Brain Buckets (Pro Tec)

[DYEVOUT 0]

I read a couple of helmet threads on here involving folks buying Pro Tecs at sporting goods stores.

Stopped at Dick's Sporting Goods on the way home from work yesterday to have a looksee. They didn't have the "over the ear" model I want (Pro Track), and the ones they had sported a sticker that said "Skate". I popped open a box, and checked one out, and it looks very similar to the ones (rentals) I've used in my AFF training - with a little more padding.

Does any of you folks know if there is a difference in the lids they make for skaters vs. skydivers? The prices were the same as most mail-order gear shops (without the freight charge).

----------------=8^)----------------------
"I think that was the wrong tennis court."

[USPA 0]

I know the "skate" helmets, without the ear cover. At our DZ, students are not allowed to use these, because the helmet with ear covers provides essential ear protection from the risers.

The trouble with skydiving; If you stink at it and continue to jump, you'll die. If you're good at it and continue to jump, you'll see a lot of friends die...

[councilman24 37]

Try the canoe/kayak places for over the ear protecs. They may have vinyl coated foam instead of opencell foam but other wise will be the same.

Terry

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE

[Jethers203 0]

1st of all, the half shell protecs are goofy as hell. There are a couple people at my home dz that use them and they look ridiculous. Added to this, they aren't as safe. You can get a protec for around $40 through Para Gear. They work pretty well for a first time helmet, and I have had a Pro-Track in one a while back.

[tombuch 0]

Quote

Does any of you folks know if there is a difference in the lids they make for skaters vs. skydivers? The prices were the same as most mail-order gear shops (without the freight charge).

The web is an amazing resource.

Pro-Tec helmets are distributed by MOSA Sports in Hermosa Beach, California. I called their customer service department and asked about the differences between their helmets used for various sports. They told me there is no difference among the helmets. A skate helmet is the same as a skydiving helmet.

HOWEVER...there is a big and important difference depending on WHERE you purchase your helmet. There are actually two different liners available, one is closed cell and very stiff, the other is open cell, and much softer. If you buy a Pro-Tec helmet in California it must conform to state standards and will have the stronger liner. If you buy the helmet anyplace other than California, it will probably have the softer liner, although some of helmets with the stiffer liner are sold outside of California.

Want more information about Pro-Tec, a Vans Company?...Contact them at 310-318-9883.

Tom Buchanan
Instructor Emeritus
Comm Pilot MSEL,G
Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

[DYEVOUT 0]

Just to clarify - I am NOT interested in a half-shell.

I want my ears covered, and I need a home for my Pro-Track. I was inquiring if Pro Tecs for other sports are fundamentally the same as the skydiving models - i.e. materials, construction, strength etc...

Thanks, Terry - I'll check the local whitewater shops!

----------------=8^)----------------------
"I think that was the wrong tennis court."

[fundgh 0]

As if half the crap we wear skydiving doesn't already look "goofy as hell" Check out the frap hats, freefly buckets and RW DarthVader masks that skydivers sport!

...FUN FOR ALL!

[fundgh 0]

There are some skiing/snowboarding helmets out there that have a good value for the cost, don't look goofy as hell, and work quite well.

...FUN FOR ALL!

[Jethers203 0]

Oh, gotcha. Well then, just to let you know, Pro- Tecs are all really the same. They don't make them specifically for skating or for skydiving. They work well for both though. Pro-Tecs will protect your head. Added to this, they are really durable. They definitely do their job.

My dad uses a snowboarding helmet that works great. It also keeps his head really warm in the winter and it doesn't look bad at all.

[mccordia 74]

I bought a cheep snow-board/skate helmet with padded ears. I sew a small piece elastic fabric inside the ear to create a pocket for my pro-dytter.

Spent a total of about 30 bucks...and it's cool as hell :)

http://www.3dluvr.com/mccordia/fridge/pictures/skydive/mccordia_newhelmet.jpg
http://www.3dluvr.com/mccordia/fridge/pictures/skydive/mccordia_sit.jpg

JC
FlyLikeBrick
I'm an Athlete?

[SkyAnt 0]

The big difference is the liner and chinstrap. The skater one would tend to buffet around a little in freefall. It would however be cooler.
The skydiving model has both stiff and soft foam to keep it snug.
Either way. Buy a black one. Looks way cool. Then you can tell everyone you used to be in "DELTA".

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
Edmund Burke (1729-1797)

[PhillyKev 0]

Quote

Does any of you folks know if there is a difference in the lids they make for skaters vs. skydivers?

As far as I know, no helmet manufacturer claims their helmet is designed for skydiving. They don't want the liability. Obviously some are (dytter mounts, etc.). But a protec is a protec is a protec. The one difference is the liner. I remember someone posting a link to a place that made extra heavy duty liners for protecs that were used by the military.

[b1jercat 0]

I got a pro tec it works ok and my skytronic fx fits in the ear hole like it was made for it. good luck blue skies