flat-top pro

[miller 0]

Sorry to bring up an old topic, but I've not seen a definitive answer yet, so here goes...
I currently have a Hanson Low-Profile Foam Fit helmet. I've had it for a little over four years, and I've got about 1000 jumps with it. As it sits on my head, the mounting plate has a slight pitch back (up). I also have a Bat-Rak, which sits much flatter, resulting in a flatter camera angle. I know this angle can be adjusted slightly depending upon how I secured the helmet when I baked the liner,but it's still relatively flat.
I'm very partial to the pitch of the Hanson Helmet, as I've grown very used to it, and I don't want to change. But, it's time to replace this helmet, and a flat-top pro is the obvious replacement (only other option is a Gibson Helmet, but I can't afford to fly to Florida to be fitted). Anyway, for those of you who have had similar experiences with helmets, does the flat-top pro pitch up, or will it sit flat similar to the bat-rak?
I've seen both opinions on this forum, and I know jeanie checks in here ocassionally, so all opinions are welcome.
Also, if you're out there Jeanie, does Bonehead have any plans to construct a Flat-top Flat-side Pro?...(no "Bat-Rak" replies necessary, I already own one).
Thanks everyone,
Mike

[jdhill 0]

My flat-top has a fairly low angle, but I think it is a little more than a bat-rak... it works well for over the top RW stuff, but needs to be shimmed if you fly under a formation or tandem (not sitting). Mine is shimmed about .25-.5" in the front and seems to work well for my flying style.
Josh
http://www.aerialfusion.com

[base363 0]

any information on re-sizing a hanson helmet?

[Canuck 0]

The Flat Top Pro is designed to sit level. Jeanie has made that clear to me over the phone, and on these forums on more than one occasion. That is a definitive answer. Now...if your melon is an odd shape, or depending on how you bake your bone, it could be a few degrees up or down. I bought mine to use for money jumps (tandems) and fun jumps (freefly) and it works great for both. As far as a flat side, flat top, the only variation on the flat top Jeanie has mentioned is in development is a "Flat Top Narrow" designed for cam fliers who only need the space for one camera on the top but still like the design of the helmet. Call her, she is great to talk to.
Canuck

[airdrew20012001 0]

It's called a flat top because it is flat, not pitched. Both the batrack and the flat top pro are 0 angle camera platforms unless you tilt 'em when you bake the lining.
Drewfus McDoofus

[imdskydiver 0]

A camera flyer at our DZ made a attachment for his Batrac that put a 10-15 degree pitch on it . I will see if i can get a picture of it and upload it later.

[airdrew20012001 0]

I was going to do the same thing. I had gotten a hold of a local metal fabricator who helped me with my ring site and was going to have him make one but by the time I got around to it I was so used to using the batrack as is I just said screw it.

Drewfus McDoofus

[skydog 2]

I used a simpler solution.

Adjust your ringsight the 10-15 degrees (which isn't a lot).

I sight up in front of the mirror. I put the subject where I want in the frame and and then adjust the ringsight.

I have a flat-top pro and it works fine for me. Saves making and bolting things on to the helmet.

If you need any more info then mail me

Bryn

[airdrew20012001 0]

Dude, if the helmet is flat and you set the ring site to angle up then it won't be lined up with the camera's. I am probably not understanding your idea.

Drewfus McDoofus

[skydog 2]

Its not easy to describe without doing it practically.

I place the subject below centre in the LCD screen of my camcorder. I then sight up on the centre of the subjects face.

All I can say is whenever I am videoing Tandems the results are spot on.

Its a case of whatever works for you. All I know is that I used to ramp up my Hawkeye using a swivel mount, but now I use this method I dont have to.

Bryn

Journey not destination.....