AndyMan 7 #26 November 29, 2005 QuoteThe azimut's cutaway is a very similar system to the retrofit from bonehead for the old flat tops that do not have a cutaway hinge. Because there's only one ring, it doesn't have the same design issues as the two rings of the 2k helmet. There's no unncesary leverage, nor risk of a jam from cross-loading. I do much prefer the poppable hinge that Bonehead is selling on their new helmets. _Am__ You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Miami 0 #27 November 29, 2005 QuoteI've never heard of anybody having a "hard cuttaway" on a FTP for this very reason. How many legitmate helmet cutaways have you heard of? I've been in this sport for a decent amount of time and have yet to see one. That of course does not mean they don't happen, it's just a pretty rare occurance. QuoteSimple cuttaway systems work well without rings. This leads me to my first statement: Cuttaway rings are not required on a rear entry helmet. How many simple cutaway systems have you tested? Seems like that statement would be hard to validate if the only system you have checked out is the one on the FTP. QuoteSecondly, it's possible - even likely that the back of your head will be applying forces up or down on the back of the backstrap. I have a ridge at the back of my head at the bottom of my skull. On my FTP, the back "bone" site below this ridge, which is part of what gives it stability. In the event of a hung main, before cutting away the helmet will be pulling up against this ridge, applying a downward force to the back. If there were forced applied like you are saying the ratcheting device would not release when you take the helmet off of your head. Which way does the rear piece move when you press the release button? It moves away from the helmet, not up, down or any other lateral movement is prominent. Just like that force is applied to the left side for the ratcheting device, it is applied to the right side where the cutaway system is located, which puts the force in line with the cutaway system, regardless of which system it is. QuoteThis means that the rings will be loaded crosswise, and rings generally don't perform well when loaded crosswise - they get twisted or just plain jam. We know this from watching how risers work. Rings work best when loaded in a straight line. This leads to my second statement, that cuttaway rings in this arangement actually decrease safety. If it were really loaded cross wise it would not matter what cutaway system you had, it would not work. QuoteI'm not going to try to convince you of this anymore, but I think I've explained why I think it's so. Feel free to buy one for yourself. Seeing as how I have already owned multiple FTN and FTP's convincing me is not an issue. I already have bought an Azimuth, there have been no problems with the cutaway system releasing either, I really feel in an emergency situation it will provide an easier separation for a clean cutaway. QuoteIt's a moot point, since I'm happy with the one I have, which BTW - I bought new with "bonebonds" for less than the price of the Azimuth. Excellent to hear you got a good deal. Some don't want to wait the 6 months for the bonds to mature and then wait for their helmet to be made. The Azimuth is a great alternative that can be had for a very competitive price. The construction is sound, the system works great, and the paint is nothing short of amazing. Hope this helps...Miami Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyMan 7 #28 November 29, 2005 QuoteIf there were forced applied like you are saying the ratcheting device would not release when you take the helmet off of your head. I don't think you understand. The example I described would only happen under load, when you've got a streamering main hung up from your helmet. It's very true that the ratcheting system would not work then either, which is exactly why there's a cuttaway. _Am__ You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Miami 0 #29 November 29, 2005 Guess you haven't tried releasing the ratcheting device while the helmet is under a load...even like the one described. Just have a buddy stand in a chair and lift the helmet on your head and release it (even unthread it entirely)...it usually works just fine, depending on the fit. You don't need a weighted dummy true to your weight cause a streamering main is far from halting your downward progress. The energy created by tightly fastening the helmet provides the vector of force needed to release it properly, whether with the ratchet or with the cutaway...it's just that the normal release system might be hard to find and operate (not to mention timely to unthread completely) in an emergency situation, where the cutaway would be easy to operate. Hope this helps...Miami Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zoter 0 #30 November 29, 2005 QuoteThe energy created by tightly fastening the helmet provides the vector of force needed to release it properly, whether with the ratchet or with the cutaway... I have tried doing a 'test' cutaway under these same conditions.....body weight totally supported via the helmet on both the 2K system and a cotter pin ratchet 'release ' cutaway.... The force/effort needed to cutaway the 'loaded' release was SUBSTANTIALLY easier on the 2K ring release.... When /if the shit hits the fan I know which one is going to work easiest..... Done through testing..... This thread is going ...gone off topic anyways..... Andy likes a FTP and thats that......but the better helmet that works is a FF2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
