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Forums > Windsurfing General

Helmets

Reply
Created by ejmack > 9 months ago, 5 Mar 2009
ejmack
VIC, 1308 posts
5 Mar 2009 5:24PM
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Looking at a helmet for windsurfing. Have been looking into the various brands etc. Seems as though the Gath's are popular with windsurfers. Is there a reason why another brand, for example, a Pro-Tec (Ace Wake) wouldn't be suitable?

elmo
WA, 8780 posts
5 Mar 2009 3:49PM
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None what so ever

Gath's are just generally more readily available

NDH47
NSW, 102 posts
5 Mar 2009 7:22PM
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As elmo said the Pro-Tec would be no different. Virtually the same product. So yes would be just as suitable.

Gath helmets are Aussie designed and manufactured. They are also super lightweight and pretty comfy.
Hope that helps.

Ellobuddha
NSW, 625 posts
6 Mar 2009 2:17AM
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I dont know about the protec but I have a Gath as it ticks all the boxes not only for impact protection and comfort but also for ear protection - giving the protection to stop a burst eardrum from a high speed spill as I like to dive as well.

NordRoi
658 posts
6 Mar 2009 2:50AM
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Well, I've tried several helmet, ice hockey helmet, Pro-Tech and recently a Gath, not the gedi, but the slim one for surfing, forgot the name. I just can't wear a helmet, the thick wall of the helmet is always in the way when waterstarting, doing tricks or manipulate the sails. I always wacked my head with it...and without it, it's find. Except the Gath, the wall is really thin and I liked it so much that I will buy one soon(winter hear, everything is frozen...we walk on water right now)...as soon as I see water.......investment will kick off!
nord_roi

Ellobuddha said...

I dont know about the protec but I have a Gath as it ticks all the boxes not only for impact protection and comfort but also for ear protection - giving the protection to stop a burst eardrum from a high speed spill as I like to dive as well.


ejmack
VIC, 1308 posts
6 Mar 2009 9:33AM
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Thanks all. It's probably a safer bet to pick a Gath.... so many can't be wrong right? Have tried the Gath Gedi and Pro-Tec Ace Wake on and found the Pro-Tec a little more comfy. But short of trying it on the water it's probably best to stick with Gath.

CROWEMAN
VIC, 268 posts
6 Mar 2009 9:58AM
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ejmack said...

Thanks all. It's probably a safer bet to pick a Gath.... so many can't be wrong right? Have tried the Gath Gedi and Pro-Tec Ace Wake on and found the Pro-Tec a little more comfy. But short of trying it on the water it's probably best to stick with Gath.


I'll bring you a light sabre on Monday to complete the outfit

Mark _australia
WA, 22882 posts
6 Mar 2009 8:19AM
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I prefer the Gath just because of the visor.

When it is over 30kn and raining hard, your windward eye gets a bit of a hammering and sailing around flat out in waves with your eyes half closed is not too good
I pull the visor down just enough the keep the stinging of the rain to a manageable level and still be able to see where I'm going

ejmack
VIC, 1308 posts
6 Mar 2009 10:34AM
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CROWEMAN said...
I'll bring you a light sabre on Monday to complete the outfit


Please do, that may come in handy with the kiters

Cheers Mark, good point. Sailed through a few squalls recently myself so I know what you mean.

sailpilot
QLD, 784 posts
6 Mar 2009 10:34AM
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Yep, the Gath with retractable visor is pretty good, like Mark says its real handy in the rain squalls. I don't like sailing while looking through the actual visor but being able to pull it down just enough to cut out the rain and still see the water clearly is worth its weight!

nasty
WA, 153 posts
6 Mar 2009 1:46PM
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The gath helmets are great for keeping the head warm. I've used mine while it's been snowing in UK mid-winter and it was so much warmer than the traditional gimp mask.

I also find the visor really useful when sailing into the sun in the evening.

decrepit
WA, 12464 posts
6 Mar 2009 7:35PM
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Having a small helmet is important for your neck, large helmets mean more force on the neck in a wipe out.
Some people don't wear a helmet because of the increased chance of neck damage. Personally I wear a gath, I think I 'd rather be conscious with a strained neck, than unconscious and good neck.

Sailhack
VIC, 5000 posts
6 Mar 2009 10:09PM
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Mark _australia said...

When it is over 30kn and raining hard, your windward eye gets a bit of a hammering and sailing around flat out in waves with your eyes half closed is not too good


So that's what I'm doing wrong! I've been out a few times in hail, and I tend to keep my windward eye shut...perspective vision is handy when in choppy water

sailquik
VIC, 6155 posts
7 Mar 2009 9:06PM
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If you are into speed sailing (or GPS-Skiing for that matter) this is a good way to go. I have one and apart from being a size too large (my fault) it is very comfy and the gps's work very well. I am looking forward to using it for skiing as well where having the GPS's on my head will help reception a huge amount.

http://www.mtbest.net/speed_sailing_helmet.html



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"Helmets" started by ejmack