When it comes to helmet standards, it's important to understand that they are not all the same. Just like horses competing at different levels of show jumping, there are varying standards that helmets can meet. The highest standard in the industry is Snell E2021, which is a rigorous and difficult standard to meet. In fact, we estimate that 99% of helmets on the market are unable to meet this standard. The Snell standard is unique because it tests against round objects, such as show jump poles, trees, railings, and posts. This makes it an ideal choice for equestrian riders looking for the highest level of protection. At ARRO we have passed Snell, PAS015 and VG1 as well as the new European EN1384, which is actually only slightly higher than the older European VG1 and is of a lower standard than PAS 015 and Snell. Safety Tip 1: If a helmet features a plastic buckle, it generally indicates a lower standard. On the other hand, Snell-certified helmets usually incorporate steel buckles for enhanced helmet retention. Safety Tip 2: Helmets equipped with a dial tend to be of a lower standard as well. While dials are convenient, Snell's high standards for additional head coverage currently prohibit us from reducing the rear head coverage to accommodate a dial.