I have just bought a 2K Composites Fusion Helmet and it looks like am the first one so I thought I would supply you all some details on this new great product from 2K Composites using Zkulls technology.
Why buy a Fusion ??
I was looking for a camera helmet that would allow me to easily fit and remove video and stills camera assemblies to the helmet with the minimum of fuss. And maximum speed so that I can change the use of the helmet quickly.
I used to have a 2K Composites FF2 which was a great helmet but this was in the days of the PC range of cameras which would side mount nicely. Now cameras have changed from the PC format to the HDR shape. I needed to look for an alternative.
Having worked at Skydive Empuriabrava for a couple of years I contacted the shop to see what was available and hence coming across the new 2K Composites Fusion helmet with the RCB Labs Zkulls mounting system integrated into the helmet.
This is a brand new helmet that has only just come out. ( see photos)
Firstly I looked at buying this helmet due to the comfort of the FF2 that I used to own, anyone that has ever owned a 2K Composites helmet knows that they have always been a good fitting, comfortable and quiet helmet due to the good build quality and finish.
Ok about the helmet.
It comes with the Zkulls quick release mount system already integrated into the flat top and the flat side of the helmet so no fitting or drilling of holes required for mounting camera equipment, for more details of the Zkulls mounting system check out their web site at www.rcb-lab.com
As it is integrated into the helmet it is a flush mount which looks really neat.
The helmet is made from fibre glass and came in a very attractive metallic black high gloss finish.
The chin cup was fitted with a factory installed cut away system which I feel is a must for anyone flying camera, you always hope that you will never need it but its like insurance….. you don’t want it but if you ever do you are really glad you got it fitted!!
The chin cup is comfortable and fits really well, the straps that attach to the chin cup fit inside the front of the chin cup so no untidy ends. Looks smart feels comfortable and the cut away works well so exactly what you need.
There is plenty of space in the helmet to fit two audibles if you are using the new optima and solo, if you are using the old shaped Protrack or ProDytter you can still fit both but it is a little tight.
There is also plenty of room in the helmet to hide all of your wiring for the camera switches and video leads without feeling it when you put the helmet on.
I have two video cameras that I wanted to use, I have my old reliable PC101e and a HDR-HC5e, these cameras were fitted into two Tonfly camera cases, one for each of the cameras with the RCB-Labs Zkulls mounting system fitted to the camera box. The PC101e can be top or side mounted and the HDR-HC5e is top mount.
For the stills camera I bought a base plate with the Zkulls mounting ring fitted which is designed to fit my Canon 400d camera.
All of this sounds quite involved and a couple of years ago would have meant quite a bit of drilling and cutting at home but not now, all this kit was off the shelf and just bolted together so all I needed was a screwdriver a pair of pliers and a couple of hours to assemble it all.
Using the Zkulls mount is great, it is easy to mount or dismount the camera assemblies and also has a nice feature in that the mounting can be adjusted 5 degrees up or down instantly which is really handy for filming tandems and freefly, even the stills camera bite switch just fitted straight in as it has a plug and socket that allows you to route the cable through the Zkulls mount. The camera bite switch is unique also as it is totally waterproof and does not use a cover to do this that you will eventually chew through.
Where do you get all this….. Contact 2K Composites (www.2kcomposites.com) and ask for the fusion, RCB-Labs for the Zkulls mount, camera switches and mounting plates (www.rcb-labs.com) skyrats (www.skyrats.com) for the Tonfly camera boxes.
What’s it like in the air…… perfect !!!!
Cost ….. 2K Composites FUSION €480 with mounts and cut away system
Hope this helps …… Gary Burchett