For those considering a helmet for flying, I thought I would post my first impressions of the helmet I recently ordered and received from Praetor.  I've worn various helmets during my military flying days as well as my flying as a commercial helicopter pilot. It is the frame of reference/standard I have for these impressions.  The helmet is designed to be used with headsets (unlike anything I've worn before) The headset is held into the helmet with velcro loops and attachment pad hence it seems a bit "kludgy" to doff and don.  Certainly takes a bit of technique and I will admit it is getting a bit more intuitive as I adjust and tweak the fit and develop my technique.  Included with the helmet are varying thickness pads for adjusting the fit fore and aft though earcup fit and pressure will depend on your particular headset. Once on, the helmet and headset are quite comfortable and light.  Overall, the bulk size seems slightly larger (esp. width) than some others and could be an issue in the cockpit for some.  Will know better after I get to fly with it a few times. The chin retention strap and buckle are intuitive and easy to secure / release. Overall, the helmet quality seems first rate with the exeption of the visor cover/mechanism.  The visor cover appears to be made of plastic or thin composite versus a more rigid layup of carbor fiber/kevlar material like the rest of the helmet. Visor action is not as smooth nor is the locking mechanism. Seems minor, but would annoy me in day to day use.  Summer temps and cockpit heat may casue distortion of the visor cover and exacerbate things. Perhaps a bit of silicon spray will alleviate the issue. The other concern or quibble I have is the lack of a nape strap.  I think helmet retention during an impact event would be less likely in comparison to other flying helmets I've worn which all had nape straps.  In comparison to other helmet models with installed communciations, etc. I think the quality, price point is reasonable and certainly fits a niche / need within the EAB environment.  More to follow after I get a few flights in.  Meanwhile, I've attached a few pics.  The person modeling the helmet was the cheapest i could find short notice...