I bought this hat at the beginning of the summer as I didn't want to keep using my GPA hat for work, the GPA is an expensive hat (around £260) so I didn't want to use it for everyday use, especially as I fall off so much at work! When I was looking for a new hat I think this one stood out because of the colour, I have the gold one but it also comes in pink, silver and black. I decided to try one on, the first thing that I noticed was how light it was, the fit was good and it felt very comfortable. I will always favour the GPA for shows and hunting as it looks allot smarter but I really do prefer the Charles Owen Pro II for everyday use.
This hat comes with a free skill, the Charles Owen skills are made very small so that they don't cover the whole of the hat (see picture), I like that way this looks especially on the gold, the silk has a Velcro patch on each side to stick it to the hat so that it doesn't blow off in the wind although, it has blown of mine once but to be fair it was quite windy and I was galloping.
The harness and chinstrap are very comfortable, the harness is padded around the ears and neck and the chin strap is easy to adjust, fasten and undo
The Charles Owen Pro II has Ventilation holes at the front and rear. I have ridden in this hat all summer, when the weather has been really warm or when I have been working hard my head has got a bit hot and sweaty (attractive!) but for general everyday riding these vents do work.
Fit
I had my head measured by a qualified hat fitter, I measure a size 1.5 but when I tried that size hat on it felt way to small so I got a size 2. After riding it in for a few days I had to take it back and get more padding put in as it was to big...should of listened to the professional! I suggest that you always get your head measured by a pro before you buy a new hat.
Price
The Charles Owen Pro II costs between £89 and £98 depending on where you get it from. I think this is brilliant value for money. My GPA cost me about £260 and I can honestly say that I prefer the Pro II to the GPA for everyday use.
Features
- Ventilation holes front and rear
- Embedded high tech silver ions for antibacterial protection
- Revolutionary Sux technology for unrivalled fit
- Heat reflective paint finish
- Includes Free Airflow cover
Specifications
- Conforms to safety standards PAS015 and BSEN1384
- Carries BSI Kitemark
Overall view
I love this hat!! I would recommend it to anybody, if you are looking for something stylish to ride in everyday that won't break the bank this is the hat for you. It is so comfortable and light, I love mine and if I lost it today I would buy another one tomorrow without giving it a second thought.
The Charles Owen Pro II gets 5 Stars *****
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