P OLO HE ADG E AR
THE NEW STANDARD FOR YOUR HEAD
La Martina’s Becky Simpson unravels the rules and regulations behind the new polo helmet quality marks.
A
s the official supplier of Guards Polo Club, the La Martina Store at Smith’s Lawn is crucially involved in pioneering new developments within polo and encouraging the safe and responsible enjoyment of the sport amongst playing members of the Club. The Hurlingham Polo Association’s drive to require helmets to have a QC mark has been essential in terms of bringing polo in line with other equestrian sports – and La Martina prides itself on only offering for sale helmets that reach this standard. Both the La Martina Windsor helmet and the Armis helmet (the Armis brand was acquired by La Martina some years ago) perform to the following standards 82
and each bear a quality mark which is a sign of regular batch testing and certification by an approved body: La Martina Windsor Polo Helmet – cloth covered for a more traditional look, meets PAS015:2011 and VG1 01.040-2014 and has the BSI kitemark. Can be purchased off the shelf in six different colourways. Armis Polo Helmet - PAS015:2011 and VG1 01.040-2014 has the BSI kitemark plus an internal MIPS system. Can be purchased off-the-shelf in a range of basic colourways or you can customdesign your own helmet online. Although both helmets conform to the same excellent safety standards, the Armis helmet also boasts the added feature of an internal MIPS
G UA R D S P O L O C L U B O F F I C I A L Y E A R B O O K 2 0 2 1
system which has been used in ski helmets for many years. Now for the “sciencey” bit! MIPS Brain Protection System (BPS) is a safety technology for helmets. In the event of an angled impact, MIPS BPS can reduce harmful rotational forces, which may be transmitted to the brain, by allowing the helmet to slide relative to the head. Whichever polo helmet you choose from La Martina, you can be safe in the knowledge that they come with the QC BSI mark. Look for the kitemark – it is your assurance of quality and standard. ◆ La Martina Technical
https://tech.lamartina.com/ Armis Polo
https://armispolo.com/