Helmets - Should you? and Which?

[Tokoloshe]

Still have and use my 200. Tried the Eagle and was impressed with the fit and comfort. The biggest downfall for me was the cheap plastic chin-strap buckle. End result; sold the Eagle and kept the old one...

[somepitch]

thanks for the replies guys, you've been a big help. i know a few guys with the eagle who really like it, their one complaint being the bulkiness of the rigid visor cover. can you use the (what looks like) less bulky plastic visor cover from a 200 on the eagle, or are the shells shaped differently?

personally i wouldn't need the rigidity of the kevlar nvg visor cover, so losing that in exchange for a smaller profile cover wouldn't be too much of an issue to me.

oh and another thing...anyone tried the oregon aero softseals in an alpha? i have them in my old gentex and really like them, except when it gets really cold...

[Foggy Bottom]

Eagle

I have the Eagle and apparently haven't found anyone that knows how to fit it properly. I HATE IT!! Massive headache after about 45 minutes of flight. I have tried several combinations of pads but no luck....

Support has not been very good. Best comment I got from support was you can purchase a couple of different pads and try them.

Good luck with yours if you get one...

[helmet fire]

I have used both and love the 200.

Are you doing the NVG thing? If so, avoid the Eagle at all costs!!! The rigid visor is a semi disaster as an NVG mount. several organisations whom have tried it found that the eye relief to the goggle exceeds the recommended 17 to 25mm. to fix that problem, an organisation in Australia (EMQ) has come up with a very innovative fix involving a small metal clip.

Even with the mod, the NVG cannot be just clipped on and off depending on use. As the picture reveals, the visor mount obstructs view when fitted, so you would normally take the mount piece on and off depending on your day or night shift.

After quite a lengthy look at this problem, we believe that the new Gentex is the way to go. Heaps cheaper, extra hearing protection, and a truly clip on clip off NVG system. The helmet was designed for NVG helicopter use from the outset. But there are two problems with it:

1. I will have to swap it for my faithful 200
2. It was designed by the US Army, not the US Airforce so absolutely no attention was paid to its looks. Though I personally don't care, this issue was the most common feedback we received when doing a comparison - so remember: Tom Cruise would not be seen dead in one! If that is not an issue to you, the Gentex is a hands down winner.

[Delta Torque]

Yes, indeed

I have the same story as Helmet Fire here...I have worn a 200 for many years, and had it replaced 6 months ago by an Eagle. The 200 fitted like a glove, but the Eagle is impossible to fit, despite many professional attempts..it is extremely uncomfortable. The chin strap is cheap and nasty, and another Eagle in the place had the nape tensioner fly apart. And with NVGs? No good at all, even with the modded visor. Shame really, because the 200 was an excellent helmet.

I am having mine replaced with the Gentex...As Helmet Fire attests, it is not a thing of beauty..it reminds me of the old SPH4, but it is comfortable, functional, good with NVGs (ANVIS, at least), and it has the PEP setup.

Happy Landings...

[Brilliant Stuff]

I have been wearing ym Eagle for 18 months it's my first helmet and I have not had any problems with it. And in my workplace we have another 4 wearing the eagle and they haven't complained either. But maybe it's because we are all first time users.

[Delta Torque]

If you have the right shaped head for a decent fit, and you don't want to use NVGs, then you should be fine...

Happy Landings..

[Coconutty]

Stas - Fan,

Check your PM's !

I'm interested in knowing more about the Anvis mount onto Alpha 200 helmets.

Cheers,

[rotorrookie]

If you have the right shaped head for a decent fit,

But if you don't.

I have to use 2XL(63-64) helmet in motocross, I tried CGF once and their helmet fit guru could nearly make it fit but it was not comfy enough though.

I dont think Gentex are big enough so I was thinking about Alpha Eagle, but how is it compaired to CGF in sizes??

or should I go for alpha 200?? has sombody "beenthere,donethat" and know what I should do

[Delta Torque]

I would be surprised if you couldn't get a Gentex to fit.....If I had the choice, I would have another 200, but the reason my company started buying Alphas, was because the 200s were unavailable. The story was that they were being phased out by the manufacturer, which may or may not be true. But the 200s were unavailable. I'm not familiar with CGF.


Happy Helmeting...

[bladepitch]

Advice on Buying A helmet.

guys and girls

i have to purchase a helmet and i want to hear some suggestions as to brands and price and comfort.

now im not made of money so give me a lead that will do a great job that is not over priced. and i need to get it in OZ.

cheers BP.

[bigsquirrel]

Gday,

I have an Alpha Eagle 900, very comfortable, light and got it within 3 days from helibiz in the whitsundays. Including GST cost me just on 3K. I hear sisleys are looking at selling gentex products soon as well, give Matt a call.

Cheers

big squirrel

[bladepitch]

thanks B S

yeah matt is supplying my fire gear as well,.

cheers

BP

[Droopystop]

Whatever helmet you buy, make sure you get it properly fitted by someone who knows what they are doing. If you don't, even the best helmet can feel like an old rusty bucket.

[996]

Alpha Eagle is pretty good however make sure you get the Web cradle interior for better ventilation in hot weather.

[O27PMR]

Alpha Eagle... Can't rate it enough!

[jab]

996

Is the web cradle interior an optional extra and where did you get yours? What is it called in the product brochure, they have some obscure descriptions?

Thanks

[Foggy Bottom]

I would not recomend the Alpha Eagle! Fitting can be tricky and the support is horrible. Also, if there is ever a chance of doing any NVG flight, the Eagle's NVG mount is an afterthought. It actually hangs down in front of your face and interfers with your vision if your not on Goggles. there are 4 of us with Eagles in my group and 3 of us would never purchase this helmet again.

[Kiwi63]

Helmets

I have used Alpha, Gentex, and MSA Gallet. Currently fly with an MSA Gallet helmet which I'm pretty happy with, but I was also happy with the other brands. Most important is you have to get the one that FITS your head, otherwise a 30 minute sortie feels like a torture session with your head in a vice. To be useful in a prang, or a bang on the head, it must be closely sculptured to your own dome and fit like a firm but comfortable glove, with NO 'hot-spots'. Like shoes, some brands fit some people wheras others prefer different brands. If you have the luxury, visit the suppliers in Aussie, or some of the big EMS operatoprs maybe?, and try their helmets, you should know within a couple of minutes whether a particular helmet is good for you. Or hassle your mates who have helmets to let you try and fit theirs to your head. Most of them have a few basic shell sizes, so the outer shell needs to be the right size, then a multitude of inner material so you can swap it around till it fits right. One brand comes with a heat-moulded inner; not really my choice as it never seemed to be just right. MSA Gallet is worth a look though (advertising in most flying publications or on the web, based in Brisbane area).

[bigsquirrel]

Excellent advice all round, thanks for the info on the cradle, did not know about that.

Cheers

Bigsquirrel