Helmet Debate

So, those who know me... know that I love to plan. In August of every year, Saddler's Row has a tent sale...with deals so incredible, it's unbelievable. So naturally, being me... I start planning for said "tent sale"...in June. This year my mission is a helmet.

I realized this weekend that I haven't gotten a new helmet in probably 5+ years and I've definitely had enough hard hits to the head (with..and without... Haha!) that it's time for a new one. Now, I'm not a big, fancy Hunter/Jumper rider anymore, so the ridiculously overpriced GPA and Charles Owen "show" helmets need not apply. I can get some cute little schooling helmet that I've always wanted because they frankly look 100 times more comfortable and...THEY'RE CHEAPER! So I've asked around some fellow, knowledgeable eventing people and got my hands on the USEA Rule Book and learned that so long as it's dark blue or black, and ASTM approved, I can show in all levels of eventing in it. WOOOOOO DOGGY!!!

So the FUN part?! PICKING ONE OUT!!!! Tonight I'm going to Saddler's Row to see what they've got to offer. They only have the Ovation Schooler Helmet online, which is one that I definitely want to try out ($49.99, respectively). The other that I'm seriously considering (aka: really really really want) is the Tipperary 8500 in carbon gray - which is basically black ($59.95, respectively).

Anyone know anything about either of these helmets? I haven't gotten a new helmet in so long, I am so excited I'm counting down the minutes just to go TRY ONE ON!!!! Let alone buy one. OH BOY!!!!!! Excited.