Saturday, June 25, 2011

Charles Owen J3 Skull Cap Helmet

Have had the J3 for over a year now and ridden many hours in it.  Am pleased with it.  Chose this helmet because the Charles Owen helmets had good reviews overall and were recommended by two friends.
Fit:  Am very happy with the fit of the helmet.  It is very snug without being tight, if you can imagine that.  Is completely comfortable to wear for hours at a time.  It does not have

Weaver Smart Cinch - Felt, Straight, Western, Black, 34"

Have been a fan of the Weaver Smart cinches, with the roller buckles, for a long time.  Have used the mohair string version for years.  Last year I got the felt smart cinch and am very pleased with it as well.  I like the string girths for their ease of cleaning.  I just soak in wash water for a bit, rinse, hang to dry.  They don't hold onto the hair as much as other fabric girths it seems.  So far, I just brush the hair off the felt.  Haven't actually tried washing it yet!  I like the hold of the felt and the way it wears on the horse.  I feel like it gives a little more comfort that the string girth.
Definitely recommend this girth.  Cost was around $30.  I think it's available in black and brown, and in standard sizes only - probably 32"-38".  Does not come in draft, that I can find.
Oh, if not familiar with the smart cinch:
the trick is the roller buckles on the near side of the cinch.  Off side is standard, but has a dandy deep keeper for the billet.  Near side buckle has double bars, so if you double wrap you have one for each.  Both bars have a roller that allows the latigo to 'roll' smoothly over, rather than slide/drag thru the buckle.  Cinching up is so much smoother and causes less wear on the latigo.  So far, no horses have commented on the difference the rollers make, but I think they're great.