28/05/2026
Controversial post......it needs to be said. 🙈
The launch of yet another 'riding hat' that doesn't even test to PAS015, I personally find the future or rider safety incredibly disheartening.
What happened to striving to exceed standards and create innovative products that genuinely help reduce serious injury, not just creating something matchy matchy with a fashionable name attached to it?
Seeing riders pay premium prices for European designer names and not actually receive any additional safety benefits in return. In some cases, arguably less.
Now we are flooded with Chinese manufactured hats that cost around £20 to £30 to make. The focus being matchy matchy and interchangeable parts.
Recently, there have also been a lot of missing brands in stores across the country because of issues with batch testing and certification for UK sale. I cannot name brands publicly, but many of you would be genuinely shocked at the list.🙈🙈
The safety chart below says a lot. Look at the difference in what the standards are actually testing for. Crush resistance, rotational impact, pe*******on and extended head coverage all matter, yet not every standard covers them.
Personally, I would like to think brands would aim to exceed standards, not simply meet the minimum requirement for sale.
With the influence some companies have, there is a real opportunity to push rider safety forwards instead of simply cashing in on trends.
Especially now with the loss of Charles Owen manufacturing in the UK, there is a massive opportunity for genuinely innovative design.
The only company to be completely transparent and share their test results is ARRO. The first helmet in the world to incorporate Snell and MIPs with a carbon fibre shell. I wish more would do the same with their tear data and introduce a safety rating system on styles so the consumer can see what they are getting.
If you are in the market for a new riding hat, keep your eyes open. Learn the standards. Ask questions. Never be afraid to ask: “How will this helmet protect me?” and you can ask to see staff training certificates....🫡
Credit to image
