Full Face Helmet Survey Results!

We heard from you! Thanks so much to the 303 responses to our full face skydiving helmet survey March 1-15, 2020! This was nearly double the responses of our last survey. Woohoo!

Full face skydiving helmet offerings have changed dramatically over the past year with manufacturers now offering helmets with impact ratings. We recently updated our Full Face Helmet Comparison article at this link with our take on the features of each, but we wanted to hear what you love, hate or want to see in your full face helmet.

There is so much great feedback we received from all of you detailed below. We hope this helps you in your next helmet purchase as well as for those of you purchasing your first full face helmet. And we've sent these notes to the manufacturers too so they can work on fixing issues or incorporating your ideas into future full face helmets.

The quick summary is that Cookie's G2, G3 and G4 helmets are clearly the most used and loved helmets, but when it comes to what helmet you're interested in purchasing next, the Tonfly TFX and Square1 KISS are also high on your list after the G4. We also found that an impact rating is important to more than 70% of our survey respondents.

Before we dive deep into the responses, lets announce the winner of the ChutingStar Swag Pack, which includes a Twill Snapback Hat, Neck Gaiter, Camelbak Bottle, Pullup Cord, Shoelaces and Stickers! Scientifically, I asked one of my sons to pick a number between 1 and 303, and he said 42, which is the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything. Ha! So the 42nd person who took our survey was Bill Evans of Ohio. Congratulations! The free swag pack is on the way...

Our first question asked which full face helmets you've used. The Cookie G2/G3 was clearly the leader here at nearly 75%, but the Square1 KISS has been used by over 20% of you and the Cookie G4 25%. The Parasport Z1 was in double digits too at 10%. This question allowed more than response, so each individual answer was out of a possible 100%.

For your favorite helmet, Cookie's helmets were the only full face helmets in double digits with 36% loving their G2/G3 and 24% raving about their new G4. The KISS was next at 9%, the TFX at 7% and the Bonehead AERO at 5%.

Impact ratings for skydiving helmets is new, but it looks like it's well-received and here to stay. Nearly 75% of you said an impact rating for your full face helmet was wanted or needed.

And then what's on your short list of your next helmet to purchase? For just over 50% of you, it's the Cookie G4, and after that, 25% of you said you're not in the market for a full face helmet. For the rest of you, 17% of you are interested in the Tonfly TFX, 12% in the Square1 KISS, 6% in the G3 and 4% in the Bonehead Dynamic.

What I love the most though, is your feedback, comments and suggestions.

Here's what you specifically love about your favorite full face skydiving helmet:

G2/G3

• Visor works better than anything I've used in the past.
• Comfortable, not heavy
• Wide visor. Better vision.
• Easy to use, little maintenance, works well with stickers
• Good visor, color choices, wind noise reduction
• G2 carbon fiber (vs crappy plastic), great viewing angle, light, easy to put on and take off, great design
• It's super light
• Safety
• Does not fog up easily
• Good price
• Looks good
• Easy to put on
• Snug fit and adjustable strap make for a solid helmet in the sky and tunnel for me
• The actual ‘fit’ of the helmet. By that I mean the way it sits on my head in such a way that it hardly feels like you have a helmet on.
• I like the visibility the huge visor offers, as well as the decent selection of accessories that can be mounted with zero modifications.
• Colder weather is easy to jump in, and can hear my ear audible alot better
• Comfortable to wear for long periods (tunnel) and keeps me warm in the winter. Easy to open/close and clean the visor. Most of all, no issues in 3 years.

G4

• Field of view (I can see everything I need to).
• It's super quiet which is great.
• It's really comfortable.
• The fit and the overall look
• Is extremely quiet
• Great padding on the cheek area. The G4 doesn't slip n slide after being broken in, unlike its predecessor. Pockets are deep and the depth of the cheek padding means that the audible isn't poking into your skull.
• The sound dampening is great and ventilation means I can close my visor as soon as the door goes up, without any fogging.
• Crash rating
• Ease of use
• It provides good airflow
• The fit and visor seal.
• Airflow, other helmets dry out my contacts, occasionally enough to actually pop them out of my eyes.
• Snug fit
• I like the feel of it when I change head directions.
• Good back of head protection
• Largest helmet on the market (only thing that fits comfortably), large audible pockets, impact protection, hugely reduced noise, wide FOV, adjustable air intake
• The quietness and the bigger audible altimeter slot
• Production quality
• That I can change visors, and it’s really comfortable
• Very comfortable and chin strap keeps it secure. Did a jump and forgot to put my visor down once, the only reason it didn’t fly off was because of the chin strap.
• The visor doesn’t squash my nose
• Its protective rated and super comfy and quite. Makes me at least feel a bit more safe when I base jump in case of cliff strike/bad landing. Had a few on asphalt in skydiving with the G3 giving me a concussion. Would probably not with G4. It also takes more care of my hearing. Also good venting and a tinted visor!
• The fit along with the engineering and protection behind the helmet itself.
• Quiet! The new safety rating is awesome and great to have protection on my head.

KISS

• It's really comfortable & I can see better than with the Cookie.
• Comfort, view angle
• Easy on and off, no chin strap
• The locking mechanism
• The audible slot is on the outside
• Easy to open, close, wide view, light, no fog and practical to use altimeter
• Secure latching
• The weight, fit, visibility and mounting options for the audible.
• Easy to open. Large peripheral views.
• Field of view, locking mechanism on the visor, the securing latches, audible pockets and the overall aesthetic appearance of the helmet.

Phantom X/XV

• Price
• Not ridiculously overpriced. Protects my glasses well.

AERO

• The field of view! HUGE!
• Fit
• Fits perfect, ease of use and looks badass!
• I love how light weight my bonehead AERO is.
• I can take out all the padding, wash it replace it
• Love how I can open my helmet even if I’m wearing gloves.
• I enjoy the snug fit of my head! The design of the helmet it very AERO dynamic. I just love love love how it feels on my head.
• It has a very wide field of view and doesn't cover my mouth so it's easier to communicate with it on.
• Real carbon fiber
• USA made

Fusion

• Great fit, made in USA, made from Kevlar
• Lightweight with good protection
• Comfort
• I love the flip visor feature. While closer it’s snug, chin strap doesn’t feel like it’s choking me, and I don’t feel claustrophobic
  inside. Super easy to flip open unlike many other full face helmets.
• I can open the visor on the fusion and talk to people with ease. I find that true full face helmets always put pressure on my chin and I can’t move my jaw as much as I’d like to, but with the fusion helmet I don’t have any issues. As a tandem instructor, talking to my passengers is very important and not having the pressure on my chin because I wear the helmet all day makes it very comfortable.

Dynamic

• Comfort, ergonomics, field of vision and style, easy to find and snap off chin strap buckle

TFX

• It has two ways to open it
• The ability to have a crash rated full face helmet that is comfortable, easy to put on, and looks good. I like that you can raise just the visor to let air in between tunnel sessions or after you open your parachute, but can lift the whole chin cup up if you want to talk easier or take a drink. Also there are no springs to wear out on the visor and it actually snaps shut so it can’t fly open when you don’t want it to.
• It fits like a glove!
• Protection and design
• The versatility, easy to use, fit with every other piece of gear and my GoPro easily. Pretty light and great looking. The chin opening and fits very well on my head
• Opening the front part allows for good communication without having to take the helmet off
• Modularity, color, visor lock
• Helmet is proven to offer the desired protection, vs others being no more than a prop (i.e. Tested and certified to several impact and minimum operating performance standards).
• Moveable chinbar for additional comfort.
• Great ventilation
• Incredible sound isolation
• High custom sizing fidelity where they take several different measurements for fitting (I.e. fits exactly to my head's shape); feels secure as a good motorcycle helmet, without the bulk).
• No visibility interference
• Looks like a work of art
• Insignificant inherent snag risk
• The most comfortable of the ones I’ve tried, super quiet in freefall, and crash rated.
• Overall shape and design is just brilliant, I love how customizable it is. I think the fact that you can open just the visor or choose to open the full face is just genius and a simple mechanism in the chin position makes it very easy to do so.

Funjin

• Good for dynamic flying as in lightweight and protection rating, snug and true to size
• Fit, structure, field of view
• Protection with comfortable design
• It actually fits! I have a very small head, and the SkyHelmets Fujin XS is the only one I've tried that fits me snugly. My XXS Mamba and XS G3 were somewhat okay, but they bobbled around on my head a lot. The XS G4 is way too big. The visor mechanism is secure and easy to use, and the chinstrap clip is cleverly designed.
• Light weight. Comfort. Protection. Visor can be opened with a single hand. Dynamic size and shape.
• Freefly approved, secured visor, large all-round sight, impact rating

Z1

• Small silhouette and fits for my small head best with big field of view

What features do you want added to your favorite full face helmet?

G2/G3

• Longer back to hold in long hair.
• Maybe an interior pocket or something for girls to tuck their hair in to
• Better durability / scratch resistant
• Built in GoPro mounts and a sponsorship...
• Custom designs
• Sony mounts
• Quick release
• Camera mounting
• Easier opening
• Better way for 3rd party companies to make a chin camera mount.
• Would like better scratch resistance
• I hear nothing in freefall. Something to help make audibles louder
• Audible window
• Interchangeable liner
• Buttons on both sides of the helmet that pop the front visor up
• Better padding
• Altimeter display on my visor
• More defined audible pocket (less movement)
• Built-in camera
• Easier liner removal
• As a Dreadhead, I wish there were different (thinner) foam inserts I could put in for the back of the head. The foam in the G3 is great but it's kinda tight with my thick hair and it takes a while for the padding to break in so it's not so tight and I'm even wearing an XXL.
• One had to open visor
• The only thing I wish was that there was a little more protection to the back of my head but that might just be my head size/shape
• Wine cooler, picnic basket, jet engines, leg rest for long travels, and maybe a flamethrower for those special occasions. YES!
• Better neck protection.
• A visor that wasn't fully tinted, but slightly darker than clear would be nice. I know that some polarized sunglasses affect how you can read an altimeter, so having a tinted visor that helps with the sun while not having to wear sunglasses would be cool.
• Auto darkening shield. Glare resistant. Noise cancelling.
• I wish it could be opened with one hand like some other helmets
• Snag resistant camera mount options or a cutaway system
• Better audible pocket that I didn’t feel
• I wish it were easier to change visors.
• Included extra springs for the visor mechanism - especially since they wear out so easily.
• An easier way to place oxygen connection
• Wish there was more space near the mouth piece area of the helmet
• Make the springs in the shield hinge last longer.
• Easier to change lenses would be nice.
• More air entrance
• Blue visor
• Wish it had a longer chin strap.
• Bigger ear space. With two audibles installed they smash my ears.
• Scratch proof visor
• More ventilation on top for hot weather
• Better latching system. I like the way the Kiss is secured so there's nothing under your neck.
• It's kinda a pain to wash the pads and get them back in correct so it's comfortable
• Better peripheral vision, more visor options (mirrors are cool). Also, tried to put motorcycle speakers in to use the FlySight audio but it was just too tight without cutting the foam.
• If the G3 had the same visor opening and closing system as the G4 you would have a winner.
• Built in speakers, with an app for a Bluetooth audible also noise canceling

G4

• Sturdier chin cup
• More cutouts in the impact foam to allow drilling for flysight mounting. Impact rating isn't as important to me, so this was a bit of a bummer. Also, better pricing on replacement visors and parts. Lost two screws the first week of owning the G4 and had to buy a new set for ten bucks.
• Camera mounting options.
• Easy on/off camera mount. Removable tunnel protection for learning head down (classier than duct tape)
• An easier way to open the face shield and remove the helmet.
• Better sizing recommendations.
• Finish scratches easy
• Cable routing channels for cameras, battery packs, etc.
• Scratch resistant visor
• MIPS, Multi-directional Impact Protection System
• Built in camera mount, or at least the holes to add without needing to drill
• Custom paint options, like linex or swirls
• Glare shield on top of the visor
• Means to have a top mounted camera
• Accessory attachments cut out options like the cookie fuel
• Better air flow to prevent fogging
• Pin holes near ear for hearing capabilities
• Better pricing
• Camera cutaway
• Wish it was a little easier to remove. Due to the tight fit of the G4 it can be difficult to put on and take off.
• I would have liked the option of some type of plate on top where I could easily attach a camera without having a "deformed" look when I am not wearing a camera.
• Ability to adjust the padding (pull it tighter under the chin) that would help eliminate wind noise
• Smoother profile like skyhelmet
• More comfortable neck strap
• External audible pockets
• More room for audible
• Head Up Display on visor indicating Pitch, bank angle, impact point(for assessing range at current speed and rate of descent). This will require some sensors but will definitely be useful for wingsuiting and canopy flight alike.
• Built in cutaway
• Internal camera - camera inside the shell - and only lens looks outside.
• A set of free spare parts for this really expensive helmet
• Better fit chart.
• A better GoPro mounting system so I don’t have to trust my unskilled hands at drilling holes in my $450 helmet.
• Better anti-fog. improved clasp
• I wish G4 would come in one extra size larger.
• Camera mounts from factory
• Nice to make the G4 smaller and still retain impact rating.
• Smaller profile or better shape. It makes my head look gigantic. You’ve seen the memes. We’ve all seen the memes.
• Air flow vents like motorcycle helmets for additional cooling.
• Better pockets for my audibles. Velcro, but still afraid to lose my small audible to my Wingsuit CYPRES.
• The G4 is exactly what I wanted added to the G3.
• An actual option of a tinted visor or the ability to wear sun glasses. I purchased the “tinted” visor and it is about as clear as the non tinted visor that came with the helmet.

KISS

• Maybe more customization with colors.
• Cutaway system and bigger button to open visor.
• Pop out GoPro mount, adjustable head pad sizing
• Vents
• An easier implementation of the camera cutaway
• Better service
• Improve even better the locks to open it.
• Fast release to disconnect the helmet
• Better camera mount with cutaway
• Impact rating
• I wish the closing system was easier to use with thicker gloves
• A better system to unlock the visor. The little buttons are too small.
• The quality of the helmet could be better. Some plastic pieces are falling apart.
• The vent in the chin to be able to shut that especially for flying in the tunnel as it allows air in and makes my eyes extremely dry so I cover it with tape in the tunnel looking all ghetto
• I’d like to be able to replace the foam pad once they get worn out

Phantom X/XV

• Easier to switch visor
• A little more room in the ear pockets for audibles
• Better visor control and retention. Improved chin retention.
• Better quality (especially for the buckle) and better protection on the back of my noggin.

AERO

• Internal/external audible pocket. Would be nice to be able to access from the outside.
• Impact rating would be admirable.
• The features I would appreciate is maybe some air holes near the chin area to help with fogging lenses or allow people to hear you when your talking with helmet on.
• External audible pockets.
• DOT Safety rating
• Camo colors

Fusion

• GoPro Mount and mirror visor tint.
• I wish there were better ways to attach a camera when I’m using the helmet for fun jumps.

Dynamic

• G3/4 style mechanism plates for better customization.
• Recommend broader color scheme range as well as some customized color schemes and designs

TFX

• Build in things like gopro mounts
• Ease of using communication devices, bluetooth headphones
• It might have just a tiny bit less field of view on looking up, or down when you are head down than others but barely noticeable. Still wouldn’t hurt if it could be increased a bit. I think it’s caused more by the helmet sticking out more on the forehead than the lens being smaller.
• Camera mounts
• Bigger sizes, more dealers
• More color choices for visor
• Secure camera mount
• I wish it was cheaper
• A way to do a chin mounted go-pro setup. This would have to be off-centered and angled due to the opening mechanism. Alternatively, find a way to have a go-pro slot built into the helmet to have the best of both worlds (safe camera flying and safety rated helmet).

Funjin

• More colors
• Side plate/decal customization would be nice
• Camera mounts
• Lasers, in visor altimeter, bluetooth headphones...
• Smaller shell, so that it didn't rely solely on padding to make it down to my size.
• Better ventilation. Better buckle system (the strap rubs against the screw nut). Availability of spare parts in various dealers.

And then here are some of the other comments or suggestions you have for the helmet manufacturers:

• The G4 is too bulky
• I loved my G2 until I tried the BH Aero. The carbon fiber look is amazing and is what drew me to the G2 in the first place. But nothing can compare to the field of view of the BH Aero!
• ChutingStar does a great job stocking helmets (and everything else, really) these polls and blogs about the different brands are also tremendously helpful for new jumpers. I know it helped me when I was starting out.
• I wish someone would remake/modernize the old dependable factory diver. Simple, clean, user customizable while still providing good face protection is what I look for in a helmet.
• I would like if all face shields for full face helmets were Z87 rated
• Would love to see easier sizing for full helmets. Found most helmets I’m in between sizes and adjustable padding would be a great option over going full custom
• I have a Tonfly TFX and I find it too claustrophobic
• I would have been interested in the Tonfly, but it is nearly impossible to find a dealer in my area.
• I wish every helmet had the ability to communicate via Bluetooth.
• I have been skydiving for 17 years and never once wore a full face helmet until this year when I started tunnel flying more. I used a G3 first which was fine but the springs constantly wearing out and getting loose causing air to blow in when in a head up position and many times just completely opening when the springs are worn out was a major drawback. I then used a G4 which was a big improvement over the G3 and overall is a nice helmet. I am now using a TFX and find it superior in comfort, design, looks, and has a better crash rating, making it overall a better helmet in my opinion.
• Overall I think the design of the bonehead aero was thought out and really kept comfort and design in mind without compromising the weight of the helmet.
• G4 while it’s a good helmet it’s heavy and fitting is not as good as the G3 or Funjin
• My G4 developed a loud screeching noise and noticeable resistance while opening and closing the visor within the first 20-30 jumps without any user adjustments or physical damage to the helmet.
• We need helmets that do better with cooling. We need helmets that do better with sweat and the related bad odors from wear.
• There is a need for a stripped down less expensive helmet for tunnel use
• The visor mechanism on the G3 is terrible. And that of the G4 is WORSE! Can't wait to be able to afford the Bonehead Aero, as it appears to be the best made/safest helmet out there.
• The helmets have to be cheaper...
• Weight and size seem to be necessary to increase to obtain impact protection, but is there another option that could balance out protection and size?
• Would like to see more helmets designed for smaller heads and highspeed flying.
• Impact rated helmets are "huge" in size, heavy, and require more effort to wear/take off. And although they are impact rated, the majority of the impact force (if occurred on the head) would be transferred to the neck, which would be severely damaged in this case.
• With all the accessoeries we use nowadays besides audibles (GoPro, Flysight) it would be nice if manufacturers in general paid attention to this. We have to manipulate too much to newly acquired gear and therefore forfeit immediately warranty.
• I wish it was easier to try out other helmet manufacturers before buying. Most pro stores only stock a very limited supply.
• I'd love to get another G3, still hoping for a price drop with all the impact rating helmets coming out.
• I used a G3 that broke in the tunnel, and my boyfriend have also one but with too many imperfections, that makes it impossible to use in high speed wind in the tunnel. There are too many things that doesn't work together on this helmet for the price we paid.
• I like my G3, but the visor creates drag with my Velo in flight when it is open. The visor pops open in freefall and as I wear contact lenses, this is a real problem! I replaced the springs and now it is almost completely impossible to open. I have to open it under canopy or it fogs up!
• Bonehead helmets seem to be bulkier than the other brands. That could be a chance for improvement.
• ABS or molded plastic helmets are overpriced
• Would love to see military designs from all branches from the beginning of each branch.
• I got measured for the Tonfly helmet, the fit was super amazing and love the helmet but with limited camera mounting I decided to not buy at this time.
• Skydiving helmets shouldn't be made out of ABS
• I would be more inclined to purchase new helmet if the new options weren’t so expensive.
• I probably won't buy another helmet until there are more (and cheaper) impact rated options available
• Just watch out for the "fake" impact ratings on some full face helmets as some use "trick" language.
• G4 + V-Mag = awesome combination.
• Angry beaver rigging lodge loves Mike G!
• When do we get a skydiving helmet with a built in camera? One charging port and one memory card port.
• Kiss should make an impact rated helmet.
• More pink Starbursts in the package, me likey the candy
• Need helmet bags that better fit the larger helmets like the TFX or the G4?
• Why do we not yet have a heads up display and audible options, integrating a fly sight as well as an altimeter/compass with a heads up display we would pay big money for that.

See all the currently available full face helmets on ChutingStar at this link.