Which helmet?

[Toby]

thx guys, really appreciate the help!

[TomW]

Anyone try the gath gedi of gath sfc with full face or half face visors?

[Da Yoda]

There's currently one company (in the US) that's making a "soft shell" helmet with D3O impact foam. Google D3O foam if you're not familiar with it.
By design this helmet almost ticks all of the boxes for an ideal kiteboarding helmet...
1. Good, snug and comfortable fit.
2. Close fit and close contour resulting in low drag without avoidable projections (e.g. fixed visors/bills).
3. Light weight.
4. Well padded with suitable material for impact absorption without creating excessive bulk and drag.
5. Good drainage/fit characteristics to reduce water retention and bucketing potential.
6. A good hard shell for impact dispersal and penetration resistance. Kevlar/high strength composites may offer better penetration resistance than ABS plastic.
7. Strong, corrosion resistant fastenings in an effective retention system.
Note: #6 is addressed by the D3O foam for impacts, but penetrations obviously would not be protected as well.

I present to you the Gamebreaker Pro Soft Shell Helmet:
https://gamebreaker.com/shop/gamebreake ... ts-helmet/

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2392396

[lovethepirk]

I considered the Gamebreaker helmet, but went with the GATH surf convertible. It has ear protection as Jerome mentioned. I blew my eardrum out once boosting on a TT and it wasn't even that bad of a crash. I've had a few crazy high speed crashed on the foil now and am glad I have the ear protection for sure.

I just saw recently Oakley has a Mod5 helmet out that looks pretty freaking sweet? Anyone know anything about it, looks pricier than the Gath tho, but looks tasty:
http://www.oakley.com/en/helmets/

[RickI]

Neil Pryde NP....has the best lining for water sports in my opinion.

I like it as well and have been using it for a bit over two years. It is important the helmet fit well and be comfortable to where he will actually use it.

[abel]

Anyone try the gath gedi of gath sfc with full face or half face visors?

Same question, especially the half face

[OzBungy]

....
I just saw recently Oakley has a Mod5 helmet out that looks pretty freaking sweet? Anyone know anything about it, looks pricier than the Gath tho, but looks tasty:
http://www.oakley.com/en/helmets/

To be honest, it looks like a sexier version of every other helmet out there. You're still going to get bucket effect and wind noise. I notice that they claim it's lighter, but they don't publish the weight anywhere.

I am curious about these helmets, https://www.petzl.com/INT/en/Sport/Helmets/SIROCCO

Bucket effect and noise would probably still be an issue. At least it would be light.



https://vimeo.com/243349367

[OzBungy]

While we're talking helmets, does anybody have any experience using impact absorbing urethane protection?

Stuff like this http://2ndskull.com/company-product/cap/?color=Black and this http://www.xrd.tech/howitworks/index.aspx

The technology sounds promising but the marketing is a bit dodgy.

I am far more interested in protecting against potential impacts with the edge of board and foils and fins and stuff. Not at all interested in conventional helmets.

[Da Yoda]

While we're talking helmets, does anybody have any experience using impact absorbing urethane protection?

Stuff like this http://2ndskull.com/company-product/cap/?color=Black and this http://www.xrd.tech/howitworks/index.aspx

The technology sounds promising but the marketing is a bit dodgy.

I am far more interested in protecting against potential impacts with the edge of board and foils and fins and stuff. Not at all interested in conventional helmets.

The Gamebreaker helmet that I posted above is the only water sports helmet that I've found that uses D3O foam which is a competitor of XRD.
https://www.d3o.com/what-is-d3o/

[madworld]

Most water helmets are only CE EN 1385 Water Sport Safety Standard for 5 mph impact.

The Gath Brand Surf Convertable is not rated. The Gath Gedi helmet is CE EN 1385 Water Sport Safety Standard


I like the Bern Watts h20 helmet or the Protec brand ace wake Helmet.