Goggles & helmets that restrict peripheral vision.

[Trae 1]

Noticed that there is fair number of goggles and helmets in use that restrict the wearers peripheral vision.

Some also are not optically clear - slightly or majorly distorting the wearers view.

Some of these goggles/helmets/visors appear to be designed to look cool rather than to work well...as in providing a clear undistorted image.
Some full face helmets restict vision down past nose and cheeks. .
Lack of peripheral vision in skydiving can contribute to collisions in freefall as well as under canopy.

Do your goggles distort your view or restrict your vision in some directions?

Do you think some vision restriction is OK for the sake of extra crash protection.?

[darkwing 5]

I'd change your phrase "...fair number..." to "...virtually all..." But yes, I wear a helmet, and it is worth the trade off. I would prefer to have completely unobstructed vision and maintain protection, but I don't think it is practical, due to a combination of economics, ergonomics, and engineering.

I'd like to have a perfect parachute too, but that ain't going to happen either.

-- Jeff
My Skydiving History

[Trae 1]

Had a l bit of a chat round and abouts re this peripheral thing and came up with the following.


Some older helmets eg Protec , Gath, Frap hats (leather ) don't restrict vision so much.
Many newer designs (especially some full facers) do.

Any helmets or goggles that restrict your peripheral vision may contribute to collisions especially if its compounded by others lack of peripheral vision.

Idea ...make helmets out of clear see through material .

The idea of a transparent helmet could help overcome the peripheral vision issue. Could look good too....& we'll all get to see the inner workings of the helmet. (patent pending.)


I'll accept any reasonable cash offers for this 'NEW' idea.