Helmets-all or nothing.?

limeydal · 20 December 2005, 06:21

Read the previous posts on wearing helmets and seems the only way to go is gecko style with full to half face visor.
However I rarely need that type of protection( from the elements that is) so wondered if a lighter (and more economical ) lid would do the job.
Go out mainly on my own and now the winter is coming (surfs up and whales on their way ) it would seem sensible to get some protection.

Mainly concerned about being ejected ,landing badly and hitting something on the way out or "nutting" the console.
Saw this offer below.They are wake board helmets,so Ok for hitting the water at speed without the "bucket" or "scoop" effect.

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/over...item_num=10638

Do you think any good for occasional use.?
I know if i turned out with full helmet and visor they would think I'm some kind of loon

(which they already do,having a RIB.)

cheers Dal

Rogue Wave · 20 December 2005, 08:23

is a certain amount of street cred that comes with a Broken nose and a decent facial scar, but can I ask

does it rain in your part of the colonies?

The Jackeens · 20 December 2005, 08:55

wotareyoulike RW ?

I don't care what my Gecko looks like

it keeps me head warm and dry and stops salt going into my eyes when I'm helming. It's a personal cabin.

Hope you find something suitable Dal!

missus

Rogue Wave · 20 December 2005, 08:59

I would certainly recomend wearing one on your boat!

Rogue Wave · 20 December 2005, 09:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Jackeens

wotareyoulike RW ?

I don't care what my Gecko looks like

it keeps me head warm and dry and stops salt going into my eyes when I'm helming. It's a personal cabin.

Hope you find something suitable Dal!

missus

Missus that's all very well but if you turned it around you'd have the very useful feature of being able to see.

The Jackeens · 20 December 2005, 09:08

I can't do a 360 with my head like you do RW

missus

hard1 · 20 December 2005, 09:20

I think they look kinda cool.

But if you have a crew member, they should have one also, just for the aesthetics.

MarkM · 20 December 2005, 09:22

The only reason I wear the Gecko is to hang the visor on to. Not for protection of the head. That's why I've got the full face. I think if you don't need to protect your eyes, you don't need a helmet.

hard1 · 20 December 2005, 09:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkM

The only reason I wear the Gecko is to hang the visor on to. Not for protection of the head. That's why I've got the full face. I think if you don't need to protect your eyes, you don't need a helmet.

I use my trusty O'Brien ski goggles for the eye protection. Amazing how the amber tinted ones enhance the light. Wouldn't travel without them.

Jon Brooks · 20 December 2005, 10:43

I use a Gecko a fair bit, used to hate them but the MK10 is very good.
Mine is fitted with comms and works really well.
The comms can either be into a hand held or direct into a fixed set via a intercom or not depending on your needs.

I have tried another helmet recently by Gath.

www.gathsports.com

They do 2 styles and are cheaper than Gecko.
One has a visor that slides away in side the helmet, like a fire service one.
The other has a visor that looks a bit like goggles.
Both very comfy.
The second does make me look like I should be shot out of a cannon though.
Yeah I know some may say not a bad thing!

D S Developments have just launched a comms unit to fit the Gath helmet, I have yet to try it out.

Hope that helps a bit

Regards

Shaggy · 20 December 2005, 11:49

Hi
I use a Gath helmet for surfing, very light and durable but not sure if it would hold up to a prop strike like the Geckos, but better than nothing..

Shaggy

Jimbob · 20 December 2005, 11:51

I like them becuase they keep our heads warm and stop me eating salt water

Jon Brooks · 20 December 2005, 11:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbob

I like them becuase they keep our heads warm and stop me eating salt water

but don't you drink water?
or do you student only drink beer!!!

Regards

Jimbob · 20 December 2005, 12:21

Stopped being a Student 17 years ago,,,,have to pay full price for me beer

Some of the salt water i used to get in my face i could not work out if i was drinking or eating it, i once got a gut full, it shot down the month,,,then, then back up again - nice

hard1 · 20 December 2005, 12:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbob

Stopped being a Student 17 years ago,,,,have to pay full price for me beer

Some of the salt water i used to get in my face i could not work out if i was drinking or eating it, i once got a gut full, it shot down the month,,,then, then back up again - nice

You sure you're not still a student?

Jimbob · 20 December 2005, 17:44

hard1, what do you mean?

hard1 · 20 December 2005, 18:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbob

hard1, what do you mean?

Sounded a bit like my daughter's regular nights out from Brock College.

"Some of the salt water (substitute Smirnoff Ice) i used to get in my face i could not work out if i was drinking or eating it, i once got a gut full, it shot down the mouth,,,then, then back up again - nice

Not dissin' you mate - just a familiar story in this house.....

Jimbob · 20 December 2005, 18:19

Hard1, i see what you mean

god to be a student again, 50p a pint, 5 quid and i was wrecked - well 17 years ago

codprawn · 20 December 2005, 18:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by limeydal

Read the previous posts on wearing helmets and seems the only way to go is gecko style with full to half face visor.
However I rarely need that type of protection( from the elements that is) so wondered if a lighter (and more economical ) lid would do the job.
Go out mainly on my own and now the winter is coming (surfs up and whales on their way ) it would seem sensible to get some protection.

Mainly concerned about being ejected ,landing badly and hitting something on the way out or "nutting" the console.
Saw this offer below.They are wake board helmets,so Ok for hitting the water at speed without the "bucket" or "scoop" effect.

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/over...item_num=10638

Do you think any good for occasional use.?
I know if i turned out with full helmet and visor they would think I'm some kind of loon

(which they already do,having a RIB.)

cheers Dal

Look great to me - similar to white water canoe type helmets. You would need goggles or similar with them.

Obviously full face offers far more protection but look at cycling helmets - don't see many people wearing a full face do you? ANY protection is better than none at all - if you wear the helmet more because it's light and comfortable then it is far better than a full face you never wear!!!

tim griffin · 20 December 2005, 20:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaggy

Hi
I use a Gath helmet for surfing, very light and durable but not sure if it would hold up to a prop strike like the Geckos, but better than nothing..

Shaggy

Gaths are favoured by Aussie surf lifeguards in their IRB,s
are there any documents re impact tests on Geckos as they seem to be the favoured ones by the UK ILB's so they must be pretty good.
The ones in Limeydal post look pretty good but would need goggles as Codprawn said so may as well buy a Gath or Gecko