Triathlon - looking for reasonable priced aero helmet for training. Any recomendations?

I have a new P2C bike coming later this week and now I am looking at upgrading my helmet to a more aero helmet while training. I am looking for recomendations.

Thanks!

There's really no such thing as a "training" aero helmet. You've basically got three options:

1. Regular, vented helmet (any regular helmet will be pretty much just as (un)aero as the next one)
2. Aero helmet that does not cover the ears (Louis Garneau Crono, for example)
3. Full coverage aero helmet with full-length tail (Louis Garneau Rocket, for example)

Your best bet for training, IMO, is to use a normal vented helmet, and then switch to a full coverage aero helmet for races. Consider wearing the aero helmet on a few training rides, to tune the fit of the helmet, and get used to the extra weight of the helmet.

As far as specific recommendations for aero helmets goes, your options in the US for CPSC certified full coverage aero helmets are pretty much limited to the following three helmets:

1. Giro Advantage 2
2. LG Rocket
3. Spiuk Kronos

The Spiuk is the lightest and has the longest tail, but is the most expensive and only comes in one size. The Giro has lots of venting, but has a larger frontal area and a slightly shorter tail. The LG Rocket is usually the cheapest, but is the heaviest and doesn't have a lot of venting. If you can, find a shop that stocks all of these helmets, try them all on and pick whichever one "blends" into your back the best.

Just buy an aero helmet to race in, then use your regular helmet for training.

And don't forget Rudy Project Syton helmets.

Dude, you will look like the hugest tool if you're training in an aero helmet. There's no reason wear one outside of a race. An aero helmet in training will make you look like you don't know what you're doing.

dont not wear a helmet because someone thinks you might look like a tool. There are reasons to wear one outside of a race.
1. its freezing and you dont want too much air flow.
2. you're getting ready to race and want to make sure it fits and feels good
3. you like the fit and feel of it over other helmets.

The specialized aero helmets look to have a nice wide vent at front if you still want some flow. Other than that, I'd try a bunch on and see which fits best.

if its comfortable and safe, wear it.
there are a LOT of things that make you look like a tool to some people.

I am not worried about looking like a tool. It is not like I am single or really care that much what people think. I was more curious if I would notice any speed difference. I purchased a LG aero helmet but have not tried it yet.

Giro Advantage II consistently gets high ratings. I like mine, though the ear flaps take some getting use to and you have to be careful pulling it on. If you do warm weather races mostly, the Rudy might work out best. People I know who have it like the more "free" feeling of no ear flaps and better cooling.

First, let me add that I have the Giro Advantage II and love it. You can get one for around $125 these days. Yes, I agree the ear flaps take a bit getting used to, but after a little T1 practice I can don it almost as quickly as my road helmet. If you are sold on using a dedicated training aero helmet, I would suggest something like this...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160270660903

The LG Prologue was available on Nashbar up to a few months ago for under $70 new (new for '06 I think). Now I see them on ebay around $30.

I like the Rudy Project Syton. You can get it without ear flaps or spend a little extra money and get removable ear flaps. That's a huge advantage over the other helmets.