do not buy helmet in USA
 

I suggest to NOT order a helmet in the USA when you are living anywhere else but in the USA.

I live in the Netherlands and ordered a Gentex helmet, but because this item is of tactical or strategic importance to the USA (apparently) such an item needs an export license to be shipped abroad (the same when you buy for example a FLIR camera, a PT6, a Cessna aircraft, or any other type of army/airforce/navy weaponry).

This procedure took in total a staggering 18 months to complete. And when we called this specific government agency to please please please put a stamp on the export license, the answer was: Sir we need to check this thoroughly, you do realize we are at war!

Sometimes they do exaggerate.

I hope you reminder team that you're on the same team?

I don't think they are interested in that. After all, we (the people living outside the USA) are aliens.

Guys,
I am about to undertake some doors off aerial filming from a Jet Ranger and have been advised to get a helmet and have decided on a Alpha.
Who is be most cost effective company to purchase from?
I'm not after anything other than a helmet with standard comms and a visor.
Your advice would be appreciated.
Many thanks.

I bought my helmets from Survival Equipment Services in Tetbury. Excellent people.

Helmets.
 

Some good advice here, rafmatt.

Mk4s, Alphas and HGUs seem to be the most prevalent around the 'scene' these days.

Survival Equipment Services at Tetbury (think they used to be across the road from Kemble when Deltajets were there) do everything from helmets to bangseats and ditching gear and have an excellent reputation.

I personally use a Mk.4B with a P Mask for both Tiger Moth and Harvard, to keep the external noise out.
I have also just had a Gentex HGU-55P rewired by Dave Lewis at Flackwell Electronics, near Aylesbury. This is a lightweight set up with a boom using an M7 Electret mike, compatible with UK radios. This is best for comfort and lightness and, with earplugs, keeps the noise of a Pitts or Extra down to sensible levels without the expense of ANR.
Dave did a professional job without charging the earth.

It seems though that, should expense not be an issue, the new Alphas are the bees' knees, especially with the warbird crowd, because of their lightness and up-to-date ANR electrics.

Custom paint jobs ? Magic ! In general, too expensive at the mo. A niche market if you can crack it with some spectacular (fireproof) designs ! Good luck. :ok:

Very happy with my Gentex helmet. Light and comfortable and with the CEP ear plugs makes our Extra 300 sound like an 80hp Rotax.

I used to use the cep in my hgu55 , now have bose A20 ear cups installed , I can now hear the slipstream outside !

It is true there are some nice helmets on sale in U.S.A. but it is impossible to get one if you do not live there. GIve a try and travel over there and buy one but I don't know if you will cross the custom controls and nothing will happen.

A company in the USA has offered to send me a helmet to the UK without any import problems.