Fullface for learning

[unpacker 0]

Hi, i'm about ready to start my 'B' lic and have only worn open face helmet.
is it a good idea to wear fullface helmet when learning or does it restrict much needed vision at this stage?

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[AMax 0]

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Hi, i'm about ready to start my 'B' lic and have only worn open face helmet.
is it a good idea to wear fullface helmet when learning or does it restrict much needed vision at this stage?

I started to jump with a full face helmet right after I got A license (20 jumps). Since I only have experience with Z1, I cannot speak about the other models but Z1 for sure does restrict your peripheral vision to some extent. However, this should not affect a freefall part of skydive and might only play a role when you are under canopy, especially when dealing with malfunction. Looking at the handles is a bit tricky – you cannot see them if you simply look down when under canopy. I don’t think it is a problem at all, but you should definitely practice your EP’s on the ground before jumping with a new full face helmet.

blues
Anton

[Evelyn 0]

I bought a full face helmet when I started to do a lot of RW. Don't find that it limits my vision. I like it much better than my open face helmet for RW. It provides protection on funneled exits, but it does limit kiss passes, just isn't the same bumping helmets as actual kissing with open face helmets.

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing ~ Helen Keller

[vibeke 0]

Talk to your instructor about this. I would not recommend it to brand new jumpers.
A fullface is primarily used for formation skydiving - Protection from your teammates knees!

But I find that a fullface also has a calming effect. At least thats what I have noticed on many basic body flight students, who are at - or just slightly above - your current level. A fullface removes wind noise.
And also you can breathe more freely as opening your mouth to laugh does not cause you to inhale more air than needed.
A fullface will limit your vision, but not that radically. You will need to learn head-switching and methods for looking up and down anyway.

If you plan on staying in this sport (you know you do!) and plan on remaining on your belly for most of your skydiving freefall time, then I´d say go ahead. Buy a fullface, you will end up needing it sooner or later.

But do try several models before buying one!

Blue Ones
Vibeke

[AMax 0]

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I bought a full face helmet when I started to do a lot of RW. Don't find that it limits my vision. I like it much better than my open face helmet for RW. It provides protection on funneled exits, but it does limit kiss passes, just isn't the same bumping helmets as actual kissing with open face helmets.

Try this:
On the ground, put your rig and helmet on and look at cutaway and reserve handles. Repeat this after opening. It is MORE DIFFICULT to see the handles when your body is suspended under parachute because the handles move up with the harness. Not a big deal, unless you have 20 jumps and never experienced a malfunction. A full face helmet is a good thing to have but you should keep in mind that it DOES restrict your vision in certain situations.

[unpacker 0]

Thank you for sharing, perhaps i will wait a little while and see how i go with first few stages.
and yes i'm definately here to stay

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[Remster 30]

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A full face helmet is a good thing to have but you should keep in mind that it DOES restrict your vision in certain situations.

It MAY restrict your vision. My Z1, on my head, absolutely does not restrict my vision. I've tried tetsing the limits of my field of vision several times and came to that conclusion a while back. YMMV.

Remster

[pilotdave 0]

Yeah, I've been using a Z1 for all but 2 of my last 290 jumps or something. Both of the two exceptions were tandems. Yesterday was one of em. It's freaking cold up there! I'm glad we didn't get video because I woulda looked...well... pretty dumb. I know I had my mouth open most of the time and I actually had some trouble breathing. Well, not really trouble, but all that cold air was pretty uncomfortable. My mouth is still dry. I knew better than to have my mouth open, but I just couldn't help it.

I bought my Z1 for cold weather jumping, not so much for RW. It does a GREAT job of keeping my head warm. Definitely more comfortable than an open face when it's cold out.

But mine definitely does restrict my ability to see my handles.

Dave

[unpacker 0]

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but it does limit kiss passes, just isn't the same bumping helmets as actual kissing with open face helmets.

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Is there a training camp with one on one to learn this skill evelyn

well it sounds like vision changes from person to person so may borrow one and see how it effects my view of handles and canopy.

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[Dumpster 0]

I went to a full-face right off student status also. (Z-1, no problems with vision, easy to open and close.)

I now do some coaching of new students and will switch to an open face so we can share facial expresions, etc.

In the tunnel and bellyflying the fullface is great, as eventually you will hit the wall or get kicked in the face. I reccomend it. They are also a bit quieter and give you a nice place to carry your Dytter/Pro-Track/FX if you use audible altimeters at all. Lots of room for silly stickers, too!


My .02, fwiw!!

Easy Does It

[unpacker 0]

Thanks for the input, it sounds like the Z-1 is probably the favourite, is that because the visor flips up, and do the fixed visors fog up under canopy.

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[rehmwa 2]

I like my Z1 alot and have compared others. I was the guy who was never going to do RW with other than the frap hat - until I borrowed a full face that is. (The only hard hat I had was for freeflying). Now I can't see wearing anything other than the Z1.

That said, nothing is stopping you from borrowing as many types of helmuts as you can and making the decision on that rather than just people here advocating their own. That's what I recommend. On the basics, I don't see anything significantly different between the brands other than the little 'gee whiz' things like closure mech or shape - different features delight different folks so make up your own mind.

As far as moving to a full face early in training. There are a ton of benefits, but the shortcomings on visibility vary from person to person and be anything from a non-issue to a mild annoyance to serious problem in finding your handles. The only way to tell is try out helmuts:

1 - Work with your instructor staff on the decision, no one else - until you are release to be on your own. Trying them all. Even if not jumping with them at least you could maybe even hang in the harness to see how hard or easy it is to do emergencey drills.

2 - Depending on you, it could be a non-issue or a big deal. Find out before going on a jump with one.

I know, cautious advice is easily given.

3 - for the Z1's, the flat (matte) finishes are gorgeous.

Edit: Ack, you're graduated, if it doesn't bother you, jump with each kind. forget the hanging harness junk. You'll quick see which kind works best for you. Note, if the shield bothers you but the helmut feels great, most of them you can remove the shield and wear goggles underneath - lots of people do that.

...
Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[unpacker 0]

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Note, if the shield bothers you but the helmut feels great, most of them you can remove the shield and wear goggles underneath - lots of people do that.

Thats sort of what i was thinking, there's quite a few people at my dz that have taken the visor off and use the same helmet for all types of flying.

All info is much appreciated thanks, when i start my relative work training i will be driving my instructors nuts with questions

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