Helmet shopping?

[brycew 0]

I'm a jumper in Kansas which means that the weather is going to be very cold shortly. I'd like to jump through as much of the winter as possible which makes a full face helmet a needed item.

My understanding is that different helmet brands fit different people better or worse depending on the shape of the particular head. With no dealers nearby, whats the most effective strategy for finding/buying an appropriate helmet? Suggestions?

Thanks in advance

[mattjw916 2]

Try to borrow ones you are interested in from a friend for a jump or two, or at least try it on when on the ground. Make sure you can see your handles in it, etc, etc.

You can always wear a balaclava (ski mask) under an openface helmet, I've done that a few times. I mostly just don't jump when it gets stupid-cold outside.

NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

[ncfitzge 0]

I went with a BH Mamba. The first one I had didn't feel right, so I sent it right back to them and they exchanged it at no additional cost. Also, you can stick it in the oven and mold it to your own head...

Fitz

#148 Sonic Scrat
"Have you ever kissed a rabbit between the eyes?" Woodpecker pulling out his pants pockets to the waitress

[justinb138 0]

Quote

I went with a BH Mamba. The first one I had didn't feel right, so I sent it right back to them and they exchanged it at no additional cost. Also, you can stick it in the oven and mold it to your own head...

Fitz

I've got one as well. No problems w/ it so far.

• Quote

[MrBrant 0]

indeed, a balaclava and open face works great!.

but, Do not wear one of those tube-scarve thingies to cover your neck/mouth!
(they tend to blow up and cover your eyes in freefall - lol)

[philly51 0]

First couple of years I went with the balaclava under a Protec. No problems. I've since used a Factory Diver, which fits me better than any other helmet I've tried and is slightly warmer.
Try them all on WITH any audibles in them that you plan to use.

Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, Shouting "...holy shit...what a ride!"

[brycew 0]

Thanks for the advice all... I think I will go for using a balaclava under my protec until I have a chance to get to a place where I can try some helmets on. I don't really like the idea of shelling out $300 before knowing how the helmet will fit my head

[GravityGirl 0]

Find a dealer who can qualify your needs with a personal consultation and then backs up their advise with a good exchange policy or money back guarantee.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peace and Blue Skies!
Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear!

[Squeak 17]

Quote

Find a dealer who can qualify your needs with a personal consultation and then backs up their advise with a good exchange policy or money back guarantee.

OO someone like you for instance

You are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky)
My Life ROCKS!
How's yours doing?

[GravityGirl 0]

Maybe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peace and Blue Skies!
Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear!

[AggieDave 6]

Quote

but, Do not wear one of those tube-scarve thingies to cover your neck/mouth!
(they tend to blow up and cover your eyes in freefall - lol)

That's not bad advice, really, but you know I've used one for the past couple of winters without much problem, so I would say that YMMV and if it blows up to your eyes, please pull it back down.

The balaclava has been a constant friend for me while skydiving in the winter for the past 5 winters, it works like a total champ, then again, it typically only gets in the 20's in this part of TX in the winter. That would put it on average still a bit above 0F with the windchill of a skydive, so those jumping in slightly more extreme temp might find YMMV as well.

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

[twibbles 0]

?? Never had a problem with the tube-scarves... I tuck the bottom edge under my jumpsuit collar though. Am using a elasticated skull cap for wearing under cycling helmets. Kept my ears from falling off when jumping during the English winter.

Edited to add: Am jumping with an open face helmet for a while, mostly FS.

E

"In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of
people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move."