PPE Helmets?

[davej]

How popular are helmets with faceshields? Can the faceshield be removed when you don't need it? Thanks.

 

[Grace Tree]

I like mine better than glasses or goggles. I switched after a couple operations on my nose for skin cancer. I wanted more protection until everything healed. The upside was that I used the shield more than I used the goggles (Bug Eyes) and that when the shield up I had some additional sun protection. I'm not sure how much but it probably screens 30-40% of the light. I thought it would be in the way in the trees but I've found that it's not the case for me. I've been swatted in face a few time and glad to have had the full shield. The only down side that I've found is that if I wear it when working on the ground I get motion sickness. It must be that my eyes are trying to resolve the difference between focusing on the screen and focusing on the outside environment. That could also be a product of my age and younger people may not have that problem. The ones that I use on my Vertex are removable but not pop on pop off.
Phil

 

[RedlineIt]

How popular are helmets with faceshields? Can the faceshield be removed when you don't need it? Thanks.

First, I assume you're talking about the mesh screens, not a full plastic faceshield. I wouldn't be without mine. They come with some assembly required, and it's all snap together, friction fit plastic mounts, if you take it apart more than once or twice, it doesn't stay together anymore.

But the mesh visor is spring-loaded and flips up out of your face with a flick of your finger and back down when you want it, so there is no need to remove it once it's installed.

Hope this helps.


RedlineIt

 

[appalachianarbo]

I used the Husky full face helmet with muffs for years, but not for climbing. Too bulky. And in my opinion, the Stihl full face helmet isn't up to snuff.

 

[Signoflife]

I use the Husky helmet with the mesh screen as well and overall I love it, I find it has really good adjustment for what seems like a broad range of head sizes and fits my melon perfect. The flip screen works well and so do the flip up and swivel muff arms. I punched out the vent holes in the top to let out the "hot" air from my head, not sure how much it helps but it can't hurt.

Couple things to be wary or aware of:
1. Don't sit your saw down and then sit the helmet on top of the chain brake handle, a little slip of the helmet and that hot muffler will melt some part of the helmet real quick. In my case the foam / vinyl muff part. Cost about 20 bucks for a pack of two replacements called a refresher kit.:censored: Now I am much smarter than before!
2. Those muffs seal off the sound real good, almost too good sometimes it's a little hard to hear what the saw is doing / reving like if you like to pay attention to that. They work so well that they can make it a little hard to hear what is going on around you as well so you need to keep your eyes open if you are working around others, which is probably a good thing anyways!

 

[groundsmgr]

I use the peltor with mesh screen.

 

[fsfcks]

Most (all?) mesh screens can be flipped up and/or completely removed from the helmet. There are metal and plastic screens. And they should be used in addition to high impact (Z81.1+) safety glasses or goggles, not instead of. They help keep most projectiles away from your face, but you need to wear glasses too.

I have a Bullard Vector helmet with Elvex metal screen and attached muffs. The screen easily flips up and and could be removed altogether. I wear clear Z87.1+ glasses as well. The screen is great when working in Osage Orange and Honey Locust - it helps keep the branches/thorns away from my face.

 

[Bermie]

If you are climbing you need a helmet with a chin strap, the Petzl or Pacific helmets are great, they come with a set of earmuffs and a face shield. The muffs/face shield can be popped off as one unit if you don't need them, as I sometimes do when pruning fruit trees with a silky and secateurs. Clip them back on for the chainsaw work...no problem!
Just on the ground? then the Peltor husky type helmet is fine.

 

[Bigus Termitius]

I just started using them myself.

I've been running with just a hard hat and ear muffs, but recently bought the husky and cheaper stihl system. I like them both, but the stihl is easier to adjust for stocking hats and what not.

Nevertheless, the screen comes in very handy when needed. I've often had too many chips or sticks find there way around safety glasses. The screen makes a difference with the chips and eliminates the sticks and branch tips from finding my eyes.

 

[TimberMcPherson]

The husky lids are awesome for the $, they work great and are light and comfortable.
I wear a petzl vertex with peltor worktunes and facescreen. Its a great combo and keeps the brain moving.

 

[Scots Climber]

I have a Petzl Ecrin Roc with mesh visor and Peltor ear defenders.

 

[Stihl Alive]

I use a regular hard hat and safety glasses. I'm saving up for a helmet because the hard hat rim keeps catching on the tree and I always end up throwing it off. I do have some mesh goggles on the way. How do you guys rate those things?

(yes, I'm a rookie, and a hack. I'm learning mostly by experiance)

 

[NapalmDeath]

I have this one from Stihl, and I'm pleased with it so far.

 

[Stihl Alive]

I have this one from Stihl, and I'm pleased with it so far.

I have thta exact one. I use it on the ground but I can't climb with it, too much stuff clinging to it and knocking it around.

You don't have that problem with that piece of PPE up in a tree?

 

[Bermie]

I have thta exact one. I use it on the ground but I can't climb with it, too much stuff clinging to it and knocking it around.

You don't have that problem with that piece of PPE up in a tree?

The big visor on that helmet is useless in a tree, you need the low profile one, and a helmet with no brim (some may disagree) and a chin strap!

 

[NapalmDeath]

I have thta exact one. I use it on the ground but I can't climb with it, too much stuff clinging to it and knocking it around.

You don't have that problem with that piece of PPE up in a tree?

I haven't been up in a tree since I was little. Seriously though, I'm just a homeowner who heats with wood and cuts for fun. I limb all of my trees on the ground. I only tangle with the easy to fell stuff.

 

[davej]

Ok, problems:

I want something I can wear over eyeglasses, so mesh bugeyes are ruled out.

Also none of these inexpensive PPE "hardhats" are considered to be "helmets" i.e. suitable for climbing. At a minimum a chinstrap is needed.

 

[Signoflife]

Ok, problems:

I want something I can wear over eyeglasses, so mesh bugeyes are ruled out.

Also none of these inexpensive PPE "hardhats" are considered to be "helmets" i.e. suitable for climbing. At a minimum a chinstrap is needed.

I wear the Husky lid over my eyeglasses and find protection is very good while doing the groundwork.

 

[JONSEREDFAN6069]

i am looking to get a helmet, leaning towards the husky, i've been cutting with muff's and thats bout it. do the muff's keep the helmet on your head
i wore just a hard hat and it alway's fall's off and i end up kickin it outa the way.

 

[Signoflife]

i am looking to get a helmet, leaning towards the husky, i've been cutting with muff's and thats bout it. do the muff's keep the helmet on your head
i wore just a hard hat and it alway's fall's off and i end up kickin it outa the way.

No way that helmet is coming off your head unless you are in a twister, which you shouldn't be working in anyways. I find even with the muffs up the helmet holds tight and has never fallen off my lid. With the muffs on, limbing, crawling around through the brush it stays put.

I even wear it on the way to the bush rippin along on the quad, keeps my ears warm and head partially protected.