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Hi, I am interested to know how much of an influence a good aerodynamic helmet has on a base jump? So I jump an old A3 with no visor. However, would something like a Cookie G3 make a worthwhile contribution? Thanks

On one end of the spectrum you could shave your head and wear no helmet. Or perhaps wear some sort of conehead-style headpiece. I suspect that this would be the most efficient.

On the other end of the spectrum you could wear a motocross helmet with a visor. Or maybe even an Asian style hat like Raiden from Mortal Kombat. I suspect this would be the least efficient.

If you're looking at reasonable helmets between these two extremes I suspect that the differences will be very minimal. Especially considering that whatever you're doing with your head/neck is more likely to have a material impact on efficiency.

There's some research being done on wingsuit and helmet aerodynamics at University of Southampton right now. They've been doing wind tunnel tests and simulations and have produced some cool really cool content!

The Icarus Wingsuit Project

This was posted today by them and is a simulation of a more streamlined helmet:

Just remember why you're wearing a helmet in the first place. It's there to protect your brain. A Cookie won't do that

With all of the focus on wingsuit racing events lately I'm surprised we haven't seen more attention paid to streamlining our heads. Even at bicycle speeds, research shows that fairing the head and shoulders effectively has noticeable aerodynamic benefit.
The graphic above from Southhampton confirms the picture that I have in my mind of how the airflow interacts with the intersection of our heads and our wings.
I fly an RV-4, which cruises at 175mph with no wheel pants. The factory wheel pants add about 3-4mph, and aftermarket "pressure recovery" wheel pants add about 7-8mph. Modern triathlon helmets closely resemble pressure recovery wheel pants and work on the same principle. They also blend airflow around the shoulders more smoothly than without.

POC has some interesting designs for triathletes that also offer full crash protection. This one may be a bit cumbersome for wingsuiting, but looks like it would be super effective. http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/...-tempor-helmet-40330

This one is a better compromise between all out performance and user friendlyness.
http://www.pocsports.com/en/product/2205/cerebel

Thoughts?

Research has shown that wearing a block-head style helmet, a square, if you will, noticeably increases aerodynamic capabilities. Think drafting a semi truck on the freeway, same concept. Your body will draft your head.

.............research.... than ended up heaving 3 GoPro on the helmet and all the research become pointless ;)

that's the only reason we wear helmets now right? Camera mounts and maybe protect from a kick to the face?

aerodynamic helmets are highly overrated. Dominik Loyen wears one for years and he still is slow as fuck...

How about that one:
skullysystems https://www.instagram.com/...ken-by=skullysystems
Photochromic visor, Heads-Up Display, 180° Blindspot Camera.
So you can see your pace in the HUD, with speedometer and GPS Data..

Perhaps you can post your jump on FB directly on the fly ... Great!


And:
As it is a biker-helmet > protection guaranteed and used to deal with fast forward speeds ....

The pressurized guys went so far as to market a helmet for the purpose a few years ago. I guess the demand maybe wasn't there.

http://www.pressurized.at/products/supersonic-helmet/

and

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvpDuUJ8giA

Remember when Jeb was the first one jumping HUD goggles of table mountain?