Are Samshield helmets safe?

Yes. Samshield helmets are certified to the most stringent international riding helmet standards, EN, ASTM, SEI and PAS015, and in Samshield's own testing they meet and exceed the requirements for stability, impact absorption and resistance to deformation. They are worn at the top level of show jumping and dressage, and at Espayo, the UK's largest Samshield stockist, they are the helmets we fit most often. This page explains what those certifications mean, how the helmet is built to protect you, what to do after a fall, and when a Samshield should be checked or replaced.

What standards are Samshield helmets certified to?

Samshield helmets carry the European EN standard, the American ASTM standard with the SEI mark, and PAS015. Each standard tests the helmet in a different way, and a helmet has to pass every test in a standard to carry its mark, so a Samshield that carries all of them has been tested more ways than the rules of any single discipline require. The certification label is inside the helmet; keep it, because some competitions check it at hat tagging.

How is a Samshield helmet built to protect you?

The outer shell, polycarbonate on the 2.0 models and carbon fibre on the XJ, takes the first contact. Underneath it sits a variable-density inner shell that absorbs the energy of the shock to protect the rider's head. That inner shell is designed to compress once: it does not return to its original shape after an impact, which is why a helmet that has taken a fall needs checking even when the outside looks perfect. Samshield develop and test their helmets with CRITT, an independent French laboratory, reproducing frontal and lateral impacts, crushing and penetration to recreate the real conditions of a fall.

Are Samshield helmets approved for competition in the UK?

Yes. The SEI-marked ASTM F1163 standard that Samshield helmets carry is accepted by British Showjumping, British Eventing, British Dressage, The Pony Club, British Riding Clubs and Endurance GB. Hat rules are updated periodically, so check your discipline's current list before you compete; the links to each body's rules are on our Samshield helmets page.

Can you jump in a Samshield helmet?

Yes. Samshield helmets are worn in the show jumping ring at every level, and the carbon fibre XJ was designed with jumping riders in mind. One thing to know if you event: every Samshield has a fixed peak, and some governing bodies do not allow a fixed peak for the cross-country phase, so check your body's current hat rules before you buy. If you need a helmet for cross-country as well, KEP helmets have a removable peak on every model except the carbon ones, and Kask make a dedicated cross-country range; we stock both and can advise.

What should I do if I have a fall in my Samshield?

Have it checked. Samshield's advice is that it is essential to have a helmet checked after every fall, because the inner shell absorbs the impact by deforming and does not go back to its original shape, even if there is no mark on the outside. A Samshield does not have to be thrown away after a fall. Under Samshield's ReStart service, available for up to five years after purchase, the helmet goes back to Samshield, the protective inner shell is replaced while the outer shell is retained, and it comes back with its full protection restored. We arrange ReStart for our customers: see our Samshield helmet repair and restyle page or contact us.

How often should a Samshield helmet be replaced?

Our advice is around three years if the helmet is in regular use, sooner after any fall, because the materials that protect you work hardest when the helmet is worn every day. A Samshield does not have to be replaced outright at that point: under ReStart, available for up to five years after purchase, Samshield replace the protective inner shell while retaining the outer shell, so you get the helmet's full protection back in the shell you already own. Liners are separate and can be swapped as they wear or as your fit changes; every helmet from Espayo comes with a free liner and spares are in liners and accessories.

Does a Samshield helmet have a warranty?

Every helmet we sell is genuine Samshield, bought as an official stockist, and covered by the manufacturer's warranty from the date you buy it. Keep your receipt; it is also your proof of purchase for ReStart.

How do I look after my Samshield?

Wipe the shell with a damp cloth and buff dry, brush Alcantara gently with a soft brush, and keep crystals and crystal fabric away from hairspray and perfume. The liner is removable and washable. Store the helmet in its bag, out of direct sun and away from heat, and never leave it in a hot car. Do not paint it, stick anything to the shell or drill it, as any of these can affect the protection.

Which Samshield should I choose?

If safety is your first question, the answer is that every model in the range carries the same certifications, so the choice comes down to fit and look: the Miss Shield with the wide peak, the Shadowmatt with the standard peak, or the carbon fibre XJ. Our guide to choosing a Samshield helmet walks through peak, finish, shell and decoration in order, our Samshield helmet size guide shows how to measure, and you can email us or use live chat and we will help you choose before you order. In-stock helmets ordered by 1pm are dispatched the same day: choose next-day delivery at checkout, or standard delivery in 2 to 3 working days.