The best of those, by some margin, is the Flycoms.
I switched to them and they are a revellation. Very comfortable, draught free, excellent viz and the removal of virtually all outside noise thanks to the Peltor DNR hardware inside. The result is your RT will be crystal clear and you don't need the volume high to hear what's being said back (so good for your long term hearing ability).
I can't fault them and they are cheaper than most of the others on your list. Two helmets, the Icom adapter, power lead and the PTT will be less than £600.
I've not used the Flycom, but do own a set of Communica equipment. Other than the irritatingly fragile telephone plugs with which they have an enduring love affair, the attenuation and comfort are excellent. Also they are just up the road from you in Winchester, so it might be worth driving up to try a set on.
I've also flown with Lynx quite a lot, and prefer their headsets (by a very small margin) although I've found my own Communica helmets more comfortable - even with the Lynx headsets. The Lynx headset plugs are very robust but do incorporate a positive latch which needs to be undone to exit the cockpit in a hurry - you need to decide for yourself whether that's a problem.
If you are flying totally open-cockpit, whichever make you go for, I'd recommend having a visor latch and a chin guard below the visor (the former is for obvious reasons, the latter stops deeply irritating drafts down your neck). All the main makes offer these, but not necessarily as standard fit.
A little less conversation, a little more aviation...
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Bracknell, UK
Posts: 540
FNG,
DC K-Series helmets - an inner cloth/mesh suspension liner that a
'standard' 10-* series DC headset will fit into, which then snaps into a thick plastic helmet shell. The snap connectors are a sod though - even after reading the instructions and working out they're directional - so it's not a 2 minute job to install and remove the headset. Fairly light, after a while you don't notice wearing it during aeros. For what it is, a bit pricey - I shipped mine in from the US, and even after DHL caught up with me for duty, still cheaper than buying in the UK. Not sure about how much head protection they would give over a 'proper' helmet, but they do stop your headset falling off in negative G, which was the point of the exercise, and I assume would give more head protection than a cloth helmet. Oh, and deeply unflattering appearance.
Thanks Ed, that's very helpful. I'm partly looking for some lightweight head protection, and partly, as you guessed, for something to stop my headset falling off when lurching about upside down.
Ed, so far my Googling has not located a source for the helmet you describe (not even the DC website itself). Could you kindly point me to your supplier? Thanks.
Edit: found it, along with lots of other aerobatic goodies. Oh joy, a 9G kneeboard!
...$336...I ordered 2, and the shipping was $98.36. After duty, I think the unit price came at at about £250 - I note T******r in the UK are quoting £285 inc delivery. Not cheap by any means, considering what you get for the money, but they seem to do the job...as usual, once the term "aviation" enters the equation, the price seems to triple....
Don't mess about. If you need a helmet get a proper one. I use a kevlar Gentex with DC electronics. Alpha are about to produce a new lightweight called the Alpha Eagle.
I still have a share in the 52 with your name on it. Off all week if you want to claim that Chippy flight.
Cheers, Wide. My problem at present is that Mrs FNG has locked the sack of cash in a cave guarded by trolls and accountants. How is Monday? I plan to visit Evo at Goodwood but aim to be back Walthamwards circa 1500 local. Otherwise, later in the week as I have not much work on. We can discuss helmets over a beer (boys, eh?).
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