I'll start with the bad. Customs/shipping was a bitch, and for some reason customs sent the helm BACK to Andrey, which not only took an additional month and a half to get the helm in my hands, but also cost us both extra money to re-ship (we agreed to split the cost of re-shipping).
Communication was ok--I understand that Andrey spends more time making armor and less time writing Facebook messages, and I am fine with that. Overall he kept me updated and things worked out.
Now, onto the awesome. This helm FREAKING ROCKS!! I've fought in it at two practices and one event, and I am really liking it. With the closed visor, visibility is good, although breathing is a challenge. With the gorgeous grill visor, visibility and breathing are both perfect. The thick liner sewn in is great padding, and the 14g spring steel helm is wondrously protective. The bascinet has great historical lines.
The liner extends down into a padded aventail, over which I attached a maille aventail from Master Knuut. The combination provides excellent neck protection.
All right, y'all are tired of hearing me talk about it, and are ready for pictures, eh? Behold!!
Yes, this is the same helm, although the second picture shows the closed visor, before I attached the camaille.
Overall I am very impressed with Andrey Galevskiy's work. For a high-end historical bascinet with dual visors, made of properly-tempered spring steel, and with all the extras, it is an incredible deal, and I am well-pleased despite the bumps in the road.
