mr2mk1g 10 #1 December 17, 2003 I've found a helmet manufacturer who makes what appears to be a really nice camera helmet. The helmet comes as standard made from glass fibre but there is an option to have it made from carbon fibre. This option costs about $100 (£60) extra. So do you think its worth the extra? What are the relative tolerances of each material and which generally holds up better? Are there weight issues to consider? Cheers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dterrick 0 #2 December 17, 2003 Carbon fible is either far stronger for the same weight or far lighter for the same strength. That said, the absolute weight difference will (eventually) be offset by your being able to add more (or heavier)camera gear to the same helmet. I'm sure an 'actual' Camfly will chime in soon but I have a wide range of experience with sports car racing helmets (H.D. Motorcycle style hats) and when you;re dealing in 1-1.5G turns for laps at a time, the difference between a 4 lb and a 3 1/2 lb helmet is noticable. Perhaps this is not so much an issue during a skydive - except at deployment time IMHO, once you are talking 'camfly helmet' you are likely more concerned with mounting your camera gear than "crash protection" - though of course you can't forget about that. I'm sure the linings are no different. Carbon fibre looks really cool when just clearcoated - painting it will hide the natural beauty of that matte grey/black weave. My standard test: "What is the NEXT BESTTHING" you'd do with that $100? ... 5 camera training jumps? Another lens? Better/ extra audible...?? Comparing 2 options is far easier than considering an open ended question. Try it - the process works! Dave Life is very short and there's no time for fussing and fighting my friend (Lennon/McCartney) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fundgh 0 #3 December 17, 2003 QuoteMy standard test: "What is the NEXT BESTTHING" you'd do with that $100? ... 5 camera training jumps? Another lens? Better/ extra audible...?? Comparing 2 options is far easier than considering an open ended question. Try it - the process works! Some call that "Opportunity Cost"! Very good point!...FUN FOR ALL! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,148 #4 December 17, 2003 CF is also much stiffer than GF - this is its biggest advantage for aerospace apps. Not sure how relevant it is for a helmet though. I got a CF helmet only because I won it in a raffle. If I had had to pay, I'd have got the GF one.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alan 1 #5 December 18, 2003 When CF fails it shatters into sharp jagged edges that can cut and penetrate. Very light and strong. GF fails with cracks, seam failures, and crushing. A little heavier, but sems to absorb the shock load bettwer and disperse it more effectively. The katter seems less invasive to the humanhead.alan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mr2mk1g 10 #6 December 18, 2003 So in this instance CF might actually be a little less noggin friendly were I ever to screw up? Hmmm. I guess I'll take a look at the demo helmet Im getting sent and make my mind up from there. I'll see if I can post a quick review too as it appears to be a helmet that no one outside of germany has ever heard of. Its very similar in design to FF2/RAWA style helmets and has some nice features. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cesslon 0 #7 December 18, 2003 the carbon fibre 1 depends on how its made and what its lined with as it may be very strong and light and if it does take a impact hard enough to shatter it might be for the good as it will dispserse some energy and if its good some kinda strong inner lineing it might not allowed it to jab ya in the head Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
