Full Coverage Creeking Helmets: Brands/Opinions?

WyoPadlr1 · 06-14-2006

Does anyone out there have a good source for lightweight full coverage creeking helmets? You know, the full "jaw-bar" type.
I spent some "face time" with the bottom of the Popo Agie River over in Lander, WY last weekend, and it cost me shots to the jaw, lip/teeth, bridge of the nose, etc. There were other marks on my Grateful Heads creeker helmet, but it was the exposed face that took the punishment. Of course, staying upright is the key, but inverted happens once in a while, and screamin' shallow creeks can be brutal.
Someone has suggested some of the new full coverage paragliding helmets, since they are really light, but wonder about their ability to take mulitiple hits, and also whether they will soak up much water. Some of the guys I know are paddling with downhill mt.bike helmets now, but they seem heavy and the padding seems prone to sponging up water like crazy. Anyway, would appreciate hearing from other creek freaks who are using helmets with more coverage, as far as brands, weights, durability, etc. It's been a wild spring out there, with lots more to do....

shaunotter · 07-03-2006

Try asking at:

http://boatertalk.com/forum/BoaterTalk

... especially during workday afternoons or early evening, Eastern Time.

clayw · 07-04-2006

The FNA Xstream is a great full coverage helmet. It's light, and you have to foam it out yourself with minicell (provided) but the visibility and comfort are first rate. I use it on cold days even when I'm on class 4.

I added a bar across the center opening and I believe it it offered with it now? Anyway, search FNA kayak helmets.

They have a full line of helmets, though I use Head Trips for playboating.

Clay

Haywood Oldman · 07-06-2006

After seeing a fellow boater lose 2 front teeth and break his nose I bought a facemask for my Pro Tec helmet. It is a pretty minimal solution. When pushing my face against a surface the helmet tends to rotate. So as you shop for a helmet be sure to look this type of behavior. The jaw bar helmets look like they would solve this problem and I am leaning in that direction.

El Flaco · 07-06-2006

The wire facemasks work well in conjunction with a good helmet. After a couple of hours you don't even notice, and they can retro fit onto most helmets without a bill.
http://www.boc123.com/store/BOC_Raft...k&itemid=04299
I had a wrap-around style facemask & thought it limited vision, and it felt more confined.

Haywood- I would highly recommend getting something other than that Pro-tec. I know their plastic has gotten a little better, but one good shot on a sharp rock transfers directly through that soft plastic- very little dispersion of impact. There's no substitute for kevlar. I creeked with an old Protec w/ a facesaver for years, and finally switched the cage onto my GH Hard Hit. So much safer.