One thing I refuse to Cheap out on is safety equipment. The old saying goes "if you have $100.00 head put it in a $100.00 helmet". Its that one time you need it that will pay a dividend in the long run .Dale Junior is a perfect example, despite the best equipment he will still be affected for the rest of his life. To many others are depending on you, don't take that risk to save a few dollars. Just my $.02 cents. Personal experience, I was knocked off my bicycle by a soccer mom in an suv. I was wearing my helmet. I was out of work for 18mo. Every year I have to jump through a hoop with the FAA to receive my medical so I can continue to fly.