AUSkyguy 0 #1 January 27, 2008 Hey Guys, I just bought a used older model Flattop pro which I am repainting and fixing up. I was wondering which latches had the most problem with coming undone in the sky and people loosing their gear? I've done a search here but could find any explanation of which latch was the worst. Mine has the one that hooks to the back piece and then snaps forward kinda like a ski boot. Also, if this is a problem how can i get a new latch? Will a new one from Bonehead go on my older style helmet?-Chris Martin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DSE 5 #2 January 27, 2008 You can retrofit the new latch on the old helmet, I did it on one of mine. You'll have to replace the bone if you want a cutaway though, and that can start to get expensive. I think it's the skiboot one with the small "pin" that latched into the side that had a few problems coming undone. Someone else with more history can probably confirm or correct me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AUSkyguy 0 #3 January 27, 2008 Mine has a cutaway that has been added on already. Will this not work with my new latch? Anyways do i just call bonehead to get the new latch?Also how much did it cost?-Chris Martin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #4 January 27, 2008 The REALLY nice was was the metal buckle they used when the FTP was new. 0 chances of that one coming undone. I know someone that has one and I am envious of it every time I see it.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #5 January 27, 2008 I have that one, selling currently. The most prone to release that I can remember is the current ratchet strap, before the protective cover was built up.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AUSkyguy 0 #6 January 27, 2008 Can anyone post a picture of the one that you're talking about? The metal one with no chance of coming undone... Thanks-Chris Martin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #7 January 27, 2008 ---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
velocityphoto 0 #8 January 27, 2008 I used to have the old metal one shown in diablopilots photo and it does come undone so beware you can very easily loose your helmet with it if it is bumped hard enough or is not latched extremely tight. (VOICE OF EXPERIENCE HERE) I managed to save it though come undone on opening and in free fall before i have since replaced the entire bone and latch with a cutaway system on it now . And it works beautifully, but be sure you have it shimmed properly for it to cut away correctly ? This is crucial! 1st photo is old metal style second one is new bone and cutaway installed ,(notice the configuration of shim material on the bone ) The right side of the bone needs thicker padding or shims under it by the hinge. This is critical to insure proper cutaway ! Practice cutting it away at least a few times a season. A friend will bail you out of jail , a REAL friend will be sitting next to you in the cell slapping your hand saying "DUDE THAT WAS AWSUM " ................ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AUSkyguy 0 #9 January 28, 2008 Thanks for all your help guys, I just ordered the new latch from bonehead so i can retrofit it to my flattop. I also noticed that the new helmets have the riser strike protection plate that covers the ratchet part mounted on the side of the helmet and has a small hole in it. Is this piece mandatory? Should i try to make my own to replace it or just go without? Sorry about all the questions this is my first flattop Oh yeah, Here are some before and after pictures of it I have yet to put my site on it-Chris Martin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monkycndo 0 #10 January 28, 2008 I have the middle version of the FTP. Ratchet style latch recessed into a plastic mounting piece w/o the release cover plate. I plan on making/installing the plate myself. It doesn't have the cut away, but that will be added as well.50 donations so far. Give it a try. You know you want to spank it Jump an Infinity Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #11 January 28, 2008 The closure in your post is/has been responsible for at least 3 helmet losses I know of directly. The fix for it is the protective box/cover currently available on the new FTP. The latch I had on my FTP was the most secure thing I've seen yet. And very easy to remove in a hurry if needed.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AUSkyguy 0 #12 January 28, 2008 What happens when the new latch system fails? What fails on the latch that the protector fixes? Have there been any losses with the old system thats on my helmet and yours?-Chris Martin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monkycndo 0 #13 January 29, 2008 The cover protects the latch on the ratchet from riser strikes. If the riser hits just right, it will release the ladder out of the latch. Good by helmet. There is also a bump out on the bone that helps deflect the riser from getting under the lever that releases the tension from the latch. Not sure if I will replace the bone, but will add a cover to the ratchet.50 donations so far. Give it a try. You know you want to spank it Jump an Infinity Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
velocityphoto 0 #14 January 29, 2008 I used to think it was too until i almost lost my helmet about a half dozen times . A friend will bail you out of jail , a REAL friend will be sitting next to you in the cell slapping your hand saying "DUDE THAT WAS AWSUM " ................ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
horny955 0 #15 January 30, 2008 Hi i saw some ratchet straps on ebay recently dont know if they are still on there or if they would be of any use to you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zee 0 #16 January 30, 2008 Quote The closure in your post is/has been responsible for at least 3 helmet losses I know of directly. The fix for it is the protective box/cover currently available on the new FTP. The latch I had on my FTP was the most secure thing I've seen yet. And very easy to remove in a hurry if needed. Yeah, I'm one of those lucky ones All it took was an opening with 12 line twists and a riser slap - bye bye FTP..... Action©Sports Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
velocityphoto 0 #17 January 30, 2008 Which latch did it have on it? A friend will bail you out of jail , a REAL friend will be sitting next to you in the cell slapping your hand saying "DUDE THAT WAS AWSUM " ................ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zee 0 #18 January 31, 2008 QuoteWhich latch did it have on it? Same as the newer ones but without the latch cover.... Action©Sports Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JumpHog 0 #19 February 3, 2008 QuoteI have the middle version of the FTP. Ratchet style latch recessed into a plastic mounting piece w/o the release cover plate. I plan on making/installing the plate myself. It doesn't have the cut away, but that will be added as well. I have (had) this same setup on my FTP. I would have thought that it was nearly impossible for it to get released inadvertantly, but I guess for me, my odds were only 1:5000. On opening, my right riser managed to snag the tension release, while my left riser pressed hard enough against the left side of my helmet to release the ratchet latch. The result can be seen below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ie5dPjWunQ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
velocityphoto 0 #20 February 4, 2008 Thanks for that valuable video info. I'll be looking to modify my latch this season. A friend will bail you out of jail , a REAL friend will be sitting next to you in the cell slapping your hand saying "DUDE THAT WAS AWSUM " ................ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DSE 5 #21 February 4, 2008 Incredible! thank for sharing the vid. Was anything recoverable on any of the gear? Obviously you found the helmet. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
x3mcam 0 #22 February 4, 2008 I lost an early Vapor at 5k some years ago as the closing latch broke on linestrech. Amazingly enough my Sony trv 120 worked, at least kind of, even after impact.... We'll it had to be scrapped eventually. In the end I was able to save my Protrack, sight-assembly and Cam-eye. Thomas Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
