Vapor 0 #1 February 4, 2004 Ain't no reviews section for paratec yet... I suspect there will be soon. This helmet rocks out. Admittedly, I only have 6 jumps on it, but here are my initial impressions: Pros: Space. It's like a living room compared to a Z1. It's a wide helmet, but the padding is nicely set up (and there is a serious layer of Pro-tec thickness padding) so you don't feel or look like Darth Vader (*coughHavokownerscough*) View angle: Peripheral vision is fantastic, both in FF and under canopy. - The visor release is two metal studs on each side of the lower visor edge, with a flared thumb latch beneath them. You need both hands to raise the visor (I do so after controllability check), but it's a breeze compared with the little latch button on a Z1, and easy to do with gloves on. Glasses would be no problem. Interior setup: There's a serious layer of interchangeable Pro-tec thickness padding, with two internal audible pockets, well-located over your ears and sewn into the liner such that I can't see tape ever being a necessity. Venting: Two mouth vents and two subtle pass-though vents on the rear of the helmet do a great job of providing airflow, without a claustrophobic feeling or any whistling in FF. No fogging whatsoever, even on the one cold day in Texas when I got minor frostbite on my fingertips (splitfinger gloves a bad idea) in freefall. It works: The chin strap feels secure, and I haven't had the helmet move around at all on exit or during opening; taken two door hits during overenthusiastic exits, neither of which I felt. Minimal paint scraping afterwards. Cons: - This is mainly cosmetic, but there's no place to tuck the excess chin strap webbing. The visor also sucks up smudges and skin oil, (from what I've seen) moreso than a Z1 or Oxygen. - No manual, care instructions, visor replacement instructions, or any manufacturer information in the box. An excellent piece of hardware, provided reliability holds up. Blue skies W ---------------------------------------- 'Of course it hurts. The trick is not *minding* that it hurts.' - T.E. Lawrence Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blahr 0 #2 February 4, 2004 Didnt know they made a helmet. I cant find any reference to it on their website... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vapor 0 #3 February 5, 2004 Oh, but they do: http://www.paratec.de/Englisch/Seiten/News_E.html Square One can have them drop-shipped, but you have to ask nicely. W ---------------------------------------- 'Of course it hurts. The trick is not *minding* that it hurts.' - T.E. Lawrence Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mr2mk1g 10 #4 February 5, 2004 I messed arround with one the other weekend at our AGM. Its a big helmet - but thats good as it means protec style padding and thus safety. It seems nice, looks like it overcomes many of the problems people had with Z1's. I would probably buy one if I was after something to replace my full face but Im in no hurry there. The only thing that really looks a little odd with it is that the visor doesnt come up very far. That would annoy me a little. I'm also not convinced that the ratchet system wouldnt wear out inordinantly fast as it is built into the lens. Ok the working parts would therefore get replaced as often as the lens, but IMO the lens possibly isnt robust enough to take the abuse the ratchet system is gonna get. Maybe. I don't know - someone needs to put a couple of hundred jumps on it to find out. Nice helmet though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blahr 0 #5 February 5, 2004 How do they manage with a large head (23 1/2 inch) and glasses? Additionally, they dont mention price. For those reasons I bought a Havoc and I didnt care for it and ended up selling it again right away at a loss. My fault for being dumb, but I'd prefer to not repeat the mistake. I'd want to demo one before laying out money again. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TerryB 0 #6 February 5, 2004 I have one and like it...Of coarse its my first full face helmet so I can't compare it to anything else...I was sent all the liner sizes to custom fit the helmet which worked for me...I ended up using extra large and small padding / inserts and it fits very nice...I also like the way the visor works... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sangiro 26 #7 February 5, 2004 Added it to the Helmets section in gear. Post your review. http://www.dropzone.com/gear/Helmets__Head_Gear_and_Goggles/Paratec/index.shtmlSafe swoops Sangiro Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #8 February 5, 2004 QuoteHow do they manage with a large head (23 1/2 inch) and glasses? Just fine. It's a big helmet. QuoteAdditionally, they dont mention price. $298---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
