Bicycle Mechanics - headsets: campy record vs dura-ace

i'm trying to pick between a campy record headset or a shimano dura-ace. any thoughts?

its for street, not track and will be getting the sh1t beat out of it and it will get rained on.

on the ball vs. cartridge im inclined to go with cartridge (dura-ace) but on campy vs shimano i would go campy. so im stuck.

Campy Record or Shimano Dura-Ace headsets go for around $100. For that price, why not get something that will really weather the elements such as the Race Face Thermo SP?

... or a Chris King?

Record

Either one is a fine (and in fact, very very good) threaded headset, and should be pretty well-sealed (enough for road use) and very durable. The King would probably be more durable, though.

... or a Chris King?

Can you get a CK headset for around the same price as a D-A or Record? I thought they were more like in the $150 range.

Can you get a CK headset for around the same price as a D-A or Record? I thought they were more like in the $150 range.
From what I hear, it's very much worth it.

From what I hear, it's very much worth it.

Well, that it is. I know. I got one on my RB. But I also have the Race Face Thermo SP on my MTB and that headset's been through some amazing stuff like being submerged in a mudpit midway through a ride and then riding around with the headset caked in mud. Note that this happens during about 30% of my rides. Gotta love winter trail riding in the PNW. ;)

Or, just get an older threaded XT headset off eBay - I scored one in good condition for $9, including shipping, a couple of months ago. Cartridge bearings, good seals. Is there really reason to go with extremely expensive headset on a bike that's gonna get the **** beat out of it?

If you get a King you'll be able to buy a threadless conversion kit and put it on a new bike when the time comes to retire your current one....

Or, just get an older threaded XT headset off eBay - I scored one in good condition for $9, including shipping, a couple of months ago. Cartridge bearings, good seals. Is there really reason to go with extremely expensive headset on a bike that's gonna get the **** beat out of it?

I just paid $25 for a new one. It's a very nice looking headset and it's mtb, so it's meant to take a beating. You should be able to get at least four of them for the price of one Dura ace or Record.

Okay. I wasn't sure if you needed threaded or threadless. I probably assumed incorrectly when I recommended threadless. If you're looking at older threaded NOS stuff then you might want to consider a SunTour XC-Pro headset. These things were great. They're equal to if not better than the Shimano XT and they have the WTB Grease Guard system that lets you regrease the headset without having to disassemble it.

Can you get a CK headset for around the same price as a D-A or Record? I thought they were more like in the $150 range.

CK is in the 120-130 range, which is close enough. I recently go a hata swan, and gosh it is a beauty. But there is littel protection form element, so it would not work for the OP. but gosh it is a beauty. I would go Campy or CK