Help with Helmet Purchase

AndyB007 · 30 October 2006, 11:10

I would appreciate some opinions on the pros and cons of the various specifications of helmets available.

I'm tending to favour the Gecko GMSH Open Face, but with a short or long visor? And at 62cm I'm right at the top end of the advertised 'one size fits all' size range - are there any other 'big heads' out there and how do you find the fit?

Alternatively, what are people's experiences with the Future Safety Terrain Marine Helmet? I know it was shown at the Pwhelli RIB Raid this year but has anyone used them in the cold weather (with or without the hearing protection)? Size range appears to be a bit more generous (up to 64cm) so how does anyone find the fit? [Browguard – Are you still offering the RIB Net Special Introductory price for a helmet fitted with full face clear visor @ £95.00?]

Any and all views welcome!

Thanks

Andy

Andre · 30 October 2006, 12:05

Andy

Go for the Gecko MK10 with full face visor and also take the bag. The bag itself is not too expensive but it is well made and gives good protection to the helmet when you store it, say in the anchor locker.

richardjawilson · 30 October 2006, 12:29

I've got a Gekko openface with the short visor. It works well and i'm happy with the visor lenght, by the time my Musto drysuit collar is fully up and visor down, I'm well perpared for winter Ribbing, evening if it starts to snow. My head size about 60cms and it looks like there is sufficient room for a head size of 62, but I would guess not alot larger. The helmet bag it a good suggestion as they can be easily damaged if there just thrown into a locker

richard

havener · 30 October 2006, 12:34

Depends why you want a helmet.

If you want one purely for head protection, definately go for the Gecko short visor (purely personal preference), and as Andre says, the storage bag. The "inflate to fit" facility should mean perfect fitting, and should you go into the water less risk of "bucketing" (the helmet filling with water and breaking your neck).

If the helmet is required for comms reasons, as well as looking at the Gecko its worth talking to DS Developments as they'll either build a system around the Gecko M10, or using their own, considerably heavier Neptune helmet, which I would venture to suggest would be better for a commercial application.

Hope this helps

Simon

AndyB007 · 30 October 2006, 14:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by havener

Depends why you want a helmet.

Good point! Want one to keep the rain (and snow?!) off while at speed, for leisure only no commercial applications. Head protection is secondary, most likely will be taking a bite out of the console when stuffing!!

Thanks for the input so far - keep it coming.

Andy

Biggles · 30 October 2006, 14:33

Andy,

I shall be purchasing a new Radio system soon. I won't be getting Geckos setup even though I have the Gecko Helmet. Purely because you have to wear the helmet to have the earpiece in. Looks like it fits in those holes in the helmet.
I certainly don't wear my helmet during the summer so will go for the Icom earpiece. This just fits over the ear like any earpiece. means you can use it with or without the helmet. I think the Earpiece with PTT switch from Icom is about £170.

Channelwatch · 30 October 2006, 15:36

We have the Gecko with comms and like the fit and function. Check out our post http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=16193.

Phil Chitty · 30 October 2006, 15:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andre

Andy

Go for the Gecko MK10 with full face visor and also take the bag. The bag itself is not too expensive but it is well made and gives good protection to the helmet when you store it, say in the anchor locker.

Andy

I have to agree with Andre completely.

The full face visor gives good protection from spray ( or in my case the occasional stuff!!) especially if you wear glasses.

AndyB007 · 30 October 2006, 16:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

I certainly don't wear my helmet during the summer so will go for the Icom earpiece. This just fits over the ear like any earpiece. means you can use it with or without the helmet. I think the Earpiece with PTT switch from Icom is about £170.

Nick

Do you have the details for this earpiece?

Andy

Biggles · 30 October 2006, 16:18

http://www.icomuk.co.uk/categoryRend...3524&cCID=4964

Try the above link. My PC is running like a dog at the moment due to sending and downloading those pics.

Also I emailed JG technologies to get a price. I told him the radio I had and what I wanted. Have'nt followed it up yet but will soon.