Links in our articles are for companies who’s products we use and love. When you make purchases clicking these links, we might or might not be compensated for sending you to their website. We are not compensated for reviewing products, and the opinions on this site are purely the writer’s. We appreciate your support and trust as we know your time and money is valuable!
I like to wait a while to review some things, and this helmet was no exception. I have used it for almost a full year of regular schooling and trail riding (worn 3 to 5 days a week for a minimum of one hour to about 7 hours at a time). This is my review of the Ovation Z-6 Elite Helmet.
I bought this helmet to replace my much unloved Troxel. I wanted something a little bit more sleek and something I would not be embarrassed wearing to a local show. I did quite a bit of research on helmet fit. I went to several area tack shops and tried on lots of brands that didn’t fit well: Troxel, Tipperary, Charles Owen, and IRH. I was not able to find any Ovation helmets locally, but I had read that they fit my head shape ideally. I decided to just go for it and order one and risk it not fitting. I ended up choosing this particular model because it was attractive and the price was right for something to use every day.
Upon first pulling this helmet out of the box I was very pleased. It is attractive, well made and I loved the carrying bag that came with it. The liner is very cushy and comfortable. I love the look of the leather brim, harness cover and chin pad. The metallic detail is great and the shape and vent design is attractive. It fit like a dream and adjusted perfectly.
I have worn this thing half to death, and it still looks great. I do store it in the bag…but don’t clean it nearly as often as I should. It’s easy to clean and tidy up for a show, but it holds up well to every day wear and tear (for example, the photos above are of the helmet after a few months of zero cleaning. Looks pretty good!). The leather, harness, metal and rubberized finish are all in great shape. So is the liner. The liner has lost a bit of it’s cushy comfort, but that’s bound to be expected as much as I wear this (I have ordered new liners). I have never once gotten a headache wearing this helmet. The vents work OK. It’s not like air conditioning, but my head doesn’t get stuffy and hot while wearing it. In fact…a lot of the time I forget I am wearing it and don’t remember to take it off for hours after I am done riding. I think that says a lot about the comfort of this helmet.
The Ovation Z-6 Elite Helmet comes in two sizes S/M and M/L (and it’s very adjustable with it’s fit dial). I was a bit worried about the fit with only two sizes, but the M/L worked well for my large-for-a-lady head. The liner is removable and washable and replaceable if need be. The helmet is ASTM/SEI Certified.
I am very happy with this helmet and really recommend it (and any similar models from the Ovation line) if you have a hard to fit oval shaped head and are looking for something for everyday schooling/low level showing. You can purchase the helmet online here and at some local tack shops.
Update Feb 2017: This helmet had an unplanned dismount (or really I did…lol). I didn’t initially think there was any damage to the helmet, but after wearing it a few more times I realized that the dial on the back had broken. It lasted almost three years and I loved it until the end. Great helmet.