New to SCA fighting, need a decent helmet

[Shilue]

I'm new to the SCA, and would like to get a decent helmet. Although my wife says I've got a hard head and don't really need one, I prefer that the only scrambled eggs around be the ones on my breakfast plate.

I don't have a persona yet, but what I'm looking at is 13th-14th century Irish. (and yes, I'm am making strong efforts to avoid being labelled a "genericelt". Seeing how the Irish didn't use much armor, I'm not really worried about armor accuracy as much as I am safety. A simple helm that would have been used in the time period would be good, however.

Anyways, I've looked around at various helms mentioned here as well as seen on ebay and vendor sites. What I'm looking for is a basic helmet with a grill on the front, preferably with the bars running horizontally. I've got a 24.5 inch measurement around the brow line. I don't know how much padding is normally used in a helm, so I've been unable to really translate a lot of helm dimensions into what will fit on my melon.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm not willing to spend a lot of money on a helmet at this time. This is mainly a starter helmet to get me on the field fighting to make sure I want to do it. I did go to a local fighter practice and was able to borrow some gear, and I did enjoy it, so I'm willing to take the first step to getting my own helm. Cost wise, I'm looking at spending somewhere up to about $150, max. Obviously, cheaper (cost) is better, but not at the sacrifice of safety and protection.

Thanks!

[Sean Powell]

I don't have a persona yet, but what I'm looking at is 13th-14th century Irish. (and yes, I'm am making strong efforts to avoid being labelled a "genericelt". Seeing how the Irish didn't use much armor, I'm not really worried about armor accuracy as much as I am safety. A simple helm that would have been used in the time period would be good, however.

Then look to 13th and 14th century English. Not sure of the entire 200 year time period but the Irish both fought with and against the English during that time period and most English equipment is appropriate, especially if it is a little 'out of date'. There seems to be a general trend for a delay in fashion trends the farther you get from the center of the mainland.

A bascinet is a pretty good choice and if you are concerned with a helm ringing or think you might want to invest in a better helm to start then consider one with a removeable and interchangible grill. I find that the friction between the two seperate plates kills a lot of the ring associated with helms with fixed welded grills.

Mad Matt makes a good starter bascinet.

Sean[/quote]

[freiman the minstrel]

second on mad matt. thought the swappable face plates may be too much for the budget on a starter helm.

But this game isn't for everybody. I am going to recommend that you buy a used helm locally, and wear it for a few months, then buy your own, new bucket. This is because a lot of very smart, tough, hearty people find that this game is a little irrational.

Honestly, it might not be for you. Spending a lot of money on a game that isn't right for you is silly.

f

[Shilue]

This is because a lot of very smart, tough, hearty people find that this game is a little irrational.

What, getting to legally smack people with sticks is considered irrational?



Luckily, I play hockey, so I'm already used to that aspect of it.

Honestly, it might not be for you. Spending a lot of money on a game that isn't right for you is silly.

That's true. That's why I'm not going for the $700 helms that I've seen around. Yeah, they are beautiful, but that's a little pricey for me. Still, I've enjoyed watching the fighter practices and learning about it, and the one time I tried it, I enjoyed it. I also discovered that it's not something that you can do right out of the box. It looks easier than it is, and there's a lot of stuff to learn and work on.

I'll look closer at Mad Matt's. I had glanced on there before, and for some reason had the impression that he was very expensive, but looking back over it now, I don't know why I had that impression. His helms and other gear appear to be quite reasonably priced.

Thanks!

[Cian of Storvik]

I like Matt's stuff, but a little bit cheaper is Iron Monger Armory's munitions grade bascinet. I think it's actually painted silver because the finish is so crappy on it. But most importantly, you want a helm that fits your coconut.
I would try to stay away from Ashcrap-baker. I saw a helm of theirs that was not that bad at Pennsic this year, but then I found out that the guy had the grill remade.
-Cian

[Ingvarr]

I'll throw in Stonekeep. I haven't seen one of the bascinets, but Otto's spangens are rock solid.

[Ceddie]

talk to
hjalmr

here on the Archive. He ha doing some very good hats for the money.

[MJBlazek]

Ironmonger Armoury also has a solid reputation for producing well priced and great built helms.

www.ironmongerarmory.com

[hjalmr]

I make simple 14g stainless steel bascinets with a fixed horizontal bargrill for $80 + shipping to your location. It is munition grade, but with alittle work you should be able to get it to shine. I can probably have it in the mail in 2-weeks. Here is an example of one I made a few months ago:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21215018@N07/2720269530/

(^_^)

[Euric Germanicus]

Eric at Ironmonger was a great guy, A+

[Shilue]

Thanks for the tips! I think I'll probably go with one of Hjalmr's for now. I'm not concerned about pretty - if I was, I'd keep myself off the list.

However, I will keep the others in mind for upgrading ine the future, once I'm sure it's what I want to do.

I appreciate it!

[audax]

YOu know what helm would work great to cover that entire span of history and both Irish and Scottish cultures? A kettle hat. Hjalmr makes one and so does Mad Matt.

Don't see too many bascinets in the 13th cent. You do see alot of kettle hats. Kettle hat stays popular into at least the late 15th cent. Pair it with a coat of plates and Bob's yer uncle.

Good vision, lots of air. Can't go too wrong with that.

[MJBlazek]

Heck Kettles (or at least a modernized version) were worn in WWI!

You can get a good starter kettle from Matt or Hjalmr, then when you are ready to upgrade to super sexy... get one form Master Magnus at White Mountain Armoury

[Thjalfi]

I was going to second the Hjalmr one.. but he beat me to it. Definetly go with him. Great quality for a great price. Man is a Demi-god to newbies.