Z1 Factory Paint

[airtwardo 7]

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I totally agree that on and after the first jump it will be scratched and the scratches will dwarf in comparison to the hair and other inclusions in the paint. The difference being that I put them there, not the painter.

I don't think that excuses the Mfr from implementing some simple form of quality control, say something as simple as issuing the painter a tac cloth...cost $2.00, time to use…30 seconds a helmet.

I read what paolo et al had to say about this being a niche industry etc. Seriously though, CKX can fabricate a full face CSA approved helmet with no hair in the gel coat for $69. The other skydiving helmet mfrs can fabricate other thermo plastic helmets with no inclusions in the paint for $300.

Parasport may be willing to consider that dust and hair in the paint is acceptable but WE , the consumers do not have to buy them. There are options out there and we don’t have to accept sub par products. I’d almost understand if the tag in the helmet said ‘made in china’, you get what you pay for. I paid $320…..

Actually, I do know why Parasport thinks this is OK. Because we continue to buy these products at these prices and not send them back when they don’t meet our personal standards.

Wonder what goes into their altimeters......

BTW, the vendor, has been awesome and even though this is not their fault and Parasport bailed on their end of the deal, ie replacing the helmet as promised, twice. The vendor is sending me an alternate product and shipped it gratis.

Needless to say, I won't be recommending Z1's or any other parasport product at our DZ ever again.

You have a good point.

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[mjosparky 4]

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I read what paolo et al had to say about this being a niche industry etc.

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its an acceptable standard for 'our' industry where small batches are hard to control

Skydiving has always been a “niche industry” when compared to say skiing or MC riding. But shoddy work has never been “an acceptable standard” in the industry. Over the years I have seen more than a few companies start up and try to push a crappy product. None of them are around today. I don’t know who this Paolo clown is but his idea of acceptable standard has never been acceptable in any industry I know of.
I am now pretty heavily involved in RC trucks and have found that many of the after market producers will not do business with companies or individuals from Italy. Things like this might be the reason why.

Sparky

My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals

[Unstable 9]

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just received my new helmet and it looks like a factory second or cheap chinese knock off at best.

I agree 100%. I've bought 2 Z1's and seen many many new ones at the DZ. $300 for a plastic molded helmet, available in 2 or 3 general shell sizes, modular padding, and a simple visor system. I would imagine that the costs could be rather high for manufacturing this product if it's a job shop type environment, but given the quantity I've seen across the globe, they must have some sort of defined manufacturing process.

IMHO, Factory Diver is the best bang for the buck..

=========Shaun ==========

[AndyMan 7]

I agree. I bought one Z-1 years ago, and have been absolutely disgusted by the lack of quality, reliability, and customer service.

I've written countless posts on the subjects, and recommended every one of my friends avoid the products, like the plague.

It seems most people are so impressed by the lesser price, skydivers continue to flock to the product. Oh well.

Me? I'll never buy any product from that Company. I wish gear stores wouldn't sell them.

_Am

__

You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead.

[airtwardo 7]

Saw a used on in the gear store today...in better shape than the OP's new one!

What does THAT tell ya...somebody jumped it & dumped it, and it's NICER than a new one!

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[pilotdave 0]

I was disappointed with the quality of my Z1 when I bought it. 7-8 years later, I'm still jumping it. If it needs to be replaced for some reason, I'll most likely buy another Z1. Paint quality isn't the Z1's strong point, but if that doesn't bother you too much, it has a lot going for it. Haven't found anything else with such a good visor. Would be nice if it had a way to cinch down to your head... seen a few of them get lost on opening, but never had any trouble with mine. Course now I will next weekend.

Dave

[ridestrong 1]

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I was disappointed with the quality of my Z1 when I bought it. 7-8 years later, I'm still jumping it. If it needs to be replaced for some reason, I'll most likely buy another Z1. Paint quality isn't the Z1's strong point, but if that doesn't bother you too much, it has a lot going for it. Haven't found anything else with such a good visor. Would be nice if it had a way to cinch down to your head... seen a few of them get lost on opening, but never had any trouble with mine. Course now I will next weekend.

Dave

I agree... I have scratched the shit out of my Z1, and I have the flat/soft paint which I think scratches more easily. However I find the helmet extremely comfortable and love the visor. I would definitely buy another Z1 in the future. To the OP: Even though the paint imperfections you had would not bother me the customer service you experienced would have.

*I am not afraid of dying... I am afraid of missing life.*
----Disclaimer: I don't know shit about skydiving.----

[danornan 79]

My first hard helmet was a Z-1, it's now about 3-4 years old and if I had to replace it today, I'd buy another. Everyone's head is different and my large, fits me like a glove. The paint quality was good, I love the flip up visor that does not break when I forget to flip it down on a jump and yes, it does have a few rub marks that would have been on my head if not for the helmet.

You buy something sight unseen, not from a local dealer and you take your chances. Nothing is perfect and after a few jumps, neither will be a helmet.

Dano

[mjosparky 4]

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You buy something sight unseen, not from a local dealer and you take your chances. Nothing is perfect and after a few jumps, neither will be a helmet.

And that is the reason they keep turning out shit. For $300 you should not have to "take your chances." It doesn't take any more time or effort to do it right then it does to screw it up. Do you accept this lack of quality in other aspects of your life?

Sparky

My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals

[danornan 79]

No, but it's just not a big deal in a skydiving helmet that gets banged around. I would not pick it off of a shelf, but if I saved $$$ by ordering it on line, I would not complain.

Dano

[jb88ci 0]

Well, my new FreeZR arrived this week..its is an awsome helmet. The quality is very good, the matte finish is flawless..but it should be..lol..even the way the foam etc is installed is superior to what i saw in my Z1 and my gf's Z1.

The field of vision is excellent, sadly, the lens are expensive and because they are molded, can't be cut from a 4X8 sheet of lexan like the Z1 could..however the FreeZR is a high quality product, comes with two helmet bags...

I haven't jumped it yet, the DZ doesn't open for a couple weeks yet..but i will then...

I think i'm gonna put a tac rag in the mail and send it to Paoulo