests the shock absorption qualities which will protect you in a potential fall. Crush test; a hat is placed between two steel plates and crushed, the amount of crushing is measured. This investment in safety means that every Champion hat earns the highly credited British Kitemark and is a guarantee that the hat will comfortably out perform the four main areas of testing - (1) Penetration, (2) Harness strength and stability, (3) Shock absorption, (4) Crush resitance.

How to fit your Helmet Correctly

So based on the information above we can confirm that there are 6 primary saftety standards which are accepted within Australia.

It is also made clear (as most of us are aware ) that there are other circumstances that affect helmet safety including a major impact to the helmet or age of the helmet. We should not simpy rely on a stamp or certificate for helmet safety.

Other things that are also equally important are the fit of the helmet.

When ridiers try on there new helmet the fit of the helmet is vital. An easy way to test your helmet fit is to place the helmet on your hed with the chin straps/harness unfastened). Make sure your hair is put up into the posiition you would normally wear it. The helmet should slide onto the head and be tight enough to create a vacuum on your head but not be so tight that the helmet creates pain. Smiling is a good way to test presure points between the eyebrows and the ears.

Once the helmet is placed on your head then tilt your chin down to your chest and be prepared to catch the helmet. A correctly sized helmet should not slop forward over the eyebrows.

Here is a video from Managing Director of Charles Owen Roy Burek who explains the best way to fit a new helmet.

If it does then a size down should be considered. For ladies who wear their hair up, it can be difficult to get a good fit. Hair can create gaps in the seal around the helmet. If this does happen then you may wish to consider Charles Owen fitting tape. This is designed to bridge gaps that hair can create when put up into the helmet. It can also be used to renew worn foam around the inner rim of your helmet.

This is particularly important for those helmets that are a few years old or have frequent use. This inner foam does wear and shring. In time this foam shrinkage will create a larger circumference that when the helmet is new. The fitting tape can also be used in this instance.

Attached is a link to the fitting tape.

https://tackshack.com.au/charles-owen-roll-fitting-tape