RAWA camera helmet review

[LouDiamond 1]

Just got my RAWA camera helmet(made in Brazil) in today(thanks Juliana ) and I am extremely happy with what I got for the money spent.

The attached pictures say a lot but I will add that the things I found to be really nice are the little extras that I did not expect. The big one being the 2 still camera mounts(flat, shark fin) and bite switch that were included in the price. The bite switch is unique in that it is much like a phone cord plug with jacks preinstalled and secured to the helmet. To add the bite switch all one has to do is plug in the two pieces and into the camera, off or on in a mere few seconds.

Another nice feature was that all of the drilling has been done already. One simply has to mount the bracket onto the helmet and secure it. The brackets them selves are not drilled for the actual still camera, that is left to you for your specific camera's mounting needs.

The D box is secure in that the camera and wide angle lens are encapsulated completly and don't require any additional straps or screws to hold it in place. The D box itself closes with a allen screw which makes for quick access to the camera. For those who like to hand hold the camera on the ground (tandems) putting the camera in the box takes no more effort than closing the box and securing it. A cam eye is not needed as a large enough opening is present in the back to turn the camera on and off, a small hole is present in the front of the box to allow another jumper to see the red light activate. A cam eye could be added but it would be a tight fit as the d box is made to close tolerances to the camera, but it is possible. The only shortfall that I can see is the screw that holds the D box closed could be lost if one is not careful with it. However, extra screws are provided with the helmet for just that reason. The rear of the D box is flush with the helmet so there is no gap for anything to get snagged on. D box angle appears to be right in line and slightly above and in the wearers sight line. I have yet to sight it in but at first glance it appears to be in the best position possible for any orientation of flying.

There are audible pockets on each side of the helmet and they are recessed so you don't have an audible poking you in the ear.


The chin cup/strap system is excellent. No cutting is required as the excess is covered/stowed into the chin cup itself as you tighten it down. The cup is well padded and well shaped.

The helmet interior is well done with the crown portion of the padding being removable for still camera mounting needs, etc. The helmet itself is a very snug fit but I'm sure the padding will conform to the users head in a short time. The forehead portion of the helmet is covered with the same interior material and comes down to right above the eye brows. Overall the helmet is rather light and form fitting. The craftsmanship is superb and it is evident when you closely examine the helmet. You get a lot of bang for your buck with this helmet. I think RAWA helmets are a gold mine waiting to be discovered by the USA crowd.

PS: It comes in a soft fabric helmet sack/bag with draw string too.

"It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required"
Some people dream about flying, I live my dream
SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING

[freakydiver 0]

How much did you pay for that total?

I like it but I WANT a cameye hookup for sure...

I have a PC9...

Thanks in advance for the information!

-- (N.DG) "If all else fails – at least try and look under control." --

[LouDiamond 1]

Quote

How much did you pay for that total?

I like it but I WANT a cameye hookup for sure...

I have a PC9...

Thanks in advance for the information!

All said and done it cost me 320.00. You can get a cam eye in there but you may have to do what I did on my sidwinder box and have to sand the plastic on the LANC plug down a little bit so the lid closes but other than that a cam eye could be mounted either external or internal.

"It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required"
Some people dream about flying, I live my dream
SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING

[Cajun 0]

Hey Lou, when did you order it? I ordered mine on the 5th and I'm just wondering how soon it will be here. I can't wait.

[LouDiamond 1]

Quote

Hey Lou, when did you order it? I ordered mine on the 5th and I'm just wondering how soon it will be here. I can't wait.

Actually, I e-mailed Juliana and it took awhile since they had to make a D box for a PC100. Not taking that into account, all in all I'd say it was about a month. I think that had I had a camera that they already had a box made for it would of been quicker. It is my understanding that these helmets are really big in Brazil and the guy stays pretty busy just making them for the locals so I'm sure that if more outside orders come in the wait may increase. As far as I know it is a 1-2 man operation making all the helmets.

For those interested, PM me and I'll send you Juliana's e-mail addy and she can give you a better idea on delivery times and any other specific info you may need. The web site is http://flyfactory.com.br/rawa/ but it's in Portuguese.

I also believe they build D boxes with the barrel on the bottom for those who want a upside down mounted camera

"It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required"
Some people dream about flying, I live my dream
SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING

[cheneyneel 0]

RAWA'S ARE THE BOMB GUYS!!!
I have one and they fucking rock...
The time it takes them to make and ship to you all depends on the color you want and camera you have..

I got a stock color of white and PC-9 box on it and it only took the company 2 weeks to get in into miami and then customs held it for like a week before it got actually shipped to my house again..

I repeat RAWA'S ARE THE BOMB. If you put one on that fits you, you will understand why.....they are custom made..