Open-face or full-face, EN 966 standard, weight, fit: everything you need to know to choose a safe and comfortable paragliding helmet. A guide from our DEJEPS-qualified instructors, at Gréolières since 2013.
EN 966 approved helmetThe helmet is a paraglider's first piece of safety equipment. Even before the wing or the harness, it's what protects the most precious part: your head.
But not all helmets are created equal. A cycling or ski helmet is not designed for paragliding: only specific approval, the EN 966 standard, guarantees adequate protection. Between a jet helmet, which is light and ventilated, and a full-face helmet, which is more enveloping, the right choice depends on your practice, your budget, and your comfort.
This guide has been written by the Ailéments team, paragliding school at Gréolières (06) since 2013. Our state-certified instructors (DEJEPS) equip passengers daily and train pilots: here's how to choose your paragliding helmet, without the jargon.
The helmet protects the skull, but also the temples and the back of the head – the areas most exposed during a failed launch, a hard landing, or contact with the terrain. It is a non-negotiable reflex, from the first inflation to cross-country flight.
No monitor flies without a helmet, and it is required on sites supervised by The French Federation of Free Flight, the French free flight federation. As soon as you fly solo, it's mandatory equipment, along with the reserve parachute.
For a Tandem paragliding, you don't need to own a helmet: the school provides an approved model, maintained and adapted to your head size. The helmet only becomes your purchase when you trained to fly solo.
There are three main families. The right choice depends mainly on your practice: leisure, cross-country, or hike-and-fly.
It protects the skull, temples and nape of the neck while leaving the face clear. It's the best compromise Protection / comfort / lightness / price for everyday use. Count 280 to 400g and a budget of €100 to €220. Ideal for starting out and for leisure flying.
It also protects the chin and face, cuts out wind noise, the cold and dehydration — especially with a visor. In return, it is heavier (500 to 700 g), hotter in the summer and can limit hearing. Budget €250 to €400. Preferred for Cross-country flying and distance flying.
Thought for the hike-and-fly and the Hike and fly, he opted for a lightweight helmet for long climbs on foot. Still EN 966 certified, but less ventilated and more fragile: a specialist helmet, not a first choice for beginners.
This is the point never to overlook. EN 966 standard is specifically dedicated to helmet cases air sports (paragliding, hang gliding, microlight). A bicycle, ski, or climbing helmet is not approved for free flight.
The standard imposes a Absorbent mousse (EPS) which compresses to dissipate the energy of an impact without transmitting dangerous acceleration to the skull, and a Extended cover temporal and occipital areas, which are most exposed in the event of a fall.
Before any purchase, look for the marking EN 966 inside the shell. This is your guarantee that the helmet has been tested for paragliding. If in doubt, an instructor or specialist dealer will confirm its approval at a glance.
Once homologation is verified, four criteria make the difference between a helmet you forget about and a helmet that bothers you.
Measure your head tour and try: the helmet should neither be too tight nor move when you shake your head. A helmet that is too loose will shift on impact; too tight, and it will cause headaches. This is the most important criterion, even before aesthetics.
A helmet light reduces neck fatigue on long-haul flights. Vents also count: well-ventilated in summer, it prevents overheating. On a long thermal flight, these details make all the difference to comfort.
A visor protects from the wind better than simple glasses, and can be raised at will. The locations of'earbuds allow for radio integration, useful in the club or for cross-country flying. Comfort options, not essential for beginners.
A final piece of advice from the instructor: consider your helmet as part of your entire outfit. It should match your goggles, your harness and, where applicable, your radio system. And above all, choose it with your conditions in which you fly : A full-length suit really comes into its own in winter at Gréolières; a lightweight jacket is all you need for summer flights.
A paragliding helmet isn't eternal. Well maintained, it will accompany you for years; poorly looked after, it loses its protective capacity without it being visible.
EPS foam compresses Once a helmet that has sustained a significant impact must be replaced, even if it appears unharmed. It's invisible from the outside, but its protection is diminished. When in doubt, don't take risks.
Visit 5 to 8 years According to the manufacturer: materials age. Store the helmet away from sunlight and heat (not in a car in the height of summer), clean it with lukewarm water, and regularly check the chin strap and internal padding.
Whether you're a day passenger or a future pilot, the helmet is part of the safety that we take seriously, every flight.
For your first paragliding experience, All equipment is provided and maintained: EN 966 helmet in your size, harness, and checked wing. You enjoy yourself, we take care of the safety.
Visit internship or in Learning, our instructors will advise you on the helmet that suits your morphology and your goals — right up to Pilot's licence and to autonomy.
The headphones go hand in hand with reading the sky: discover Paragliding aerology and When to fly to the French Riviera to make progress safely.
Since 2013 at Gréolières, the team Accessories Letting beginners and enthusiasts fly over the Alpes-Maritimes. Approved helmet, maintained equipment, State-qualified instructors (DEJEPS): every detail counts for flying with peace of mind— over 1070 5/5 reviews confirm it.
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Obligation, standard, weight, maintenance: the most useful answers before choosing.
In practice, yes: a helmet is essential and required in all schools and on sites supervised by The French Federation of Free Flight. No instructor will allow you to fly without an approved helmet. For an introductory flight, the school will provide one; as soon as you fly solo, it is mandatory equipment.
No. Only the EN 966 standard, specifically for air sports, is valid for paragliding. A bicycle, ski, or climbing helmet does not cover the same areas (temples, occiput) and is not approved for this use. Always check for the EN 966 marking inside.
Le bowl helmet (open) is the most common: light, ventilated, economical, perfect for starting out and recreational flying. The full-face helmet Protects the chin and face, cuts out noise and cold: ideal for cross-country, distance flying and winter, at the cost of increased weight and budget.
A bowl helmet generally weighs 280 to 500 g, an integral 500 to 700 g. Weight matters: a lightweight headset reduces neck fatigue on long flights. This is a major comfort criterion, along with how well it fits your head circumference.
No, you don't need to bring anything. For a Tandem paragliding, the school provides all safety equipment, including an EN 966 approved helmet, maintained and adapted to your head size. The helmet only becomes your purchase if you train to fly solo.
Visit 5 to 8 years according to the manufacturer, as the absorbent foam (EPS) ages. Above all, a helmet that has suffered a significant impact must be replaced, even if it appears intact: the foam compresses only once. Store it away from sunlight and heat.
Four benchmarks for choosing without making a mistake, from the first flight to autonomy.
Only an approved helmet air sports really protects. A bicycle or ski helmet is not suitable: check the marking.
Le ball (light, airy) is sufficient for leisure; the'integral Protects more and cuts out the cold, ideal for long distances and winter.
Not tight, not loose: the helmet should not move. Add the weight and ventilation for comfort on long flights.
The foam only compresses once. Lifespan 5 to 8 years, out of the sun. For the christening, Ailéments provides everything.
Approved helmet, checked wing and harness, state-certified instructor: for a first flight on the French Riviera, you don't need to bring anything. We'll take care of everything so you can enjoy the flight.
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