Something new · Rider to rider
Can't Find Charles Owen? Helmet Alternatives Riders Try
The helmet that fits like the Charles Owen you wore, by model and head shape.
Charles Owen helmets have been hard to find since UK production ended in December 2025. Match the model you wore: the Trauma Void EQ3 NEOZ or a One K Defender for an AYR8 look, the IRH IR4G XLT for a MyPS head, and an Equinavia Gardian for a Kylo.
The short version
If you wore a Charles Owen: the helmets riders try next
Trauma Void, One K and IRH cover the Charles Owen models riders move on from, with Equinavia and Ovation dial-fit helmets for Kylo and schooling riders.
If they wore
AYR8 Plus or Halo (show ring)
If they wore
GR8 or AYR8 on an oval head
If they wore
MyPS (long oval head)
If they wore
Kylo
If they wore
4Star or MS1 Pro skull cap
If they wore
JR8 or a schooling helmet
Riders switch to
Deluxe Schooler HelmetAn easy-adjust dial and high-flow vents, at the lowest tier here.
Shop nowCharles Owen status
Why Charles Owen helmets are hard to find right now
Charles Owen helmets are hard to find because the company ended UK production on 19 December 2025, as reported by Horse & Hound and Your Horse. Lines made elsewhere, including the Kylo, Phoenix, Kontor, Shadow and Eclipse, continue, and the company's chief executive has said some of its best-known models may be relaunched in the future. Until then, which models you can buy, and where, is uncertain. These are the helmets riders try in the meantime.
Rider voices
What riders say after switching from Charles Owen
Riders tell us fit and heat decide the switch: a Charles Owen that stopped fitting, or ran warm, gave way to a Trauma Void, One K or IRH.
A Charles Owen that stopped fitting
The helmets they point to
Trauma Void EQ3 NEOZOne K DefenderIRH IR4G XLT
Riders who wore a Charles Owen for years describe a fit that loosened, or newer models that fit differently.
See the swap guideCooler in the summer
The helmets they point to
One K DefenderTrauma Void EQ3 NEOZ
Riders who moved to a One K or a Trauma Void noticed the airflow from the first ride.
See One KOval and long oval heads
The helmets they point to
IRH IR4G XLTEquinavia Crown MIPS
Riders with oval heads point to a One K in Long Oval sizes and to the Crown MIPS.
See the long oval picksA Charles Owen that stopped fitting
Trauma Void and IRH are the brands these riders moved to.
Trauma Void helmets
The Trauma Void helmets fit me SOOO much better than the Charles Owens. It’s been a huge uptick in my quality of life. I can’t even describe. I was a devoted CO owner but had issues along the way. Headaches, helmets would only fit well for 7 months or so and then they’d stretch.
IRH helmets
I had a Charles Owen for years, and then when I went to update I found that the newer models just didn’t fit me well- so IRH it is for me!
Cooler in the summer
Several riders compare the vents of a One K Defender with a Charles Owen they wore before.
One K helmets
I've got a OneK now, after having COs for years. I really love how much cooler it is; the first time I wore it, the airflow was noticeable.
Trauma Void helmets
I own the helmet and it is much, much cooler than my CO Ayr8 - closer to how cool my old Tipperary was.
I have the One K defender in matte, and it is literally the most comfortable helmet I have ever tried on!!! The vents keep my head way cooler than my Charles Owen Wellington Classic!
One K helmets
One k. Cooler than my Tipperary sportage was, much cooler than my ayr8, love the washable liner. Love the fit- only helmet I've ever worn where I forget I'm wearing a helmet.
Oval and long oval heads
One rider moved from a GR8 to a long oval One K; another found the Crown MIPS after trying Charles Owen models in store.
One K helmets
I went from a GR8 to a OneK in long oval and haven't looked back. I remember wearing it the first time and the temperature difference being notable.
I have the Equinavia Crown MIPS helmet for my very large oval head and I love it. There's a limited range of brands where I live, I drove around a bunch of tack stores, tried on a few MIPS and CO models and none were right.
Independent lab ratings
How the helmets we carry rate at Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech's helmet lab rates the Trauma Void NEOZ EQ3 and Lynx Eventing MIPS at 4 stars, sixth and seventh of 54 helmets in its 2026 equestrian table, and the TuffRider and Equinavia helmets below at 3 stars.
| Helmet | As Virginia Tech lists it | Rank of 54 | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trauma Void EQ3 NEOZ Helmet | TRAUMA VOID NEOZ EQ3 | 6 | 4 stars |
| Trauma Void Lynx Eventing Skull | TRAUMA VOID LYNX EVENTING MIPS | 7 | 4 stars |
| TuffRider Carbon Fiber Shell Helmet | TUFFRIDER CARBON FIBER | 13 | 3 stars |
| Equinavia Gardian Riding Helmet | EQUINAVIA GARDIAN | 20 | 3 stars |
| Equinavia Skylar Riding Helmet | EQUINAVIA SKYLAR | 26 | 3 stars |
Ranks, stars and model names as Virginia Tech's 2026 table lists them. A rating belongs to that model, not the whole brand, and the table does not measure fit or comfort.
Swap guide
Swap guide: the Charles Owen you wore and the helmet to try
Find your Charles Owen model in the left column. The helmets riders move to sit beside it, with a price tier for each.
Price tiers among these picks: $ (lowest) to $$$$ (highest)
| If you wore | Riders switch to | Why riders choose it |
|---|---|---|
| AYR8 Plus or Halo (show ring) | A clean, low-profile show shell; the Marzia adds a wide brim and an adjustable dial. | |
| GR8 or AYR8 (oval head) | Vents, a washable liner and Long Oval sizes for a head longer front-to-back. | |
| MyPS (oval or long oval head) | A longer shell with a second liner, or a dial and a wide brim. | |
| Kylo | An easy-adjust dial, a removable liner and a light, low-profile shell. | |
| 4Star or MS1 Pro skull cap | No peak, lacing at the neck and a washable lining. | |
| JR8 or a junior schooling helmet | A dial or junior sizing that fits now. |
Fit tip
Start with the Charles Owen you wore, then your head shape. Measure about an inch above your eyebrows and compare front-to-back with ear-to-ear: nearly equal points to Trauma Void or a Regular/Round One K, noticeably longer front-to-back to a Long Oval One K or the IRH XLT. Between two sizes, choose a dial-fit helmet.Show ring
Show-ring picks to replace an AYR8 or Halo
Trauma Void's EQ3 NEOZ is the show-ring helmet to try in place of an AYR8 Plus or Halo. It has a minimalist design, an adjustment wheel, a one-hand magnetic fastener and a removable Coolmax liner.
The Shires Karben Sonic Marzia Wide Peak is the wider-brim option: it pairs a matte shell and leather-textured crown with an adjustable dial, and Karben reports certification to ASTM F1163-23, EN1384:2023 and PAS015:2011.
In fairness
Trauma Void describes the EQ3 as designed for a rounder head. If yours is long oval, the One K and IRH picks below are the better starting point.Shop Trauma Void helmets
Shop all ›Fit and heat
One K: Defender and MIPS CCS for GR8 and AYR8 riders
One K's Defender is the helmet to try if you wore a GR8 or AYR8 and want more airflow and a different fit. The Defender has vents, a washable, moisture-wicking liner and hook-and-loop adjustment, and One K makes it in Long Oval sizes.
The One K MIPS CCS adds MIPS and a customizable color system for riders who want it.
In fairness
One K fits differently from a Charles Owen, so try it on rather than assuming your old size. If your head is nearly round, check that the shape you choose is the Regular or Round one.One K helmets
I CANNOT fit in a CO. I tried both Samshield and One K (was prepared to buy whatever fit better), and it was the One K.
One K helmets
I have a very round head (I cannot wear Charles Owen, at all) and even the “long oval” OneK fits me, probably because it has a lot of padding.
Shop One K helmets
Shop all ›Long oval heads
Long oval heads: the IRH XLT and Equinavia Crown MIPS
IRH's IR4G XLT is the long oval helmet to try if you wore a MyPS. IRH ships it with 2 machine-washable liners in 2 thicknesses to tune the fit.
The Equinavia Crown MIPS is the other pick: a MIPS show helmet with a dial-adjustable fit and a wide brim.
In fairness
IRH makes the XLT without MIPS. If you want MIPS in a show helmet, the Crown MIPS or a One K MIPS CCS is the pick.Shop IRH long oval helmets
Shop all ›Kylo, schooling and junior
Kylo, schooling and junior: dial-fit helmets
Equinavia's Gardian and Skylar are the Kylo alternatives to try first: each has a low profile, an easy-adjust dial and a removable Coolmax liner, and the Skylar adds a breakaway peak and a ponytail cut-out.
The Ovation Deluxe Schooler pairs an easy-adjust dial with high-flow vents and a washable liner, and for a JR8 rider One K makes the MIPS Jr CCS.
In fairness
The Gardian, Skylar and Schooler sit a tier below the Trauma Void and One K helmets above. Choose them for the dial fit and the value.I have an oval head, but I find in terms of ventilation my CO AYR8 is better than the old velvet helmets; the OneK (oval) is better than the AYR8; the Ovation Schooler is the best (maybe even a bit better than Tipperary, but it's been a while since I had one of those as they didn't quite work on my head after they changed it).
My favorite helmet is the GR8, but on hot humid days I wear an Ovation schooler. It's pretty comfortable and a good bit lighter than the CO.
Shop Ovation helmets
Shop all ›Before you try a new brand
Measure your head before you try a new brand
Measuring your head is the first step with any new brand, because each maker shapes its shells differently and a Charles Owen size is only a starting point.
Wrap a soft tape around your head about an inch above your eyebrows and note the circumference. Compare front-to-back with ear-to-ear: nearly equal suggests a round head, noticeably longer front-to-back an oval or long oval one.
Choose the maker's shape and size, then try it on: it should sit level and snug, with no pressure at the temples or forehead. Nod and shake your head; if the helmet shifts on your skin, try the next shape or a dial-fit model before a bigger size.
In fairness
What Charles Owen does well
Riders who wore a Charles Owen often had good reasons, and some of them still apply.
If your Charles Owen still fits, keep it: Charles Owen says more than two-thirds of its models come in a Round Fit, and a helmet that fits well is worth wearing.
If you loved a velvet hunt cap or a custom-built helmet, Charles Owen's Fian, Hampton and custom lines are what the brand is known for, so measure and try a new shape before you commit.
If you wore a Kylo, it is one of the lines the company says is made outside the UK and continues.
Charles Owen alternatives: questions riders ask
Is Charles Owen still available in the US?
Some Charles Owen helmets are hard to find in the US. UK production ended on 19 December 2025; lines made elsewhere, such as the Kylo, continue, and the company has said some models may return. If you need a helmet now, find your old model in the swap guide and try the closest match.
CloseWhat helmet fits like a Charles Owen?
The closest fit depends on the model you wore and your head shape. Round heads often try Trauma Void or a Regular/Round One K; oval and long oval heads try One K Long Oval, the IRH IR4G XLT or the Equinavia Crown MIPS. Measure your head, then try two or three on.
CloseWhat is a good alternative to the Charles Owen Kylo?
Kylo riders can try the Equinavia Gardian or Skylar or the Ovation Deluxe Schooler. All three have an easy-adjust dial, a removable washable liner and a light, low-profile shell. Choose the size for your measurement and use the dial to fine-tune the fit.
CloseWhat can replace a Charles Owen AYR8 Plus?
For the AYR8 Plus show look, try the Trauma Void EQ3 NEOZ, the Shires Karben Sonic Marzia Wide Peak or a One K Defender. The NEOZ has a one-hand magnetic fastener, and the Marzia has a wide brim and dial fit. Oval heads should also try a One K in Long Oval.
CloseWhich riding helmets fit a long oval head?
Try One K in Long Oval, the IRH IR4G XLT and the Equinavia Crown MIPS first: One K's Long Oval shape is longer front-to-back, the XLT has 2 liners, and the Crown MIPS has a dial. Measure front-to-back and ear-to-ear, then try them on.
CloseWhere can I read more comparisons like this?
Riders replacing a Charles Owen also read these guides to compare fit and ratings across helmet brands.
- Charles Owen AYR8 Plus, Halo MIPS and velvet-look show helmets: alternatives
- Charles Owen Kylo: alternatives
- Charles Owen MyPS and long-oval fit: alternatives
- Charles Owen skull caps (MS1 Pro, 4Star, Pro II Plus) and JR8: alternatives
- Charles Owen vs Trauma Void, One K, IRH, Equinavia and Troxel
- Champion helmets no longer sold in the US? Alternatives
- Shopping for alternatives? KASK helmets
- Shopping for alternatives? Tipperary helmets and vests
- Shopping for alternatives: Samshield helmets
- Miss Shield alternatives: wide-brim helmets to try
Brands we carry
Helmet brands riders chose after a Charles Owen
Every helmet on this page comes from a brand we carry: Trauma Void, One K, IRH, Equinavia, Ovation, Shires Karben and TuffRider.
How we built this guide: Virginia Tech ratings from the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab's 2026 equestrian table of 54 helmets, checked October 2026. Charles Owen's production status from Horse & Hound and Your Horse reports of November 2025, checked November 3, 2026.