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?

None what so ever

Gath's are just generally more readily available

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.

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.

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

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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.

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.

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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

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

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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.

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!

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.

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.

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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

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