Overview
Key FeaturesKey Features Learn More
Removable LinerRemovable Liner
Oval ShapeOval Shape
Safety MeasuresSafety Measures Learn More
ASTM/SEI CertifiedASTM/SEI Certified
With an ergonomic, equestrian-specific design, the Tipperary Sportage 8500 Riding Helmet sports a snug, low-profile fit and features an innovative and completely unique drop-back shell to cradle your skull maximizing helmet retention and stability. The sleek Sportage 8500 has been our #1 selling riding helmet for years!
A unique rear padding system provides a custom fit, and an easily adjustable nylon harness system reinforced with supple natural leather guarantees the ultimate combination of comfort and protection.
Details
- Extreme Ventilation System
- Moisture Control Padded Lining
- Durable ABS High-Impact Plastic Shell
- Sleek & Sporty, Low-Profile Design
- Reflective Rear Band for Low Light Visibility
- Durable & Flexible Contour Front Visor
- ASTM/SEI Certified Safety Standards (ASTM Standard F1163-15)
- Lightweight: 17 Ounces
Additional Information
Tipperary Helmet Replacement Policy Provisions:
- Tipperary will replace a helmet that has been damaged in a riding accident up to two years from the date of purchase
- Discount of 50% of the current retail price of damaged helmet will be provided to qualifying customers
- If processed by Riding Warehouse:
-
- Riding Warehouse staff will email Tipperary the helmet SKU, customer name and proof the helmet has been destroyed (e.g., images of helmet with harness cut or removed)
- Tipperary will inform Riding Warehouse if the discount replacement program applies to the customer’s replacement helmet
- Customer selects new Tipperary helmet and Riding Warehouse processes order, applying appropriate discount amount as per direction from Tipperary
- If processed by Tipperary directly:
-
- Customer may contact Tipperary directly at (888) 313-8842 or info@tipperaryequestrian.com
- If qualifying, Tipperary will ship the customer a new helmet with applicable discount, plus a $10 shipping and handling fee
- Helmets that have been damaged through misuse or dropping do not qualify for this program
- IMPORTANT: Helmets involved in an accident should not be worn again. Customer will be instructed to cut off the harness to ensure no one uses the damaged helmet and properly dispose of it
Sizing
Helmet Size | Head Circumference | Cap Size Range |
---|---|---|
XS | 19 1/2" - 19 7/8" | 6 1/4 - 6 3/8 |
SM | 20 1/4" - 20 3/4" | 6 1/2 - 6 5/8 |
MD | 21 1/8" - 21 1/2" | 6 3/4 - 6 7/8 |
LG | 21 7/8" - 22 1/4" | 7 - 7 1/8 |
XL | 22 5/8" - 23 7/8" | 7 1/4 - 7 5/8 |
Loved by RW Riders
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Customer Reviews
Well fitting, comfortableWell fitting, lightweight, and well ventilated.
A great helmetIs this the fanciest helmet out there? No. But it looks good, it’s lightweight, breathes in triple digit weather, the adjustable padding is comfortable, and they’ve been my go-to for years. I wish they’d come out with a true brown or chestnut version of this helmet. The cocoa brown is a very dark havana.
Cool in hot weather!I bought this helmet because it’s very ventilated for summer riding. It’s also a perfect fit!
Comfortable helmetI'd been using an Ovation, same model, for the past 6 years and it was a small. I ordered this one as my old helmet was just too old. The small was too small so I sent it back and before I knew it, my replacement medium was on my doorstep! It's a great fit and the straps are easy to adjust. Would buy again.
Does the jobKeeps my son's giant head safe and relatively cool.
Great coverageLove the coverage and venting.
Lovely HelmetA good quality, well ventilated helmet. It fits perfectly and is better than I expected. I was worried as I was buying from the U.K. but postage was super fast and the helmet arrived without a mark on the packaging.
Good fitThis helmet fits very well. The leather covered straps are super comfortable.
Great Helmet!Very lightweight and cool. Highly recommend.
Great/Comfy HelmetI started my search for a helmet with just a couple of expectations. One, it needed to have enough vent holes to make it comfortable on a hot, South Texas day. Secondly, it had to be comfortable while I was wearing it. I ordered other helmets, and they all got returned due to not meeting one or the other of these requirements. Until this one. This helmet sits light on your head, is extremely comfortable, and it's (finally) a helmet with enough vents! I recommend this to anyone looking for a light, airy, and safe helmet.
It comes really loose when I am riding!This is my first Tipperary riding helmet, and when I am riding it comes really loose.
RW Response: We apologize that the Tipperary Sportage 8500 Riding Helmet did not work out for you! We encourage you to reach out to our helpful customer service team to see what we can do to help! You can reach us at info@ridingwarehouse.com or by phone at 1-800-620-9145.
Great helmetGreat helmet! Super comfortable. I love the white color.
Previous Feedback
Comments: I took a fall in this helmet (only 2 months after I started wearing a helmet), and it saved me from a head injury. I actually had to do a summersault off the horse and landed on the top of my head first then rolled. It didn't really hurt, and I brushed myself off and got back on the horse. When I inspected the helmet afterward, there was no visible sign of any trauma to the helmet. I didn't hear it crack or anything when it hit the ground. I've replaced it just in case, but I keep it at the barn for a spare in case anyone needs to borrow one.
From: Anonymous - Alabama, USA
Comments: Saved my husband's life when he got thrown off a few months ago. It was a nasty fall, as he broke his back, dislocated his shoulder, and had a severe concussion. The helmet did what it's supposed to do--there are two very visible cracks in the foam on the inside of the helmet. While it did save his life, I do wonder if another helmet might have done better at absorbing the impact. Maybe, maybe not. Anyway, I bought my dad one just like this, and they both say it's a very comfortable fitting helmet. The color selections are very nice too. My mother-in-law says the Tipperary helmets are her favorites. They're reasonably priced, and they accommodate a rounder head.
From: Anonymous - Alabama, USA
Comments: Since I am turning 60, I thought I would breakdown & buy a helmet since all my friends are wearing them now. I was concerned about the fit not being comfortable or it being hard to get used to. It didn't even feel like I am wearing a helmet with this one. The ladies at Riding Warehouse were very helpful, even after 3 phone conversations with them. I bought here because of their help & the return policy with free shipping both ways until you find a helmet that will work, but won't have to use it with this helmet! Thanks!
From: Linda - North Carolina, USA
Comments: This is my second Tipperary Sportage helmet. Had my other one for 10 years. When I realized it was over 5 years old, I immediately purchased a new one. I like the styling of this helmet. The old one only came in one color (almost black) so I painted it white. It was too hot here in the south. I bought the white this time. The helmet fits better than my old one and is secure on my head - no flopping around - and the new one is lighter in weight, too. Love that. I do wish that all the helmet manufacturers would affix a radiant barrier to the underside of the plastic shells. That would make the helmets so much cooler!
From: Bev - Arkansas, USA
Comments: I have bought several of these Sportage helmets over the years, I've used them exclusively for at least the last 15 years!! I just bought another one, this one for hubby, he really likes it, says it's very comfortable. I will put my kid in one, too, once she outgrows her current helmet!! I've always liked this helmet because it's lightweight, has a MUCH smaller profile than many of the cheaper helmets, gives the back of my head some coverage, and it breathes well. Very nice helmet for the money. I really like the look of the new ones with the colored lining, gonna get one of those soon too!
From: Melissa - Westvilel, Florida, USA
Comments: I've had my Tipperary for a year now and have always liked it. After an abrupt departure from my horse in an endurance ride I can say I LOVE this helmet. It took the brunt of the fall and I was amazed. No headache, no sore neck, nothing. It's the first time I've come off while wearing a helmet and I can tell you, it's quite the difference. Awesome, safe helmet!
From: Jessica - Gooding, Idaho, USA
Comments: I bought this helmet for my husband who has a very large head (LOL no but really). He has a hard time finding hats that fit. The large fit him perfectly and gives me piece of mind as he learns how to ride. The padding allows you to customize to ensure it fits perfectly.
From: Leslie- Tallahassee, Florida, USA
Comments: I love my helmet. So far it is very comfortable on the trail and the vents keep me cool. Durability seems very good.
From: Crystal- Drumright, Oklahoma, USA
Comments: The Tipperary Sportage 8500 helmet is awesome! It's definitely great for long rides. I love how light it is and I easily forget that it's there. In the heat, it does help to cool and is significantly cooler than my other helmets. I highly recommend this helmet.
From: Brittany - Live Oak, Florida, USA
Comments: Finally let go of my favorite helmet and went to the Tipperary Sportage. Love the color choices and is great to have the all the air vents for hot and humid days here in the south. Nice fit, just wish it had an easy adjustment in the back rather than having to use padding to adjust fit but is still very comfortable. I would recommend this helmet to anyone looking for a new replacement!
From: Jessica - Tennessee, USA
Comments: I love this helmet! There's lots of air flow through the vents, it's super comfy, and I like the way it fits; the back goes down a little further than some of the helmets I've worn, so it protects more of my head. It's so light that I forget I'm wearing it! The only thing that I wish was different is I'd love to be able to take the inner lining out to clean it. It gets sweaty when I ride for hours and I wish I could clean the inside. Other than that, a great helmet for everything from long trail rides to arena work on hot days.
From: Aubrey - California, USA
Comments: After being a Troxel wearer for most my equestrian years, I tried this helmet a few years ago after my most recent helmet was giving me headaches. I love this Tipperary because of how lightweight it is. They also come with lots of padding so that you can rearrange the padding to fit your head nicely. I would recommend this helmet for its comfort.
From: Katie - Northern California, USA
Comments: Terrific, lightweight helmet with plenty of ventilation! A great price, too. Very comfortable. I've had several other brands and the Tipperary Sportage is always my go-to helmet. Plus, with all the colors you can get one to coordinate with every outfit; safe and stylish! (I have both the navy and pink, so far).
From: Sarah Robertson - Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Comments: I really love this helmet. It's not bulky and looks great. My only complaint is that there is no dial adjustment. It comes with a thick and thin pad in the back to adjust fit; however, I lost the thick pad because it was only held in with a few little velcro spots. I could not find replacement pads anywhere. I had to fix it by cutting and gluing some pads from an old helmet, but it would have been nice if I could have bought replacement pads.
From: Rachel - Colorado, USA
Comments: I recommend this helmet to everyone! Here in FL wearing a helmet has been so hot and miserable until I found the Tipperary. The ventilation is great and it has nice padding as well as being lightweight.
From: Julie- Tampa, Florida, USA
Comments: From someone who found helmets in general uncomfortable and hot this helmet is just the opposite. Lightweight and cool and comfy!
From: Carol - Orinda, California, USA
Comments: I purchased the electric blue, which is an absolutely stunning color! This is my second Tipperary helmet and the most comfortable so far. The thick exterior of the helmet no doubt contributes well to impact distribution and shows that though the helmet is relatively inexpensive, it is not made cheaply. The foam conforms to my head so well I forget I'm wearing a helmet. This helmet comes with multiple pad inserts held on by velcro so you can taylor the fit. A very nice touch!Overall this helmet is an excellent value. My first Tipperary protected my head in multiple falls (I know, I know...) and this one I'm sure would do the same. Not that I plan on falling again, heh. For now, it's doing its other jobs of protecting my head from branches, my face from sun and complementing my wardrobe with an element of electric blue style!
From: Elysha - Roseville, California, USA
Comments: Ordering my 3rd Tipperary helmet. First one wore out after many years of heavy use. 2nd one just saved my brain from serious injury after a bad fall and I'm replacing it. Tipperary is the only helmet I have owned that fits my head and is so comfortable I forget I have it on. Very well vented for summer riding.
From: Dee - Oneonta, Alabama, USA
Comments: I love this helmet. I've had the black for years and really like the replacement policy they have if you have a fall. I bought a second one in blue because the color is great.
From: Olivia - Cupertino, California, USA
Comments: LOVE this helmet! It's so comfortable and cool. The purple is a really nice color too.
From: Sabrina - Red Wing, Minnesota, USA
Comments: This is the second Tipperary Sportage that I have purchased from RW. I love the vents and the fit at the back. It is lightweight and most comfortable. To top it all off it fits securely while gaiting down the trail or in a canter.
From: Debbie - Hopkinsville, Kentucky, USA
Comments: I love this helmet. It is lightweight and super comfortable. It is so much more comfortable than my old Troxel helmet. All of my friends in my lesson have this helmet and we love them. Definitely worth it!
From: Olivia - USA
Comments: These are terrific schooling helmets! Super, super lightweight, comfortable, cool, and tough as nails. The carbon-fiber design is a neat touch and it's near impossible to scratch (I've been guilty of dropping it on the concrete aisles a time or two... still not a scratch on it anywhere.) My only wish to improve these helmets is for them to come in black and have a removable liner so that keeping it clean on the inside was easier. The foam padding on the inside can settle and get squished over time too, but it comes with more pads that can help fill in that little bit of space. Over-all, awesome. No wonder they're so popular!
From: Morgan - Idaho, USA
Comments: I love this helmet. Its a bit more vibrant (Electric Blue) then in the picture but I love that! I actually like it more then what's pictured. Can't wait to start wearing it for my riding lessons. I love that its lightweight, my old Troxel helmet feels so much heavier than this one. I've already recommended my friend who also rides with me to purchase one, as well.
From: Kayla - Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
Comments: I have this helmet and really like it, especially because it is well ventilated and light weight. What I found that I struggled with was the visor was so short it did not have great sun protection. I suppose if you are a person who wears sun glasses when riding it works great. I love this helmet and it is my goal to wear mine 100% of the time when I ride in 2015 and beyond.
From: Jennifer - Amboy, Minnesota, USA
Comments: Excellent helmet and comfortable. It did its job well when I fell trail riding in the mountains and smacked my head on the ground. I will buy another one.
From: Becky - Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
Comments: I purchased this helmet with some hesitancy but the Troxel Sierra's I had were hot and seemed to cause me headaches. I honestly didn't expect much from this helmet... I am glad to say I am happy with my new helmet and ENJOY wearing a helmet again. I didn't get my usual headache and my hair wasn't all sweaty under the helmet. I rode in it for 3 days and really found it very comfortable; in fact, so much that I had forgotten to take it off sitting in camp and someone asked me if I was going to sleep in it!!! I am pleasantly pleased and would highly recommend this helmet to anyone who rides, trail or otherwise.
From: Jennifer - Amboy, Minnesota, USA
Comments: My favorite helmet! I've had 2 of these now and would not get another type for schooling or trail riding.
From: Michelle - Sunnyvale, California, USA
Comments: After much debate, I chose this helmet because of it's sleek design and "customizable" fit options. I have never been a helmet person because every one I've ever tried caused so much discomfort, but not this one. This is the only helmet I have ever put on my head that is truly comfortable...no pressure points whatsoever. I almost forget that I have it on. Based on the measuring guide, I ordered a large (although I am normally in the "medium" category) and it was a perfect fit. This was my first time ordering from Riding Warehouse and I couldn't be more pleased. Not only did they have the best price (beating out Amazon) and free shipping, my order was processed quickly and I received my helmet in just a few short days (shipped from CA...and I'm in NC). I will definitely be returning for more!.
From: Brandi - Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA
Comments: I really like the coverage of this helmet. When I began wearing it, the chin strap seemed to lay on my neck a little rather than right under my chin. However now that I have been consistently wearing this helmet, I don't notice it anymore. I also like the slim look compared to a more traditional schooling helmet, and the ventilation is great. My head stays pretty cool on those hot rides.
From: Kristine - Cle Elum, Washington, USA
Comments: This is a great helmet for the price. I like that it has fuller coverage in the back and is well-ventilated. I did have to send back my medium (which I measured for) to get a large, and the large is still a bit snug over my forehead. Sizing, as several other reviewers have noted, does seem to be a bit off, but otherwise I highly recommend this helmet!
From: Jo - Mendon, Utah, USA
Comments: This helmet fit true to size and I love all of the air vents for sweltering Southern summers. They are especially nice for pouring water onto your head without having to take off your helmet! :) I have always had "show" helmets and this is my first helmet for the trail. It comes down low in the back like my Charles Owen, which makes me feel much more secure. It is also very light for miles of happy riding. I will definitely buy this helmet again in the future.
From: Elizabeth - Cleveland, Tennessee, USA
Comments: I wanted to love this helmet. I ordered a medium as to my measurements. It's light, it's airy, has lots of padding, covers the back of my head, but alas, it fits more oval shaped heads...I have a roundy round head and it pressed on my temples. Within a couple of minutes it was starting to give me a bit of a headache. I exchanged it for a Large, but then it was a bit loose front to back (even with the largest pads in), a bit snug on the sides and the ear straps didn't fall where they should since it was pretty much too big...so it's going back as well and I'm going to have to order what I had previously.
From: Maranda - Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
Comments: I love this helmet - airy and comfortable. I wear mine year-round. In winter I add a gaiter to seal in more heat, or ear wrap in more mild cold weather.
From: Suzanna - Scottsburg, Indiana, USA
Comments: Great Helmet. Sooo comfortable and great fit!
From: Marianne - Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Comments: Great helmet. Nice and light, very comfy once fit. Only thing is manufacturer sizing is kind of off. I measure for a Large (7 1/8) but ended up with a medium.
From: Kim - Seattle, Washington, USA
Comments: This is an awesome helmet! The tan color matches my strawberry roan nicely. The padding on the inside makes this helmet very comfortable and secure. I like how the helmet covers the back of my head more then normal helmets. Overall, this is a great helmet. I would recommend it to any rider. :)
From: StrawberryMare - Sacramento, California, USA
Comments: Nice! Very airy. Fit is okay - I used a lot of pads to make it snug. I'm a 7, and I got a medium. I pair my helmet with the DaBrim visor, and I always get compliments!
From: Susan - Huntington Beach, California, USA
Comments: Love it! I'm a ride and tier and need my helmet to be super comfy for 25 miles of riding and running. Needs to provide venting! This one does! Didn't even notice it while running :)
From: Korinne - Vienna, Virginia, USA
Comments: Love this helmet. Great colour and style. The fit is excellent. I like how it has extra coverage down the back of the skull. The first time I put it on it was like it was meant for my head. The vents are a nice added feature for keeping your head cool in warm temperatures.
From: Rebecca - Ontario, Canada
Comments: I recently bought this helmet in search of one that has a lot of air flow. This one is great for riding in high heat in south Louisiana.
From: Nelly Slidell, Louisiana, USA
Comments: Great helmet! It fits well, has great ventilation, and looks great especially for trail/endurance. Cocoa brown is subtle and sleek. The helmet's brim is pretty small so add a larger brim if you want more shade. The outside is surprisingly scratch-resistant; I've gone under several branches and there are no marks. All in all a great helmet!
From: Elsa, California, USA
Comments: I just received my Tipperary Sportage 8500 Riding Helmet today. I was really worried that I had made a mistake buying it over the Internet because my skull measured 53.4cm, somewhere between Small and Medium size. I ordered the Small and it fits perfectly, snug and secure. I'm sure the padding is going to loosen up a bit after wearing it for a while so this is just right. I feel safe and secure in this helmet. It was delivered quickly. So far I am very pleased with Long Riders Gear (Riding Warehouse) service.
From: Joy Slezak
Comments: Nice helmet...looks good and fits great. I measured my head and ordered the appropriate size and it fit me perfect. It's super comfortable and doesn't have that bobble-head look like other helmets. I'm a male in his late forties and really didn't want to mess with a helmet while riding horses both for image and comfort. I recently attended a trail riding convention and sat through some riding injury seminars which changed my attitude. The Docs and EMT folks made me think more about the loss to my family and how easy brain injuries can occur. Bottom line, this helmet is a great value. I've wore it for many miles in all climates with no complaints. Most importantly: You can wear this helmet and improve your safety without looking like a total dork.
From: Glen Tomlinson
Comments: I have ridden with a ball cap all my life, the Tipperary helmet is better because it is vented, just as comfortable. Did it for the grandkids.
From: Dawn Foster
Comments: Have ridden in helmets my whole life this is the most comfortable and attractive (less bubble head) so far, but the visor, which is very small, provides little to no sun protection. I am purchasing the Da Brim.
From: Ava Dantis
Comments: Definitely the most comfortable helmet I've had and looks good (even if I say so myself).....doesn't look like a giant mushroom on my head. Love it!
From: Sheryl Aitken
Comments: This helmet is amazing!!! I live in Florida so all riding gear must be worn with high heat in mind. It has huge vents and I can actually feel a breeze flowing through it. It is so light you can hardly feel it on your head. My only problem was I was at the high end of the fit for the large but I bought it anyway and with the extra foam pads they include I was able to adjust it perfectly. I combined it with the new Da Brim and it is a shady ride for me :0)
From: Beth Moran
Comments: I'm hitting the 5 year mark on my current Tipperary. You'll be hearing from me with an order...may just have to try the white. I'm just happy to have vents!
From: Sue Ashley
Comments: Great helmet, even for my large, oblong head. I used to have to wear a bike helmet because I could not find an equestrian helmet large enough that wouldn't give me a splitting headache within minutes. The Sportage 8500 is the ticket! I was able to use the extra padding that's included to fill in the sides since my head is oblong shaped. So the fit is very customizable. Thank you Tipperary, for finally making this helmet in XL!
From: Shirley, Michigan, USA
Comments: I love these helmets! My previous one, I literally wore it out! (shell came completely apart from the inside). When I placed my order I just ordered the same size as my old one, but they have apparently changed the sizing a little. I had to exchange it for the next size up, so be sure to measure and go by the new sizing chart. I guess the size difference is because the inside is made a little different than my last one. This one actually has changeable pads to get that custom fit, the old one did not. I really like how these new ones have more vents on top, and a thinner liner, which definitely keep your head cooler! My favorite thing about this helmet not only is the low profile, but the drop down back that hugs your head. A great helmet for sure!!
From: Ami Miller-Smith, West Virginia, USA
Comments: I bought this helmet to replace my ugly, outdated, and hot helmet. I love the fact that it fits snug to my head, no slopping around. I also really like that it goes lower in the back covering more of the back of your head. It is nicely adjustable and very light weight. My only complaint is that the ear straps I wish I could move a little, but I must have oddly placed ears, my other helmet did that too. It is a great helmet for the price!
From: Jen - La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
Comments: I just placed an order for the Sportage helmet. Your price was competitive however what won me over was the fact that I got free shipping and a free baseball cap. The shipping time was minimal. I should have my package in just a few days.
From: Jonna - Columbia Falls, Montana, USA
Comments: The helmet looks great and had good ventilation, but it did not fit well because I was in between sizes and ordered up. I would suggest if you are in between sizes order down. I wore it a few times and fell off and it cracked, but I did not get it replaced because Tipperary's replacement fee is almost the amount of the helmet itself, so I am going with a different brand now.
From: Sarah - Mississippi, USA
RW: The accident replacement period for Tipperary helmets is one year from date of purchase. See the Tipperary Helmet Replacement program.
Comments: For all of the great comments, I expected much more from this helmet. It is lightweight, but the visor is almost nonexistent. You either have to wear a baseball hat underneath or buy a brim (which did NOT work for me). The "rigging" on the helmet (used to fasten the helmet to your head) is set too far back and this causes it to tip up and down as you ride, especially up, and more so with any speed. It has been frustrating to try and adjust it so this doesn't happen, and the only solution I've found is to wear a hat under it.
From: Holly- Golconda- Illinois, USA