rivetgeek 0 #1 July 11, 2009 Hey all, Im just starting out my AFF but I sort of have an issue with using rental helmets and goggles, call it OCD if you will. I'm looking to pick up my own helmet and goggles before my jump. I cant imagine the DZ would have any issues with me jumping my own goggles and helmet as a student right? 1. What are some good brands I should be looking into? 2.Do people prefer clear or tinted goggles generally? 3. Are there any safety concerns with tinted goggles? 4. Price isnt really a consideration. Im more concerned with safety, then comfort, then style in that order.~Bones Knit, blood clots, glory is forever, and chicks dig scars.~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dragon2 2 #2 July 11, 2009 You'll have to ask your instructors if they'll let you jump your own helmet, goggles won't be a problem as long as they're real skydiving goggles and clear not tinted, and they fit you, I'd suggest a clear Flex-Z/Flexvision/BrandX type of goggle, so a soft one-piece goggle (no bug-eyes or sunglass-types), that'll be alright with any instructor. If you wear contact lenses the fit is that much more important, in that case a Flex-Z is your best bet but go to a skydiving shop and try on goggles to see which are comfy and fit well. You may need to wear a radio or something so you may be stuck having to rent a helmet. If you do buy a helmet, get an open faced helmet not a fullface. The only helmets that offer real protection so are suitable for students (and a sensible choice for when you're not, too) are pro-tecs and similar (benny, fairwind), you have the best chance of being allowed to jump your own helmet if you get one of these (from a skydive shop, don't just get a skate or ski type helmet), make sure you buy one that covers your ears too so no half-shell type. ciel bleu, Saskia Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rivetgeek 0 #3 July 11, 2009 Hrm yah I hadn't thought about the radio bit. That will likely nix my own helmet.~Bones Knit, blood clots, glory is forever, and chicks dig scars.~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #4 July 11, 2009 Get a 'do-rag' or tie a bandanna over your head as a cootie barrier when using a 'dirty' helmet. ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rivetgeek 0 #5 July 11, 2009 Yah im already considering something like that. Im not terribly OCD but the sweat of thousands of terrified jumpers all over my head just doesnt sound too fun.~Bones Knit, blood clots, glory is forever, and chicks dig scars.~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #6 July 12, 2009 Quote Yeah I'm already considering something like that. I'm not terribly OCD but the sweat of thousands of terrified jumpers all over my head just doesn't sound too fun. Understandable. ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy0689 0 #7 July 12, 2009 Or one of these. I was allowed to wear my own open-faced helmet through AFF. I had a Sky Systems Benny and talked with my instructor prior to jumping. I didn't spring it on him plane side and ask if I could wear it through the course. It'll depend on what your instructor says. I can't imagine going to him with a line like, "I asked a bunch of folks on DZ.com and they all said I should be fine wearing my own helmet during AFF."Andy I'll believe it when I see it on YouTube! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CMiller 1 #8 July 12, 2009 Quote 2.Do people prefer clear or tinted goggles generally? Clear. No joke: tinted goggles are for posers who would rather look cool than be able to be seen by other jumpers. This is pretty crucial if you're doing RW or VRW or something. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chubba 0 #9 July 13, 2009 Go clear googles. I'm one of those wimps that wears sunglasses 24/7, literally... I can't drive or even walk about outside without my glasses. No problem in freefall though Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
erdnarob 1 #10 July 13, 2009 If you don't need prescription, want a good peripheral vision and look like a skygod, buy the ADDIDAS for skydiving. Can be mounted on wide strap or ear holders like ordinary glasses, they are well vented. If you need prescription glasses, take the same ADDIDAS with correction lense inserts (you have to provide a prescription from an optometrist). Since you will have to be coached, it is better you wear them with clear lenses. I think you get those ADDIDAS with both types of lenses : tinted mirror and clear lenses.Learn from others mistakes, you will never live long enough to make them all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites