Welcome to EN’s Product Review series! Who doesn’t love shopping, especially when the object of your search is new gear for yourself or your horse? As an enthusiast of all products equine, I LOVE trying out new gear. Please join me as I narrate my personal journey of trying out all of the products featured. While I will make no recommendations, I hope you have fun reading about my many adventures of trying new products, and that hearing about my personal experiences helps you on your own quest for new gear. Go Shopping.
Something that I take very seriously is safety. I tend to be risk adverse person in most areas of my life. However, I know that each and every time that I choose to climb on up into the saddle, that there is an inherent risk that accompanies me.
Safety is no joke … which is why I always, always, ALWAYS wear a helmet. No matter what horse I’m riding. Or how short of a ride I’m planning. I absolutely will not put my boots in the irons without having an ASTM approved, properly fitting helmet strapped to my noggin.
In all of my years riding, I’ve never heard a good reason to go out sans helmet. I don’t care how hot my head gets. Or if I look like a ‘mushroom head’. Or even if I end up rocking total helmet hair. Protecting my head is way more important.
And above all else, the number one reason that I wear a helmet is for everyone in my life who cares about me. While jumping on the back of a horse does come with risk, I wear helmet to keep myself safe for my friends and family.
One of the helmets that I’ve been riding in recently has been exceedingly lovely. Not only does it look sleek and sophisticated enough for the show ring…it also provides a nice fit, and keeps my head from overheating. I’m talking about the Troxel ES helmet.
My very first riding helmet was a Troxel. And to this day, I have many memories and pictures of myself riding in that navy blue helmet. It was not the most sleek or stylish helmet, but I was oh so very proud to wear it, just the same.
The Troxel ES is vastly different to the helmet of my youth … words like sleek and stylish immediately sprung into my mind the first time that I saw the helmet. And when I tried it on for the first time, it fit great and looking simply fabulous.
About the fit … the Troxel ES helmet features the SureFit Elite fit system, along with Flip Fold fit adjustment technology. The SureFit Elite system features a Comfort Cradle, that uses elastic straps that self adjust to accommodate the size and shape of a riders head.
The SureFit Elite system features an adjustable slider to tighten or loosen the EverFlex straps that adjust to the riders head. In addition, the Flip Fold System provides an adjustable liner that can easily be made thicker or thinner to accommodate various head shapes.
Along with some terrific fit technology, the ES helmet also boasts features to enhance comfort. Air channel technology, along with mesh covered cluster vents help to promote air flow. And, an open cell foam moisture wicking headliner helps to pull away sweat.
But I haven’t even touched upon one of my very favorite features of the Troxel ES helmet … and that is the Self Locking Buckle. So what exactly is the Self Locking Buckle? And more importantly, why is functional and really pretty awesome at the same time?
The Self Locking Buckle features an advanced magnetic fastener, which allows it to close in a virtually automatic way. Just one click, without any pinching, and the durable buckle is fastened. And what’s even better? I can use one hand to unfasten it!
I’ve been very happy to have the opportunity to spend so much time riding in the ES helmet. The helmet does indeed look fabulous, as evidenced by the many compliments that I get while wearing it. The fit also works very well, and the helmet stays in place just so.
No matter how much I bounce around, or how active I am in the saddle, my helmet stays put. No sliding, or slipping. I’m happy with the way the SureFit Elite System cradles my head. And, I made use of the super easy Flip Fold system to get just the right fit.
I also find that the air channel technology, paired with the mesh covered cluster vents do a nice job keeping me from overheating. Plus, the open cell foam moisture wicking headliner helps to wick away sweat to keep me comfortable.
And let’s not forget the Self Locking Buckle. I can easily fasten and unfasten the buckle with a single gloved hand. Let’s add the fact that it opens and closes without pinching me, and I’m pretty much smitten with this particular buckle!
But I saved the best part for last. While I’ve been very happy with the overall appearance and functionality of the ASTM/SEI certified ES helmet, I’m completly shocked when I look at the very affordable and budget friendly price tag.
The Troxel ES helmet is available in sizes S through XL, in both black/black and black/silver (pictured). It has a retail price of $109.95, and you can learn more about it here.
Go Functional and Stylish Helmets. Go Troxel. Go Eventing.