Which Full Face Skydiving Helmet To Purchase?
15 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.
Ideally, all of you reading this could stop into our ChutingStar Skydiving Gear Superstore, and try on each one of these helmets to see how each fits, check out how each visor opens/closes and have no doubt that you're getting the helmet with the best fit for you along with all the features you desire. But if you can't do that, all of this info will help narrow your decision.
- $499
- 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. Just check out this snippet from a G4 review on ChutingStar.com:
Here's why the Cookie G4 is the best helmet on the market (in my opinion):
- It's the quietest helmet I've tried, in the plane/freefall it's directly comparable to my custom-made 29db ear plugs.
- It's the only helmet (besides the TonFly, that definitely doesn't fit me based on the measurements) that has an impact/snag rating...I can tell you without a doubt that the Cookie will be safer on impact. It has impact foam and stronger ABS than the G3.
- The visor is massive, larger than the G3, comparable in size to the Aero.
- It's the only helmet that actually fits me at 24.5"!
Overall, I'd highly recommend choosing the G4 as your next skydiving helmet, it really is the best you can get. And in a sport like this, safety is paramount!
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.
Order your new Cookie G4 Helmet from ChutingStar right here.
Cookie G35
- $479
- 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
- Available in sizes of XS-3XL
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.
Order your new new G35 from ChutingStar at this link!
- $537
- 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:
I LOVE my TFX helmet! It is a very high quality helmet and it shows.
The pros: it's extremely comfortable! It is safety rated unlike most/all of the other helmets currently on the market. 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. It fits my head just right, even with flipping my long hair up on top of my head unlike most helmets. The liners are made to be removed, washed, and reinserted easily. The visor and front face locking mechanism is one-handed and easy to use once you get used to it. The visor doesn't really fog up like a G3. I got the helmet around mid February and could've left the visor closed with no problems as it only fogged a little in the bottom-center of the visor. Finally, since they're still pretty rare, owning one definitely makes you stand out in the crowd and starts a lot of conversations and gawking.
Check out this look at the TFX by the ChutingStar Crew:
You can learn more, order, get the measuring guide and/or setup a fitting appointment at this link. All TFX orders are custom built to you order specifications due to the 36 different sizes as well as multiple color combinations of the shell, chin and side plates.
- $348
- 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.
The KISS pricing has fluctuated widely from the manufacturer. It's been as low as $199 and as high as $428, and it's $348 now. 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:
Finally! PERFECT Fit, And COOLEST Look! 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! AND It is not possible to SEE the helmet in my view! Also the locking mechanism on the chin-strap is one of my favorites! ~ Martin Lehne
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 with two front latches you flip out to release, or push back to tighten/lock down.
Place your order for a new KISS helmet from ChutingStar.com right here.
- $485
- 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.
To purchase your new Parasport ZX, click here.
- $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 raves on the Bonehead Aero at this link, such as this one:
Very Well-Built And Solid Helmet; Built-In Cutaway. I've jumped an AERO for 300 jumps. So far, the liners are as good as new, and the locking mechanism for chin strap and visor hasn't failed once. The built-in cutaway is what makes this full face stands out the most. The FOV is also best in the industry. Customer service is awesome. Finally, the carbon fiber shell extends past your ears giving your head more protection. ~ Anthony
To purchase your new Bonehead Aero from ChutingStar.com, click here.
- $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.
Order your new Dynamic from ChutingStar.com right here.
- $440
- Single audible pockets on each side
- Removable/washable liner that is adjustable through layers of internals pads
- Chincup-incorporated visor for a secure fit
- Clear and tinted visors
Specs as measured by the ChutingStar Crew:
- Weight 1.77 pounds
- Helmet 8.75" wide by 8" tall
- Field of vision 11" wide by 5.5" high
The Fusion by Bonehead combines the design elements of the AERO and Rev2 into one helmet. Bonehead kept the wide field of vision of the AERO, but incorporated a one-handed opening of the visor via a side button. When down, the visor helps secure the helmet to your head through an incorporated chincup, giving it the feel of a Rev2.
Check out this review of the Fusion on ChutingStar.com:
Awesome Helmet! This helmet is awesome. The field of view is so open, and the visor stays up without issue when in the plane. It fits nice and snug, and I feel my head is secure when the chin strap is tightened. I definitely recommend this helmet. It's only a little pricey, but it's worth it if you can swing it. ~TG
Check out this video from Henry Kochen of our ChutingStar Crew for a closer look at the Bonehead Fusion.
The Fusion is made of carbon fiber, so it is available in a matte or gloss carbon fiber finish, or solid painted colors such as Matte Black, Green, White, Red, Matte Desert Sand, Matte Olive Drab, Royal Blue, Gloss Black, Purple and Silver at no extra charge.
Order your Bonehead Fusion Skydiving Helmet at this link.
- $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.
Order your Rawa RW3 at this link!
Cookie G3
- Note: This helmet is discontinued. G3 helmets on ChutingStar are the last of stock available.
- $395
- Single audible pockets on each side
- Manufacturer and 3rd party camera mounts
- No cutaway system from manufacturer, but 3rd party cutaway helmet and camera mounts add-ons available
- Clear or tinted visors
- Different color side plate options with custom engraving available
- Non-adjustable padding/helmet sizes
Specs as measured by the ChutingStar Crew:
- Weight 1.81 pounds
- Helmet 8.5" wide by 7" tall
- Field of vision 12" wide by 5" high
The G3 was the king of full face helmets for several years (until the release of the G4), but is still currently in production. This helmet is used by more skydivers and wind tunnel flyers worldwide than any other helmet. The Cookie G3, and its predecessor the G2, broke open the full face skydiving helmet market by producing a flip-up visor system that was sturdy, easy-to-use (once you got the hang of opening it) and reliable. And don't just take our word for it; read the 60+ G3 reviews under the Cookie G3 listing here, like this one:
No Better Full Face Helmet. Best full face helmet ever, that's why basically everyone has one these days. Not sure why you would even consider a different brand. Excellent field of view, very comfortable. The locking system is great. ~ Warren
Manufactured with a High Impact ABS shell, the G3 is currently available in 14 colors, all with a matte finish. The visor mechanism includes a side plate on each side that has a center of aluminum available in a variety of colors and logo designs, which can also be customized with your name, design or logo here.
The helmet comes with two mouth-piece liners allowing you to choose the best fit in the mouth area. The mouth liners give the option to have your mouth visible to other skydivers as it's placed on top of the padding, or if you want to have your mouth hidden and breathing in/out of the helmet vent (to reduce fogging).
Cookie Helmets is based out of Australia, but the majority of its manufacturing and production is in the U.S.
Other benefits of owning a Cookie G3 helmet are all due to its popularity. ChutingStar stays well stocked on all replacement parts and this helmet has the most diverse collection of add-ons and options from the manufacturer and 3rd party vendors. You would be hard-pressed to find yourself on a drop zone or at a wind tunnel where other skydivers wouldn't be able to help you out if you ever have an issue or need with your G3 helmet...they're everywhere!
Order your new Cookie G3 Helmet from ChutingStar right here.
Square1 Phantom XV
- Note: This helmet is discontinued. Phantom XV helmets on ChutingStar are the last available.
- $249
- Single audible pocket on left side
- No cutaway system, but 3rd party cutaway helmet mounts available
- Clear and tinted visors
- Non-adjustable padding/helmet sizes
Specs as measured by the ChutingStar Crew:
- Weight 1.74 pounds
- Helmet 8.5" wide by 7" tall
- Field of vision 12" wide by 4" high
Square1 released the Phantom X as its first full face helmet, and soon updated it with the XV. This helmet has remained reliable and popular, and continue to be loved by skydivers and wind tunnel flyers all over the world.
Pricing is the biggest initial draw to this helmet as the Phantom XV is $249. But then those who purchase this helmet tout how it does everything needed and expected of a full face helmet for jumping. Just read the reviews here, such as this one:
Comfortable, Good Visibility And Not Too Hard On Your Wallet. I am a new jumper and bought this as my first helmet and have been loving it. I prefer the feel of a full face and for the price it is hard to beat. The visor is easy to operate and I haven't had any fogging issues so far. Great helmet all and all. ~ Matthew
The upgrade from the X to the XV model is the ventilation system. The XV features an additional venting feature that channels some of the air coming in the mouth vent to the inside of the visor to reduce fogging. Other than that additional feature, the X and XV helmets look and work identically.
Both the Phantom X and Phantom XV share the same visor mechanism featuring the same benefit as the KISS in that no tools are needed to change or remove the visor for cleaning.
The tightening system for the Phantom X and XV are similar to the defunct Factory Diver and Oxygn helmets with a side strap. But Square1 changed the old Velcro technology to a more reliable snap, plus made the adjustment easy through a clip adjustment on the outside.
Additional Full Face Helmet Notes
When ordering a helmet from ChutingStar.com and you haven't been able to come to our shop, or you haven't been able to try on different sizes at the drop zone or wind tunnel, you'll want to 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.
In the end, don't worry if you get the size wrong. ChutingStar has the most generous return policy in the industry. Just follow our info on our Returns & Exchanges section at this link, and we'll get a different size right out to you.
Quick Full Face Helmet Links