Helmet Review: Samshield Miss Shield

All it takes is simple observational skills at a horse show to notice that the most popular helmet currently on the market is the Samshield Miss Shield. With attractive symmetrical styling, Samshield helmets draw styling cues from classic polo helmets. The Miss Shield offers a multitude of customization options, and the wide brim is preferred by women riders across the hunter jumper circuit. Just look around at a top show and you will see versions of the dark Alcantra premium style in the hunter ring, or easily spot a glossy Swarovski customized version in the jumper ring. The blazon, frontal band, top and trim are all customizable with seemingly endless combinations of colors, materials and crystals galore.

Samshield Miss Shield Helmet

Overall Rating: A

Price Range: 379€* to 545€* MSRP (or more depending on customizations)

Price of Helmet Shown: $567.00USD + tax and shipping

Standards: CE EN1384 (Europe), ASTM/SEI F1163-15 (North and South America)

Weight: 635g (22oz or 1.4lbs)

Sizing: 3 shell sizes (S, M, L) can accommodate 4 to 5 inner foams of different sizes (52 to 61cm)

Technical Design: A

Samshield as a brand was one of the first to use technical features from safety equipment in other sports for equestrian helmets. The external shells of Samshield helmets are made of polycarbonate, which is also used in motorcycle helmets. Inside, the internal shell is made of polystyrene. Samshield notes that this layer has variable density which provides better dissipation of force upon impact. The internal liner is made of memory foam and is removable and washable via a clip system.

Fit: A

Samshield conducted an anthropomorphic study in order to design their inner-shell form. This led to the current liner system, which offers two interchangeable liners based on head shape and preference for comfort. The Shadowmatt liner is recommended for round head shapes. If your head is more oval shaped, a Premium liner is offered which is open at the forehead. The Premium liner allows more room for oval shaped heads, eliminates pressure points, and increases airflow, but does not compromise the stability or function of the helmet. It is recommended to get fitted for your helmet in person for proper safety and functionality.

Durability: A-

The outer shells of Samshield helmets are extremely easy to wipe clean and show almost no wear after years of use. It is recommended to store the helmet in the provided helmet cover when not in use to prevent scratching. The Alcantra outer shell on older models does tend to fade slightly over the years when exposed to direct sunlight on a daily basis, however the durability appears to have been improved in recent models. The brand also offers a unique feature called helmet renovations, in which you can have your helmet serviced, spruced up and cleaned for a minimal cost (40€).

Harnesses are made of either leather (premium helmets) or faux leather. The faux leather harness has a shorter lifespan. After a few years, it does tend to slightly crack at the outer edges. The premium harnesses are leather and if properly maintained show little to no wear over time. It is recommended to replace your helmet every 5 years or less.

Ventilation: A-

The Miss Shield has a large front air inlet which provides good ventilation. The air flows from the front vent to extractors in the rear of the helmet to assist in cooling of the rider’s head. The visibility of the ventilation is almost unnoticeable. It functions well despite the small size of the openings. Other helmet brands have larger openings in the front but most do not have rear air extractors.

Weight: A

The Miss Shield weighs about 1.4lbs, which is remarkably light and balanced. It is not the lightest wide brim helmet on the market, but the weight is evenly distributed around the head and the helmet is easily worn for hours at a time.

Where to buy:

Samshield helmets are sold at a variety of tack shops in the U.S., including Dover Saddlery, Malvern Saddlery, and SmartPak. Always try a new helmet on before purchase and consult with a sales rep on fit if you are unsure of your size, especially if you have never worn a riding helmet before. TackNRider in Wellington are expert fitters across a variety of helmet brands and supremely knowledgeable and helpful with finding the right helmet for your head. If you know your size, take advantage of some European retailers such as HypoStore who have great pricing on unique Samshield combinations. The helmet shown in the picture is the Limited Edition Miss Shield Shadowglossy in Blue, purchased from TROLLE, a retailer based in Denmark.