Skydiving helmets are one of the most critical pieces of equipment for skydivers, designed to protect the head during freefall and landing. While their primary function is to safeguard against potential injuries, modern helmets have evolved to offer a range of additional features that enhance the overall skydiving experience. In this article, we'll explore the essential features every modern skydiving helmet should have, ensuring both safety and comfort while you enjoy the thrilling experience of freefall.
Impact Protection
The foremost feature any skydiving helmet must offer is adequate impact protection. During freefall and while landing, the risk of encountering unexpected turbulence, collisions with other skydivers, or hard landings can lead to serious head injuries.
High-Quality Materials
- Carbon Fiber & Kevlar : Many high-end helmets are made from advanced materials like carbon fiber or Kevlar, which are both lightweight and incredibly strong. These materials absorb and distribute the force of an impact, minimizing the risk of injury.
- EPS Foam Lining : Modern helmets come equipped with a foam lining (expanded polystyrene or EPS foam) that absorbs shock. This foam is designed to compress upon impact, reducing the force transferred to the skull and preventing concussions.
Full Coverage Design
A helmet that offers full coverage---especially around the back and sides of the head---will provide the best protection. Some helmets, particularly those designed for skydiving, may offer additional protection around the ears and neck, which can be vulnerable areas during freefall.
Comfort and Fit
Skydiving involves a lot of physical movement, and comfort is paramount for both short and long jumps. A helmet that doesn't fit properly can cause discomfort, distract the jumper, and may even affect the safety of the dive.
Adjustable Fit
- Dial or Ratchet Adjustments : Many modern helmets include an adjustable dial or ratchet adjustments system that allows you to customize the fit. This ensures that the helmet stays snug without being too tight, giving you a secure fit while also ensuring comfort.
- Padding and Liner : A helmet should have a removable breathable liner that provides a cushion against your head. Many helmets feature moisture‑wicking fabric to keep sweat away from your skin and help maintain comfort throughout the dive.
Ventilation
For long or high‑altitude dives, helmets with good ventilation are essential. Most modern helmets have strategically placed vents that allow airflow, helping to reduce heat buildup inside the helmet and maintain comfort. These vents should be adjustable, allowing you to customize the airflow based on the weather and your preferences.
Weight and Aerodynamics
Weight plays an important role in how a helmet affects your overall experience during freefall. A heavy helmet can be uncomfortable, especially when you are spending long periods in the air.
Lightweight Design
- Composite Materials : As mentioned earlier, materials like carbon fiber and Kevlar are lightweight but strong. These composite materials not only improve impact resistance but also reduce the overall weight of the helmet, allowing for a better freefall experience.
- Aerodynamic Shape : The design of the helmet should be streamlined to reduce drag. A good skydiving helmet will feature a smooth, aerodynamic shape that minimizes wind resistance and allows you to maintain a stable body position during freefall.
Helmets designed for advanced skydiving disciplines, such as wingsuit flying, will feature even more specialized aerodynamics. These helmets are usually sleek and tailored to reduce turbulence, ensuring a stable flight.
Visor or Eye Protection
While many skydivers enjoy the feeling of wind in their face, some prefer to have protection for their eyes. A visor can be a crucial feature to protect against dust, debris, or even sunlight while skydiving.
Clear, Shatterproof Visor
- Impact‑Resistant Visor : The visor should be made from shatterproof polycarbonate or another durable material. It should provide clear visibility, even at high speeds, without distorting your view. Look for a clear shatterproof visor.
- Anti‑Fog Coating : A helmet visor should have an anti‑fog coating to prevent condensation from building up inside, particularly during freefall when the temperature changes rapidly.
- Interchangeable Visors : Some helmets come with the option to change visors based on the conditions, such as using a tinted visor for sunny days or a clear one for cloudy weather. Look for interchangeable visors.
Integrated Eye Protection
For those who prefer not to use a full visor, goggles that fit seamlessly into the helmet's design are a good alternative. These should be comfortable, fit snugly, and provide clear vision throughout the dive.
Communication Systems
As skydiving becomes more advanced, communication between jumpers is becoming increasingly important, especially for team skydiving or when jumping with an instructor.
Integrated Radio System
- Communication with Ground Crew : Many modern helmets come equipped with built‑in integrated radio systems , allowing skydivers to stay in contact with the ground crew or fellow jumpers during freefall. This can be especially useful in a tandem jump or when performing specific maneuvers as part of a team.
- Noise Suppression : Some helmets have noise‑cancelling features or built‑in microphones designed to minimize wind noise, ensuring clear communication even at high speeds.
Bluetooth Capability
For certain jumps, skydivers may want to play music or communicate with other people who are also in the air. Helmets with Bluetooth capability allow the user to stream music or connect to a smartphone for voice communication or hands‑free video recording.
Modular Design
The modular design is a key feature for skydivers who want versatility and the ability to customize their helmet for different types of jumps. Whether you're jumping solo, with a tandem instructor, or performing a wingsuit dive, a modular helmet allows for quick changes to suit the activity.
Removable Parts
- Visors, Ear Covers, and Chin Straps : Some helmets come with removable ear covers , visors , and chin straps . These features make the helmet adaptable to various conditions, from competitive jumps to casual solo dives.
- Camera Mounting : Many skydiving helmets offer mounting points for action cameras like GoPro . This is ideal for skydivers who want to capture their jumps and share them with friends or on social media. The camera mount should be stable and well‑positioned to avoid obstruction or distraction during the dive.
Durability and Maintenance
Skydiving helmets face extreme conditions, including high‑speed winds, rain, and intense physical forces. Therefore, the durability of the helmet is essential for long‑term safety and performance.
High Durability
- Resistant to Wear and Tear : The outer shell of the helmet should be made from materials that are resistant to scratches, impacts, and other damage. Helmets that feature a scratch‑resistant coating will retain their aesthetics and functionality for longer.
- Easy Maintenance : A helmet should be easy to clean and maintain, particularly since skydiving involves outdoor conditions. Removable linings and washable components help ensure that the helmet remains in top condition after each jump.
Conclusion
A modern skydiving helmet is far more than just a protective piece of gear. The best helmets combine safety, comfort, communication features, and versatility, ensuring that every jump is as thrilling and safe as possible. When selecting a helmet, it's essential to consider factors such as impact protection, fit, weight, ventilation, and additional features like visors, communication systems, and modular components. With the right helmet, skydivers can fully enjoy the freedom of the sky, knowing they have the best protection for their most important asset: their head.