2K Comp - FF2 helmet - impact protection

[BASE813 0]

Just wanted to get some feedback on the FF2 from 2K composites for impact protection.

I have spoken to SS at 2K, but I want users opinions of them. I will be using the helmet in a strictly BASE environment, so will be getting bumps and scrapes regularly from just climbing objects, I will also want to have reasonable head protection from "impacts" - what I mean is if i should have a hard landing and bang my head on concrete / a rock or have an object strike and smack my head with a "glancing blow" on something solid - will the helmet give me ample protection?

I know that skydive helmets are not known for their protection, but I like the design of the FF2 compared to getting a mod done to a ski / mx helmet with a camera box for about the same price, but I would like to hear about the FF2 in the field - anyone have some pretty hard impact with theirs?

Thanks

Michael

[larsrulz 0]

Quote

I will also want to have reasonable head protection from "impacts" - what I mean is if i should have a hard landing and bang my head on concrete / a rock or have an object strike and smack my head with a "glancing blow" on something solid - will the helmet give me ample protection?

I have no experience with the FF2, but considerable experience with composites. Thin laminated composites, especially glass fiber, have very poor impact performance. They are just not made to absorb energy; a hard impact and they will completely delaminate, i.e. become worthless. The carbon fiber variety would be a bit better, but to have any reasonable impact protection, you will need a non-skydiving helmet. Something that is considerably thicker and heavier, or you will need to special order one out of some non-commercial products, such as a G15000/Polyurea composite, which you wouldn't be able to get the G15000 for one helmet for less than probably $2000. The moral of the story is that if you want impact protection, then look elsewhere; such as motorcycle helmets.

I got a strong urge to fly, but I got no where to fly to. -PF

[GravityGirl 0]

My opinion is to get a helmet that is rated for impact. Consider a skateboarding helmet if you don't like the snowboarding helmets. The protect has several models that would work for you.

http://www.pro-tec.net/

PM me if you need a hook up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peace and Blue Skies!
Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear!

[riggerrob 558]

Composite helmets (i.e. 2K Composites) provide far better puncture resistance than cheap plastic helmets.
On the other hand, impact attenuation is a function of liner thickness and type. The thicker the liner and higher-tech the liner, the better it protects your head during sudden decelleration.
Have you ever noticed that the best motorcycle helmets are really THICK?

[skreamer 1]

Hi Mac

I've worn the FF2 on about 350 skydives and about 20 BASE jumps (all slider down). It is really strong and durable and does provide a measure of protection (you've seen the video where my poor canopy control in high wind led to a bad landing, was wearing FF2 for that). I fitted a protecting ring for my lens, since this is normally what gets snapped (especially when exiting little Cessnas).

For gnarly jumps I usually wear a polycarbonate full-face Mountainbike helmet. IMHO I'm not sure wearing a camera when doing slider down BASE jumps is worth the strain on your neck. Another consideration being riser slap on a side-mount causing off-headings. I've noticed top mount cameras seem to be more popular among experienced BASE camera types for this reason.

Also, with the exit altitudes you favour it will probably take you a year to build up 60 seconds worth of freefall footage.

Will