Jeff.Donohue 0 #1 July 21, 2006 After (accidentally) giving a fellow jumper a bloody nose on a botched exit, I'm in the market for a full-face helmet for when I do RW. What do you like/dislike about full-face helmets you've used? If it makes any difference, I have a freakishly large head (think Charlie Brown-sized and -shaped). I currently own a XL Bonehead Mindwrap (open face), which I like a lot. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slotperfect 7 #2 July 21, 2006 Forum search results Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #3 July 21, 2006 The Mamba has an incredible field of vision from behind the lens. Besides that, if you've got a larger noggin, as it seems you do with the XL Bonehead helmet you already have, I'd really suggest sticking with Bonehead. Except for the Freezer helmet, the rest of them on the market (Oxygen, A2, etc) really aren't made for larger sized heads (although I've seen them fit some incredible large egos before).--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
justinb138 0 #4 July 21, 2006 I love my Mamba. My only complaint is that the lenses scratch pretty easily, but I'm pretty sure that's true with any full face helmet. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WatchYourStep 0 #5 July 21, 2006 Almost all of my jumps since I was off student status have been in my Z1 and I love it. I have an XL and it's great. "You start off your skydiving career with a bag full of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill the bag of experience up before your bag of luck runs out." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monkycndo 0 #6 July 21, 2006 Bonehead Mamba. 'Nuff said. Fits freakishly large heads and great field of view. Face shield won't pop open in freefall. Internal space for two audibles. I have XXL and it fits great.50 donations so far. Give it a try. You know you want to spank it Jump an Infinity Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spatula 0 #7 July 21, 2006 The Mamba looks sweet EXCEPT that they wont paint the lens...so if you get a color helemt, the lens will be in the carbon fiber matte....that drives me nuts!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dumpster 0 #8 July 21, 2006 I like the Z-1. Have over 400 jumps on mine. I sold a few Mambas and I like those even better. Next full-face will be a Mamba. Haven't seen a Freezr yet, so no opinion there. Easy Does It Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
idoru99 0 #9 July 21, 2006 QuoteI love my Mamba. My only complaint is that the lenses scratch pretty easily, but I'm pretty sure that's true with any full face helmet. I agree...I love mine and the original lens scratched if you looked at the wrong way (it seemed). I replaced the lens and the replacements are A LOT nicer and scratch resistant. Hopefully the newer ones have the better lenses on them. <><><><><><><><><><><> The greatest risk you take in life is the risk you don't take. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monkycndo 0 #10 July 21, 2006 A FreeZr is color matched on the visor. When I tried it on, it just felt BIG compared to the Mamba. Mine is all matte anyway, so it looks fine. The Mamba has the color in the gel coat. You can always get an all matte and paint the whole thing.50 donations so far. Give it a try. You know you want to spank it Jump an Infinity Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Akey 0 #11 July 21, 2006 Why when click on mamba does it take me to the aerodyne site and show the mamba canopy? And i can't find a helmet called a mamba either... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #12 July 21, 2006 QuoteWhy when click on mamba does it take me to the aerodyne site and show the mamba canopy? And i can't find a helmet called a mamba either... See here for the explanation. You'll want to look here for the helmet."There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
za_skydiver 0 #13 July 21, 2006 I got a Oxygen A3, and its the nuts. I got a large head and im wearing an XL. Only bad thing about Oxygen is that Skysystems's customer service sucks. But if you can live with that, i think its the best helmet out. But dont take my word for it, its only an opinion.Some dream of flying, i live the dream... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #14 July 22, 2006 For the freakishly large head club, the key thing is to try on a helmet before you buy it. As a member of the club myself, I couldn't even get an XL Z1 down over my forehead, an XL Bonehead Mamba fit but not well, and an XXL Mamba fits perfectly (and I wear an XL Bonehead Guner that also fits perfectly ... just goes to show you the stated size isn't all that meaningful). If you can find someone near you (whether it's a dealer or another jumper) who has the helmets you're interested in in the size you'd like to try on, that's your best bet. Also, here's a link to a recent discussion on the topic."There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #15 July 22, 2006 I'll vouch for the "Bonehead Mamba" as well. Great fit, quality product, and easy to use. I always wore an open face but when I got this full face helmet (for JFTC) it worked -great- at higher altitudes without fogging. (click on the word 'Bonehead' in my post to be taken to the correct web site) ltdiver Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jheadley 0 #16 July 23, 2006 QuoteI like the Z-1. Have over 400 jumps on mine. I sold a few Mambas and I like those even better. Next full-face will be a Mamba. Haven't seen a Freezr yet, so no opinion there. I like the design of the z1 visor, very strong, but I believe it is not secured very well to your head with just a chin strap. I personally know of two people who have lost them on opening and have heard of several more. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrickyDicky 0 #17 July 24, 2006 I have a Z1, (bought 2nd hand for £50), that Ive put >200 jumps on and ~5hrs tunnel time. Still doing me good. But if I was to buy a new one Id get an oxygn. Generally look more secure and just as confortable, though I dont like the visor as much. My friend has a mamba and it looks good as it has a similar securing method to the Oxygn and a visor like the Z1. I dont like the Freezr. Looks too much like a motorbike helmet, and I know people have had trouble with their visors in the wind tunnel. UK Skydiver for all your UK skydiving needs. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joellercoaster 6 #18 August 1, 2006 If your head is really freakishly large and funny-shaped, then you may want to stick with Bonehead but try the Havok. I tried on a Mamba (XXL) and found it a bit cramped (my head is very long front-to-back). I ordered an XL Havok and it just turned up today... haven't jumped it yet so I can't give you a proper review, but I can say this: This is the first helmet I've ever had that I can get onto my head without taking bits of liner out. It fits. I am so happy. [edit: It also looks totally evil ]-- "I'll tell you how all skydivers are judged, . They are judged by the laws of physics." - kkeenan "You jump out, pull the string and either live or die. What's there to be good at? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
