Need a helmet and jacket, opinions wanted

Hey everyone, I'm new to riding and need to get a Helmet and Jacket. I already have 2 old helmets:a Vega Altura I think the first one is and the second looks like a Vcan. Are either of these any good? Also, I've heard a lot about Shoei helmets, are they really worth the price, or are you paying for a name?

Second, I need a riding jacket as well, a friend of mine has and likes his black Nitro by Vega mesh jacket. Is that one any good, I found it on ebay for about $100 which seems like a reasonable price for my budget. Also, the links below are pictures of the Vega helmet and jacket I'm referring to. Thanks in advance,
Rob

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29787500@N03/2798870334/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29787500@N03/2798022047/in/photostream/

I don't know anything about Vega or Altura helmets at all. I have 2 Shoei's and I like them both. I retired one and got a newer version of it. I know people that have given Arai a lot of praise as well. Also Scorpion is real popular in the sportbike scene because of all the crazy graphics they have. I have a Shoei and I would never get anything else (if I can keep finding good deals), but they are a little on the pricey side. I lucked out and was able to get a RF-1000 for $200 shipped after saving 20%. That's the reason why I bought it, instead of a Scorpion Exo700. I would say Scorpion, Arai, or Shoei you really can't go wrong.

I like HJC. Shoei and the like are good helmets but once you pay over $300 for a helmet you're usually paying for graphics and a name.

I don't know anything about Vega jackets, but the brands I have had success with are Power Trip, Teknic and Olympia. For some awesome deals, check out www.newenough.com.

I just picked up a Teknics jacket and gloves from newenough. Great price and delivery time was awesome.

As for the helmet, I'd suggest trying a couple of different ones. They all fit differently. Shoei has always worked for me.

Good Luck.

As far as the helmet, safety is my #1 concern, followed by price. If I have to spend over $300 to get a high quality helmet I don't mind it. When it comes to safety, spending extra is justified. I'll go to the local store and try on what they have of the brands you've mentioned and see how they feel. But is the general consensus that once they're over $300 you are paying for graphics and name?

Most of the time that is true. You can get a Shoei TRZ-Solid or Scorpion Exo 700 solid and a couple of graphic ones for under $300. Most of the time though when it's over $300 the helmets are gonna have some wicked graphics. Just look at the Arai helmets that are between $400-600. You can get the Scorpion Exo-700 with some pretty cool graphics for around $250. I wanted a solid helmet, because if I change bikes a solid black helmet will match any bike. My Shoei RF-800 is really close to the same color of my bike though.

From what I've read (and I've done a LOT of reading), once you hit the $100 mark you are paying more for quality materials (not safer, just comfier) and paint jobs. I've read some tests where a $79 helmet has the same, if not more, protection than a high dollar Shoei helmet. The most important thing is that the helmet is DOT certified (SNELL is optional, but please do some research before jumping on the SNELL bandwagon) and fits your head.

Not that I doubt you but can I get someone (or a few people) to second that. I also believe that safety wise, as long as they meet the DOT or snell that they are all the same. But I want a good number of people to back that up before I risk anything having to do with my safety.

Also, what do you all think of GMax helmets, saw them at a store today, like the look and feel. They have a ton of vents and the back has an led light. Looks are good, but all I really care about is the safety. Here is the link, click on the 68S:
http://www.gmaxhelmet.com/

My daughter has a GMax 17s (3/4 with shield) she loves it, I thin it is a pretty good looking helmet myself and I may be buying one for myself for winter riding (can't choose between full face and 2/3 with a shield) and they are not real expensive either, they have removable cushions (at least my daughters does) and she says it is very comfortable and that the vents work very well (while riding I had her close them, then open back up a few min. later, she said she could really tell a difference)