Helmets - Should you? and Which?
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Miami
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I am currently using my original issued SPH-4 mod w: Dual Visor /Anvis mount, Zetaliner,liplight, CEP, DC ear covers, Hushkit & O/V Respirator w/mic in mask. Its inspected every year and has a clean slate since 1990, unlike the -4B that i managed to crack in the earcups after 3 years of use; my - 5 lasted a bit longer about 10yrs.Bit the bullet and had the Gents out in SoCAL refurb it last year after my ANG helmet doctor balked at the thought of doing it again; they sent a lowball estimate ($235 to IRAN) gutted it put all new stuff and somehow cracked my visor during reassembly then charged me to repaint the replacement (Trashed the replacement as the paint and finish sucked fitted a spare D/V Anvis kit) and finally sent me a really nice bill too approx $700+; had i known that i'd have bought a new one!
but then again im attached to the damn thing go figure
, next year im sending to gov. sale, helmetfx; anybody else but them again; they caught me once
.
Balled up a Thrush awhile back, my SPH -5 failed the post crash inspection, even though it didnt look that badly damaged; kept my nogging from impacting the structure( FCU quit during pull up, stalled at 200ft impacted a hillside slid 130 ft shed the wings and engine, but the cockpit remained intact, have a real pretty picture of the cockpit structure with all these nice red paintmarks from where my -5 rubbed almost all of the structure; Hell i still dont remember what happened, managed to walk away with a couple of bruised ribs, a mouthful of chemical and a bitching headache, got rushed to the ER, held for 48 hours, was cleared to fly 2 days later.
Sure there is a bit of weight diff between the -4 & -5 but im fine with it, they were both set up indentically , tried the Gallet and Alpha will stick with the Gentex; might upgrade to a -56/P just cause my Guard C/o is beginning to give me stick that im not following regs and need to draw a new helmet. but mine is set up the way i like it, works great in for my cropdusting and ANG duties in fixed or rotary wing aircraft.
but then again im attached to the damn thing go figure, next year im sending to gov. sale, helmetfx; anybody else but them again; they caught me once.Balled up a Thrush awhile back, my SPH -5 failed the post crash inspection, even though it didnt look that badly damaged; kept my nogging from impacting the structure( FCU quit during pull up, stalled at 200ft impacted a hillside slid 130 ft shed the wings and engine, but the cockpit remained intact, have a real pretty picture of the cockpit structure with all these nice red paintmarks from where my -5 rubbed almost all of the structure; Hell i still dont remember what happened, managed to walk away with a couple of bruised ribs, a mouthful of chemical and a bitching headache, got rushed to the ER, held for 48 hours, was cleared to fly 2 days later.
Sure there is a bit of weight diff between the -4 & -5 but im fine with it, they were both set up indentically , tried the Gallet and Alpha will stick with the Gentex; might upgrade to a -56/P just cause my Guard C/o is beginning to give me stick that im not following regs and need to draw a new helmet. but mine is set up the way i like it, works great in for my cropdusting and ANG duties in fixed or rotary wing aircraft.
Last edited by Ag2A320; 27th Sep 2007 at 03:07.
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Norway
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Impedance
I am in the process of buying a helmet, and have decided to go for Alpha Eagle.
I have been in touch with Headset service in UK and told them that I fly R44 and AS350 and they tell me that the impedance I need is 600 ohm, but my local avionics dealer says it is 150 ohm, anyone who can tell me what is right?
I'm also not quite sure what the right code for the downlead plug is.
Nice if someone could help because a helmet is a big investment and it would be annoying to get one that is not right for me.
I have been in touch with Headset service in UK and told them that I fly R44 and AS350 and they tell me that the impedance I need is 600 ohm, but my local avionics dealer says it is 150 ohm, anyone who can tell me what is right?
I'm also not quite sure what the right code for the downlead plug is.
Nice if someone could help because a helmet is a big investment and it would be annoying to get one that is not right for me.
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: UK
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it would be annoying to get one that is not right for me.
I would make another call to Headset Services - ask for Anthony Beckett in Sales - he'll put you right !
Tell him what your local Avionics dealer said, and what type of socket you are plugging into - it will probably be standard "UK NATO" as in the picture below - they can provide your new helmet with any version of connector.
Make sure though that you specify the correct one as the NEXUS plug - also referred to as US NATO is very similar but there is a difference in diameter of the mating shaft - the UK NATO is slightly larger than the US NATO version ( by about 0.4mm ) making the two incompatible !
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Norway
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Thanks a lot for the help.
Coco: I've been been comunicating directly with mr Beckett all the time, first at helitech where I tried the helmet and he mesured my head, and later on via mail. I am very pleased with the service from him and he certainly seem to know his stuff but since my local avionics dealer had a different opinion I just like to check it out to be sure.
Coco: I've been been comunicating directly with mr Beckett all the time, first at helitech where I tried the helmet and he mesured my head, and later on via mail. I am very pleased with the service from him and he certainly seem to know his stuff but since my local avionics dealer had a different opinion I just like to check it out to be sure.
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: In the air
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I have used an Alpha for a while on a Squirrel until I switched to another Squirrel and suddenly it didn't work. The avionic guys don't know what the problem is. We have the same problem with all the Alpha's. I had switch to a Gallet (Aus) helmet which I must say is very comfortable. It's not as hot as the Alpha because we operate in temp up to 45C. I'm very impressed with the Gallet. Luckily the work pays for our helmets 
Join Date: Apr 2006
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turbinturbin
The R44 will almost certainly require a US NATO plug.
If you have opted for ANR the part no for battery box with US NATO plug and coiled downlead is HSMP3935.
PR
The R44 will almost certainly require a US NATO plug.
If you have opted for ANR the part no for battery box with US NATO plug and coiled downlead is HSMP3935.
PR
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Lancashire
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Alpha Helmet
Does anyone know where I can get a secondhand Alpha Helmet from size small.
It does not have to be servicable. It is for my little boyand will never be used for the purposes of aviation. I am having problems finding one.
Any help would be appreciated.
It does not have to be servicable. It is for my little boyand will never be used for the purposes of aviation. I am having problems finding one.
Any help would be appreciated.
Join Date: Oct 2003
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In the UK,
Headset services ltd, link they sell the range of alpha helmets.
There is also SES who sell fully refurbished Alpha 200's at a significant discount to new.
Beyond that in the UK thats about it.
You could also go to the states and buy your helmet there, same pound dollar exchange rate benefit as other high value things.
Headset services ltd, link they sell the range of alpha helmets.
There is also SES who sell fully refurbished Alpha 200's at a significant discount to new.
Beyond that in the UK thats about it.
You could also go to the states and buy your helmet there, same pound dollar exchange rate benefit as other high value things.
Flying High
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Here
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Thank you!
What would you say is a good Alpha helmet to go for?
The Alpha 900 certainly looks very nice!
Idealy I think I would have one of those and then have a 400 for anyone who comes for a ride... *ponders*
Any idea of cost too?
What would you say is a good Alpha helmet to go for?
The Alpha 900 certainly looks very nice!
Idealy I think I would have one of those and then have a 400 for anyone who comes for a ride... *ponders*
Any idea of cost too?
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: New Zealand
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My father and I have recently purchased a Gallet LH-250 each. It was a toss up between the Gallet and the Alpha, we decided to go with the Gallet because they are (very) slightly smaller (every bit counts when you spend the day in a doorless 22 sticking your head in and out). Also the Gallet seems to offer a bit more protection, the Alpha seemed a bit 'light'. The Gallet was a about $400NZD cheaper aswell. 
I'm sure the Alpha is still a very nice helmet though.
I'm sure the Alpha is still a very nice helmet though.
Join Date: Apr 2006
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SpamFritters
I wear an Alpha 900 and have to say it is superbly comfortable even in hot weather and offers a very high degree of protection. It also provides better noise attenuation than the Gallet. Expect to pay £1000 +VAT (basic) or more if you want ANR etc but it's worth every penny in my opinion.
The majority of the UK Police/Air Ambulance & SAR pilots wear them which is a pretty good endorsement
Like everything else though it is personal choice and until you have tried the different models out to see which YOU find most comfortable I wouldn't go parting with any of your hard earned cash!
PR
I wear an Alpha 900 and have to say it is superbly comfortable even in hot weather and offers a very high degree of protection. It also provides better noise attenuation than the Gallet. Expect to pay £1000 +VAT (basic) or more if you want ANR etc but it's worth every penny in my opinion.
The majority of the UK Police/Air Ambulance & SAR pilots wear them which is a pretty good endorsement
Like everything else though it is personal choice and until you have tried the different models out to see which YOU find most comfortable I wouldn't go parting with any of your hard earned cash!
PR
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: London (UK)
Age: 52
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Comms for MSA Gallet LH250
I recently bought a LH250 with a comms kit included, however the 'hush' kit is not that quiet and the mic picks up loads of noise from the cabin. This is compared to a David Clark headset.
Can anyone recommend a place wear I can buy a decent mic and gel ear cups to fix this?
I am located in Canada, but I am willing to buy from anyone good who can sort this out. At the moment I am pretty upset with the people who sold me the helmet telling me it would be fine and the never had any problems with the mic.Sales Staff err!!!
Can anyone recommend a place wear I can buy a decent mic and gel ear cups to fix this?
I am located in Canada, but I am willing to buy from anyone good who can sort this out. At the moment I am pretty upset with the people who sold me the helmet telling me it would be fine and the never had any problems with the mic.
Sales Staff err!!!
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Quebec, Canada
Age: 52
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Which visor where?
Hi all
I am about to buy a Gallet LH250 with black and yellow visors. The store I am buying from asked me which visor where? the black outside or inside? same thing for the yellow. This is my first helmet, does it matter which visor where? The told me the yellow one distorts a little bit when in low vis conditions so it might be better to put it inside closer to the eyes.....any advise here?.....
I am about to buy a Gallet LH250 with black and yellow visors. The store I am buying from asked me which visor where? the black outside or inside? same thing for the yellow. This is my first helmet, does it matter which visor where? The told me the yellow one distorts a little bit when in low vis conditions so it might be better to put it inside closer to the eyes.....any advise here?.....