I joined this website a few month ago and decided to leave it for good now. I learned a lot in the short period of time and got to know some great people. As I became interested in these helmets I didn't realize the magnitude of ripoffs and fakes that are out there. I also didn't realize that buying these helmets without being ripped off would turn into a full time occupation.
I want to enjoy my helmets and this site has turned me into a somewhat bitter man when it comes to my private collection. I can't enjoy looking at them anymore, but rather hear the voices of some members, that never seem to have anything positive to say, echoing in my ears. Be humble, compare, don't collect officer helmet's are they are mostly fakes, compare, the chin scales don't look right, this helmet shouldn't have chin scales, compare. To what exactly? More pictures of fake helmets for sale on the internet? To books that show you a front a possibly a side picture of the helmet that is more or less useless?
I don't want to immerse myself into every little detail of these helmets, but rather collect a few and enjoy looking at them. That doesn't seem to be possible, hence I'd rather keep my money than buying pieced together helmets, helmets with fake parts or feeling like an idiot for doing so.
Thanks to those who have helped over the last few months and all the best to the rest of you!