FlatTop Questions

[migliore 0]

I just moved up from a Rawa to an FT Pro that I got used and I have a few questions. I am primarily shooting 4-way video with a PC9, but I also use a Rebel XT occasionally for tandems, etc.

1) I am sensitive to neck pain so I am trying to minimize the impact of the cameras. Would you recommend mounting video on top and still on the front bracket or both cameras side-by-side on the top? (I know canopy and line choice are very important factors.)

2) Does anybody have the directions for making a pocket in the liner for an audible?

Shane

[ltdiver 3]

1) IMHO, if you're already sensitive to neck pain I'd a) avoid flying camera altogether b) but if you're hell bent on doing it anyway I'd go with a lighter camera helmet. I love the balance and security of the FTP, but it -is- a much heavier helmet. Think on it.

2) Whenever there is stress on the neck you need to limit the force factor. By balancing both cameras directly on top, in line with the neck, the stress is less. Mounting a camera in front (especially the heavier digital SLR's) pulls the neck forward.

Again, this is just one cameraflyer's opinion but there also may be a little medical insight too.

ltdiver

Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon

[freefallcrab 0]

I agree with Lori. I jump the same FTP/ PC 9 combo as you on 4-way with occasional front mounted Canon EOS300D and it is quite a heavy setup (will be next weekend at the start of our season after a 4 month lay-off!). Neck pain is tough for a 4-way cameraman like yerself so a lighter helmet might be the way to go.

As for the audible question, I just cut a Protrack-sized slot out of the liner and it sits in there no problems.

Use your wings Johnny....

[CSpenceFLY 1]

I was going to say the same thing in reguards to the neck pain.Shane you don't see me wearing mine much anymore.Get a Spectre and rool the nose.


.

[freefalle 0]

I concur with the masses for the most part. You certainly can stay with the FTP, its not really that much heavier that most other helmets it just depends on how you load it. . If you are going to use it for tandems, consider, as Lori said, loading both your still and video on top in line with your spine as much as possible. You may even want to consider mounting the still verticle. You can mount the still inverted from the plate, and you "probably" wont notice the difference until you get an hard opening. Just be careful on how you load it, just because you can put a ton of shit on that helmet, doesn't mean you have to.

[ltdiver 3]

Quote

You certainly can stay with the FTP, its not really that much heavier that most other helmets...

From http://www.boneheadcomposites.com/faq.htm

How heavy are the helmets?

- Flat Top Pro... 40 oz
- Flat Top Narrow... 33 oz
- Optik... 27 Oz
- GunRak... 34 Oz
- Guner... 18 Oz.
- Mindwarp... 18 Oz
- Boomerang... 27 OZ
- Havok... 32 Oz

I wish they had other helmets weighed (former camera helmets), but they're discontinued and off the list now. I know for a fact that my da Bomb and BatRak are about 1/2 the weight of the FTP.

ltdiver

Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon

[freefalle 0]

wow Lori, I never looked at that, I've held a few of those on that list and they really didn't feel that much lighter than my FTP

[ltdiver 3]

Quote

wow Lori, I never looked at that, I've held a few of those on that list and they really didn't feel that much lighter than my FTP

It's one of the reasons that's kept me away from the beautiful, wonderful, freakin' awesome FTP. As much as I'd LOVE one I have to protect my thin, nice, slender, womanly neck.

Next time you're at the DZ (if the cameraflyers will let you do it) take all their cameras off their helmets and weigh them side by side. That is, if any of them have a former Bonehead camera helmet like I've mentioned above.
ltdiver

Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon