Getting a football helmet signed: authentic or replica?
 

I'm going to a (ridiculously overpriced) signing for one of my favorite football players and I want to get a full sized helmet signed. Don't have one and I want one as a display piece to stick on a table and gaze at while remembering the glory days.

Seeing as I don't collect football helmets except for the very occasional mini, I have no clue what to buy or where. There's apparently two different kinds of full size Riddell helmets floating around: replica and authentic. It looks like the price difference between the two is about $100, which could probably be better spent on a vintage card or something all things being equal.

Is there any significant difference in terms of how the replica helmet will display vs. the full sized helmet? Does the autograph on the authentic helmet hold up better, like a ROMLB vs. a lesser quality ball? If the replica looks just as good and won't fade, obviously I'd like to save the money. I'm not all that concerned about resale value.

Thanks everyone.

I have had experiences with both. They are the same size and look the same on the outside to me. The main difference I noticed is that all of the guts on the inside of the authentic helmet are missing from the replica. I also believe the shell is thinner on the replica.

CJ

should hold up the same either way as far as the signature staying on and staying dark.

I own an authentic revolution speed helmet, an authentic proline helmet and a replica throwback TK Suspension helmet.

The authentic helmets are heavier and have all of the concussion padding inside. They are the real on the field helmets the pros wear.

If you're paying a lot for the signature, then I would suggest you go all in and get an authentic helmet. You'll be happy that you did when it's all said and done.

I suggest buying the helmet style that the player wore during his player days. I don't know what autograph you're getting but if the player played pre-50s then I might look for a real leather helmet. If he played from the 50s-70s I personally would get the replica suspension helmet. If he played from the 80s-00s I would get an authentic proline helmet. If he's playing now, then an authentic revolution or revolution speed helmet would be good.