Nitro Racing Helmets

[Neil Harvey]

Anyone know anything about these, it's what the Zapcat boys and gorls seem to be using.
http://www.zapcat-racing.com/da/54834

Did they cahnge from Geckos and does anyone know why?

£50 seems cheapo compared to GEckos if they are as safe.

[codprawn]

No No NO you can't wear those - they aren't "proper" marine helmets. The bucket effect will rip your head off - that's why they are so cheap. Haven't you seen all those headless zapcat racers? They are starting a new series just for them...........

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by Neil Harvey

Did they change from Geckos and does anyone know why?

Yep. After an incident in one of the K-class races the RYA reviewed their position on safety helmets for UK powerboat racing. This was because the helmet of the young competitor became detatched during the incident, and the propellor of the second boat involved in the incident appeared to have cut through the helmet and into his skull.

In the review, two issues became evident - firstly that the one-size-fits-all Geko helmets aren't necessarily suitable for young (under 16) competitors. Secondly, the Geko helmets were tested against motorcycle helmets. It was found that they do not offer the same level of impact protection as approved motorcycle helmets.

In view of this, the RYA had no option but to rule that Geko helmets are not suitable for competitive use. The rules now specify a standard for helmets in competition - ECE22-05 I believe.

IMHO this shouldn't be taken as a view that Geko is a bad helmet - the product was never designed for powerboat racing, but was adopted by a number of UK powerboat race participants as a convenient lightweight solution when there were no specific rules.

[PeteSmith]

I looked long and hard at helmets for myself & wife and my main reason for one was a full face visor to keep the spray out of my face.

I went for the Gecko and I know they arnt cheap but they are the only ones that have a raised rear and visors that rip off - to prevent "bucketing". The raised rear also allows you to put your head back when swimming on your front, ( a motorcycle helmet wont let you do this)

They are very light and comfortable to wear ie you can wear them all day without really feeling them, better than any hat in winter to keep your head warm, and not too hot in summer, this is due to their inflatable inner liner.
Plus you dont get "Helmet Hair"

They may not offer the same impact protection as a motorcycle helmet but as Im not racing zap cats (far too uncomfortable!).

If the RNLI, Navy and other institutions use them on RIBS, I guess they have done their research and come up with the fact that these are the best currently on the market - why should I argue with their findings..

Highly recommend them !

Pete

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by PeteSmith

I went for the Gecko and I know they arnt cheap but they are the only ones that have a raised rear and visors that rip off - to prevent "bucketing". The raised rear also allows you to put your head back when swimming on your front, ( a motorcycle helmet wont let you do this)


Pete

How many people have died from "bucketing"??? I suspect zapcat racers hit the water often enough to have shown up that trend by now with a full face helmet.......

[Cookee]

Originally Posted by Richard B

the Geko helmets were tested against motorcycle helmets. It was found that they do not offer the same level of impact protection as approved motorcycle helmets.

Were they tested? It's the first I've heard of it!

[Richard B]

You'll have to ask JP he went to the tests.