Bruce:
When you're looking at equipment, remember it's all certified, but some things cost more than others for different reasons.
A lot of people start with G force equipment. It's the lowest price but for a few reasons. The suits can be heavy. The gloves are priced right, but they won't have preformed fingers or anything like that.
Try on Helmets from all the major brands...Bell, G Force, HJC, Arai, and Simpson. Stilo is also out there and people like their product. The reason I'm saying try on as many brands as you can is because the inside shapes of their helmets are different...even amongst the different bell models I noticed differences in fit.
To give you an idea, I used to run a HJC helmet. I think it was called the AR-10? Fit great and worked well. When it was time for a new helmet (the inside foam can wear out, and also mine got a bit funky) I went with a Bell GTX 2 as a replacement. Just fit my head a bit better. Also check to see if it's pre-drilled for a HANS (or whatever device you run), or if you need to put holes in it yourself.
On gloves, I would stay away from leather palms. the reason being you'll sweat, the leather will get wet, and they will eventually crack. Holes in gloves = no good. I started with something pretty basic, then tried on a pair of Alpine stars with pre curved fingers and outside seams.....never looked back.
My first set of shoes were Simpsons. Lasted me a good four seasons. Bought a set of OMP recently because my local guy stocks them, and I like supporting the local guy.
Buy extra socks. My momo socks lasted longer than my gforce socks (one wearing and I put a toe through them....)
Check the GCR on suit requirements.....I didn't do that and I have to wear underwear with my suit for compliance. I would probably wear it anyway, but it gets a bit annoying in the summer.
Buy a balaclava. It helps keep your helmet from getting funky, along with the extra protection. I actually wear a double layer "spider man" mask....sorry but my face is too pretty to burn.
Have fun shopping!
-Vick