Action Sports Cameras: Helmet Mounts vs Chest Mounts

In the world of action sports, capturing every adrenaline-fueled moment is crucial. But where should you mount your GoPro for the best footage? Helmet or chest? We've been there, torn between these two popular options.

That's why we built chin mounts, the best of both worlds.

Helmet mounts offer a bird's-eye view and a steady shot, while chest mounts provide a more immersive, lower-angle perspective. But truthfully, it all depends on your sport and personal preferences. Here's what you need to know.

Main Takeaways: 

• Helmet mounts provide a first-person, eye-level view that closely mimics what the wearer sees. Chest mounts offer a lower angle to capture more of the surrounding environment and the user's actions.
• Chest mounts generally provide more stable footage due to less head movement, resulting in smoother video. Helmet mounts can produce shakier footage, especially during high-impact activities. However, this varies depending on the location of your head mount.
• Helmet mounts can be mounted in various locations for more recording angles. In contrast, the footage from chest mounts may be obstructed by handlebars or harnesses. For example, 360-action cameras can't capture the full 360 degrees if you mount them on your chest.
• Chest mounts are often more comfortable for extended use and allow for more effortless wearing of hats or other headgear.
• Both mounts allow for hands-free recording, but helmet mounts offer greater freedom of movement as they don't restrict torso movement.

Now that you've learned the basics let's discuss the arguments for chest and helmet mounts. 

Why Choose Helmet Mounts?

Top-of-helmet mounts were the first iteration of helmet mounts for action sports cameras, back when GoPro first unveiled the first Hero in 2004. The bird' s-eye view from the top of your helmet offered a fresh, never-before-seen perspective of action sports. Footage from these mounts quickly took over media platforms like YouTube and Vimeo, with skateboarders, bikers, and snowboarders of all abilities sharing POV footage of their favorite runs and newest learned tricks.

When top helmet mounts first emerged, they were the best and only option for athletes. They allowed you to record pretty steady footage, even at high speeds. 

Next, they created the side helmet mount. Compared to the top helmet mounts, side mounts were a bit easier to press record on, and they eliminated the "floating camera" effect common with top helmet-mounted cameras. The side mount also offers a more realistic point of view since the camera lens isn't four or five inches above the top of the rider's head—it puts the viewer at eye level.

Even more recently, we created chin mounts designed to mount on the bottom of full-face helmets. They're easier to access, provide a more realistic POV than top or side helmet mounts, and don't increase wind drag. 

However, helmet mounts have one main drawback. Suppose you don't wear one for your sport or activity. In that case, it will be useless: think of activities like running, fishing, and hiking.

We recommend always wearing a helmet, especially for action sports like motorcycling, BMX, motocross, skateboarding, skiing, and snowboarding. In certain parts of the US, it's against the law not to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle and other similar vehicles.

Why Choose Chest Mounts?

Chest mounts provide a more stable platform for filming, as they are attached to the torso, which moves less than the head. This results in smoother footage with less camera shake, especially in high-impact sports. Chest mounts capture footage from a perspective closer to the natural eye level, giving viewers a more realistic sense of the action (though chin mounts solve this problem). 

The other glaringly obvious benefit of chest mounts is that they can be worn without a helmet. Suddenly, recreational athletes can record themselves kayaking, fishing, and hiking, none of which require them to wear a helmet. In these specific cases, a chest mount is a better alternative to a helmet mount and a better alternative than a head strap mount, which is notoriously shaky. 

Chest mounts also tend to be more comfortable for extended use, as they don't add extra weight to the head, which can strain your neck if worn for hours. And like chin mounts, chest mounts don't cause extra wind resistance, so you can go as fast as you'd like. 

There are situations in which you'd not wear a chest mount. For example, you can lie on your chest while surfing or wearing a chest harness while skydiving. You'd want to opt for a helmet or alternative action sports camera mount in both cases.

How to Decide Between a Helmet Mount and a Chest Mount

All helmet mounts are not made equal. Let's first address the different types:

• Top of Helmet Mount: This mount attaches to the top of a helmet, allowing for a 360-degree view, especially with the newer GoPro models. It can be mounted on skateboard helmets and full-face helmets.
• Side of Helmet Mount: This mount attaches to the side of a helmet, providing a first-person perspective that captures what the user sees. It can typically only be mounted on full-face helmets.
• Chin Mount: This mount attaches to the chin of a full-face helmet, creating a stable and immersive viewpoint that closely aligns with the rider's line of sight. It can only be attached to full-face helmets, not skateboard helmets or any other style without a chin section.

Now, let's examine the situations in which a helmet or a chest mount would be best.

When to Use a Helmet Mount

Here are a few situations where wearing a helmet mount would be more appropriate: 

Mountain Biking: For advanced riders tackling steep and technical trails, the best mountain biking action cameras paired with a top helmet mount provide the perfect view of the terrain ahead. They capture every head movement as you navigate obstacles, offering an immersive experience of your fast-paced descents.

Whitewater Kayaking: In challenging rapids, a kayaking helmet mount offers a higher vantage point, allowing viewers to see over the spray and waves. This is crucial for capturing the full scope of the river and the kayaker's line choices through complex water features.

Motorcycle Riding: For motorcyclists, a helmet mount captures the road ahead and the rider's head movements, providing an engaging view of twists, turns, and scenery. This perspective enhances the experience for viewers by showcasing speed and handling during rides.

Skateboarding: For skateboarders performing tricks or navigating urban environments, a skateboard helmet mount effectively captures the rider's perspective. It lets viewers see the skateboard and surrounding obstacles while showcasing head movements during tricks.

Skiing and Snowboarding: A ski helmet mount provides a clear view of the slope ahead for skiers and snowboarders, capturing both the rider's movements and the surrounding landscape. This perspective is essential for showcasing techniques, jumps, and the overall experience on the mountain.

When to Use a Chest Mount

Here are a few situations where wearing a chest mount would be more appropriate: 

Trail Running: A chest mount captures the runner's footfalls and the surrounding trail, providing an immersive perspective that highlights the terrain and the runner's movements without the shakiness often associated with head-mounted cameras.

Hiking: A chest mount allows for stable footage of the hiker's actions and the scenery ahead. It is handy for capturing interactions with nature, such as reaching for plants or navigating obstacles.

Fishing from a Boat: A chest mount allows anglers to record their casting and reeling actions while keeping their hands free to handle equipment. It provides a clear view of the fishing rod and water, enhancing the immersive experience for viewers.

Parkour or Freerunning: A chest mount captures the movements and techniques of navigating urban environments in parkour. It provides a steady view of jumps and landings while showcasing the surroundings, which can be lost with a helmet mount.

Choosing a helmet or chest mount depends on your preference and the specific activity you plan to record. Helmet mounts are the OG and offer a bird' s-eye view ideal for fast-paced sports, while chest mounts provide stability and a more immersive perspective. Choose wisely, and happy filming!