What Helmet Are You Using / Recommend?

[Spartan99]

Just curious what flight helmets you all are using, or what Helmet you would recommend ? Was thinking Gentex SPH4-5?..

[Iceman]

SPH-4 is a good choice, check ebay.

[rotrhd1]

CGF Gallet.

 

Awesome once you replace the generic ear cups with the soft seal cups from Oregon Aero.

[justfly]

If I may respectfully disagree with Iceman, when it comes to life safety equipment I wouldn't shop eBay - but that's me Some of the Gentex models have been upgraded by the military for a reason:

 

"increased mass of this helmet system is believed to have a detrimental effect on pilot performance due to neck muscle strain and fatigue and to increase the risk of severe neck injury in crashes"

 

For a helmet I would only buy new, latest model, with emphasis on SAFETY, light weight, and long duration wearability. I chose Alpha. YMMV

 

Links:

 

Alpha Helmets

 

Gentex Helmet Systems

 

Flight Suits - Gentex dealer

[Spartan99]

Thank you for your input...

[RDM]

Have tried several different brands and styles over the years.

 

Alpha to me is by far the most comfortable an lightest, but that is only my humble opinion.

[Gmach]

Gallet LH250...no other choice...simply the best!

[justfly]

...and don't forget if you import a helmet from the U.S. (or elsewhere?) have them mark it clearly "Safety Equipment" to avoid the Gouge & Screw Tax! (someone correct me if I am wrong)

[Spartan99]

Thank you for your input...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Was looking at the Alpha website and am not sure of the impact standards? Are they as High as Gentex?... The shell having no Kevlar would make a significant difference on saftey would it not? Considerable weight difference between gentex and alpha (3.25lbs vs 2lbs respectively)...

[justfly]

Was looking at the Alpha website and am not sure of the impact standards? Are they as High as Gentex?...

from Alpha:

 

Performance:

Impact Protection – below 300G deceleration for 122 Joule (90 ft/lb.) input energy

Penetration Protection – designed to stop a 3.96lbs striker dropped from 4.875ft.

 

from Gentex:

 

IMPACT RESISTANCE

Peak Gs - Velocity* - Anvil - Environmental Condition

300 - 17.5 ft/s - Flat - Cold

400 - 17.5 ft/s - Hemispherical - Hot

*+0.3/–0.0 ft/s

 

Are we comparing apples and bananas? I dunno - you might have to look at the respective standards each helmet is certified against? Convert the units and decifer? Or, pit each manufactures claims against the other's and have them explain why "ours is better"?

 

The shell having no Kevlar would make a significant difference on saftey would it not?

again from Alpha:

 

Features:

Aramid/Carbon fiber shell construction incorporating an integral polyurethane impact liner.

 

Kevlar is an aramid fiber.

 

Ultimately? which (safe) helmet feels best on YOUR head, and are you likely to want to WEAR all day?