z1 helmet in a wreck

[gaskydiver 0]

I recently had a really nasty downwind landing in which my z1 was ripped off my head, as well as breaking the face shield cmpletely off.
Does anyone know if Parasport would want to look at it for any degradation in the shell? I also need to replace the two plastic screws that hold the shield on, but haven't had any luck finding them on line.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[piisfish 140]

www.parasportitalia.com
try to email paolo at parasportitalia.com he might be able to help for the visor and screws...

But as skydiving helmet are NOT designed as truly protective devices as motorcycle helmets, I doubt the will "screen" the helmet for damage...

scissors beat paper, paper beat rock, rock beat wingsuit - KarlM

[wmw999 2,439]

When a motorcycle helmet is in a wreck, it's recommended that it be retired -- it did its job.

If I were you, I'd consider that the helmet sacrificed itself for you, and seriously consider getting a new one. Really. You used your insurance; buy some more.

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[AggieDave 6]

Quote

If I were you, I'd consider that the helmet sacrificed itself for you, and seriously consider getting a new one. Really. You used your insurance; buy some more.

Especially since the Z1 is made of molded plastic and not a stronger material such as carbon fiber or fiberglass. I'm willing to bet the helmet's structure is shot, cracked and broken even though you may not be able to see all the damage.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[bob.dino 1]

Alternatively, try Unfeathered. They're based in the States and may be able to help you in a more timely manner.

[RMURRAY 1]

a team-mate of mine has had his Z1 fall off TWICE on opening (new Velocity). The first time it landed in mud and was fine. the second time the lens was shattered but he just added a new one. If it were me, I'd buy the parts and keep wearing it - these helmets are not rated to protect your head anyway.

rm

[pilotdave 0]

I'm not an expert but I think the reason motorcycle helmets are retired after an impact is because the padding compresses to absorb the impact and is only designed to work once. A Z1's padding will return to normal after the impact.

If you're worried about your Z1's ability to protect you in a serious impact, you shouldn't be wearing a Z1 in the first place (or any other untested skydiving helmet).

Dave

[councilman24 37]

ditto to above.

Protective helmets have the equivalent of styrofoam which compresses, absorbs the shock, and doesn't reexpand. So have to be junked after "use". Skydiving helmets do have non-elastic crushable foam and if you can see a crack I say it's a minimally protective as it ever was.

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE

[karlm 0]

Z1 replacement parts were sent to me FREE twice after it fell of my GF's head during deployment.

Speak to Paolo ar Parasport - Great Customer Service

Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.

[fjd 0]

not to hijack this thread, but i'm in the market for a full face and was considering Z1.

however, after reading the posts about it 'falling off during the opening,' i'm having second thoughts.

are all full face susceptible to this 'falling off during the opening' to a certain extent or just z1?

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[pilotdave 0]

Depends a lot on the shape of your head and how often you get smacked by your risers on opening. I once had mine slide a little during a nasty opening, but it wasn't close to leaving my head.

Dave

[gaskydiver 0]

well i've only got 60 or 70 jumps on my z1, and it has never come off on opening. The only time it did come off was when i hit the ground downwind at about 40 mph.

[fjd 0]

hey thanks for the posts and PMs.

i think i'm back in the market for a z1 now.

blues,

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[AMax 0]

I love my Z1. I also know a person who lost her Z1 in free-fall collision. She replaced a cracked lense and continued to use the helmet since there ware no any other obvious damages.