Im in the same boat - the 252 looks nice, but unproven...
Anyone played with one? I spoke to the guys at helicopter helmets.com and they say that it is sort of a cross between the Gallet and Alpha (with the best features of both. Looks nice and good value, but I can't see an ANR option for it so will probably go for the SPH 4B. I have heard that the SHP4/5's are the coolest wearing option (temperature I mean)..