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  #1  
Old 12-11-2014, 09:50 AM
bird's Avatar
bird bird is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: lake charles, La.
Posts: 699
Default Need help for a Helmet

Hi everyone, I have decided to buy a helmet for myself. I don't know much about them. I know I want a hidden slide down visor. I don't know much about helmets any help would be appreciated. I know I want one with ga speaker standard two plug like a headset. I don't know what kind to look for or how to get the right size for my noggin. Any help with names, types etc would be great. Should I get a refurbished one or buy one new? I want to make sure that I get one that is totally comfortable, hate to order one then it not fit and be told I can't send it back.

Thanks for any help
Bird
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  #2  
Old 12-11-2014, 10:11 AM
FredMagare FredMagare is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Kyle, TX
Posts: 566
Default Helmet source...

I, too, have been considering purchasing a helmet. This is the only source I know of for new helmets: http://www.gentexhelmet.com/

I've been thinking of getting one with 02 mask receptacles along with a boom mic that would click into one of the receptacles. That way I could remove the mic to attach an oxygen mask if I ever decided I wanted to fly that high. (They sell a mask with mic already built-in that would replace the removed mic.) Of course, that would raise the cost considerably but I could always purchase additional items as they become necessary....

Good luck and be sure to post a pic of what you get.
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  #3  
Old 12-11-2014, 10:19 AM
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BoilermakerRV BoilermakerRV is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Danville, IN (West of Indy)
Posts: 199
Default Can't find it

DR had written a review/post on his helmet that he bought. Can't find it at the moment. Have you done a forum search for "helmet"?

EDIT: Found it! http://www.vansairforce.net/helmet.htm
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Last edited by BoilermakerRV : 12-11-2014 at 10:21 AM. Reason: Found link
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  #4  
Old 12-11-2014, 11:20 AM
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Veetail88 Veetail88 is offline
 
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Location: Hales Corners, WI
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Default

Speaking of which, Hey DR! Now that you have that fancy new helmet, do find yourself wearing it? I'm afraid it would be uncomfortable and confining and I'd likely leave it behind if I had one.
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  #5  
Old 12-11-2014, 11:41 AM
xblueh2o xblueh2o is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: SF East Bay
Posts: 852
Default

I bought mine for warbird flying years ago from Flight Suits which is now Gibson & Barnes. Sounds like you want an HGU-55/E. I have the ANR module and custom fit head liner in mine. Very comfortable with no "hot spots" when worn for long periods. They were first rate to work with. The helmet is beautiful and continues to work without issue after 10 plus years of use. Would buy from them again in a heartbeat.
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  #6  
Old 12-11-2014, 03:44 PM
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Jim P Jim P is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 934
Default Helmet clearance

Make sure you check your head clearance if you're looking for a helmet. I think almost everyone ends up smacking the canopy with their noggin in nasty bumps, so having a big slider knob on the top of the helmet might not be a good thing. I just ended up with the elastic straps on an HGU-55 which can be swapped for tinted or clear. You might consider a graduated lens with darker tinting up top and lighter on the bottom.

Also, +1 for Gibson and Barns. Great folks to deal with and you'll get a great product.
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  #7  
Old 12-11-2014, 04:21 PM
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Relentless Relentless is offline
 
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Location: San Luis Obispo
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Default I really like the helmets from Helicopter Helmets

I purchased two from these guys and really like the light weight and custom ability to fit helmet. Also, forget noise canceling just get the helmet with CEP kit and you will be amazed at how quiet it is.

http://www.helicopterhelmet.com/EVO-...VG_p_1059.html
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  #8  
Old 12-11-2014, 05:14 PM
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Bill_H Bill_H is offline
 
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Location: Marshall TX (KASL)
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Default

See this article and this VAF thread
http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/A...ilot/pe_frugal

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...d.php?t=113809
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  #9  
Old 12-11-2014, 08:46 PM
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DHRYCAUK DHRYCAUK is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Lacombe, AB. Canada
Posts: 92
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I purchased my HGU-55 on eBay, mint shape and a lot cheaper than purchasing new ($400). You can go to the gentex site to get the measurements to determine what size helmet you need. I then purchased a zeta liner from Oregon Aero and ANR upgrade from headsets incorporated, it took all of 40 min to convert the speakers and mike over to 300 ohm, I like the end result!!

http://www.headsetsinc.com/helmet%20install.pdf
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Last edited by DHRYCAUK : 12-11-2014 at 08:50 PM.
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  #10  
Old 12-12-2014, 12:39 AM
jbDC9 jbDC9 is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 868
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by DHRYCAUK View Post
I purchased my HGU-55 on eBay, mint shape and a lot cheaper than purchasing new ($400). You can go to the gentex site to get the measurements to determine what size helmet you need. I then purchased a zeta liner from Oregon Aero and ANR upgrade from headsets incorporated, it took all of 40 min to convert the speakers and mike over to 300 ohm, I like the end result!!
I acquired my "new" HGU-55 helmet in a similar manner... found it on the shelf at a downtown Seattle Army-Navy store; was in great shape with civilian comms and XL shell for my big fat melon, 300 bucks. Bought a new visor for $65, visor cover for $20, new Zeta liner for $74 and I was in business for only $459! But then I realized, T-6s and T-28s are NOISY! So, I upgraded the comms to both ANR and CEP earplugs. Sent it to Headsets Inc to have it all done. Grand total on the helmet is now up to almost $1000, but it's still less than half the price of a fancy new one from Gibson & Barnes. A buddy of mine has a shiny red one from G&B, think he's got close to $2500 in it, ouch. I really like my helmet, very comfy and quiet.

Give these guys a look for a new or rebuilt helmet;
http://www.flighthelmet.com/mm5/merc...egory_Code=FHT
From this page you can price/build one from bare bones to all the bells and whistles. I bought my visor and liner from them and am happy with their service.
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Last edited by jbDC9 : 12-12-2014 at 12:46 AM.
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