Apr 20, 2012, 8:48 PM
Post #1 of 11
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Chin strap cam helmet vs solid chin
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I'm planning on flying a DSLR with 10-22MM canon EF lens + sony CX150. Eventually, in the future, I want to be able to use my 580EX in freefall as well.
I already own a previous version of the cookie MXV cam helmet that I paid way too much for.
I was thinking about getting a Wes Pro but am wondering if I really need it at this stage.
What are your thoughts about the stability of a chinstrap based helmet vs a solid chin such as the wes pro considering a DSLR + 10-22 + sony video?
Need some help deciding if I should drop the 750 on the wes. Keep in mind if I use the Cookie that I already have for a camera helmet I would need to get another helmet for general use.
I was thinking of using the cookie for now and upgrading when I can tell for myself that I need to. The problem with this strategy is that by the time I mod out the cookie with an articulated post, and plates, etc, I'm spending a lot of money to cut up a helmet that I will eventually rip off all that stuff from and put on a wes pro. In the mean time I will need to purchase yet another helmet to fly with when I dont want to fly with a camera. Ending up spending even more money in the long run (3 helemts) plus having a cut up cookie helmet that I paid 400 bucks for just sitting there (once I migrate to the wes pro).
In the past ive always regretted not just getting what I want from the start. It always seems to cost more in the end.
Then again. I see many many tandem camera guys with nothing but chin strap based helmets.
I dont have a home DZ so...im asking here.
Thoughts?
DSE (D 29060)
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Apr 20, 2012, 8:57 PM
Post #2 of 11
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I started out with a chin cup on a modified Bonehead Pimp Daddy for my first video helmet. I never noticed any shakiness when shooting tandem videos due to the upward shooting angle. However, when I began shooting more RW with a more downward angle the video was horrendous. I immediately ordered a Mantle and have never regretted it since. Looking back I should have bitten the bullet saving both time and money from the start.
DSE (D 29060)
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Apr 20, 2012, 10:18 PM
Post #4 of 11
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I prefer a proper fitted chin cup helmet. My issue with the rear buckles is i never liked the idea of my helmet coming off in the same direction the forces from deployment are applied.
Yea, the cookie helmet I have has both (chin cup and a under chin strap). I bought it after loosing the similarly designed bonehead camera helmet that only had a chin cup...which during a stand, slipped off my chin (towards my nose) followed rapidly by the helmet disappearing completely from my head like magic. One of two very expensive skydives I've made. Luckily I had taken the video camera off just before, so I only lost the helmet and hypeye.
Anyway.
So, chincup vs solid chin. Yay? Nay? Any stability issues?
DSE (D 29060)
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Apr 21, 2012, 9:08 AM
Post #7 of 11
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Chincups work just fine for tandem work. If you're planning on mounting a more weighty system, I sure wouldn't want a chincup (been there, done that) as opposed to a Wes Vapor or an FTP. Heavier or forward balance weight, you'll really want that solid chin. Otherwise, a cup is sufficient and easier to deal with, IMO
Yea, the cookie helmet I have has both (chin cup and a under chin strap).
Both? So how does the cutaway work?
In reply to:
So, chincup vs solid chin. Yay? Nay? Any stability issues?
I strongly prefer the rear-entry type helmets for a DSLR+CX type of setup. All of our regular tandem video crew switched over to this type of helmet eventually if they didn't start out with one.
The other type of jumps I film, for outside FS work again I prefer the rear-entry type helmets. For inside FS work, I prefer a chincup type helmet with just a CX. For CRW, I don't think it matters much either way. Although my first chincup helmet had stability issues under canopy (not in freefall - weird). For wingsuiting, the smaller helmet is probably easier on the neck. Again, you can go either way.
Basically I jump 2 helmets: a FTP for outside video work and a chincup FS helmet for inside/coaching. I prefer the FTP because it just feels much more secure and stable, and I'm much quicker putting on/off that helmet than the chincup one. YMMV
Yea, the cookie helmet I have has both (chin cup and a under chin strap).
Both? So how does the cutaway work? ]
Both chin cup strap and buckle strap are on the same attachment point, the cutaway releases that point.
That.
Actually the helmet didn't come with a cutaway system (retarded if you ask me, 400 dollars for a camera helmet with no cutaway). But I am planning on rigging one up before I jump it and it does have a single attachment point, so shouldnt be too hard to do.
Sounds like I'll be getting a FTP. Was trying to make sure I wasnt spending more than I have to.
Thanks guys
DSE (D 29060)
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Apr 21, 2012, 10:40 PM
Post #11 of 11
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The "bonebucks" are a great way to go. I'm not sure if they still have their trade-in program...but on something like an FTP, it's very much worth it to check out. LOVE LOVE my FTP for most things non-coach related
