Welcome to EN’s Product Review series! Join us as we test new gear and a variety of different products to help you take the guess work out of shopping for your horse. If you have a product you'd like EN to test, please email [email protected]. Go Shopping.
The Uvex Perfexxion Active CC Helmet. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Is your head long, narrow or round? Is your forehead shallow, square or tall? The shape of your head and forehead can make all the difference when it comes to whether or not your helmet is comfortable to wear and fits you properly. While many helmet companies now offer adjustable features, it’s still a struggle to find a way to customize a helmet to fit your head perfectly.
Until Uvex. A trusted German manufacturer of helmets for winter sports, cycling and equestrian, Uvex helmets have long been popular with eventers over in Europe. Riders like our current World Champion Sandra Auffarth, Ingrid Klimke and Sam Griffiths all wear them, and they’re starting to be seen more in the U.S.
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- Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh at Badminton. Photo by Jenni Autry.
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- Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo. Photo by Jenni Autry.
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- Liz Halliday-Sharp and HHS Cooley. Photo by Jenni Autry.
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- Tattersalls CCI3* leaders Sam Griffiths and Favorit Z. Photo by Libby Law Photography.
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- Ingrid Klimke and FRH Escada JS. Photo by Jenni Autry.
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- Kate Chadderton and Buckharo. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Liz Halliday-Sharp and Kate Chadderton both wear Uvex, and the market is starting to expand to the U.S. So why do so many top riders love Uvex? I’d never really thought much about the shape of my head and forehead until I tried the Uvex Perfexxion Active CC Helmet, which is adjustable not just in width but in height too thanks to the IAS 3D system.
The turn dial at the back makes the helmet tighter or looser, and then pushing the dial in and turning it adjusts the height down to the millimeter. Finding a helmet that is fully customizable to the unique shape of your head is a pretty major perk, but the other big thing to like about the Uvex Perfexxion Active CC Helmet is how incredibly lightweight it is while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Uvex Perfexxion Active CC Helmet. Photo by Josh Autry.
The outer shell of the helmet is injection molded to make it impact resistant, while the inner shell is made of shock absorbing and insulating EPS (hard) foam, yet the helmet only weighs about 12 ounces. It’s so lightweight and comfortable that you hardly notice you’re wearing it.
Additionally, the Uvex Perfexxion Active CC Helmet features an air-channeling system through the liner insert and shell, which provides air circulation and pushes heat out. The scientists who developed this innovative circulation technology call it a “personal temperature controlled air conditioning system.”
The helmet’s liner is made of a hygienic, anti-bacterial, anti-allergy, moisture-wicking material that also prevents bacteria growth and fights odors. It’s removable and machine washable, and it comes out of the washing machine looking great every time. The matte outer shell of the helmet also holds up beautifully — just wipe it clean and it looks brand new.
Winter ear warmers! Photo by Josh Autry.
I’ve been riding in this helmet since February when we were still enduring the cold Pennsylvania winters, and another great feature is that you can purchase winter ear warmers to go along with it. The ear warmers slide onto the helmet straps and have an acoustic membrane so you can still hear clearly.
So let’s review all the reasons to love Uvex. Trusted by top eventers? Check. Totally customizable fit? Check. Meets the highest safety standards? Checks. Lightweight? Check. Comfortable ventilation system? Check. Has winter accessories so your ears don’t fall off during those bitterly cold months? Check.
Uvex is Mia approved! Photo by Josh Autry.
If you spot a Uvex helmet at your local tack shop, try it on. The chances you’re going to like how it feels are pretty good. The Uvex Perfexxion Active CC Helmet is available in sizes S-M (55-58 cm), M-L (57-59 cm) and L-XL (60-61 cm) and in black, blue, brown and anthracite.
The matte finish is definitely sleek enough for all three phases — Sam Griffths wore his while winning the dressage at Tattersalls — but the helmet is also available in a model called the Perfexxion Elegance CC, which has the same features but with a high-end velour look.
The Uvex Perfexxion Active CC Helmet helmet has a 4.9/5 star rating on SmartPak’s website, where you can buy it for $279.95 at this link. Click here to see Uvex’s full line of equestrian helmets and here to find a retailer near you.
Go Helmets. Go Uvex. #mindyourmelon
