Mike Gruwell and Chuting Star check out the range of full-face helmets on the market…
10 years ago, open face helmets were the norm for skydiving and only RW teams used full face skydiving helmets. But with the increase of wind tunnels over our planet as well as so many different disciplines of closer proximity skydiving, many jumpers and tunnel flyers go straight to a full-face helmet as their first and only helmet.
With several different versions and brands to choose from, which one should you go with? We’ll lay out the features, differences, prices as well as highlight some customer reviews, so you can make the most educated choice possible.
Cookie G4
- $479
- Impact-rated helmet
- Impact-rated visor
- Single audible pockets on each side
- Camera and FlySight mounts available, but if installed will affect the impact rating
- No cutaway system available
- Clear, Tinted, Orange & Blue Mirror visor available
- Different color side plate options with additional custom engraving available.
- Liners can be removed, washed and swapped to make different sizes within the shell sizes (XS-Small, Medium-Large and XL-2XL)
Cookie Helmets completely designed the G4 as its own helmet, while learning from the prior designs of the the Gas, G2 and G3. Key features of the G4 include flip-up visor mechanisms that are designed to last the helmets lifetime, a more complete head coverage in tandem with the XP S 72-600 impact certification and improved ventilation throughout the helmet.
The G4 visor recesses into the helmet when closed to reduce wind noise inside, and new shell sizes fit a wider range of head sizes. The visors have an impact rating under the Skydiving Helmet Screen ECP-001 06/2019 at 90m/s, and also passed tests on fogging, luminance, optical quality and UV.
Cookie’s G4 helmet was released in June 2019 and there is no doubt the G4 has continued the tradition of raved-about helmets for Cookie Helmets, based out of Australia.
G4 Weight Specs:
- XS-Small, 1.98 pounds
- Medium-Large, 2.09 pounds
- XL-2XL, 2.16 pounds
Learn more about the G4 in a separate blog post on ChutingStar.com at this link.
It’s the quietest helmet I’ve tried, in the plane/freefall it’s directly comparable to my custom-made 29db ear plugs…
The visor is massive, larger than the G3, comparable in size to the Aero
Macca reviews the G4
Parasport ZX
- $465
- Impact-rated helmet
- Impact-rated visor
- Single audible pockets on each side
- One hand visor opening
- One shell with interchangeable liner sizes
This is the newest crash certified helmet available. Parasport released the ZX full face helmet in April of 2021. The helmets builds on this Italian company’s Z-1 full face helmet past, but adds impact certification, a larger visor opening and an easier-to-use lens opening mechanism.
According the manufacturer, the ZX is built around a shock absorbing layer of EPS, allowing the ZX to pass the tests for both the XP S72-600, specific to parachuting and indoor flying, and the EN966 Cat. HPG, dedicated to paragliding and hang gliding. The outer shell, made of shock-absorbing ABS certified for motorcycle helmets, plays a key role in impact control too. As further protection the ZX lens is certified following the EN166 specifications.
Available in sizes of Small to XL and in 7 colors.
Really light helmet, good peripheral view all around and really well ventilated
Review – ZX Helmet
Tonfly TFX
- $578
- Impact-rated helmet
- Impact-rated visor
- Single audible pockets on each side
- Camera mounts and cutaway systems not available
- Clear or smoke visor
- Mix and match colors for shell, chin and side plates
- Modular one-hand visor and chin opening system
- Antiallergic, removable, washable liner
Specs as measured by the ChutingStar Crew:
- Weight 2.25 pounds
- Helmet 8.75″ wide by 8″ tall
- Field of vision 11″ wide by 4.75″ high
Tonfly’s TFX is the newest full face skydiving helmet available. It has an impact rating for the helmet and the visor. While it’s the most expensive, it’s also claims to be the most protective of your head. Certifications for the TFX include:
- Impact rating under European Standard EN966: 2012 + A1: 2012, category HPG for Airborne Sports
- Personal eye protection rating under European Standard EN166
- Complies with new developed Skydiving Helmet Standard XP S 72-600
The manufacturer originally required an in-person fitting at any skydiving gear shop that has their TFX fitting kit, such as ChutingStar, but has since offered a detailed sizing guide that allows you to measure from home. Measuring info available in our listing at this link.
For those that have bought the TFX… there is only love, such as noted in this review on ChutingStar.com:
Being able to put it on like an open face helmet means a tighter/more secure fit while I’m flying. This also allows for riding up to altitude or walking back to the hangar after landing with the face open rather that feeling restricted or having to clip it to my chest strap. It’s also great for briefing between rounds in the wind tunnel.
All TFX orders are custom built to your order specifications due to the 36 different sizes as well as multiple color combinations of the shell, chin and side plates.
TFX Review by the ChutingStar Crew
Square1 KISS
- $319
- Single audible pockets and outside-access ports on each side
- 3rd party camera mounts
- No cutaway system, but 3rd party cutaway camera mounts available
- Clear, tinted and mirror visors
- Dual color helmets available
- Non-adjustable padding/helmet sizes
Specs as measured by the ChutingStar Crew:
- Weight 2.09 pounds
- Helmet 8.5″ wide by 7″ tall
- Field of vision 12.5″ wide by 5.5″ high
Square1 began manufacturing full face helmets in the past several years, and quickly gained a following with easy-to-use, durable and easy-to-change flip-up visors. The KISS is the “premium” helmet of the full face helmet line from Square1.
The KISS helmet is the only current full face helmet with outside access to your audible altimeters through adapter rings included for the audible pockets and ports. You can choose to keep the ports closed for a traditional audible pocket setup, or open the ports using the adapters to house your audibles for outside access.
At $319, the KISS is the 2nd to lowest price of all full face helmets, and those that purchase the KISS do nothing but rave about the features and the large field of vision. Read all the current KISS reviews at the bottom of the KISS listing at ChutingStar.com right here, such as this one:
Love this helmet, the LOOK, the COMFORT, the NO TOOLS policy, and the ANTI-FOG technology! The helmet is very easy to handle, no tools needed for removal of lens. Changing lens/cleaning, and so on, becomes much easier!
The KISS visor can be changed, or removed for cleaning, without any tools. The latch system for taking on/off the helmet is the most unique of all the helmets.
Bonehead Aero
- $440
- Single audible pockets on each side
- Cutaway/release strap included
- Manufacturer camera mounts available
- Clear and tinted visors
- Adjustable padding/helmet sizes by adding/removing layers of internal pads
Specs as measured by the ChutingStar Crew:
- Weight 1.63 pounds
- Helmet 8.5″ wide by 7″ tall
- Field of vision 11″ wide by 6.5″ high
Bonehead has long been in the helmet industry, and has produced full face helmets in the past, but the release of the Aero modernized their full face lineup.
Bonehead continues to manufacture their helmets in carbon fiber and is the only completely “Made In The USA” helmet manufacturer. Bonehead was the first to incorporate a cutaway strap into a full face helmet, which is included on all new Aero helmets.
Bonehead’s padding system for the Aero allows you to customize and/or fine tune the fit as all of the padding pieces in the helmet can be opened on the backside to add or remove layers for a custom fit to your head shape or desired fit.
Available in a variety of matte and gloss colors as well as the matte or gloss carbon fiber finish. The visor opening system is similar to the Cookie G3, but without the side plates.
Read the reviews on the Bonehead Aero at this link.
The built-in cutaway is what makes this full face stands out the most. Customer service is awesome.
Bonehead Dynamic
- $440
- Single audible pockets on each side
- Cutaway system included
- Manufacturer recommends top mount for cameras, but doesn’t offer mount
- Clear, smoke and dark smoke visors
- Adjustable padding/helmet sizes by adding/removing layers of internal pads
- Widest range of available sizes from Very Tiny (18″) to Just Huge (24.5″).
Bonehead is well known for its original designs, and the Dynamic certainly doesn’t fail to deliver!
Bonehead designed this helmet to give flyers unrestricted head movement and the widest visibility in every direction. The helmet works great for those who wear glasses, and has an added spring-loaded lock to make it easier for opening the visor.
The Dynamic’s back shape allows a jumper with long hair to easily fit the extra hair inside the back of the helmet without added pressure.
The shell of the Dynamic is made of Carbon Fiber for strength that is backed by fiberglass for shock absorption. The helmet is not impact-rated.
Like all other Bonehead helmets, the Dynamic padding system allows you to customize and/or fine tune the fit as all of the padding pieces in the helmet can be opened on the backside to add or remove layers for a custom fit to your head shape or desired fit.
Rawa RW3
- $350
- Single internal audible pocket on each side
- Adjustable chin buckle and internal shock cord in liner
- One button spring-loaded visor opening mechanism
- Custom helmet and visor colors available
- Fiberglass shell material
Rawa is well known for its comfortable, light and versatile camera helmets. Based out of Brazil, Rawa started making full face helmets several years ago. The RW3 is the latest version that was released in 2019. This RW3 is the lightest full face helmet and has a unique visor opening mechanism. The visor is spring-loaded on the sides so that when you push the button at the bottom/center of the visor, the lens springs fully open immediately. To close, you push down the visor to lock it back on the button.
Cookie G35 – Coming Soon!
Cookie helmets will soon release the G35, scheduled in April 2022, although they are not taking orders as of March 22.
- $459
- Modular Full Face Helmet
- Different color top plates and side plates available
- Integrated, cutaway top camera mount available
- Single audible pockets on each side
- Clear, Tinted, Blue Mirror and Orange Mirror visor options
- Replaceable liner
The G35 takes the discontinued G3 helmet to the next level by combining features from the G3, G4 and Fuel Cookie helmet line. Cookie has retained the sleek look of the G3, while adding G4 visor options and then the modular aspect of the Fuel camera helmet.
Mix and match the helmet, visor, top plate and side plate colors for a unique helmet. Add the utility top plate that allows you integrate a GoPro roller mount with cutaway system. You can also order custom side plates engraved with text or a logo.
An order link will be posted on Chuting Star as soon as the G35 is available to order.
Additional Full Face Helmet Notes
If you’re going to order a helmet online, make sure you check the measuring guide in each listing. Measure your head and pick the helmet closest to your head size. Read our Helmet Sizing Guide right here too. It’s always best to try on your desired helmet to see how each fits, check out how each visor opens/closes and have no doubt that you’re getting the helmet of your desires. But if you can’t do that, all of this info will help narrow your decision.
Read the full article here.
Further reading from Mike Gruwell
Dear Dive Doctor, Should I get a smaller rig for now so I’m ready to downsize later?
