noggydog 0 #1 February 1, 2003 Hi all, I've seen alot of posts and questions about the 2kcomposites helmets lately, and well mine just showed up so I figured I'd give my 2cents on first appearance. Take in mind that this is my first camera helmet and I won't be jumping it untill I have 50 or so more jumps, so I'm no expert by any sense of the word. First off the ordering process went very well for me, Allie at 2k was more than helpful and answered all my questions and concerns to my satisfaction. In ordering they take your head size, what camera you'll be using, and any other accesories you want installed by them. The only special requests I had was to have a cameye installed and that the helmet to fit a little snugger on the sides due to the fact that I don't have a very bowling ball shaped head and I've had problems with helmets from other activities fitting terrible tight front to back and loose on the sides. It took about 6 weeks from date of order to arrive which is accurate with when they say you should expect to receive it. First impression out of the box is excellent, the finish on the surface, liner and trim looks very well done. This is the FFX which is the one that you put the camera in the helmet from the inside. I chose this one due to the smooth construction and lack of snag points. There is a carbon fibre plate/shelf on the inside with a elastic velcro strap that holds the camera in. There is also foam padding in the camera compartment that I assume is placed specifically for each camera, due to the fact that my pc101 fits nice and snug into place. The Audible pockets have a light padding in them with a wide elastic strap, looks like it would hold an audible no problem but again I have no Idea yet. Ok now the real test hows it feel on my head(afterall it would suck to have to send it back to them due to a major fit problem), no problems! Like a glove! I'm really impressed with the fit, I've always had to modify helmets one way or another to get them to fit correctly and this feels like I won't need to do a thing to it, I'm interested in hearing how other people who have purchased these helmets have made out with the fit. The cameye is installed about 2-3 inches above the front audible pocket with just the red of the button sticking through the surface, I had asked them if it could be located in the nooke between the two audibles(to offer a little more protection against being accidentally pushed), they tried it but unfortunately the lead wasn't long enough. The current location seems like it will probably be fine though, I don't think its in a place that would give you common trouble. The ratchet chin cup seems comfortable to me, but again I've never seen any one elses. Its well molded, the only thing I have to do is trim the ratchet straps down a little bit. Overall up to this point I would rate my experience with 2kcomposites a 10, the helmet came as described and I am very pleased with the quality. Customer service was excellent, and I can't wait to try it out. I've herd of some people haveing problems with getting returns to their questions but this definatley was not the case with me. Oh yeah its very light too. I hope this helps some one out there and I would like to hear how people like their 2k helmets and what they think the pro's and con's have been with their puchase. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites flyhi 24 #2 February 2, 2003 Was looking at both the FFX and the FF2. Agree about the snag points, but not sure if the slightly (any?) increase in snag potential for the FF2 would not be outweighed by an ease of camera access. My question: How difficult is it for you to get the camera in and out to change the battery or tape? It would seem, strictly from the reading, that with the FF2 access might be a little easier. Your thoughts?Shit happens. And it usually happens because of physics. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites noggydog 0 #3 February 2, 2003 I have a friend who has the ff2 and its definately a easier to get the camera in and out of the helmet, also with a camera like mine(pc101) to capture footage I have to take the camera out of the helmet to access the fire wire jack, with the ff2 its easy to get to when you open the campartment. I've only put the camera in and out of the helmet 4-5 times so far and it gets easier and quicker every time. I doubt there is any signifacant increase in snag potential on the ff2, but I figured the smoother the safer. I'm going to start playing with sighting it in today, they say it comes set up to line of sight so I'm going to try making little adjustments on up/down and left/right axis just so when I do use it if I need to make any adjustments I wont be bummed at the dropzone. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skreamer 1 #4 February 2, 2003 QuoteIt would seem, strictly from the reading, that with the FF2 access might be a little easier. Yeah, thats why I bought an FF2. 150 jumps with it later I am still happy. The price has come down and they now fit it with a nice chincup. For freeflying alone the FFX is OK, but if you should ever want to film FS or tandems not having easy access to the camera could be an issue. Also, these helmets are really strong. I had a fatass pilot step on my helmet (resting upside down). The strap was done up, he tore the strap but absolutely no bending or buckling of the helmet itself. 2K also supply stroboframes and some really nice sights and mounts (moose/Ian Silman's I believe). Will PS the helmet was where it was supposed to be - the pilot wasn't... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites CBurket 0 #5 February 3, 2003 I recently got a 2k FF2 which I am extremely pleased with. I'd also like to ad that 2k has recently added a ratchet chin-cup to their camera helmets. I was so impressed with their operation that I became a dealer for them so if anyone here in the US is interested in their helmets, let me know. -Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites gus 1 #6 February 3, 2003 The benefit of the ffx (with my PC9 at least) is that since the a/v port is located on the right hand side of the camera you can leave it in the helmet and operate it with the remote - although you will have to take it out to get to the firewire port. GusOutpatientsOnline.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites CBurket 0 #7 February 4, 2003 One other thing I should mention about 2k is that right now the exchange rate is very high, 1.64, but they have decided to lock in 1.56 as their rate of exchange for customers until May 1. This means that buying a helmet now until May 1 will be cheaper than normal. Blue Skies, Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites alain 0 #8 February 4, 2003 interesting report dude did you ask them about the cutaway system? they told a couple of month ago that they were working on one but no news since... Alain Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites noggydog 0 #9 February 5, 2003 No unfortunately I didn't ask about the cutaway system, When I ordered it they were actually just changing over to the ratchet chincup being standard, I'd check their website though I now they just updated it Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites MichelleRichard 0 #10 February 5, 2003 "Noggydog" just wondering, you said you have a Sony DCR PC 101 in your FFX helmet. What type/ size of lens are you using and does in fit inside or outside the dbox? Thanks, Michelle Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites CBurket 0 #11 February 6, 2003 Hey guys, just thought I might be able to help with a few other questions. The cut-away system is its final stages of development. I don't know much about the mechanics of the system itself, but its been in development a while so they could really put it through some tests. 2k wanted to make sure it could cutaway under heavy loads and work in a variety of situations. Regarding wide angle lenses, it really depends on the lens, some are very small and would only barely come out of the box if at all, and some are really big. Mine is a Kenko .43 and it sticks out of the box a little bit. Blue Skies, Chris SkydiveKU@hotmail.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites noggydog 0 #12 February 7, 2003 I actually haven't bought the lens for my camera yet, I'm still doing research on which one I'm going to get. As far as fit of the lens with the camera in the helmet it has a wide opening for the lens to fit through so even if you had to use a step up ring it looks like theres enough room. 2kcomposites has some pictures of each of their models with cameras and lenses attached on their web site. When I purchase a lens it will probably be in the .42-.45 range. I'm very concerned about getting a lens without vignette and as little distortion as possible. I've done alot of searches for previous posts about this as specifically applies to the pc101 but haven't found many threads, so I'll probably start a thread about that specifically, after I look around some more....... I don't want to anoy anyone, there are alot of posts on lens selection, just not many specific to the 101 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. 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flyhi 24 #2 February 2, 2003 Was looking at both the FFX and the FF2. Agree about the snag points, but not sure if the slightly (any?) increase in snag potential for the FF2 would not be outweighed by an ease of camera access. My question: How difficult is it for you to get the camera in and out to change the battery or tape? It would seem, strictly from the reading, that with the FF2 access might be a little easier. Your thoughts?Shit happens. And it usually happens because of physics. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
noggydog 0 #3 February 2, 2003 I have a friend who has the ff2 and its definately a easier to get the camera in and out of the helmet, also with a camera like mine(pc101) to capture footage I have to take the camera out of the helmet to access the fire wire jack, with the ff2 its easy to get to when you open the campartment. I've only put the camera in and out of the helmet 4-5 times so far and it gets easier and quicker every time. I doubt there is any signifacant increase in snag potential on the ff2, but I figured the smoother the safer. I'm going to start playing with sighting it in today, they say it comes set up to line of sight so I'm going to try making little adjustments on up/down and left/right axis just so when I do use it if I need to make any adjustments I wont be bummed at the dropzone. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skreamer 1 #4 February 2, 2003 QuoteIt would seem, strictly from the reading, that with the FF2 access might be a little easier. Yeah, thats why I bought an FF2. 150 jumps with it later I am still happy. The price has come down and they now fit it with a nice chincup. For freeflying alone the FFX is OK, but if you should ever want to film FS or tandems not having easy access to the camera could be an issue. Also, these helmets are really strong. I had a fatass pilot step on my helmet (resting upside down). The strap was done up, he tore the strap but absolutely no bending or buckling of the helmet itself. 2K also supply stroboframes and some really nice sights and mounts (moose/Ian Silman's I believe). Will PS the helmet was where it was supposed to be - the pilot wasn't... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CBurket 0 #5 February 3, 2003 I recently got a 2k FF2 which I am extremely pleased with. I'd also like to ad that 2k has recently added a ratchet chin-cup to their camera helmets. I was so impressed with their operation that I became a dealer for them so if anyone here in the US is interested in their helmets, let me know. -Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gus 1 #6 February 3, 2003 The benefit of the ffx (with my PC9 at least) is that since the a/v port is located on the right hand side of the camera you can leave it in the helmet and operate it with the remote - although you will have to take it out to get to the firewire port. GusOutpatientsOnline.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CBurket 0 #7 February 4, 2003 One other thing I should mention about 2k is that right now the exchange rate is very high, 1.64, but they have decided to lock in 1.56 as their rate of exchange for customers until May 1. This means that buying a helmet now until May 1 will be cheaper than normal. Blue Skies, Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alain 0 #8 February 4, 2003 interesting report dude did you ask them about the cutaway system? they told a couple of month ago that they were working on one but no news since... Alain Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
noggydog 0 #9 February 5, 2003 No unfortunately I didn't ask about the cutaway system, When I ordered it they were actually just changing over to the ratchet chincup being standard, I'd check their website though I now they just updated it Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MichelleRichard 0 #10 February 5, 2003 "Noggydog" just wondering, you said you have a Sony DCR PC 101 in your FFX helmet. What type/ size of lens are you using and does in fit inside or outside the dbox? Thanks, Michelle Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CBurket 0 #11 February 6, 2003 Hey guys, just thought I might be able to help with a few other questions. The cut-away system is its final stages of development. I don't know much about the mechanics of the system itself, but its been in development a while so they could really put it through some tests. 2k wanted to make sure it could cutaway under heavy loads and work in a variety of situations. Regarding wide angle lenses, it really depends on the lens, some are very small and would only barely come out of the box if at all, and some are really big. Mine is a Kenko .43 and it sticks out of the box a little bit. Blue Skies, Chris SkydiveKU@hotmail.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
noggydog 0 #12 February 7, 2003 I actually haven't bought the lens for my camera yet, I'm still doing research on which one I'm going to get. As far as fit of the lens with the camera in the helmet it has a wide opening for the lens to fit through so even if you had to use a step up ring it looks like theres enough room. 2kcomposites has some pictures of each of their models with cameras and lenses attached on their web site. When I purchase a lens it will probably be in the .42-.45 range. I'm very concerned about getting a lens without vignette and as little distortion as possible. I've done alot of searches for previous posts about this as specifically applies to the pc101 but haven't found many threads, so I'll probably start a thread about that specifically, after I look around some more....... I don't want to anoy anyone, there are alot of posts on lens selection, just not many specific to the 101 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
