While One K helmets are a newer brand in the U.S. market, they have quickly become a popular choice for eventers due to the way these helmets seem to perfectly balance an aesthetically pleasing design with the technologically advanced features we all want to see in a helmet. If you’re not yet familiar with these helmets, that’s where we come in! Sally and I took One K helmets for a test drive and found five things we really loved about them across the board.
Read on for more about the One K Defender Suede, One K Skull Cap and One K Defender Air, and then let us know what you love about One K in the comments below. If you haven’t tried a One K helmet yet, comment and let us know which one you’d most like to take for a spin. You might just see that model featured in an upcoming Fab Freebie on EN! Without further ado, here are five things we love about One K helmets:
1. Smart design
Whether you’re sweating it out in the summer or working hard to keep warm in the winter, it’s important to have a helmet that can keep your head ventilated. The One K Defender Suede Helmet has seven vents — two on the side, two on the front, one on the back, and two down the center. All those vents allow it to perform like a lighter helmet while still looking show ring ready, allowing it to do double duty at home and events.
2. Comfortable fit
The lightweight aspect of One K helmets alone makes them extremely comfortable to wear, but One K also added some additional features that really make these helmets a top pick. I personally love the comfort padded harness on the One K Defender Suede Helmet, as the synthetic suede lining is soft against the face.
Additionally, the One K Defender Suede comes in a variety of sizes to accommodate every possible head shape. If your head is typically difficult to fit, find a One K retailer near you. With just about every possible size combination available in this particular model (seriously, look at all these size options), you’re virtually guaranteed to find something that will fit you comfortably.
3. Advanced technology
One K helmets are manufactured with a polycarbonate and Advanced ABS Composite outer shell with an injection molded shell design to keep you safe both in and out of the saddle. The One K Skull Cap not only has advanced safety features for cross country, but it also has a textured shell to keep your helmet cover in place.
The One K Defender Air also has a great feature that allows you to fit the helmet precisely to your head. By dictating the amount of air used within the air pump in the helmet, you’re able to create a customized fit that also provides comfort and ventilation for your head.
4. Easy care aspect
The One K Defender Suede Helmet features a Chamude synthetic suede outer covering that gives it a traditional look while still being extremely easy to care for after every ride. Just wipe it down with a damp cloth if the helmet gets dirty, and you’re ready once again with a polished looked for the show ring.
I also love that the inner linings of all One K helmets are made of an anti-microbial, moisture wicking, quick drying and washable material; just toss it into the washing machine and it comes out looking brand new and smelling fresh.
5. Focus on safety
One K believes that all helmets should be replaced after one fall, so the company offers a replacement policy that is in effect for three years after the date of purchasing the helmet. If your helmet is involved in an accident during those three years, you can send it back to the manufacturer and purchase a new one at an extremely discounted rate. Click here for more info on One K’s replacement policy.
All One K helmets are certified to ASTM F11163-04a and CE EN 1384 standards, meaning they meet current standards as well as the latest standards proposed under this USEF rule change. If your helmet does not meet the current standard, now is the time to think about buying a new one, and One K checks all the boxes.
Where to buy
The One K Defender Suede retails at $259.95. The One K Skull Cap retails at $224.95. The One K Defender Air retails at $309.95. Click here to find a One K retailer near you. Go One K. Go Eventing.