A cowboy hat helmet cover is a hat-shaped covering worn over a riding helmet for a western look. Use one only if your helmet's maker approves it for that model, because a cover can change fit, harness position and visibility. Otherwise choose a certified hat-shaped helmet or a maker-made add-on brim.
Giving up a perfectly shaped felt hat for a helmet can feel like a big compromise, and a cover looks like an easy fix: slip a hat-shaped layer over the helmet you already own. It can work, but only on the right helmet and with the right fit. This guide covers what a cowboy hat helmet cover is, why it never replaces a certified helmet, how to match and fit one, what to watch for with vents and weather, and how to inspect and care for the cover and the helmet under it. If you would rather have the hat built into the helmet, our helmet cowboy hat guide covers hat-shaped helmets in depth.
Key Takeaways
- Look for the certification label first: The western style draws you in, but certification matters most. In the US, look for ASTM F1163 certified through the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) on the maker's page and the SEI tag inside the helmet.
- Treat covers and brims as part of the helmet: Only add a cover or brim that the helmet's maker makes or approves for your exact model, and follow its instructions. If the maker doesn't say, ask before you ride.
- Know when to replace your helmet: Replace it after a fall or impact, even if it looks undamaged. Troxel recommends replacing an equestrian helmet every five years, and Resistol says within five years from the date of purchase.
What Is a Cowboy Hat Helmet Cover?
A cowboy hat helmet cover is a removable, hat-shaped covering that fits over a certified riding helmet to give it a felt or straw cowboy hat look. The helmet underneath does the protecting; the cover only changes how it looks. That makes a cover different from a cowboy hat helmet, where the maker builds the hat and the helmet together.
Cover or Cowboy Hat Helmet?
For years, riders had to choose between a traditional hat and a certified helmet. There are now two ways to close that gap. A hat-shaped helmet, such as Resistol's RideSafe, puts a felt or straw hat that Resistol says is made in Garland, Texas over a rigid ABS shell and EPS foam liner, and Resistol's product page says the headgear is designed to meet ASTM safety standards. A cover works the other way round: you start with a certified helmet and add a hat-shaped layer on top. Either way, the protection comes from the helmet, never from the hat.
Helmet, Cover or Brim: What's the Difference?
Three things often get lumped together, and it helps to separate them.
- Hat-shaped helmet: The hat is built in. The maker designed the helmet and the hat together and states its certification for the finished helmet, as Resistol does for the RideSafe.
- Maker-made add-on brim: A brim the helmet's maker designs for its own models, such as Troxel's Helmet Brimmer, which attaches with Troxel's own system to helmets on Troxel's compatibility chart.
- Cover: A fabric or hat-shaped covering that slips over a helmet's shell to change its look. Some helmet makers sell their own covers; many covers online come from other sellers.
The difference matters because only the helmet's maker can tell you how its helmet should be worn. A cover from another seller is not part of the helmet the maker tested.
What a Cover Does and Doesn't Do
A cover changes the look, and depending on its material it may help shield the helmet's surface from scuffs. It doesn't protect your head, and it doesn't turn a felt, straw or synthetic hat into a riding helmet. A cover on its own is never a safety helmet. If the helmet underneath is damaged, too old, poorly fitted or not certified for riding, a cover can't fix that.
A suitable cover leaves the helmet working the way its maker intended. The helmet stays snug and level, the harness isn't trapped or twisted, the vents stay open and you can still see straight ahead and to the sides. If a cover makes any of those checks harder, take it off or choose a different one.
Not to Be Confused with Hard Hats or Football Helmets
It's easy to hear "helmet" and picture something bulky. A football helmet is designed for a contact sport. A cowboy hard hat sold for construction or ranch work is built to an industrial standard such as ANSI. Neither is certified to the equestrian standard. A certified riding helmet is built and tested for riding, and a hat-shaped one adds the classic western look. A traditional felt or straw hat, however good it looks, isn't designed or tested to protect your head in a fall.
The Helmet Underneath Does the Protecting
Beneath the classic exterior is a helmet. Resistol describes the RideSafe's ABS shell as distributing the force of an impact while resisting penetration, and its high-density EPS foam as crushing to absorb the energy of an impact. Certified helmets in the US are certified to ASTM F1163, the standard for protective headgear used in horse sports and horseback riding. Even then, no helmet can prevent every injury; Resistol states that no headgear can protect the wearer against all possible impacts. Whether you choose a hat-shaped helmet or a certified helmet under a maker-approved cover, the certification belongs to the helmet, not to the hat or the cover.
Why Riding Without a Helmet Isn't Worth the Risk
The decision to wear a helmet is personal, but it has consequences. However many years you've spent in the saddle and however well you know your horse, accidents happen. Horses are powerful animals, and a trip or a spook can lead to a fall in a split second. Your skill and experience are invaluable, but they can't protect your head from hitting the ground or a stray hoof. It's a tough conversation, but one worth having for the love of the ride and the people waiting for you at home.
What the Rulebooks Say About Risk
Even the rule writers are clear that headgear has limits. GR801.1 of the 2026 USEF Rule Book (GR8, Conduct of Licensed Competitions) cautions riders that death or serious injury may result despite wearing headgear, because no helmet can protect against all foreseeable injuries. That isn't a reason to skip a helmet. It's a reason to choose a certified one, fit it properly and ride sensibly.
How Helmets Provide Protection
A certified equestrian helmet is engineered to do one job: help protect your head. When you fall, the hard outer shell spreads the force of the impact over a wider area and resists penetration. Inside, crushable foam absorbs the energy, slowing your head down more gradually. Because the foam crushes, the helmet is a one-time system; Troxel says equestrian helmets are made for one impact event only. It's not just a hat; it's protection for your most vital organ.
Western Tradition vs. Modern Safety
For many western riders, the classic cowboy hat is more than headwear. It's a symbol of heritage, identity and a way of life. Trading that silhouette for a helmet can feel like turning your back on tradition. That attachment is powerful, and it creates real tension between a cherished look and modern safety. More riders are showing you don't have to choose. It's about finding a balance where respect for the past meets the practical needs of today.
Cultural Reasons Some Riders Skip Helmets
Resistance to helmets in some circles isn't about being reckless; it's often about respect for tradition. The cowboy hat is an emblem of the American West, and for generations it has been the only headwear riders wore in the arena and on the trail. Many feel a helmet doesn't fit the look or the spirit of western riding. Some still feel a helmet implies a lack of skill, an outdated idea that toughness means going without protection. A cowboy hat is great for sun and rain, but it isn't designed to protect your head in a fall.
Changing Attitudes
The tide is turning as more riders see that safety and tradition can coexist. Every rider who chooses certified headgear helps make helmets normal for the next generation. The rules have room for it too. In the 2026 USEF Western Division chapter, WS104.2 requires a Western hat as part of a rider's attire but says protective headgear may be worn without penalty and does not have to be Western style, and WS104.4 says protective headgear isn't required in Western Division classes unless the rules say otherwise and that its use cannot be penalized.
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Covers, Brims and Hat-Style Helmets: What Makers Say
When you start shopping, a few names come up again and again. Each brings something different, whether a legacy in western hats or a focus on equestrian helmets. Here is what each maker says about its own products, and what we carry.
The Hooves and Paws Collection
Here at Hooves and Paws, we don't currently carry a hat-shaped helmet or a cowboy-hat-style cover. We do carry certified low-profile Western helmets from Troxel, which states that all Troxel helmets are ASTM/SEI-certified, along with Troxel's own accessories, including fabric show covers described below. Low-profile options include the Troxel Spirit Low Profile Western Riding Helmet and the Troxel Dakota Western Riding Helmet. You can compare them all in our riding helmets for Western and English riding.
Resistol RideSafe
Resistol is a legendary name in cowboy hats, and the RideSafe is its hat-shaped helmet. It suits riders who want a helmet that looks and feels like a traditional felt or straw hat. Resistol's product page says this headgear is designed to meet ASTM safety standards and is designed for equestrian use only, and Resistol's RideSafe FAQ explains that SEI certifies protective headgear and has selected ASTM F 1163-15. Resistol's pages don't describe separate covers for the RideSafe; the hat is part of the helmet. We don't carry the RideSafe.
Troxel
Troxel is a well-known equestrian helmet maker. Troxel's certification page states that all Troxel helmets are ASTM/SEI-certified, that SEI has selected ASTM F1163 to evaluate helmet performance, and that certified helmets carry the date of manufacture and the SEI seal under the headliner. Troxel no longer sells a hat-shaped helmet; in a 2016 article it wrote that it once sold an SEI/ASTM certified western hat helmet, and that a black felt hat integrated into a helmet without ventilation may be extremely hot. Instead, Troxel makes low-profile Western helmets and a maker-made add-on brim, the Helmet Brimmer.
On covers, Troxel's FAQ says Troxel-branded helmet covers, headliners and other Troxel accessories can be used on Troxel helmets so long as the user instructions are followed. The same FAQ strongly advises against painting, stickering or attaching other objects to a helmet, and says other modifications may affect the helmet's protective capabilities.
A Word on Cowboy Hard Hats
You may see cowboy-style hard hats sold for construction and ranch work, with ANSI compliance, ratchet suspension and wide brims. They are useful on a work site, but they are not riding helmets. ANSI is an industrial standard, not the equestrian standard, and a hard hat isn't certified for falls from a horse. If you're riding, choose a helmet certified to ASTM F1163 through SEI or another standard on USEF's accepted list.
The Bottom Line on Brands
You don't have to give up your western style to wear certified headgear. Resistol's RideSafe builds a felt or straw hat into a helmet, and Troxel offers low-profile Western helmets plus its own brim accessory. Whatever brand you consider, read the maker's own certification wording for the exact model, and look for the SEI tag when it arrives. If a seller can't show you that, treat the product as a hat, not a helmet.
Cowboy Hat Helmet Covers: What to Know
Covers are where a lot of confusion starts. A cover can be a great way to change a helmet's look, but it is something you add to a certified helmet, and that means the helmet's maker should have the final word.
Maker-Made Covers
Some helmet makers sell their own covers. Troxel, for example, sells the Troxel Equestrian Riding Helmet Covers, which we carry in velvet, Lycra and water-resistant versions. These are fabric show-style covers rather than cowboy hat covers, so they suit riders who want a dressier look in the ring. As with any accessory, check with Troxel that a cover suits your exact helmet model, and make sure it doesn't cover the vents you rely on or interfere with the harness.
Third-Party Cowboy Hat Covers
You'll also find hat-shaped covers from independent sellers, designed to slip over a standard riding helmet and make it look like a felt or straw hat. We don't recommend relying on these unless your helmet's maker approves them for your model. A cover that sits over the shell can change how the helmet fits, move the harness, block vents and change your sightlines. The maker of your helmet is the only one who can tell you whether that setup suits its helmet. If you want to see more on wearing a hat over a helmet, our guide to the cowboy hat helmet vs traditional riding helmet covers that question too.
How to Match a Cover to Your Helmet
Start with the helmet, not the cover. Note your helmet's brand, model and size, and check what that helmet's maker says about covers. A cover sold as one size or universal still has to suit your exact shell. Fit the helmet first, with its dial or pads adjusted and your hair the way you ride, then put the cover on and run the fit checks from the CDC's HEADS UP equestrian helmet fact sheet:
- The front rim sits about an inch above your eyebrows, and the back of the helmet doesn't touch the top of your neck.
- The helmet is snug all around, with no spaces between the padding and your head.
- The side straps make a V shape directly under your ears.
- The chin strap is centered under your chin, with no more than one or two fingers between your chin and the strap.
- Once the chin strap is fastened, the helmet doesn't move in any direction.
- You can see straight forward and side to side.
Then walk around, turn your head and bend forward. If the cover shifts, pulls the helmet out of level or tugs on the straps, it isn't the right match for that helmet.
Ventilation, Heat and Weather
Vents are where a cover can cost you the most comfort. A cover that sits over the shell can block a helmet's vents and hold in heat, which is the problem Troxel described with its old western hat helmet: a black felt hat built into a helmet without ventilation may be extremely hot. Choose a light, breathable cover that leaves the vents open. If your helmet relies on its vents, such as the seven large mesh-covered vents Troxel lists on the Dakota, check that the cover doesn't sit over them.
Weather is the other test. Don't treat a cover as waterproof unless its maker says so; even the water-resistant Troxel cover we carry is described as water resistant, not waterproof. Make sure wind can't lift or twist the cover, and after a wet ride take it off and let both pieces dry as their care instructions say, away from direct heat. On wooded trails, check that a wide brim won't catch on low branches, and in dusty arenas clear grit from around the vents after you ride.
Materials, Brim Shape and Style
Once a cover suits your helmet, the rest is style. Felt gives a classic, dressier look and straw is lighter for summer, but thicker isn't better if it covers vents or adds bulk that moves the helmet. A wide brim gives more shade, but it also catches more wind and can narrow your side vision, so choose a brim that holds its shape and lets you see. Look for neat edges and nothing loose that could snag. If what you really want is the brim rather than a whole hat, a maker-made brim may suit you better than a cover.
Maker-Made Brims as an Alternative
If what you really want from a cover is a brim, a maker-made brim is the clearer choice. Troxel describes its Helmet Brimmer as a 4 1/2 inch wide genuine palm leaf brim with a patent-pending attachment system that lets you securely attach and remove it, in size A or B depending on your helmet. Troxel says it can't be used with the Terrain, Sport, Legacy, non-low profile Spirit or any helmet version made before 2014, and that it isn't suggested for ES model helmets. Check Troxel's Helmet Brimmer size chart for your exact helmet before ordering. Troxel's pages don't address certification for the Brimmer, so ask Troxel if you have questions.
Why We Don't Suggest DIY Covers or Brims
Some creative riders build their own "hellhat" by attaching a cowboy hat brim to a standard helmet. It's a clever idea, but cutting, gluing, drilling or strapping parts onto a helmet changes it in ways its maker didn't test. Resistol, for instance, says its headgear shouldn't be painted or have decals applied unless the maker approves them, because common substances can damage it. If a homemade cover is the only way you'll wear a helmet, talk to your helmet's maker first.
Under-Hat Shells
Another option you might see is an under-hat shell: a hard shell worn underneath a regular felt or straw cowboy hat. Unless the maker states that the shell is certified to an equestrian standard, such as ASTM F1163 through SEI, it isn't a riding helmet, however discreet it is. For any ride where a fall is possible, wear a certified helmet.
When to Skip a Cover
Leave the cover off, or take it off, when:
- Your helmet's maker hasn't made or approved it for your model.
- It changes the fit, moves the harness, blocks vents or limits your view.
- The helmet underneath is cracked, broken, missing padding or parts, has been in a fall, or is past the maker's age guidance.
- Fitting it would mean cutting, gluing or drilling the helmet.
The CDC fact sheet says not to use a cracked or broken helmet, or one missing any padding or parts, and to replace any helmet that has been involved in an impact from a fall. A cover can hide that kind of damage, which is one more reason to take it off and look.
How to Choose the Helmet Under Your Cover
The helmet under your cover is the part that protects you, so choose it first. When you're ready to buy, it's easy to get caught up in the look. To be sure you're getting a helmet that protects you, look a little deeper. The right features will help you find a helmet that's certified and feels great to wear, ride after ride.
A great helmet blends into your ride. It should feel like a natural part of your gear, not a bulky afterthought. We'll walk through four things to consider: certification, the shell and liner, fit and comfort, and durability. Understanding these will help you choose a helmet that delivers on both style and substance, so you can ride with confidence every time.
First Things First: Check the Certification
A helmet's main job is to protect your head, so its certification is the most important feature. In the US, look for ASTM F1163 certified through SEI. If you show at US Equestrian licensed competitions, GR801.1 requires, where headgear is required, that it meet the testing standards USEF publishes and carry the testing tag or label. USEF's accepted list includes ASTM F1163 (2011 or later) certified through SEI, PAS 015 (2011 or later), VG1 01.040 (2014-12 or later) and Snell (2016 or later). Don't settle for anything less.
Judging the Shell and Liner
The outer shell is your first line of defense. It spreads the force of an impact and resists punctures. Inside, the liner, usually EPS foam, crushes to absorb the energy before it reaches your head. Resistol describes this combination for the RideSafe, and you'll find the same kinds of parts in certified low-profile helmets. Pay attention to how the helmet is built, and to the maker's description of it.
Why a Comfortable Fit Is Non-Negotiable
If a helmet isn't comfortable, you'll be less likely to wear it. A poor fit can also compromise its ability to protect you. Look for adjustable harnesses, padded interiors and ventilation. Troxel uses fit systems such as DialFit and SureFit Pro, and Resistol lists a comfort dial and inner sizing pads on the RideSafe. When you try one on, it should feel snug all around without pressure points and shouldn't rock back and forth or side to side. If you add a maker-approved cover or brim, check the fit again with it on.
Choosing Materials That Last
A good helmet handles the wear and tear of barn life, from dusty arenas to sunny trail rides. Look for a sturdy shell and good straps and buckles. Many helmets have removable, washable liners, which makes cleaning easier. For a hat-shaped helmet, remember that the felt or straw needs care; Troxel notes that cowboy hats and western hat helmets may need to be reshaped if not cared for correctly. Choosing well-made gear helps it keep performing when you need it.
What Affects the Price
Budget is a sensible place to start, and prices vary a lot. What you pay often reflects the materials, the finish and the features built into the helmet, rather than a different level of certification.
Every helmet certified to ASTM F1163 through SEI has met the same standard. The differences you pay for are things like a real felt or straw hat built into the helmet, a leather finish, more ventilation or a more refined fit system. Here's how the main options compare.
Accessories
Covers and add-on brims cost less than a new helmet and let you change the look of a helmet you already own. That makes them tempting, but only buy one your helmet's maker makes or approves for your model. A maker-made accessory like Troxel's Brimmer comes with a compatibility chart; a generic cover usually doesn't.
Low-Profile Western Helmets
Certified low-profile Western helmets sit in the middle for many riders. They're built to look at home with western tack, with finishes from matte to leather, and many have dial adjustment and good ventilation. If you ride regularly and want a certified helmet you can wear every day, this is a good place to look.
Hat-Shaped Helmets
Hat-shaped helmets like the RideSafe usually cost the most, because you're paying for a real felt or straw hat built over a helmet. For riders who want the full cowboy hat look in a single helmet, that can be worth it. Decide which features you'll use and spend there.
What to Look for in Rider Reviews
Product descriptions are a starting point, but reviews give you the real story of how a helmet performs on the trail, in the ring and during long hours at the ranch. You'll find insights that go beyond marketing copy, helping you understand how a helmet fits, feels and holds up.
Reading what other riders say is one of the smartest steps before buying. Pay attention to comments on comfort, durability and style. Just remember that a review can't tell you whether a helmet is certified; that comes from the maker.
Comfort
A helmet can be certified, but if it's not comfortable you'll be tempted to leave it behind. Look for reviews that describe how the helmet feels after several hours, whether it causes pressure points and how it handles heat. Comments about sizing are useful too, especially whether a helmet runs large or small compared with the maker's chart.
Durability
Look for comments about the straps, buckles, harness and outer finish. For hat-shaped helmets, note how the felt or straw holds its shape over time. If a reviewer reports a safety problem, such as a cracked shell or a buckle that fails, contact the maker before you buy.
Getting Back in the Saddle After a Fall
A fall can shake your confidence as much as your body. Getting back in the saddle can feel daunting, and that's completely understandable. A certified helmet that fits well and looks right to you can make it easier to ride again. If you've had a head injury, talk to your doctor before you ride, and replace the helmet you were wearing; Resistol says any headgear involved in an accident should be replaced immediately.
Getting Kids Excited About Helmets
Getting kids to wear a helmet can feel like a battle, but a western look can change the conversation. Many young riders are happier in something that looks like what their heroes wear. Our guide to cowboy hat helmets for kids covers sizing and fit for young riders. At USEF shows, GR801.1 makes a junior exhibitor's parent or guardian responsible for headgear meeting the standard, fitting and being in good condition.
Style and Ventilation
You want to look good, too. Reviews are a good place to see whether a helmet's style matches the photos: the brim shape, the felt or straw finish and how it pairs with your tack. Don't forget airflow, especially in a warm climate. Look for reviews that mention how well the helmet breathes, and remember Troxel's warning about unventilated black felt.
How to Find the Right Fit
A cowboy hat helmet that doesn't fit won't just be uncomfortable; it won't protect you properly. Think of it like your horse's saddle: a poor fit causes problems. A few minutes of measuring helps your helmet sit securely and comfortably, whether you're on a trail ride or in the ring. A snug fit keeps the helmet from shifting, sliding over your eyes or coming off at a critical moment.
How to Measure Your Head Correctly
Grab a soft, flexible measuring tape, the kind used for sewing. Wrap it around the widest part of your head, about an inch above your eyebrows and ears. Keep it level all the way around and snug, but not tight. Write the number down in both inches and centimeters, because brands use different units, and some, like Resistol, list hat sizes. Resistol's RideSafe runs from X-Small (6 1/2 to 6 5/8) to Large (7 1/4 to 7 3/8).
Making Sense of Sizing Charts
Every brand is a little different, so never assume a Medium in one brand is the same as in another. Always check the chart for the helmet you want. You'll see sizes listed with a head circumference, which is how you translate your measurement into the right size. If you're adding a maker-made accessory, check its chart too; Troxel's Brimmer size depends on both your helmet model and your helmet size. If you're between two helmet sizes, follow the maker's advice: Troxel's FAQ says it's best to go up to the next size, since further fit adjustments can be made inside the helmet. A dial or pads can fine-tune the fit, but they can't fix the wrong size.
Choosing an Adjustment System
Many helmets come with an adjustment system for fine-tuning the fit. The most common is a dial at the back that tightens or loosens the internal harness. It's especially helpful between sizes or when your hairstyle changes, though Resistol recommends wearing your hair down under the RideSafe to keep a snug, correct fit. A good adjustment system keeps your helmet in place without feeling too tight.
Where to Buy Covers and Helmets
Once you know your size and the features you want, it's time to shop. Whether you prefer browsing online or trying helmets on in a store, the same rule applies: buy a new, genuine helmet with its certification label inside.
Shopping Online
Shopping online gives you the widest selection. Buy from the maker or its authorized dealers, and read the full product description to make sure the item is sold as an equestrian helmet, not a fashion hat or a hard hat. At Hooves and Paws, we carry certified Troxel low-profile Western helmets and Troxel's own accessories,. For a cover, look for one sold by your helmet's maker, or ask that maker before you buy one from another seller.
Shopping Local
If you want to be sure about the fit before you buy, nothing beats a local tack shop. You can try different helmets on, and staff can help with measurements and adjustments. Many local stores carry the same trusted brands you see online. Call ahead to ask what certified western helmets they have in stock.
Avoid Used and Borrowed Helmets
A secondhand helmet can look like a bargain, but you can't know its history. Resistol's FAQ advises against loaning or borrowing headgear, because you can't know whether it was impacted, misused or stored near harmful chemicals. Buy new, and keep the paperwork so you know the date of purchase.
How to Care for Your Cover and Helmet
Your helmet is one of the most important pieces of gear you own, so taking care of it is non-negotiable. Good maintenance keeps it looking sharp and helps it do its job when you need it. From routine cleaning to knowing when to replace it, here's how to keep your helmet in good condition.
Keeping Your Helmet Clean and Fresh
Follow your helmet maker's care instructions. Resistol says to use only mild soap and water on the RideSafe, and its FAQ suggests a damp cloth on the plastic parts and a soft brush on the hat portion. Avoid harsh chemicals and solvents, which can damage helmet materials. Don't paint your helmet or cover it with stickers unless the maker approves. If you use a maker-approved fabric cover, follow the care label. Store your helmet at room temperature and out of direct sunlight, as Resistol recommends, on a holder such as the Cowboy Magic Equestrian Horse Helmet & Hat Holder or a shelf where the brim won't be crushed.
A Simple Inspection Routine
Take the cover off regularly, and always after rain, a dusty ride or a knock, so you can look at the helmet underneath: the shell, padding, harness, buckle and adjustment system. Check the cover too, for stretched elastic, tears or a brim that has lost its shape. Treat cracks or missing parts as a reason to stop using the helmet, as the CDC fact sheet advises, and keep the vents clear of dust and grit.
When Should You Replace Your Helmet?
If you take a hard fall and your helmet hits the ground, replace it. Even if it looks fine, the foam inside may be compressed; Resistol says the damage may not be visible. Troxel says equestrian helmets are made for one impact event only. Helmets also age. Troxel recommends replacing your equestrian helmet every five years, and Resistol recommends replacing its headgear within five years from the date of purchase. Check the date of manufacture inside your helmet and follow the maker's guidance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just put a cowboy hat cover over my current helmet?
Only if your helmet's maker approves that cover for your model. A cover can change the fit, harness position and visibility. If your helmet is a compatible Troxel, Troxel's own Helmet Brimmer is a maker-made way to add a brim, and if you want the full hat look, a hat-shaped helmet like the Resistol RideSafe has the hat built in.
Are there ASTM/SEI certified cowboy hat helmet covers?
ASTM F1163 certification through SEI applies to protective headgear, so look for it on the helmet, not the cover. A cover on its own isn't a helmet and doesn't make a hat protective. What matters is that the helmet under the cover is certified and that its maker approves the cover for that model. If a seller says a cover is certified, ask the helmet's maker before you ride in it.
Do cowboy hat helmet covers affect ventilation?
They can. A cover that sits over the shell can block vents and hold in heat, and Troxel has warned that a black felt hat built into a helmet without ventilation may be extremely hot. Choose a light, breathable cover that leaves the helmet's vents open, and try it on a warm day before a long ride.
Is the Resistol RideSafe a helmet cover or a helmet?
A helmet. Resistol builds the felt or straw hat over a rigid ABS shell and EPS foam liner, and its pages don't describe the hat as a separate cover. Resistol says the RideSafe is designed to meet ASTM safety standards. We don't carry the RideSafe.
How often should I inspect a cover and the helmet under it?
Check the fit with the cover on before every ride, and take the cover off regularly to inspect the helmet's shell, padding and straps, especially after rain, dust or a knock. Replace the helmet after any fall or impact, even with no visible damage, and with age: Troxel recommends every five years, and Resistol says within five years from the date of purchase.
