The Ayr8 Plus is the British market leader thanks to its lightweight shell, purposeful ventilation and reputation for a traditional, competition-ready fit that many riders trust. Compared with the more fashion-forward Samshield and the tech-focused One K, the Ayr8 Plus pairs established craftsmanship and show-ring credentials with a premium-but-justified price, offering proven certified protection for serious competitors.
Classic British flair
Featherweight comfort
Classic British flair
Featherweight comfort
Review Summary
"Users praise the Ayr8 Plus for its premium fit, excellent ventilation and lightweight, comfortable feel over long rides, with many citing durable build quality; the main downsides are the high price and limited color options. Overall owners report consistent performance in daily schooling and showing."
Show-ring ready
High-strength fiberglass shell providing excellent impact resistance.
Show-ring ready
High-strength fiberglass shell providing excellent impact resistance.
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Ayr8 Plus is the British market leader thanks to its lightweight shell, purposeful ventilation and reputation for a traditional, competition-ready fit that many riders trust. Compared with the more fashion-forward Samshield and the tech-focused One K, the Ayr8 Plus pairs established craftsmanship and show-ring credentials with a premium-but-justified price, offering proven certified protection for serious competitors.
Classic British flair
Featherweight comfort
Show-ring ready
High-strength fiberglass shell providing excellent impact resistance.
Traditional low-profile shape with premium velvet or matte finish for competition.
Classic British flair
Featherweight comfort
Show-ring ready
High-strength fiberglass shell providing excellent impact resistance.
Traditional low-profile shape with premium velvet or matte finish for competition.
$650-900 CAD
The Arai Deluxe Liner Set is positioned as the market leader for premium comfort and a custom-like fit, using high-end moisture-wicking fabrics and precision shaping that reduces pressure points for extended rides. It commands a higher price than the Bell, Icon and HJC options but justifies that premium with superior materials and longevity—making it the go-to choice when replacement liners are selected to maximize helmet fit and comfort in the helmet liners, pads and bags category.
Plush precision fit
Premium moisture control
Plush precision fit
Premium moisture control
Review Summary
"Buyers praise the Arai Deluxe liner for premium materials, precise OEM fit and long-term durability; it's expensive but consistently restores a like-new feel and reduces noise. Fit accuracy and build quality are frequently highlighted in long-term use reviews."
Anti-odor finish — spa
High-quality, plush fabrics with superior moisture-wicking performance
Anti-odor finish — spa
High-quality, plush fabrics with superior moisture-wicking performance
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Arai Deluxe Liner Set is positioned as the market leader for premium comfort and a custom-like fit, using high-end moisture-wicking fabrics and precision shaping that reduces pressure points for extended rides. It commands a higher price than the Bell, Icon and HJC options but justifies that premium with superior materials and longevity—making it the go-to choice when replacement liners are selected to maximize helmet fit and comfort in the helmet liners, pads and bags category.
Plush precision fit
Premium moisture control
Anti-odor finish — spa
High-quality, plush fabrics with superior moisture-wicking performance
Multiple thickness and profile pads for tailored fit adjustments
Plush precision fit
Premium moisture control
Anti-odor finish — spa
High-quality, plush fabrics with superior moisture-wicking performance
Multiple thickness and profile pads for tailored fit adjustments
$60-120 CAD
The Point Two ProAir Vest is a market-leading equestrian airbag favored for its balance of proven protection, ease of use and broad acceptance in competition settings. It typically delivers strong value by combining lightweight ergonomics with reliable inflation mechanisms, making it more affordable over time than some premium integrated systems while still offering competitive coverage compared with Helite's higher-end models. Compared with the Hit-Air options, the ProAir is more tailored to horse riders and prioritized for sporting use rather than commuter or general-purpose riding.
Race-fit hug
Ultra featherlight
Race-fit hug
Ultra featherlight
Review Summary
"Users consistently rate the Point Two ProAir as best-in-class for fit, comfort and consistent deployment with a lightweight profile; downsides cited are the premium price and the recurring cost/availability of gas canisters and servicing."
Pit-stop refills
High-volume airbag design that provides broad torso and spine coverage.
Pit-stop refills
High-volume airbag design that provides broad torso and spine coverage.
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
The Point Two ProAir Vest is a market-leading equestrian airbag favored for its balance of proven protection, ease of use and broad acceptance in competition settings. It typically delivers strong value by combining lightweight ergonomics with reliable inflation mechanisms, making it more affordable over time than some premium integrated systems while still offering competitive coverage compared with Helite's higher-end models. Compared with the Hit-Air options, the ProAir is more tailored to horse riders and prioritized for sporting use rather than commuter or general-purpose riding.
Race-fit hug
Ultra featherlight
Pit-stop refills
High-volume airbag design that provides broad torso and spine coverage.
Multiple sizes and elasticated panels deliver a close, performance-oriented fit.
Race-fit hug
Ultra featherlight
Pit-stop refills
High-volume airbag design that provides broad torso and spine coverage.
Multiple sizes and elasticated panels deliver a close, performance-oriented fit.
$900-1400 CAD
The Charles Owen JL9 is positioned as a technical market leader among non-inflatable body protectors thanks to its precision fit, multi-density protective layers and premium tailoring that prioritise energy dispersion and rider ergonomics. While it carries a higher price than budget alternatives such as the Tipperary or Rodney Powell units, it offers superior anatomical shaping and long-term durability, differing from Komperdell's polymer-led approach by focusing on refined foam construction and bespoke fit.
Contoured protective panels
Stable harness fit
Contoured protective panels
Stable harness fit
Review Summary
"Riders consistently highlight premium fit, excellent impact protection and a sleek profile, with the main criticisms being high price and limited color options."
Premium brand pedigree (posh)
Advanced energy-dispersing foam with a stable outer shell for high-level protection.
Premium brand pedigree (posh)
Advanced energy-dispersing foam with a stable outer shell for high-level protection.
Increased Safety & Security
Skill Development & Mastery
The Charles Owen JL9 is positioned as a technical market leader among non-inflatable body protectors thanks to its precision fit, multi-density protective layers and premium tailoring that prioritise energy dispersion and rider ergonomics. While it carries a higher price than budget alternatives such as the Tipperary or Rodney Powell units, it offers superior anatomical shaping and long-term durability, differing from Komperdell's polymer-led approach by focusing on refined foam construction and bespoke fit.
Contoured protective panels
Stable harness fit
Premium brand pedigree (posh)
Advanced energy-dispersing foam with a stable outer shell for high-level protection.
Anatomical cut with tapered waist and precise adjustment for a rider-specific fit.
Contoured protective panels
Stable harness fit
Premium brand pedigree (posh)
Advanced energy-dispersing foam with a stable outer shell for high-level protection.
Anatomical cut with tapered waist and precise adjustment for a rider-specific fit.
$450-650 CAD
The VPD Air Jacket showcases POC's proprietary VPD viscoelastic protection in a very breathable, modular format, making it a leader for riders who want tunable pad placement and excellent ventilation without compromising on certified impact performance. Relative to D3O-based and fuller-coverage jackets, POC's system emphasizes on-demand stiffness and recovery along with user-friendly replaceability, offering technical advantages for riders who value customization and maintenanceability. It sits competitively in the market for those willing to pay a premium for advanced materials and modular protective architecture.
VPD flexible armor
High airflow channels
VPD flexible armor
High airflow channels
Review Summary
"Riders report the POC VPD Air is highly comfortable with excellent ventilation and flexible coverage, earning strong marks for fit and protection despite being relatively costly."
Ninja stealth
POC VPD Air armour provides excellent impact absorption with fast recovery properties.
Ninja stealth
POC VPD Air armour provides excellent impact absorption with fast recovery properties.
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
The VPD Air Jacket showcases POC's proprietary VPD viscoelastic protection in a very breathable, modular format, making it a leader for riders who want tunable pad placement and excellent ventilation without compromising on certified impact performance. Relative to D3O-based and fuller-coverage jackets, POC's system emphasizes on-demand stiffness and recovery along with user-friendly replaceability, offering technical advantages for riders who value customization and maintenanceability. It sits competitively in the market for those willing to pay a premium for advanced materials and modular protective architecture.
VPD flexible armor
High airflow channels
Ninja stealth
POC VPD Air armour provides excellent impact absorption with fast recovery properties.
Highly breathable construction with large ventilation zones for hot conditions.
VPD flexible armor
High airflow channels
Ninja stealth
POC VPD Air armour provides excellent impact absorption with fast recovery properties.
Highly breathable construction with large ventilation zones for hot conditions.
$400-600 CAD
Ariat Scout Half Chaps are the market-leading choice for reinforced riding chaps thanks to their premium full-grain leather, strong reinforced panels, and precision fit that riders trust for both competition and everyday use. They command a higher price than the synthetics and Cordura options on this list, but deliver superior longevity and a refined look that justifies the investment compared with budget-friendly Tough 1 or mid-priced Saxon alternatives.
Elastic-gore hug
Suede grip control
Elastic-gore hug
Suede grip control
Review Summary
"Users praise the Ariat Scout for durable construction, a comfortable close fit, and consistent long-term performance; a minority mention the higher price but few durability complaints."
All-day comfort
Reinforced suede patches at the knee and inner calf for added grip and durability.
All-day comfort
Reinforced suede patches at the knee and inner calf for added grip and durability.
Increased Safety & Security
Skill Development & Mastery
Ariat Scout Half Chaps are the market-leading choice for reinforced riding chaps thanks to their premium full-grain leather, strong reinforced panels, and precision fit that riders trust for both competition and everyday use. They command a higher price than the synthetics and Cordura options on this list, but deliver superior longevity and a refined look that justifies the investment compared with budget-friendly Tough 1 or mid-priced Saxon alternatives.
Elastic-gore hug
Suede grip control
All-day comfort
Reinforced suede patches at the knee and inner calf for added grip and durability.
Elastic back panel and zipper closure provide a snug, comfortable everyday fit.
Elastic-gore hug
Suede grip control
All-day comfort
Reinforced suede patches at the knee and inner calf for added grip and durability.
Elastic back panel and zipper closure provide a snug, comfortable everyday fit.
$100-160 CAD
The Roeckl Roeck-Grip Glove is a market leader thanks to its industry-renowned grip technology and durable construction that consistently outperform competitors in wet and high-contact riding. Although typically at a premium price compared with budget options like SSG, Roeckl justifies its cost with longer wear life and superior tactile control, making it the technical choice for competition riders who need reliable rein feel.
German grip tech
Cloudlike comfort
German grip tech
Cloudlike comfort
Review Summary
"Riders consistently praise the exceptional grip, precise fit and long-term durability; it's frequently called a premium, go-to glove for daily riding and competition. Very few reviewers cite fit issues when ordering the recommended size."
Touchscreen ready
High-friction palm material ensures secure rein contact in all conditions
Touchscreen ready
High-friction palm material ensures secure rein contact in all conditions
Skill Development & Mastery
Increased Safety & Security
The Roeckl Roeck-Grip Glove is a market leader thanks to its industry-renowned grip technology and durable construction that consistently outperform competitors in wet and high-contact riding. Although typically at a premium price compared with budget options like SSG, Roeckl justifies its cost with longer wear life and superior tactile control, making it the technical choice for competition riders who need reliable rein feel.
German grip tech
Cloudlike comfort
Touchscreen ready
High-friction palm material ensures secure rein contact in all conditions
Anatomical cut and stretch panels for superior dexterity
German grip tech
Cloudlike comfort
Touchscreen ready
High-friction palm material ensures secure rein contact in all conditions
Anatomical cut and stretch panels for superior dexterity
$60-110 CAD
The Leatt DBX 6.5 Carbon is positioned as a best-in-class neck brace thanks to its high-strength carbon construction and refined geometry that prioritizes both impact deflection and rider comfort. It commands a premium price but offers top-tier stiffness-to-weight performance and excellent integration with Leatt chest and body products, making it technically superior to simpler collars like the EVS R4 and generally lighter and stiffer than many metal-frame alternatives such as the Atlas Air. For riders seeking the highest level of protection and minimal interference with bike movement, the DBX 6.5 delivers a compelling technical advantage despite its higher cost.
Carbon-fiber light
Impact energy redirect
Carbon-fiber light
Impact energy redirect
Review Summary
"Users praise the DBX 6.5 Carbon for its light, carbon construction, comfortable fit and very high level of impact protection; a minority report fitment issues with certain jackets and note the premium price."
Race-style swagger
Carbon composite frame for very low weight and high strength.
Race-style swagger
Carbon composite frame for very low weight and high strength.
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Leatt DBX 6.5 Carbon is positioned as a best-in-class neck brace thanks to its high-strength carbon construction and refined geometry that prioritizes both impact deflection and rider comfort. It commands a premium price but offers top-tier stiffness-to-weight performance and excellent integration with Leatt chest and body products, making it technically superior to simpler collars like the EVS R4 and generally lighter and stiffer than many metal-frame alternatives such as the Atlas Air. For riders seeking the highest level of protection and minimal interference with bike movement, the DBX 6.5 delivers a compelling technical advantage despite its higher cost.
Carbon-fiber light
Impact energy redirect
Race-style swagger
Carbon composite frame for very low weight and high strength.
Ergonomic 3D fit with adjustable geometry to suit riding posture.
Carbon-fiber light
Impact energy redirect
Race-style swagger
Carbon composite frame for very low weight and high strength.
Ergonomic 3D fit with adjustable geometry to suit riding posture.
$600-900 CAD