I N C E P T I O N A I

Top 8 Rider Helmets & Protective Apparel in Canada for 2025 — ASTM/SEI Certified Picks to Ride Safer and Stay Comfortable (Expert-Reviewed)

This category highlights the top rider helmets, body protectors, airbag vests and impact-reducing apparel available in Canada for 2025. Each selection emphasizes ASTM and SEI certification, multi-impact protection, improved ventilation and lightweight construction to meet both everyday and competition needs. Canadian riders increasingly prioritize products that combine proven safety standards with comfort features—breathable liners, adjustable fit systems and smart integration of safety technology—so they can ride confidently across disciplines and seasons. Buyers also look for trusted certification, dependable field performance, compatibility with competition rules and value for money, making certified, well-ventilated, and ergonomically designed gear the most appealing options in this market.

Top Picks Summary

  1. Charles Owen Ayr8 Plus
  2. Arai Deluxe Liner Set
  3. Point Two ProAir Vest
  4. Racesafe ProVent 3.0
  5. Leatt DBX 5.0 All Mountain Jacket
  6. Saxon Equileather Half Chaps
  7. Back on Track Therapeutic Riding Gloves
  8. Leatt DBX 6.5 Carbon Neck Brace
1
BEST CERTIFIED RIDING HELMETS

Charles Owen Ayr8 Plus

Charles Owen

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.

4.8
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  • Classic British flair

  • Featherweight comfort

  • Classic British flair

  • Featherweight comfort

Review Summary

94%

"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.

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$650-900 CAD

2
BEST HELMET LINERS, PADS AND BAGS

Arai Deluxe Liner Set

Arai Deluxe Liner Set

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.

4.7
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  • Plush precision fit

  • Premium moisture control

  • Plush precision fit

  • Premium moisture control

Review Summary

94%

"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.

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$60-120 CAD

3
BEST INFLATABLE AIRBAG RIDING VESTS

Point Two ProAir Vest

Point Two

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.

4.6
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  • Race-fit hug

  • Ultra featherlight

  • Race-fit hug

  • Ultra featherlight

Review Summary

93%

"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.

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$900-1400 CAD

4
BEST NON INFLATABLE BODY PROTECTORS

Racesafe ProVent 3.0

Racesafe ProVent 3.0

The Racesafe ProVent 3.0 is a premium non-inflatable body protector that prioritises high-level impact protection combined with advanced ventilation and moisture-management features tailored for intensive competition use. It typically sits above entry-level choices on price, but its enhanced airflow, refined finish and long-term durability justify the investment for frequent competitors, positioning it alongside Charles Owen as a market-leading option for performance-focused riders.

4.6
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  • Max ventilation design

  • Quick-dry lining

  • Max ventilation design

  • Quick-dry lining

Review Summary

91%

"Popular for its ventilation, low weight and comfortable close fit; buyers praise its modern design and protection though a few cite sizing quirks and a premium cost."

  • Race-ready profile (speedy)

  • Multi-density foam with engineered vent channels to improve airflow.

  • Race-ready profile (speedy)

  • Multi-density foam with engineered vent channels to improve airflow.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

The Racesafe ProVent 3.0 is a premium non-inflatable body protector that prioritises high-level impact protection combined with advanced ventilation and moisture-management features tailored for intensive competition use. It typically sits above entry-level choices on price, but its enhanced airflow, refined finish and long-term durability justify the investment for frequent competitors, positioning it alongside Charles Owen as a market-leading option for performance-focused riders.

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$350-500 CAD

5
BEST IMPACT REDUCING RIDING JACKETS AND SHIRTS

Leatt DBX 5.0 All Mountain Jacket

Leatt

The DBX 5.0 All Mountain Jacket stands out for combining broad, high-coverage impact protection with ride-ready weather resistance, making it a best-in-class choice when you want maximum integrated defense without layering bulky armor. Compared with the lighter, more minimal protective shirts on this list, Leatt emphasizes CE-rated coverage and durability, delivering strong technical value for riders who prioritize full-body impact mitigation over lowest-weight or lowest-cost options. Its balanced price-to-performance and robust construction make it the go-to for aggressive trail riders who want one jacket to both protect and perform across conditions.

4.4
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  • 360° coverage

  • Mountain-grade ventilation

  • 360° coverage

  • Mountain-grade ventilation

Review Summary

88%

"Users praise the DBX 5.0 for high-level impact protection, good mobility and ventilation, though some find it a bit bulky and expensive for casual riding."

  • Bear-hug fit

  • CE-rated 3DF impact protectors for shoulders and elbows provide robust impact absorption.

  • Bear-hug fit

  • CE-rated 3DF impact protectors for shoulders and elbows provide robust impact absorption.

Increased Safety & Security

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

The DBX 5.0 All Mountain Jacket stands out for combining broad, high-coverage impact protection with ride-ready weather resistance, making it a best-in-class choice when you want maximum integrated defense without layering bulky armor. Compared with the lighter, more minimal protective shirts on this list, Leatt emphasizes CE-rated coverage and durability, delivering strong technical value for riders who prioritize full-body impact mitigation over lowest-weight or lowest-cost options. Its balanced price-to-performance and robust construction make it the go-to for aggressive trail riders who want one jacket to both protect and perform across conditions.

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From 257.58$
6
BEST PROTECTIVE LOWER BODY APPAREL

Saxon Equileather Half Chaps

Saxon

Saxon Equileather Half Chaps use high-quality synthetic equileather to offer a weatherproof, affordable alternative that looks closer to leather than many other synthetics while remaining easy to care for. They sit between the Cordura value of Tough 1 and the premium leather of Ariat and Horze, delivering a compromise of cost and appearance for riders who want a polished look without leather upkeep or the higher price.

4.2
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  • Easy-clean equileather

  • Affordable show-ready

  • Easy-clean equileather

  • Affordable show-ready

Review Summary

80%

"Users find Saxon Equileather Half Chaps comfortable, affordable, and soft with decent short-to-midterm durability for a synthetic option; several reviewers report faster wear than leather and occasional slippage."

  • Featherweight fit

  • Equileather synthetic material with reinforced inner calf for reliable grip and wear resistance.

  • Featherweight fit

  • Equileather synthetic material with reinforced inner calf for reliable grip and wear resistance.

Time-Saving Convenience

Recreational Enjoyment

Saxon Equileather Half Chaps use high-quality synthetic equileather to offer a weatherproof, affordable alternative that looks closer to leather than many other synthetics while remaining easy to care for. They sit between the Cordura value of Tough 1 and the premium leather of Ariat and Horze, delivering a compromise of cost and appearance for riders who want a polished look without leather upkeep or the higher price.

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From 59.99$
7
BEST PROTECTIVE RIDING GLOVES

Back on Track Therapeutic Riding Gloves

Back on Track

Back on Track Therapeutic Riding Gloves are unique for their ceramic-infused fabric that reflects body heat to promote circulation and soothe stiff or arthritic hands, so they lead the list for riders seeking therapeutic relief rather than maximum tackiness. They are typically sold at a specialty premium relative to basic riding gloves, but their medical-style benefits and comfort-focused design make them the top choice for riders who need pain management or warmth while riding.

4
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  • Therapeutic warmth boost

  • Ceramic-lined comfort

  • Therapeutic warmth boost

  • Ceramic-lined comfort

Review Summary

80%

"Users value the added warmth and joint relief from the ceramic-infused fabric, especially for arthritic or cold-prone hands, but many note reduced tack and faster wear under heavy use. Best for therapeutic/low-impact riding rather than heavy-duty everyday work."

  • Pain-fade feel

  • Ceramic-infused fabric reflects body heat to help soothe muscles and joints

  • Pain-fade feel

  • Ceramic-infused fabric reflects body heat to help soothe muscles and joints

Self-Improvement & Personal Growth

Increased Safety & Security

Back on Track Therapeutic Riding Gloves are unique for their ceramic-infused fabric that reflects body heat to promote circulation and soothe stiff or arthritic hands, so they lead the list for riders seeking therapeutic relief rather than maximum tackiness. They are typically sold at a specialty premium relative to basic riding gloves, but their medical-style benefits and comfort-focused design make them the top choice for riders who need pain management or warmth while riding.

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From 46.68$
8
BEST NECK AND SPINE PROTECTORS

Leatt DBX 6.5 Carbon Neck Brace

Leatt DBX 6.5 Carbon Neck Brace

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.

4.6
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  • Carbon-fiber light

  • Impact energy redirect

  • Carbon-fiber light

  • Impact energy redirect

Review Summary

91%

"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.

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$600-900 CAD

Why Certified Riding Gear Matters — Research and Practical Benefits

A growing body of research and safety testing supports using certified helmets, body protectors and airbag systems to reduce the severity of head, chest and torso injuries in falls and collisions. ASTM and SEI certification indicates that products have passed standardized laboratory impact and retention tests. Innovations like rotational impact mitigation, multi-impact foams and modern airbag systems further reduce forces transmitted to the rider. At the same time, advances in materials science have improved breathability and reduced weight, which increases wearability and compliance among riders. It is important to remember that no single product eliminates risk; the best outcomes come from using certified equipment correctly, combining it with safe riding practices and regular equipment inspection.

Certified helmets (ASTM/SEI) are tested for linear and retention forces; observational studies and incident reports associate certified helmet use with lower rates of severe head injury in equestrian falls.

Body protectors and airbag vests are designed to dissipate and distribute impact forces; lab testing and simulation models show reductions in thoracic and spinal loading when properly fitted protectors deploy or absorb energy.

Rotational impact mitigation technologies (such as low-friction layers or slip-plane systems) reduce rotational acceleration at the head, which is linked in research to lower risk of traumatic brain injury.

Modern multi-density foams and resilient polymer liners provide both single-impact and multi-impact protection while maintaining breathability and lower weight, encouraging consistent daily use.

Standards and certification do not guarantee absolute protection — correct fit, timely replacement after impact, and adherence to manufacturer maintenance are essential for effective performance.

These top 8 ASTM and SEI certified helmets, body protectors and impact-reducing apparel represent practical options for Canadian riders who want certified protection, comfort and up-to-date safety features in 2025. We hope you found the gear you were looking for — use the site search, filters or expand your search terms to refine by discipline, size, ventilation or price to find the best match for your riding needs.