flahive 0 #1 March 5, 2002 I am trying to find out what you guys think about these helmets. I mainly shoot students (video and stills), and am ready to get a better camera helmet (i've been using my mindwarp w/ side mount and top plate). I'm sure the Flat-top is the better camera helmet, but most of my jumps are out of cessnas (182/206) and I am afraid it would be too bulky in a little plane. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airdrew20012001 0 #2 March 5, 2002 I use a batrack with the trv 17 and the rebel mounted side by side on the top plate and it works for me great. I have a d-box for the vid and a velbon quick release for the still, works perfect. We are a cesna dz as well. The other camera guy runs the same set up but with a PC with a roll cage. The third of our camera people uses the same sort of set up as you describe but with one of skydance's compact camera's front mounted. One of the tandem masters also shoots some video and uses a flat top pro, he's never mentioned feeling cramped with it.My concern was the price, I got my bat rack used for $250. The flat top pro is something like $650 new. Plus, you end up with a camera platform that is angled at something like 15 degree instead of flat. I don't have a ton of experience freefly filming but wonder if the angle wouldn't be a hassle. Brain and I both love our batrak setups.Hope that helpsDrewfus McDoofus Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Canuck 0 #3 March 5, 2002 Just a correction, the flat top does not have a 15 degree slope - it's basically at zero just like the rack - unless Bonehead was lying to me when I bought mine. I know one of the Headhunter full face cam helmets has a 15 degree slope, maybe that's what you are thinking about? I just got mine and only have a few jumps on it (also out of a Cessna) but I really don't forsee any space issues. I love mine - worth every penny (and in Canadian dollars it's pushing a grand!!)Canuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Danger 0 #4 March 6, 2002 I have been jumping a Flat-top for several years now. I have bben able to mount as many as 2 video cameras and a still on it no problem. Many of my jumps are out of C-182 and there is no problem with space. When climbing out keep your head low .Danger Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WmLauterbach 0 #5 March 8, 2002 I use both... the flat top is hands down the winner (in my opinion) for shooting video of AFF/Tandem. Just my preference.....then again,I would not get rid of my batrack for all the tea in china..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
max 0 #6 March 11, 2002 I have never jumped a Bat-Rack, but I do have a flat top, and most of my jumps are out of a cessna 182. I have no problem with the climbout or exit, just stay low and be aware of your camera. As far as angle, it is right on, there is no angle. Either way as long as you set your eye sight correctly you will get the shot you want. I feel that either helmet will suit your needs and both will do well. I have had nothing but good results from the bonehead products. Good luck and Blue Skies...Max Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diverds 0 #7 March 11, 2002 What do you guys think of the new Bonehead Optik?-Dave"Gas...Undercarriage...Mixture...Prop...Beer" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WmLauterbach 0 #8 March 12, 2002 a guy I work with just bought one... to me it looks like a bonehead version of the HAWKEYE LT (but made of carbon fiber) His is factory color, but looks real nice. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airdrew20012001 0 #9 March 12, 2002 Friend of mine has one, is very happy with it. If'n I had the bucks I might get one too.Drewfus McDoofus Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SBS 0 #10 March 13, 2002 The batrack isn't being made anymore, making room for the Optik in Bonehead's arsenal. I use a flattop and love it. I think for serious camera people, it's the best on the market.Getting out of a little plane isn't going to be any more of a problem with the flattop than with the batrack. I've jumped cessnas with this helmet, and it really wasn't an issue.Just my opinion.Steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
prost 0 #11 March 13, 2002 The Flat Top Pro will be my next helmet.William Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyingferret 0 #12 March 13, 2002 I was wondering if it was really discontinued. Someone at tso-d told me it was. And he could not get anymore. Then I thought, well maybe Para-Gear will cut a deal. But when I called them, they said only the 1/2 Rak was being cut, and they could still get Batrak. I am wondering which is true?Malachi Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 3 #13 March 13, 2002 QuoteThe batrack isn't being made anymore, making room for the Optik in Bonehead's arsenal.Really? Are you certain it's not the Half-Rak that's being discontinued?quadehttp://futurecam.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
