robbie 0 #1 May 10, 2005 I have just got a bonehead batrack and i'm looking to do some sort of cutaway on the helmet and i'm looking for ideas. if anyone has a batrack with a cutaway on could they send me a picture of how you have done it please? I also need ideas on a ring sight location thanks for any help Rob skydiver@orange.net Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sdctlc 0 #2 May 10, 2005 I just have the BH cutaway set up on my BatRack. Can probably make something cheaper as it is just a spring, a codder bolt, codder pin and a way to pull it. Pull the codder pin and the spring pushes out the bolt holding the chin cup and helmet will go away... I will see if I can dig up a better picture. the one attached shows the red release pull. It is on the left side of my head and in the pic is folded under the helmet but when I am wearing it it is on the outsideand can be grebbed if needed.... There have also been a thread or two on this topic here as well... Scott C."He who Hesitates Shall Inherit the Earth!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tso-d_chris 0 #3 May 11, 2005 When I jumped a Bat-Rak for a short time, I had the ring sight hardware mounted closed to the center of the helmet. It seemed a little more snag resistant, and since there's no place to put a camera on the forehead with this helmet, it didn't get in the way. For Great Deals on Gear Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #4 May 11, 2005 Pictures on my BatRak HERE. The cutaway is on the right side and the cable runs back to the posterior latch. It also has a spring and cotter pin and when pulled releases the back connection point and opens the clam shell, allowing the helmet to fall forward and off the head. When talking with Linda Hardestly at Bonehead this weekend she didn't recall the BatRak having a factory installed cutaway system. However, my helmet was the very last one they made and it -did- come with one that Chris designed. ltdiver Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CTSkydiver 0 #5 May 11, 2005 Quote I just have the BH cutaway set up on my BatRack. QuotePictures on my BatRak HERE. What is it about these helmets that the ringsights are sooo low... looks like you all sight with your teeth. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #6 May 11, 2005 Quote What is it about these helmets that the ringsights are sooo low... looks like you all sight with your teeth. Perhaps this picture will show a more complete view. ltdiver Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CTSkydiver 0 #7 May 12, 2005 Thanks! I didn't realize how little forehead they had. These helmets are side entry? When / Why were they discontinued? I was speaking with someone at the DZ today who was interested in one ... guess he wasn't impressed with my FTN setup. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #8 May 12, 2005 QuoteThanks! I didn't realize how little forehead they had. These helmets are side entry? When / Why were they discontinued? I was speaking with someone at the DZ today who was interested in one ... guess he wasn't impressed with my FTN setup. The older ones had a neoprene forhead, but Bonehead discontinued these shortly after the original production. The next model had this removed and the hard shell carbon fiber front brought lower over the forehead (see quade's helmet vs mine on the linked web page). They are rear entry with a clamshell type closure. I bought the last one made and this was back in late 2003. IIRC, they were discontinued to make room in production for the new Optik. If you're looking for a Batrak you'll have to find one used now. I'm sure if you look you'll be able to find one. ltdiver Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CTSkydiver 0 #9 May 12, 2005 Quote If you're looking for a Batrak you'll have to find one used now. I'm sure if you look you'll be able to find one. ltdiver Thanks, I'll let him know. Seems to me he wants a wide top I guess without the "full face" of an FTP or FTN ... Says he doesn't want to side mount anymore (riser strike issue). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zee 0 #10 May 12, 2005 Nice Rack, Lori. Is that a 20mm on your SLR? Action©Sports Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #11 May 12, 2005 QuoteNice Rack, Lori. Is that a 20mm on your SLR? Yeah, a Canon 20mm on the 300D. ltdiver Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zee 0 #12 May 12, 2005 It's easy to spot - That's a great lens, just freakin' HUGE compared to the 24mm. My 20mm hit the ground at Mach 2 along with my other FTP Action©Sports Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #13 May 12, 2005 QuoteIt's easy to spot - That's a great lens, just freakin' HUGE compared to the 24mm. It's the reason I went from my daBomb to the BatRak. The weight of that lens was just too much for my neck, when the 20mm was mounted in front. Quote My 20mm hit the ground at Mach 2 along with my other FTP Ouch! I keep hearing stories of the FTP bouncing. What's up with that?!! I've never even come close (knock on wood) to losing either the daBomb or BatRak. ltdiver Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CTSkydiver 0 #14 May 12, 2005 Quote Ouch! I keep hearing stories of the FTP bouncing. What's up with that?!! I've never even come close (knock on wood) to losing either the daBomb or BatRak. Yeah, what IS up with that? I've jumped an FTN several times with relatively heavy cams forgetting to close the bone latch (snugged it down on jump run but left the latch up for comfort and forgot about pushing it down before climbing out) and never had problems... I'm wondering if these lost helmets had something to do with riser strike on the un-protected latches of earlier FTP/FTN's or some sort of structural failure. Or maybe folks trim the ends off the plastic zipper thing and don't have much left if the latch slips? Anyone? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zee 0 #15 May 12, 2005 I can't blame Bonehead for that one - It was easily one of the hardest, most fucked up, openings I have ever had. I honestly don't know what happened but, I woke up to the sight of a $4,000 + set-up tumbling off my head. I almost killed my packer but hey, the simple truth is that it wasn't his fault. After all, this is skydiving and if you can't afford to lose it, don't strap it to your head. Shit happens - sometimes it's just your turn. We looked for three days but never found the thing. In any case, I called Bonehead and they hooked me up with a new FTP and I was back to work by the following weekend. Losing the cameras was bad enough but hell, the helmet, remote switches, quick releases, polarized ring sight, clamps, posts, cam-eye, Pro-Track, Pro-Dytter etc.... Uuugh! It just sucked... That was 4 years ago and now all of my gear is INSURED so I can laugh about it now, see Peace, Z Action©Sports Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #16 May 13, 2005 QuoteLosing the cameras was bad enough but hell, the helmet, remote switches, quick releases, polarized ring sight, clamps, posts, cam-eye, Pro-Track, Pro-Dytter etc.... Uuugh! It just sucked... Wow. Perhaps this quote should also be posted in the "All the little things about cameraflying..." thread. ltdiver Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robbie 0 #17 May 13, 2005 Quote It's the reason I went from my daBomb to the BatRak. The weight of that lens was just too much for my neck, when the 20mm was mounted in front. ltdiver I was after the da-bomb but couldn't get one I would of had the half-rak also but couldn't get one of them either I was going to mount a pc120 as a side mount and put a cannon still as a top mount? but with your comment about riser strike and nobody seems to have a camera mounted as a side mount on these helmets I'm not sure now? With your cutaway have you connected it to the buckle on the back of the helmet? I think I would have to, I don't think the helmet would come off if I just released the chin strap or it would take my ears with it Robbie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #18 May 13, 2005 QuoteWith your cutaway have you connected it to the buckle on the back of the helmet? I didn't install it. Bonehead did. And yes, it is on the back of the helmet. I've heard some people have rigged up a cutaway for this helmet and have put a single pull to spring open -both- the chin strap and the back of the helmet at the same time. ltdiver Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
demoss99 0 #19 February 14, 2007 Here is a cutaway I installed on my BatRak a while back. It is simply a two-point cutaway modeled after Bonehead's single-point cutaway modification. It releases the right side chincup attachment point and the ratchet attachment point in the rear of the helmet. Ideally this makes it a great deal easier to "de-ass" the rig in the event of a snag etc... To make this system, I took some high-tensile coated wire leader and stuffed it in some paracord housing and crimped and heat-shrunk the ends. The paracord loop gives me something to grab onto easily even with gloves on and the orientation/direction of the pull is equal between the two release points. The release mechanism on the attachment points is the standard cutaway system seen previously in this discussion using the clevis pin, spring and cotter pin arrangement. As you see from the pics the loop is located behind and below my right ear on my neck area. When the helmet is actually on my head the loop is not quite as long because it tucks up slightly inside the helmet padding. I have tested this rig under a load (my exit weight hanging from it in the packing area) and it released fine. I will definitely take that over no cutaway at all!! Let’s hope I never have to actually use it for real!!! "I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlueSBDeath 2 #20 February 14, 2007 Very well done!!! The best part is the "Stevorino" sticker, where can I get one?? Stay Safe, ArvelBSBD...........Its all about Respect, USPA#-7062, FB-2197, Outlaw 499 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #21 February 15, 2007 QuoteThe best part is the "Stevorino" sticker, where can I get one?? I noticed that as well. Coolio on both parts... btw, nice search for an old thread! ltdiver Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
demoss99 0 #22 February 15, 2007 Thanks...btw your "BatRak" was my reference point. I blew your pics up when I worked the final position of my system. They were my "blueprint". Thanks for the help and kudos!!!! "I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
demoss99 0 #23 February 15, 2007 Also - I have to give ultimate credits to my dad. He is the driving force behind my hair brain equipment ideas. He was well before his time back in the 60's when they modified their own gear. He still is...I benefit from his ingenuity today. The design of this cut-away and my belly mount camera system from before belong to him. Blue Skies Dad - you keep me Rock'n!!!! 1-INR Forever!!!! "I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
