In my 40 years of riding, racing, owning teams, collecting memorabilia, etc., I have never had my own custom painted helmet. So in May I went overboard and lined up five helmet painters to knock me out a helmet. I have no artistic ability whatsoever, so I only told them to use the Merge logo and colors somewhere on the helmet. Otherwise do whatever they think looks best, just make it awesome. None of the painters knew about the other four. They each thought they were doing a custom helmet for me. My hope was they would go in five different directions and I would end up with five unique looks. Mission accomplished.
Hellion
Axcel
Airtrix
Tagger
The Image One
Things learned in the process:
1. The artists ask for direction, don't give them any. They are more talented than you could ever be. Let them do their thing.
2. Prices are reasonable. I paid between $500 to $1200. Well worth it for the creativity, detail and quality of work.
3. Custom helmet painters do not believe in the concept of time. They will tell you 5 to 6 weeks. Not happening. Jim at Merge says it is because of the paint fumes. You will get your helmet at some point, but no one knows when that will be.
Looks great with the flat finish.
