helmet question

[canada 0]

As a newbie to the sport, still working on my aff. I need some advice from those that have had more air under them than I. I'm looking at buying a helmet and I have no idea of what would be a good entry level one. Any help would be great.

Some will fall in love with life and drink it from a fountain.That is pouring like an avalanche comin' down the mountain

[FlyingRhenquest 1]

I got a Benny helmet for about $60 and it's lasted 225 jumps so far. The lining's starting to get a bit ratty, but can be easily replaced. If you don't mind the wind, it's a lot cheaper than a full face one!

I'm trying to teach myself how to set things on fire with my mind. Hey... is it hot in here?

[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

Benny or ProTec are good to start with.

Not expensive, fairly tough, better protection than the fancy ones.

The chances are that you are going to biff in a few times early in your adventure. That $400 Carbon Fiber helmet will crack on a hard impact. The Benny or ProTec will just scuff and scratch (or cost a lot less to replace).

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[pchapman 279]

And for something like $10 more, one can get the more advanced liner for the Benny, which is a real, sewn helmet liner, and not just layers of foam that eventually peel off from each other a little at the edges. That's fairly new; only noticed it available last season.

The other option usually mentioned is the ProTec. It has the simple layers-of-foam style liner. If doing a ProTec, get the full shell, not the half shell.

[canada 0]

Where would be the best place to get one here in Canada?

Some will fall in love with life and drink it from a fountain.That is pouring like an avalanche comin' down the mountain

[pchapman 279]

We have relatively few people doing skydiving equipment sales in Canada, and without a point-and-click ordering interface, so a lot of skydiving specific stuff one orders from gear stores in the US like Para Gear, Chuting Star, Square One, Aerostore, or other places. Get together with a few friends to share shipping costs and order the stuff you need. Since demand is low at any given location, one might find standard items like goggles or a basic alti at a local DZ, but one isn't going to have racks of helmets to try out.

I notice that 'Danger' at Skydive Swoop does sell Bennys. He has had a small shop at the DZ for some years. (http://www.dangerwear.ca/SkySystems/Benny.html)

Full Protecs one might find at or through a kayaking or similar water sports store. Skateboard shops tend to have the half shell only - but who knows, they might be able to order others in.

[jclalor 12]

Is there an actual USPA requirement for helmets?

It seem like most helmets are used as nothing more than a place to mount your Go-Pro.

[FlyingRhenquest 1]

jclalor

Is there an actual USPA requirement for helmets?

It seem like most helmets are used as nothing more than a place to mount your Go-Pro.

IIRC they usually make students wear them. The instructors seem to be of the opinion that it's not a great idea to skip wearing one. I've had enough light bumps on the plane that I'm convinced I should keep wearing it.

It won't help you if you walk into a prop, and once you get out of the plane your helmet is wearing you for protection. Keeps your goggles and Go-Pro in place pretty well, though.

I'm trying to teach myself how to set things on fire with my mind. Hey... is it hot in here?

[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

FlyingRhenquest

***Is there an actual USPA requirement for helmets?

It seem like most helmets are used as nothing more than a place to mount your Go-Pro.

IIRC they usually make students wear them. The instructors seem to be of the opinion that it's not a great idea to skip wearing one. I've had enough light bumps on the plane that I'm convinced I should keep wearing it.

It won't help you if you walk into a prop, and once you get out of the plane your helmet is wearing you for protection. Keeps your goggles and Go-Pro in place pretty well, though.

BSRs only require them for students.

And I'm going to disagree that they aren't any use.

My ProTec has a few good scratches and one big gouge. I PLF'd and went right over a "fist-sized" rock hiding in the grass with my head. If I hadn't had the helmet on, I certainly would have been bleeding, possibly even a skull fracture.

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[ChuckMartin 0]

The FX helmets form Square1 are really nice for the price also.