cj1150gs 0 #1 July 4, 2006 Hi all, My background: at around 200 jumps I started to fly an N-Vertigo-X with PC-106 and 300D. Meanwhile I stopped taking stills as I felt I was not flying better nor photographing better. So I got a Rawa and been flying it with the video on the side. I feel the time has come to reassemble a stills setup. Although the Rawa has a little top platform I find it kind of small for the 20D I bought meanwhile. Skydive photography is a real passion for me, so, a bigger, definitive platform would be nice. But the price of diesel makes this the wrong time for big investments. So I found a nicely priced used FTP (at least I think it is an FTP!). It has no cutaway system and the locking latch is a metallic ski boot one, so I guess it is some years old. (Sadly I have no pics of it). I tried this FTP and couldn't make it fit confortably. My head is small, but my face is long (no jokes, pleaseSorry for the long intro - questions follows: Can the FTP be made to fit anyone just by baking the liner? Or is there anyone who simply could not adapt to this lid? Is it possible to install a cutaway of some sort in older versions of FTP’s? Is there anything to avoid in older generations of FTP’s (security wise)? Your input would be much appreciated as I don’t want to spend the money of 15 jumps just to add another bucket to the collection. Blue Skies, Carlos Martins Portugal www.cj.smugmug.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brains 2 #2 July 4, 2006 The liners of the FTP have extra foam in them. You can maybe take out a layer here or there in the top and chin cup area to help with your jaw problem. You would then need to add some to the temple areas. You want it to fit snug and THEN bake the liner to form them. I have a few extra temple pieces i think if you would like them. As far as i know, yes, you can add a cutaway to it. Bonehead sells a kit to retro fit their older helmets. Other things to think about, on some of their older FTP's the ratchet release did not have a cover over it. This made riser strikes a little more serious. Maybe fashion a bracket or cover for it to help. See pic to understand the cover i am talking about. Never look down on someone, unless they are going down on you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #3 July 4, 2006 Bonehead sells complete replacement liner kits, that would be your best option. Overall the metal ratchet is a good option, I about lost my plastic ratchet version due to a riser strike the other week.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vdschoor 0 #4 July 4, 2006 Just order a new liner from Bonehead, so you have all the original padding and start moving pieces around until the helmet fits. I have a fairly large head as well, and it took me a while to get the helmet to fit right. And with fitting right I mean really tight everywhere. I leave the back unlatched until they open the door, cause the helmet is so tight. Which is the way you want it, cause then the helmet doesn't move when your head is not moving Good luck, and congrats on the new helmet.. you're going to be really happy with it.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #5 July 4, 2006 QuoteI leave the back unlatched until they open the door, cause the helmet is so tight. Which is the way you want it, cause then the helmet doesn't move when your head is not moving That's very good advice. I, for one, have alot of foam in my helmet (not a FTP, but a BatRak and a very small head) and the foam swells on the way to altitude. The helmet may fit snuggly on the ground but wait until you get to altitude! The helmet must fit snuggly all the way down, including pull-time, and not squish your head like a grape when you latch it at exit time! For those of you who have large enough craniums to not need huge amounts of foam in your helmet....lucky you! I'm envious! 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
cj1150gs 0 #6 July 5, 2006 Thank you all for your kind input. I'll get the helmet next weekend and I'll start playing with the existing liner. After seeing how it goes I'll order a new liner and cutaway system. I'll post some pics of the helmet next week! Blue Skies, Carlos Martins Portugal www.cj.smugmug.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
