Clownburner 0 #1 January 23, 2003 Well, I'm a total newbie at this and just starting working towards my A rating. I'm excited! Given that I'll be jumping under student canopy and harness for a while, I'm not planning on even speculating as to what to buy until that's all done. However, I think I would probably benefit from my own helmet, as then I could be ensured of a good fit and not have to worry about skanky rental gear. Is it a good idea? What kind of helmet (open face, full face, etc) would you recommend for someone new to the sport? I'd like to get one I could use for a while, so it'd be neat if I could eventually mount an audible once I've got some experience under my belt. Or should I just blow it off entirely until much later? Opinions, please. TIA.7CP#1 | BTR#2 | Payaso en fuego Rodriguez "I want hot chicks in my boobies!"- McBeth Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #2 January 23, 2003 If you're in the sport for the long run, buy yourself an open face helmet that takes an audible. Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #3 January 23, 2003 Getting your own helmet is an excellent idea. I'd recommend an open faced helmet for now; at most dz's you wouldn't be able to use a fullface until after you're off student status. Which one depends on how much money you want to throw at it. A basic Protec will work just fine, and may actually provide you with better head protection than some of the more expensive skydiving specific helmets. They cost under US$50 new and will accept an audible later on if you want to add one. I'd also suggest buying at least one pair of goggles now. Other things you can buy and at most dz's use while you're on student status include an altimeter and a pair of gloves. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
falxori 0 #4 January 23, 2003 work slowlty , or as fast as your budget allows you. i got an alti first, then goggles , then gear and helmet. mine is a hawkeye,. not that cheap, but i plan on camera flying later on , and the hawkeye is cool. like everything else, look around and see if you can try some on before you order anything, we all have different heads "Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
goose491 0 #5 January 23, 2003 Quote ...at most dz's you wouldn't be able to use a fullface until after you're off student status. Why is that Lisa? cause of the possibility of it fogging up and student not knowing where stuff is? (stuff meaning pillow and silver)? Clownburner, Welcome to the sky! As was mentioned above, work on getting your gear as slowly or as quickly as you can afford ('cause don't forget most, if not all, your dough should be going towards jumps ) I recommend the open-face as well. Do a search, I know there are threads about open vs. fullface. If you start liking the idea of a fullface, perhaps just keep using the DZ student helmets until you can use one. It's good to find an INTERNAL ditter mount too. But on that note, don't worry about getting a ditter for a little while. I'm not the type of person to say "don't do this until you have X number of jumps" but the reason I say not to get a ditter right away is so that you can develop some alti-awareness rather then waiting for the BEEP! My Karma ran over my Dogma!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyMan 7 #6 January 23, 2003 QuoteWhy is that Lisa? cause of the possibility of it fogging up and student not knowing where stuff is? (stuff meaning pillow and silver)? That's part of it, but generally instructors want to be able to clearly see the expresions on your face, which a full-face will obstruct. _Am__ You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
goose491 0 #7 January 23, 2003 Quote That's part of it, but generally instructors want to be able to clearly see the expresions on your face, which a full-face will obstruct. Ahhh, I see. Thanks Andy. And that's the major selling point of the open-faced helmet. Most people that say they prefer 'em say it's because they like to see the big goofy smiles!!! Here's a couple for you now: My Karma ran over my Dogma!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rigging65 0 #8 January 23, 2003 QuoteThat's part of it, but generally instructors want to be able to clearly see the expresions on your face, which a full-face will obstruct. It also lets the instructor hear/see what the student is saying...like an exit count, among other things... "...and once you had tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward. For there you have been, and there you long to return..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Satan666 0 #9 January 24, 2003 The BPA has limit on jumps/license before you can you a full face helmet and i'm sure the USPA may have the same rule. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BMFin 0 #10 January 24, 2003 Quote i'm sure the USPA may have the same rule. You are absolutely SURE that the USPA MAY have the same rule. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyKev 0 #11 January 24, 2003 I'm positively unsure USPA has such a rule. Searched the 2003 SIM for "helmet" and the only rules were regarding the requirement of some type of rigid helmet for students. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyMan 7 #12 January 24, 2003 Quotei'm sure the USPA may have the same rule. The USPA has no such rule, nor do I ever imagine them making one. Most instructor have that as a personal rule. Most DZ's do not have it as an 'official' rule. _Am__ You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
