Open Cockpit Headset/Helmet Recommendations?

[Fearless Tower]

For those that fly in loud open cockpits, I'm interested in what you use for headset or helmet? I'm not totally satisfied with my setup in the Waco.

I have been using a Gibson and Barnes leather headset helmet with ANR. The ANR is proving problematic in the biplane. The wind buffeting really messes with the noise cancelling and the sound becomes a bit annoying to the point that I prefer to turn the ANR off. Only problem is that without the ANR, it can be difficult to make out radio transmissions. I've basically gotten into the habit of flying with the ANR off and then only turning it on when I need to communicate with ATC.

I have used a jet style helmet that works well for comms, but looks a bit strange in a 1930s biplane.

What's everyone else using?

[Ken]

Search the discussion we had on CEP in the HGU-55 helmet thread. CEP has impressed me so far with several hours in the O-1 & T-6.

Ken

[soko121]

I wear the David Clark Helmet that accepts standard DC headsets. i had noise cancelling in it, but have just swapped out for a CEP kit headset. the ANR would 'pulse' anytime i turned my head and was very distracting. mostly in T-6, Pitts type A/C. am anxiously waiting on the CEP to return, but should be a huge improvement....

[DB2]

I've never worn one, but many folks seem to like the Campbell Aero Classics helmets from New Zealand:

http://www.campbellaeroclassics.com

Personally, I wear an HGU-55 with the all the Oregon Aero upgrades (but not ANR...yet). Certainly not period-correct but preferable to cracking my head open!

[Fouga23]

Many use -55s, but they were not designed for open cockpit types. They were made for fast jet flying, hence don't actually provide enough crash protection. AHGU-56 would provide much better protection.
The Campbell hardhats are the best choice IMHO

[Fearless Tower]

I wear the David Clark Helmet that accepts standard DC headsets. i had noise cancelling in it, but have just swapped out for a CEP kit headset. the ANR would 'pulse' anytime i turned my head and was very distracting. mostly in T-6, Pitts type A/C. am anxiously waiting on the CEP to return, but should be a huge improvement....

This is exactly the problem I have been experiencing with the G&B ANR leather helmet. Problem is the passive protection is not very good - I have to turn the ANR on if I want to be able to communicate with ATC.

On another board it seems like a lot of folks are using Clarity Aloft and QT Halo setups with good success in open cockpits. Looks essentially like CEP. I may give that a shot.

[Tiger Tim]

I use my Clarity Aloft in Cubs, Tiger Moths and MU-2s and I quite like the thing. Passive noise cancellation is excellent with new ear tips but does degrade over time as the tips get dirtier. I hear you can throw them in the dishwasher and bring them back up to 90% but I just use new ones every so often. What I like most is it's compatible with any sunglasses, goggles, hat or leather/cloth helmet.

[Dave Hadfield]

My Campbell (NZ) is the very nicest thing I own, period.

It's a small helmet for starters, which is very good in open cockpit. It doesn't catch the air when you stick your head out like a big plastic bone dome does. And the electronics are good -- even without ACR.

Before I had it, I used a David Clarke in a soft leather helmet. I flew the Tiger Moth a lot, giving rides for a museum. Then one day, at the same time I got the Campbell, we had a mission where we flew the Moth to a farm strip and gave rides to a large family all day. I did 19 flights. As I flew home I remarked on how much better I felt than I expected. It was the helmet that made the difference. Be keeping the buffeting off your head, and reducing the noise, I was much less fatigued at the end of the day.

I had expected to be bagged, but I wasn't.

Dave