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I'm considering my options when it comes to helmets, and I'm curious about the choice of material. If given the choice of ABS or fiberglass, would one be preferred over the other?

I have both. My first bucket was/is fibreglass. Then I got an ABS one. I prefer the ABS because it is much lighter and not as hot in summer. The fibreglass is a lot more durable though, so it comes down to personal preference.

I was thinking about the weight issue, but I hadn't thought about the durability part. Could you elaborate a bit regarding the durability as to what can be done / should not be done with either bucket? Is it just extreme stuff as dropping them or similar that is a problem or is it a difference in standard trooping as well?

With durability, I am only referring to the bucket being dropped or kicked etc. The ABS, however is more flexible.

Mine is HIPS. Very light, pretty sturdy. No issues with it.

Forgotten about the HIPS buckets. They are also very good. Lighter than ABS, but probably just as strong.

The biggest difference will be in extreme heat conditions... plastic buckets (HIPS, ABS, Rubies, Don Post, etc...) will all warp to a degree. The Fiberglass ones will not warp or become as brittle in temperature extremes.

Thankfully I can say my HIPS bucket withstands Australian heat in summer with no warping. The visor popping out of the don post however is a huge issue (as is the general warping of the helmet).

Original movie helmets for ROTJ were plastic (not sure what kind) but that shouldn't really matter. I've got a fiberglass one and I love it. I don't find the weight to be an issue in the slightest. Then again I've never worn an ABS or HIPS so my thoughts could change if something like that happened.