Why I’m *SO* Obsessed With My Casco Horse Riding Helmet

Compact, Cool and Comfortable

I love my Casco helmet so much that I’m stubbornly refusing to admit that, at nearly five years old, it needs replacing. I chose it very carefully, having spent years wearing helmets that gave me a ‘mushroom head’ appearance and made me feel as though my head was being boiled alive!

I adore my Casco helmet’s compact shape and flattering silhouette, especially since I have a large head that many other helmets seem to… accentuate. From a safety point of view, Casco helmets are as good as any within a similar price range, and they also have next-level ventilation, which is a must in hot South Africa.

But that’s only the beginning. This in-depth review digs into all the reasons I’m obsessed with Casco helmets!

About the Brand

All Casco products share the same modern design and conform to the highest safety standards. They also have superior ventilation and are lightweight enough that they won’t strain your neck, even if you’re spending the whole day in the saddle.

Founded in 1989, Casco is a German company that produces helmets and safety glasses for cyclists, skiers, and firefighters, as well as equestrians. They’re known for creating top-quality helmets that are as safe as they are comfortable.

Casco helmets are featured in our Best Riding Helmet Brands for Safety-Savvy Equestrians as our “Best International Brand” due to their combined focus on helmet quality and safety.

Features & Benefits

Safety

All equestrian helmets need to adhere to specific international safety standards, but at Casco they go the extra mile, meeting both the American ASTM F1163 standard and the European equivalent—the EN 1384 standard.

Each helmet is rigorously tested to ensure it can protect your head in the event of a fall.

Design

Casco produces a wide range of different riding helmets, suitable for different disciplines and tastes. The one I have is a discontinued Champ-3 that combines a sporty appearance with great ventilation and a dial-adjustable system for the perfect fit.

They also have the Mistrall range which is said to have even better ventilation, and the Apart range which uses ultra-modern materials to create a sturdy helmet that’s easy to care for.

Ventilation

One of the reasons I fell in love with Casco helmets was because of their advanced ventilation system. 

Even when the outside temperatures soar over 90℉ and I’m sweating out of every pore, I can feel a cool breeze wafting through my helmet.

Comfort

Casco helmets are lined with a soft, breathable fabric that wicks moisture away from the rider’s head, keeping it dry and comfortable no matter the weather. They’re also lightweight enough that they won’t interfere with your balance or cause fatigue on longer rides.

Price Point

If you want a good-quality helmet that doesn’t give you that mushroom-head appearance, you need to be prepared to pay for it. Given that some riding helmets cost over $800, Casco is quite reasonably priced.

With children’s helmets starting at around $85 and adult helmets at around $135, Casco produces top-of-the-range helmets at a mid-range price.

Main Competitors

Casco’s main competitor is another German helmet manufacturer—Uvex. Like Casco, they produce good-quality, lightweight equestrian helmets suitable for all disciplines.

Other notable competitors include the UK-based Charles Owen, and Tipperary, which are produced by the Canadian company Phoenix Performance.

Casco Helmet: Day in the Life

My Casco hasn’t had an easy life, and it’s starting to show. The rubber around the peak has long since disappeared, and there are so many scuffs and scratches that it looks like I was attacked by a flock of murderous chickens!

Beyond those superficial signs of wear and tear, it’s still in excellent condition—despite being nearly five years old. Its integrity is still intact, as are the straps and adjustable dial at the back.

Key Benefits:

• A lightweight helmet that helps you balance in the saddle and reduces fatigue
• Excellent ventilation and wicking to keep you cool
• Adjustable dial so you can create the perfect fit
• The compact and streamlined design flatters multiple head shapes & sizes
• Good value for money
• All helmets meet international safety standards
• The removable liner is easy to wash to prevent that awful helmet smell!

Notable Drawbacks:

• Availability is limited, so getting a Casco can be challenging (Amazon has it though!)
• Casco’s most affordable helmets are only available in children’s and small sizes—not suitable for big heads like mine!

Overall Product Recommendation

My Casco helmet has seen one emergency dismount too many, but is still providing protection and comfort daily. Its streamlined appearance flatters a variety of head shapes, it keeps you cool in the hottest temperatures, and it offers good value for money.

Ready to Shop? Find it here: Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Casco helmets good?

Casco helmets combine comfort and style. They are lightweight, well-ventilated, and engineered to meet international safety standards.

Q: What is the difference between a helmet and an MIPS helmet?

In a traditional riding helmet, there is nothing between the outer shell and the inner lining, but with an MIPS helmet, there’s an additional layer known as the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS).

This system creates a low-friction layer that allows your head to move 10 to 15 mm in every direction. The inclusion of an MIPS limits the rotational movement of the brain at impact, reducing the risk of concussion and other brain injuries.

Q: Do equestrian helmets expire?

Equestrian helmets need replacing every five years, regardless of whether or not you’ve had an accident while wearing them. The materials in the helmet naturally degrade over time and its ability to protect your head in the event of a fall degrades with them.

Q: Why are horse riding helmets velvet?

A traditional riding helmet always has a velvet finish and many riders seek out this classic look for competitions. It has no particular benefit, other than looking good, and many modern helmets have a shiny or matt finish that’s just as eye-catching.

Q: What are the best horse-riding helmet brands?

The best horse riding helmet brands include Charles Owen, IRH and Tipperary, but you can find out more in our article on the Best Riding Helmet Brands for Safety-Savvy Equestrians.

Q: Where are Casco helmets made?

Casco helmets are made either in Bretnig-Hauswalde, Germany or at Casco’s production site in Satu Mare, Romania.

Q: When do you need to replace a helmet?

Recently, my fat pony Sherlock unleashed a series of bone-jarring bucks that eventually saw me flying head-first into a gravel road! It wasn’t a pleasant experience but, thanks to my Casco helmet, it wasn’t a fatal one either and I was soon dusting myself off and preparing for the long walk home.

Any time your helmet experiences an impact, such as a fall, it’s time for a new one. The damage might not be visible, so it’s always safest to replace the helmet. After all, you only get one brain!

If you’re lucky enough to not experience a fall or other impact to your helmet, keep in mind helmets should be replaced after five years due to material wear and tear over time.

Q: Can you buy a used helmet for horseback riding?

We don’t recommend it. You have no way to verify that the helmet hasn’t been subject to damage, which might limit its ability to protect your head in the event of an impact.

Buying used is a great way to save some money—just not when it comes to safety equipment.

Parting Thoughts

I’m sad to part with my Casco helmet, even though I know it’s suffered enough knocks and falls to compromise its safety. I love its lightweight feel and fear I’ll never find another helmet that fits so snugly or offers that much-needed ventilation.

But I know it’s time, so I’m just going to have to break open my piggy bank and order another Casco—for me. Nothing else will quite do!

P.S. Enjoy this article? Trot on over to: 

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