Expensive, but I do like the look of these softshell bucket hats: https//bangproof.com
Overpriced?
Has anyone come across these in Australia, or a similar product (soft shell plus full brim)?
if you just want a bit of protection particularly from a foil cut, search for 'bump cap' on amazon and save yourself 120 euro.
i used these in my existing cap
Ergodyne Skullerz 8944 Universal... www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09XVNJLZF
IF all the online stuff is true:
The amazon one is outa stock
The first one from banghard or banggood or whatever claims that it is soft until it sees a hard impact - like the non-Newtonian fluid gels etc they use in shock absorbers etc ---- so IF that is the case its far superior and might be woth a lot more
BUT really - FFS $200 for a hat that a $20 helmet will do? Sounds like everything we see only priced in euro's 
So what we neeeed is somebody to scan the amazon one and give us all a file to get the thingy cut from EVA at the local laser / waterjet cutting place...... cos its just precision yoga mat.
Very pleased with this helmet hat: www.surfsailaustralia.com.au/product/vebodi-surf-hat-impact-helmet
It can't replace a proper helmet but it works very well still and has saved me from minor injuries when the windsurf mast tried to attack me on a few occasions ;)
Select to expand quoteMark _australia said..
IF all the online stuff is true:
The amazon one is outa stock
The first one from banghard or banggood or whatever claims that it is soft until it sees a hard impact - like the non-Newtonian fluid gels etc they use in shock absorbers etc ---- so IF that is the case its far superior and might be woth a lot more
BUT really - FFS $200 for a hat that a $20 helmet will do? Sounds like everything we see only priced in euro's
So what we neeeed is somebody to scan the amazon one and give us all a file to get the thingy cut from EVA at the local laser / waterjet cutting place...... cos it's just precision yoga mat.
Yeah I agree, too expensive. They probably went too far with the fancy foam. I'd be happy with dual density EVA, it'd still provide more protection than the bucket hat I currently use. I have a hard helmet also, but no sun protection. Yes, you can get helmets with a peak, but nothing with a full brim
Select to expand quoteptsf1111 said..
Very pleased with this helmet hat: www.surfsailaustralia.com.au/product/vebodi-surf-hat-impact-helmet
It can't replace a proper helmet but it works very well still and has saved me from minor injuries when the windsurf mast tried to attack me on a few occasions ;)
That looks good and better than no protection. Pity they don't do a full brim bucket hat version
Select to expand quoteCH3MTR4IL5 said..
if you just want a bit of protection particularly from a foil cut, search for 'bump cap' on amazon and save yourself 120 euro.
i used these in my existing cap
Ergodyne Skullerz 8944 Universal... www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09XVNJLZF
Nice one, I might try that. Actually, might try to make my own EVA insert
Forward Wip just came out with a nice bump cap hat/helmet.
www.forward-wip.com/produit/surf-cap-bump-shell/
Approximately $120 AUD
they also have a bucket hat version. I bought the cap version. I haven't actually used it yet but it seems like a good solid unit. Definitely a bit more protection than a simple bump cap as it has foam as well. My only concern is that there's not much back of the head protection, its open in the back like a baseball cap, otherwise seems like a solid unit.
www.decathlon.co.uk/p/helmet-for-surfing-black/_/R-p-327505
Decathlon Olaian surf helmet
Got mine for 35 euro. Just a very solid product. Reviews are good too.
Just glue your favourite bucket hat on it.
I backed the Bangproof helmets on Kickstarter. I got the cap and the bucket hat.
Short answer total crap. Too heavy. Adjustment system doesn't work. The brim on the bucket hat would catch the wind and flop over my eyes.
The cap looks like a baseball cap in the pictures but with the very thick padded liner it looks ridiculous. Think of a five year old wearing daddy's hat. The bucket hat looked ok but not at all comfortable or practical. I put a piece of carbon rod in the brim and that made it stiffer, but it would still flop down in strong winds.
I told them about the failings of the helmet and they sort of agreed but said it was the best they could do to make a certified helmet. I read they brought out an update with a stiffer brim.
I got a Gath SFC and that was good for years. I recently got a Gath Gedi and that is very good.
That's very interesting. Somebody has to go first but bit of a bummer for u there
Scroll through the comments here:
www.kickstarter.com/projects/bangproof/bangproof-water-sports-helmet-hats/comments
Select to expand quoteGorgo said..
Scroll through the comments here:
www.kickstarter.com/projects/bangproof/bangproof-water-sports-helmet-hats/comments
Great company 
Select to expand quoteGorgo said..
I backed the Bangproof helmets on Kickstarter. I got the cap and the bucket hat.
Short answer total crap. Too heavy. Adjustment system doesn't work. The brim on the bucket hat would catch the wind and flop over my eyes.
The cap looks like a baseball cap in the pictures but with the very thick padded liner it looks ridiculous. Think of a five year old wearing daddy's hat. The bucket hat looked ok but not at all comfortable or practical. I put a piece of carbon rod in the brim and that made it stiffer, but it would still flop down in strong winds.
I told them about the failings of the helmet and they sort of agreed but said it was the best they could do to make a certified helmet. I read they brought out an update with a stiffer brim.
I got a Gath SFC and that was good for years. I recently got a Gath Gedi and that is very good.
well good on you for taking a punt supporting interesting ideas, and also for letting the rest of us know how it turned out
I've bought one. I have yet to try it out on the water. It seems well made and sturdy enough to protect from pretty big impacts.
it seems to comply with stricter EU safety rules.
i'm away at the moment but there's a difference between offering protection against small bumps versus bigger hits.
Have the Simba Sentinel.
Great fitting and funny looking.
Perfect protection.
www.surffx.com.au/products/simba-sentinel-surf-helmet?srsltid=AfmBOorA-vlVWqr6EV2_fa35iNn5VVbi6Iy6Ucbd6q24-Ty6TgoLWKay
I've still been away so I haven't tried out the Bangproof helmet. For every one's info, it complies with the same EU regs as a regular helmet such as Forward WIP Wiflex Pro (90Euros). The relevant regulation is EN1385 www.satra.com/ppe/EN1385.php This reg applies to white water sports. So far it's the only reg I have found applicable. Note, to comply with this regulation, the cap/hat must float.A bump cap on the other hand doesn't comply with the above regulation. It's set up for industrial use such as industrial work sites etc. www.satra.com/ppe/EN812.php
I've been wearing this cap from Dakine and it's super comfortable and looks like a normal hat. It's lightweight so unclear on just how protective it is. Cheap right now in the U.S. on Amazon.
wind.dakine.com/products/dk-foil-bump-cap?variant=41744508059831
Finally got out yesterday with the Bangproof hat. I am a newby foiler so tend to fall in a lot. A previous poster commented about the brim, I didn't notice it falling into my eyes, in fact, I didn't notice the hat at all while winging, so perhaps they have improved the brim design. While I was winging/paddling/climbing back onto the board, I didn't notice it at all. I didn't have to adjust it and it stayed put. I only became aware of slight pressure points when I was standing onshore nattering away with another foiler for over 45min. Overall, very happy with it and enjoyed the sun protection it gave me. The colour is nice too.
The helmet seems great, but the sizing is off. I measured a 57 cm and was told order a medium if you want a lsnug fit and a large if you want a looser fit. Well I don't want a loose fit when I am winging so I ordered a M. Well the sizing is off because it is not snug, I cannot even get it onto my head.
I contacted Bangproof and there is no ability to exchange "Sorry, you will need to buy a new helmet, we don't do exchanges." Seriously, what professional company has that sort of policy in place? The answer is only one - Bangproof.
The new Armstrong Bump Caps, & the new Vaikobi ones are both great if you want alternatives.
For those of you struggling with a visor, I really like my Tontron Removable Helmet Visor, easily applied with their adhesive strip and velcro. Amazon. I put it on my Pro-Tec Ace Wake helmet and it's a great combo. I pair it with basic sunglasses.
After going for a while without using a helmet I finally grabbed the water icon from Oakley. I was nervous to order another helmet as I feel like they are a bottomless money pit but I gotta say, I love it. It's the only helmet I've ridden that disappears on the water. When I crash, the water isn't able to grab the shape and strain my neck which is my biggest opposition to helmets.
www.oakley.com/en-us/product/FOS901786?variant=8056153546744&sizeL
Select to expand quoteBWalnut said..
After going for a while without using a helmet I finally grabbed the water icon from Oakley. I was nervous to order another helmet as I feel like they are a bottomless money pit but I gotta say, I love it. It's the only helmet I've ridden that disappears on the water. When I crash, the water isn't able to grab the shape and strain my neck which is my biggest opposition to helmets.
www.oakley.com/en-us/product/FOS901786?variant=8056153546744&sizeL
Second this. Ive used a helmet for a while, but the WTR Icon is by far the most comfortable and best fitting helmet I've used. Love mine.
I started an Icon thread to ask some questions about it.
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Wing-Foiling/Wind-Wings/Oakley-WTR-Icon
www.vaikobi.com/products/bucket-bump-hat-orange
Not a helmet but good quality just expensive.
I like the sun protection
Select to expand quotehilly said..
www.vaikobi.com/products/bucket-bump-hat-orange
Not a helmet but good quality just expensive.
I like the sun protection
Mine (photos above) was about 50% cheaper and is very comfortable. The only issue with mine is the protection doesnt go fully around the back of your head. Is the Vaikobi similar?
Buy a protection soft helmet at decathlon ...and fix or glue any favorite hat on it..cant be that hard
www.decathlon.com.au/p/helmet-for-surfing-black-decathlon-8600830.html
Select to expand quoteStretchy said..
So I bought this from Surf Shell. Comfy fit and reasonably priced
+1 for the Surf Shell. They are made by a woman in Raglan (NZ) mostly for surfing but they work really well for summer winging. Good for knocks and bumps but wouldn't give much protection in a major impact. Demand is exceeding supply at the moment and I think there is a backlog of orders.
surf-shell.com/
Here's a thread on the Vaikobi bump hat. I bought one, didn't fit and left the back pof the head exposed.
I returned it and bought an EN certified shell to put in an old surf sun hat for $20. It has a bit better protection at the back.
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/Review/Vaikobi-Bump-Hat
