Of all the protective base jumping gear that you need to buy, you have to think of buying a great helmet that can help to enhance your experience in a good way. Wearing protective headgear protects your skull from any injuries because bones can heal, but your quality of life will change if your skull takes a hit.
When buying base jumping equipment, there are certain things you need to know about before stepping into the world of extreme base jumping. Like, how to buy the right base jumping helmet.
Base jump helmets go beyond just protection: they provide maximum protection and may absorb the impact of any head injuries. It acts as a cushion for your brain.
Quick Jump
What to consider when buying base jumping equipment:
Quality
Never ever compromise when you’re purchasing a base jump helmet because it can save your life.
You must make sure that you search for the best base jumping equipment that you can find in the market and buy it, when it suits your requirements.
Your base jump helmet must have the right breaking strength, distribution of energy and liner crush to ensure that you’re safe.
A good quality base jump helmet does break when hit sufficiently, but it certainly takes all the impact and protects the head. Similarly, the shell and the liner distributes the impact force over and the foam liner absorbs most of the energy.
Maneuverability
When you’re base jumping you need to make sure that you get a better peripheral vision – being able to look over your shoulder and seeing what’s behind you.
Similarly, when you look up at the sky you see your canopy. If you can’t, this is not the right helmet for you.
You should also checkout how awkward it would be for you to swim with that helmet because at times you might land in the water.
Size
The size of your base jump helmet will also affect your performance and maneuverability, therefore make sure that you’re buying something that fits you well, but not big enough.
If you’re buying a full face helmet, you should ensure that the jaw protector does not touch your chest.
You should know what to expect when heading for base jumps, to ensure you know exactly what you are going to do.
Weight
Is your base jump helmet putting a lot of weight on your neck? Well, when you’re jumping down your body might put more pressure on your spine and neck.
If your base jump helmet is heavy it can only worsen your base jumping experience.
To add to the complication, you might have to bear the weight of a top mount camera. If you’re climbing to some point, additional helmet weight can wear you down and suck up your energy even before you go for base jumps.
Aerodynamics
Base jumping is all about understanding aerodynamics. Always keep aerodynamics in mind, when you’re buying a base jump helmet.
There are certain helmet designs that add significant amount of drag to extreme base jumping. Something important to consider, especially when doing terminal jumps involving base jumping wingsuit flying or tracking.
Apart from all this, you also need to consider other minor factors like comfort, how mountable your camera is and sound options when buying base jump helmets for extreme base jumping.
Top 3 Base Jumping Helmets Review
A strong, high quality, durable and adjustable helmet is vital when it comes to any base jumping. There is already so much danger associated with extreme sports, that the least you can do is wear a helmet. Having a great helmet could mean the difference between life and death.
There is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to helmets because they come in various shapes and sizes. One of the most important factors to take into consideration is protection, safety features and comfort.
Below, we have listed our top 3 base jumping helmets.
Top 3 Base Jumping Helmets:
LOOGU FAST BJ Base Jump Military Helmet with 12-in-1 Headwear
- High quality
- Value for money
- Thin straps
- Attachment space is limited
The Logus Fast BJ Base Jump Military Helmet is durable, multi-impact and ventilated. Weighing about 1,23 lbs, making this a great,lightweight base jumping helmet. Ideal for extreme sports and other outdoor activities that requires a helmet.
Being so lightweight, makes it easy to transport and carry this around while keeping the same amount of protection. The helmet is fully adjustable, which makes it easy for you to customise this helmet with gadgets that you usually use when going base jumping.
- High quality
- Versatile
- Solid construction
- Attachable / detachable side pads
Rothco Base Jump Helmet
- Sturdy
- Great design
- Helmet sizing is reliable
- Nuts and bolts could use tightening, as it comes apart easily
- Contains potentially hazardous chemicals
Rothco is the leading supplier of military, tactical and outdoor gear. The Rothco Base Jump helmet has removable memory foam inner cushions with hook and loop attachment.
Front mount for attaching night vision and adjusting lights makes the prospect of night time base jumping that much more appealing.
This sturdy helmet has a seven piece loop kit and adjustable chin strap, which makes it easy to fit onto a number of different head sizes, as this is a one-size-fits-all helmet. There are two, 4 position rails, which is ideal for attaching accessories like cameras to the helmet.
- Side rails for accessory attachment
- Removable memory foam
- Adjustable chin strap
- Quick release buckle
Raptors Tactical RTV Helmet
- Chin straps are comfortable
- Value for money
- Head support isn’t sufficient
- Sizes of velcro strips could possibly be bigger
The Raptors Tactical RTV Helmet places emphasis on the tactical part. The hard shell design ensures that you get the safety and protection that you expect from a helmet, and has a polymer construction. Polymers are lighter, harder to break and durable.
Comfort is also taken into consideration with this helmet, because of the adjustable internal padding that acts as a cushion for your head and the adjustable chin straps. The Raptors helmet is durable, affordable and definitely an investment.
- Hard shell design
- Tactical rails
- Durable
- Polymer construction
Conclusion
When doing extreme sports, you always need to take safety and protection into account. A helmet helps to prevent injuries; making sure that you have one less thing to worry about when you’re in the outdoors.
Choosing a helmet is never easy, but hopefully we gave you a few pointers to look out for when you do decide to take the plunge.