Something new · Rider to rider
Charles Owen vs Trauma Void, One K, IRH and Equinavia Helmets
The helmet that fits your head shape, matched to the Charles Owen you know, for less time hunting.
Riders comparing a Charles Owen with Trauma Void, One K, IRH and Equinavia choose by head shape first, then heat, MIPS and price tier. Here is each Charles Owen model beside the closest helmet to try, in riders' own words.
The short version
If you wore a Charles Owen: the helmets to try first
Trauma Void's EQ3 NEOZ is the helmet to hold up against a Charles Owen AYR8 Plus, and One K's Defender in Long Oval is the one to try against a MyPS.
If you wore
AYR8 Plus, show ring
Riders switch to
Trauma Void EQ3 NEOZA show-profile helmet with MIPS, a rear adjuster, a one-handed magnetic snap and a washable liner, as Trauma Void lists it.
Shop nowIf you wore
Halo MIPS
Riders switch to
Trauma Void Lynx Smooth TopA round-fit helmet in small, medium and large with MIPS and a washable Coolmax liner.
Shop nowIf you wore
MyPS, longer front to back
Riders switch to
One K DefenderMade in Regular/Round and Long Oval shells, with refit liners to fine-tune the fit.
Shop nowIf you wore
A wide-brim MIPS look
Riders switch to
One K MIPS CCS Avance Wide BrimA wide brim with MIPS, in the same two head shapes as the Defender.
Shop nowIf you wore
Kylo, dial-fit schooling
Riders switch to
Equinavia GardianA lightweight, low-profile helmet with a dial adjuster and a removable, washable liner.
Shop nowIf you wore
4Star or MS1 Pro skull cap
Riders switch to
Trauma Void Lynx Eventing SkullA skull cap of about 560 grams with no visor that laces at the neck.
Shop nowAvailability
Is Charles Owen hard to find right now?
Charles Owen ended UK production on 19 December 2025, so some of its helmets are hard to find, and the company says some models may return, so availability is uncertain. The Kylo, Phoenix, Kontor, Shadow and Eclipse are made by outside partners and continue. If your model has been hard to find, these are the helmets riders move to.
Riders moved to
Rider voices
What riders say after leaving Charles Owen
Riders tell us a Charles Owen that stopped fitting, or ran hot, is the usual reason they try something else.
A fit that finally worked
The helmets they point to
Trauma Void EQ3 NEOZIRH IR4G XLT
Riders who wore Charles Owens for years say a Trauma Void or an IRH fit them better.
See head shapeCooler on a hot day
The helmets they point to
Riders who moved from Charles Owen to One K notice the airflow right away.
See One KRound heads and long ovals
The helmets they point to
Trauma Void Lynx Smooth TopOne K Defender
Riders with very round or very long heads find a fit in these shapes.
See head shapeA fit that finally worked
One rider calls her Trauma Void a huge uptick in quality of life after headaches in her Charles Owens, another found the newer Charles Owen models no longer fit and chose IRH, and a third says her IRH fits perfectly where the Charles Owen did not fit at all.
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.
Trauma Void EQ3
I got a new Trauma Void EQ3 and so far it's MUCH better than almost all my CO helmets.
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!
IRH helmets
I have an IRH that fits perfectly but the Charles Owen and GPA does not fit at all.
Cooler on a hot day
One rider noticed the airflow the first time she wore her One K after years in Charles Owens, another says the vents keep her head far cooler than her Wellington Classic, and a third noticed a clear temperature difference after her GR8.
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.
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!
Round heads and long ovals
A rider with a very round head says the Trauma Void EQ3 fits her super well, another with a very round head fits even a long oval One K, and another went from a GR8 to a long oval One K and has not looked back, and a rider with a very large oval head tried Charles Owen models before choosing an Equinavia.
I've got a very round head and the Trauma Void EQ3 fits me super well. It's quite comfortable. It does have a washable liner and comes in navy!
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.
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.
Side by side
Charles Owen vs the helmets we carry, side by side
Charles Owen builds around its Round Fit family and an oval benchmark, and the helmets here answer with different shells, liners and adjusters. Charles Owen details are the maker's and riders' own descriptions; the others are the makers' listings.
| What you compare | Charles Owen | Helmets we carry | Honest note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head shape | Round Fit family; riders describe older lines as oval to long oval | Trauma Void Lynx: round fit. One K: Regular/Round or Long Oval. IRH: riders report a long oval fit | Measure first; the shells differ by brand. |
| Fit adjustment | Fixed fit; Kylo has a dial | Trauma Void: rear wheel adjuster. One K: refit liners. IRH: two liner thicknesses with the IR4G XLT. Equinavia: dial | Charles Owen's Kylo and Equinavia's Gardian both use a dial. |
| Washable liner | Check the model | Trauma Void, One K, IRH and Equinavia list washable or removable liners | Liners are the easiest part of the fit to change. |
| MIPS | On some models | Trauma Void NEOZ and Lynx, One K MIPS CCS, Equinavia Crown MIPS | MIPS is a feature, not a rating. |
| Price tier | Kylo lower; AYR8 Plus and Halo higher | Equinavia lowest; IRH and Trauma Void in the middle; One K MIPS CCS highest | See the price tiers below. |
Price tiers
Which helmet to try for each Charles Owen, by price tier
Equinavia sits at the lowest tier here, Trauma Void and IRH in the middle, and One K's MIPS CCS helmets at the top.
Price tiers among these picks: $ (lowest) to $$$$ (highest)
| If you wore | Riders switch to | Why riders choose it |
|---|---|---|
| AYR8 Plus | The closest show profile, with MIPS and a washable liner. | |
| Halo MIPS | MIPS in a round fit, or in a wide-brim shape with two head shapes. | |
| MyPS, long oval | Long Oval shell, or two liner thicknesses to tune the fit. | |
| Kylo | The same dial-fit idea in a lower tier; the Skylar adds a ponytail cut-out. | |
| 4Star or MS1 Pro skull cap | A no-visor skull cap that laces at the neck. | |
| Wider brim, lower tier | A wide brim without the top tier. |
Fit tip
Wrap a soft tape about an inch above your eyebrows and compare front-to-back with ear to ear: close numbers point to a round fit, a longer front-to-back points to Long Oval.Trauma Void
Charles Owen vs Trauma Void: Lynx, EQ3 NEOZ and Lynx Eventing
Trauma Void's EQ3 NEOZ and Lynx Smooth Top are the helmets we carry closest to a Charles Owen AYR8 Plus or Halo MIPS: Trauma Void lists MIPS on both, a washable Coolmax liner and a rear adjuster, and the NEOZ adds a one-handed magnetic snap.
The Lynx Smooth Top has a round fit in small, medium and large and weighs 600 grams as Trauma Void lists it, and Trauma Void lists the EQ3 NEOZ as SEI ASTM F1163-23 certified. In place of a 4Star or MS1 Pro skull cap, the Lynx Eventing Skull weighs about 560 grams and laces at the neck.
In fairness
Some riders find a Trauma Void too round for a Charles Owen-shaped head, so try the Lynx and the NEOZ before you commit.Shop Trauma Void helmets
Shop all ›One K
Charles Owen vs One K: Defender, Avance and refit liners
One K's Defender and MIPS CCS Avance Wide Brim are the One K helmets to try when leaving a Charles Owen: One K makes its Defender and Avance in two head shapes, Regular/Round and Long Oval, and sells refit liners to change the fit.
One K lists a polycarbonate and ABS composite shell, a washable, quick-dry, moisture-wicking liner and vents on the Defender, and lists the MIPS CCS Avance Wide Brim with MIPS and ASTM certification. Long Oval is shaped for a head longer front-to-back than side-to-side.
In fairness
Charles Owen's Round Fit family covers a wide range of heads, and one rider finds One Ks sit a little shallow for a tall crown, so try both shapes.Shop One K helmets
Shop all ›IRH
Charles Owen vs IRH: IR4G XLT, F1 Wide Brim and two liners
IRH's IR4G XLT and F1 Wide Brim are the IRH helmets to try for riders who want an adjustable-liner helmet: IRH ships the IR4G XLT with two moisture-wicking, machine-washable liners in different thicknesses, and the F1 Wide Brim with two liner thicknesses too.
IRH lists the IR4G XLT with ventilation ports in front, top and back and a quick-release chinstrap, and states ASTM F1163-15. The F1 Wide Brim has a lightweight shell and a wide brim.
In fairness
IRH fits by liner thickness rather than a dial, so try both liners on before you choose.Shop IRH helmets
Shop all ›Equinavia
Charles Owen vs Equinavia: Gardian, Skylar and Crown MIPS
Equinavia's Gardian and Skylar are the helmets to try for a Kylo, and the Crown MIPS is the one to look at beside a MyPS: Equinavia lists a dial-adjustable fit and a removable, washable liner on each of the three.
The Crown MIPS lists MIPS, a wide brim, a chrome-coated frame with front, top and rear vents, and ASTM F1163-23/SEI and CE EN 1384:2023 certification. The Gardian is lightweight and low-profile with front and rear vents, and the Skylar adds a ponytail cut-out.
In fairness
The Gardian and Skylar are simpler helmets than a Charles Owen show helmet, so try one on to judge the look and the fit.Fit first
Round head, long oval or hair up: which helmet to try first
Match the helmet to your head shape first: Trauma Void describes the Lynx as a round fit, One K makes its Defender and Avance in Regular/Round and Long Oval, and a dial-fit Equinavia Gardian or Skylar lets you fine-tune between sizes.
Our oval riding helmets page gathers the long oval fits. For hair up, the Skylar has a ponytail cut-out and One K sells refit liners that change the fit for a bun or pony. Riders tell us fit and looks decide it: one wanted a helmet that fit well and looked attractive, another loves that her Gardian adjusts for hair up and hair down, and one took the same size in a Trauma Void as in her Charles Owen.
In fairness
Sizing carries over loosely from brand to brand, so check the size against your own measurement.Trauma Void helmets
I ended up with the same size as I wear in my CO AYR8 (and previous GR8), which is a perfect fit for me.
IRH helmets
I bought this helmet for my huge, English(hunter under saddle/equitation), AQHA classes. I needed an upgrade from an older helmet, and I needed something that would fit my head well, be comfortable throughout the whole class, and something that would look attractive, and not make my head look like a bowling ball.
Just love this helmet. Looks great, very comfortable, love that it is adjustable (for hair up and hair down)
I got the black and gunmetal, and it is one of the sleekest helmets I have ever owned. The brim is just wide enough to look attractive and be functional without it being overdone.
Independent lab ratings
How the helmets we carry rate at Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech's helmet lab rates 54 helmets in its 2026 equestrian table, and Trauma Void's EQ3 NEOZ leads the helmets we carry with 4 stars, sixth. The same table rates the Charles Owen AYR8 Plus at 3 stars, tenth.
| Helmet | As Virginia Tech lists it | Rank of 54 | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trauma Void EQ3 NEOZ Helmet | TRAUMA VOID NEOZ EQ3 | 6 | 4 stars |
| Trauma Void Pardus Smooth Helmet | TRAUMA VOID PARDUS MIPS | 18 | 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 lower rank number is a better score. Virginia Tech scores helmets in lab impact tests; its table does not measure fit or comfort.
In fairness
What Charles Owen does well
Charles Owen is the show-ring helmet many riders learned on, and its strengths are real.
If you have an oval or long-oval head and a Charles Owen fits you, the AYR8 Plus shape is a benchmark riders compare others against.
If you want a dial-fit schooling helmet from Charles Owen, the Kylo is made by an outside partner and continues.
If you want a Round Fit helmet from a name with a long record in the show ring, Charles Owen has one.
If a Charles Owen fits you well today, trust that, and keep it for as long as it lasts.
Charles Owen vs Trauma Void, One K, IRH and Equinavia: your questions
How do Trauma Void helmets compare with Charles Owen?
Trauma Void's EQ3 NEOZ and Lynx Smooth Top are the closest to an AYR8 Plus or Halo MIPS, with MIPS, a washable liner and a rear adjuster. Virginia Tech's 2026 table rates the NEOZ EQ3 at 4 stars. Virginia Tech does not measure fit, so try the Lynx for a rounder head.
CloseOne K vs Charles Owen: which fits my head shape?
Fit depends on head shape, so measure first. One K makes its Defender and Avance in Regular/Round, for near-equal front-to-back and side-to-side measurements, and Long Oval, for a head longer front-to-back, and sells refit liners. Try both shapes.
CloseHow does an IRH helmet compare with a Charles Owen?
IRH's IR4G XLT comes with two machine-washable liners in different thicknesses, and the F1 Wide Brim adds a wide brim. Riders tell us an IRH fit them when a Charles Owen did not. Try an IRH on with your hair the way you ride.
CloseWhich runs cooler, a One K or a Charles Owen?
One K lists vents and a washable, moisture-wicking liner, and riders who moved to One K say it ran noticeably cooler than their Charles Owens. Try a vented model such as the Defender.
CloseIs Charles Owen still making helmets?
Charles Owen ended UK production on 19 December 2025 and says some models may return, so availability is uncertain. The Kylo and a few other lines are made by outside partners and continue. If your model has been hard to find, start with the Trauma Void, One K, IRH and Equinavia helmets above.
CloseWhere can I read more comparisons like this?
Riders comparing Charles Owen with the helmets we carry also read these guides on Charles Owen alternatives, other helmet brands and head-to-head comparisons.
- Can't find Charles Owen? Alternatives
- 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
- 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
- Champion vs Trauma Void helmets
- Tipperary Windsor alternatives: wide-brim and MIPS helmets riders try
Brands we carry
Find your helmet shape
Measure your head, then try the Trauma Void, One K, IRH or Equinavia that matches.
How we built this guide: Charles Owen status is from trade press reports of November 2025, checked November 2026. Trauma Void, One K, IRH and Equinavia details are from the makers' listings, checked November 2026. Ratings are Virginia Tech's 2026 table. Rider words are quoted as posted.