Charles Owen
GR8
English Chaps/Boots/Helmets
Manufacturer: Charles Owen
Model: GR8
Category: English Chaps/Boots/Helmets
Purchase: Purchased: Bingo's D&S in Colorado Springs, CO
Cost: $270
Likes: This is the most comfortable riding helmet ever.
Dislikes: I have serious issues with the construction of this helmet, specifically the adhesive used to secure the foam lining. It is loosened by water, particularly during washing, but presumably the same thing will happen if you get the inside of the helmet nice and sweaty.
The first time I washed my GR-8, the foam underneath the lining came loose and bunched up; I had the very devil of a time getting it to lay flat again. Then when I wore the hat, the silk-screening on the liner came off, and left black specks in my hair.
When I contacted Charles Owen about this, their customer service person sent the following:
"Thank you for contacting Charles Owen regarding the cleaning of your GR8.
We apologize that you are having a few problems with your helmet since you
cleaned it. As for the cleaning instructions, you did follow except the
"use the minimum amount of water" fact. We do not recommend submerging our
helmets in water since it can cause the glued parts to detach. We recommend
using a vacuum to remove excess water from the outer surface and the
headband. The lining (with the certification logos and helmet style) is
made of satin, so excessive water will leave spots and cause the silk screen
to come off."
Hmmmm. Never had _that_ problem with my Shoei, or my Bell, or my Simpson, or even my POS Troxel . . .
I still love the helmet, and will continue to wear and enjoy it, but come on Charles Owen, find a better adhesive, OK?
Quality: See above
Summary: A really GR8 hat, with some discouraging flaws.
Rating: 3
Author: Steve
Date: 2011-09-15
Usefulness Rating: 2.99734 out of 5.
376 reader(s) voted.
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