Skydiving is an exhilarating sport that combines a thrilling rush of adrenaline with the serenity of free‑falling through the sky. Whether you're a seasoned skydiver or a first‑timer, safety and comfort are paramount, and choosing the right helmet is an essential part of that equation. Your helmet serves not only as protective gear but also impacts your experience in the air, from visibility and fit to ease of communication and comfort.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the different types of skydiving helmets, their features, how to choose the right one for your needs, and key considerations to keep in mind before making your purchase.
Why a Skydiving Helmet is Essential
Safety First
The primary purpose of a skydiving helmet is, of course, protection. The impact during a landing, collision with other jumpers, or even turbulence during freefall can lead to significant head injuries. A well‑fitted, high‑quality helmet provides essential protection, reducing the risk of injury while jumping.
Comfort and Performance
Beyond protection, a helmet that is comfortable, well‑ventilated, and fits properly will help enhance your overall experience. Whether you're jumping solo or participating in a team formation, a good helmet allows you to focus on the task at hand without discomfort or distractions. Features like padding, aerodynamics, and communication systems can also elevate your performance in the air.
Communication and Visibility
Helmets also play an important role in communication. For advanced skydiving disciplines such as formation skydiving or wingsuit flying, staying in contact with your fellow jumpers is essential. Many skydiving helmets come with built‑in communication systems that allow you to talk to other jumpers or instructors during freefall or under canopy. Visibility is another consideration, especially for jumpers involved in canopy piloting or filming, where clear sightlines are crucial.
Types of Skydiving Helmets
When shopping for a helmet, it's essential to understand the different types of helmets available, as each serves a different purpose depending on your jumping style and needs.
A. Full‑Face Helmets
Best For: Safety‑conscious beginners, experienced jumpers, and those looking for additional protection.
Full‑face helmets cover the entire head, including the face, offering maximum protection in the event of a hard landing or collision. These helmets also provide more stability during freefall, reducing the risk of neck strain, which can occur if a traditional open‑face helmet is worn.
Key Features:
- Enhanced safety with full‑face coverage.
- Often have larger visors for better visibility.
- Some models include built‑in communication systems.
- Aesthetically sleek design.
- Ideal for jumpers who want to shield their face from wind and debris.
Drawbacks:
- Can be heavier and bulkier than open‑face helmets.
- Slightly reduced peripheral vision due to the faceplate.
B. Open‑Face Helmets
Best For: Recreational skydivers, photographers, and videographers.
Open‑face helmets provide head protection without covering the face, making them lighter and offering greater visibility. They are often preferred by photographers and videographers who need unimpeded sightlines. These helmets also allow more ventilation, making them a more comfortable choice for warm‑weather jumps.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and comfortable.
- Greater visibility for tasks such as filming and formation jumping.
- Less restrictive than full‑face helmets.
- Typically come with padded liners for comfort.
Drawbacks:
- Less protective than full‑face helmets, especially in terms of face and chin protection.
- Not suitable for those seeking maximum protection or involved in high‑risk jumping styles.
C. Speed (Helmet) or Aero Helmets
Best For: Experienced jumpers involved in competitive skydiving or those seeking reduced drag.
Aero helmets are designed to minimize drag and maximize speed, making them a popular choice for competitive skydivers. These helmets have a streamlined design and are often preferred in disciplines such as canopy piloting, freeflying, and wingsuit flying. They're optimized for low drag, which helps jumpers achieve better performance and more precise movements in freefall.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and aerodynamic design.
- Optimized for speed and efficiency during freefall.
- Commonly worn by competitive skydivers.
Drawbacks:
- Less protective than full‑face helmets.
- Not ideal for beginners due to their minimal coverage.
D. Tandem Helmets
Best For: Tandem instructors and first‑time jumpers.
Tandem helmets are specifically designed for tandem skydiving. They are worn by both the instructor and the passenger to provide safety and comfort during the jump. These helmets usually feature a larger size, extra padding, and an integrated communication system for the tandem instructor to communicate with the passenger and vice versa during freefall.
Key Features:
- Larger size to accommodate two individuals.
- Built‑in communication systems.
- Extra padding and security features.
Drawbacks:
- Heavier and bulkier than standard helmets.
- Less versatility for solo jumpers.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Skydiving Helmet
Selecting the perfect skydiving helmet goes beyond aesthetics and price; it involves considering several important factors to ensure your helmet meets your specific needs.
A. Fit and Comfort
A helmet should fit snugly but not be too tight. It's important that the helmet stays in place during freefall but doesn't cause discomfort. Many skydiving helmets come with adjustable straps or internal padding systems to help achieve a custom fit. A poorly fitting helmet can cause distractions, discomfort, or even headaches, and can be unsafe during the jump.
B. Ventilation
Skydiving can be a physically demanding sport, and the wind resistance during freefall can make you feel warm. A well‑ventilated helmet will help regulate temperature and keep you cool during your jump. Open‑face helmets generally offer more ventilation, while full‑face helmets might include vents to balance protection with airflow.
C. Visibility
Visibility is critical, especially if you're participating in activities like filming, photography, or formation skydiving. Look for a helmet with a wide visor or a clear faceplate for optimal visibility. Full‑face helmets typically offer a larger and clearer field of view than open‑face models.
D. Weight
Weight is a critical factor when selecting a skydiving helmet. The lighter the helmet, the less it will weigh on your head and neck during the jump. While full‑face helmets tend to be heavier, newer designs are increasingly made with lightweight materials such as carbon fiber or fiberglass. Choose a helmet that you can comfortably wear for extended periods without causing strain.
E. Communication Systems
For experienced skydivers or those involved in group jumps, communication systems are often integrated into the helmet. These systems allow jumpers to communicate with other team members or instructors during freefall or while under the canopy. When selecting a helmet, consider whether you need a built‑in communication system, or if you prefer a helmet that is compatible with external comm devices.
F. Durability and Material
Skydiving helmets are exposed to intense forces, from the pressure of wind to potential impacts during landings. Therefore, durability is a key consideration. Helmets are usually made from materials such as polycarbonate, fiberglass, or carbon fiber, with carbon fiber helmets being both lightweight and incredibly durable. Consider the material based on how often you plan to jump and your budget.
G. Certification and Safety Standards
Ensure that your helmet meets the necessary safety standards for skydiving. Look for certifications such as the USPA (United States Parachute Association) approval or European certifications (e.g., EN966). A certified helmet guarantees that it meets stringent safety requirements designed to protect you in the event of an emergency.
Popular Skydiving Helmet Brands
A. Cookie
Cookie helmets are known for their innovative designs and robust safety features. Popular among both recreational and competitive skydivers, they offer a range of full‑face, open‑face, and aero helmets. The Cookie G3 is a highly regarded full‑face helmet, offering excellent visibility, comfort, and safety.
B. Bonehead Composites
Bonehead Composites specializes in creating high‑performance skydiving helmets, with a focus on lightweight and aerodynamic models. Their Bonehead M3 and Bonehead Aero helmets are particularly popular for competitive jumpers looking for a balance between safety and performance.
C. SkySystems
SkySystems offers a wide range of helmets, including their popular SkyHelmet, which is designed for tandem and recreational skydivers. Their helmets are built for comfort, protection, and easy communication, and they are often recommended for beginner and intermediate skydivers.
D. Paragear
Paragear is a well‑known brand in the skydiving industry, offering affordable and reliable helmets suitable for all levels of skydivers. Their helmets are designed for both safety and comfort, providing a good balance of features for recreational jumpers.
Conclusion
Choosing the right skydiving helmet is an important decision that impacts both your safety and overall experience. Whether you're a beginner seeking maximum protection or a competitive jumper looking for a lightweight, aerodynamic design, the perfect helmet will help enhance your skydiving experience. By considering factors like fit, ventilation, communication, and material durability, you can make an informed decision that suits your specific needs. Above all, remember that your helmet is your first line of defense, so invest in one that will keep you safe and comfortable for many jumps to come.