Just wondering what brand of hard hat everyone is using. I have had a Peltor for a few years and have had problems with ear muffs. Where they snap into the helmet the plastic breaks and the muffs fall off. I have tried epoxy and that last for a short time.
What would be a good replacement?
Davep
I like my husqvarna technical helmet. Had to order it in, not sure if it's available in the states now or not. But very comfortable and I especially like the visor.
I use the stihl brand,the earmuffs have held up so far for me,about 8 months now but the visor is a piece of crap cheap plastic fittings on it. Im only using it on the tractor,using the mill and of course when im running the power saw . I dont like the disposable ear plugs.
I use a Husky combo helmet, they work well. Took a widowmaker once with one, maybe 2" diameter, the suspension collapsed and I still got a concussion but without it I would not be typing this.
I use a skull bucket I told a widow maker that crushed the hat knocked me for a small loop but it saved my butt. I wouldn't consider anything that isn't full brim it keeps the rain and snow off your neck the only thing you east coast guys wouldn't like there's no ear muffs for them.
I've tried most types but last year ordered a Phanner Protos helmut. Forest model. They come in a wide range of configurations. I wear it daily and will never go back to anything else. The comfort,design and options are many. Every aspect is removable, adjustable and replaceable. I got the ear muffs, visor and tinted safety glasses.
Right now I'm building my shop and works great for that also. Just pop the visor off.
They are expensive though. However in the long run worth it for me.
It may also depend on how many hours a day you wear one.
Good luck.
Quote from: celliott on July 09, 2018, 08:09:43 PM
I like my husqvarna technical helmet. Had to order it in, not sure if it's available in the states now or not. But very comfortable and I especially like the visor.
I ordered a Husqvarna Technical Helmet a couple years ago - had to order from England, since no one in the US had them (it was odd - they had been here for less than a year, then dissappeared for a couple of years).
Love the helmet, the most comfortable one I've ever owned. However, when I first put it on, one of the ear muffs detached from the helmet. I put it back on, but it popped off every time I moved the muff off my ear. Brought it to a local dealer, who was able to get me a pair of replacement muffs under warranty. Replaced the offending muff and kept the other as a spare. Wore it half a dozen times, and the other muff started falling off. Replaced that one with the spare and have not had another problem (knock on wood) - but it has not seen a lot of use.
I am hoping the problem has been dealt with with with the replacement muffs. I'm curious if anyone else has had this problem.
It is now available from US vendors - though I've not found any of our Forestry Forum sponsors who carry it.
Petzel vertex vent
Quote from: John Mc on July 10, 2018, 07:39:37 PM
Quote from: celliott on July 09, 2018, 08:09:43 PM
I like my husqvarna technical helmet. Had to order it in, not sure if it's available in the states now or not. But very comfortable and I especially like the visor.
I ordered a Husqvarna Technical Helmet a couple years ago - had to order from England, since no one in the US had them (it was odd - they had been here for less than a year, then dissappeared for a couple of years).
Love the helmet, the most comfortable one I've ever owned. However, when I first put it on, one of the ear muffs detached from the helmet. I put it back on, but it popped off every time I moved the muff off my ear. Brought it to a local dealer, who was able to get me a pair of replacement muffs under warranty. Replaced the offending muff and kept the other as a spare. Wore it half a dozen times, and the other muff started falling off. Replaced that one with the spare and have not had another problem (knock on wood) - but it has not seen a lot of use.
I am hoping the problem has been dealt with with with the replacement muffs. I'm curious if anyone else has had this problem.
It is now available from US vendors - though I've not found any of our Forestry Forum sponsors who carry it.
John, I wrote that post this morning and hadn't had any issues with my helmet. Used it today at work and the dang earmuff kept falling off. Fought it most of the day and finally got it fixed. It's hard to describe but the metal tab that allows the muff to snap out and stay tight comes out of place near the top of the circle bit. It took quite a bit of force to get it back into place. Definitely not obvious. Took me awhile looking at it.
Quote from: celliott on July 10, 2018, 09:19:06 PM
John, I wrote that post this morning and hadn't had any issues with my helmet. Used it today at work and the dang earmuff kept falling off. Fought it most of the day and finally got it fixed. It's hard to describe but the metal tab that allows the muff to snap out and stay tight comes out of place near the top of the circle bit. It took quite a bit of force to get it back into place. Definitely not obvious. Took me awhile looking at it.
DanG! I didn't mean to jinx you.
I saved my old muffs. I'll take a look tomorrow to see if I can spot that.
I also have a petzl climbers helmet with muffs and screen from baileys. The screen has gotten a little mangled up over the years from mistreatment but its been pretty good. Does the job.
How often do you guys with plastic hard hats/helmets replace them?
I do so annually - UV is a killer for sure.
Have any of you tried aluminum or the tin hard hats?
I run a tin hat has saved my but multiple times with dents to prove it a few suspensions but the same hat. The only way to go in my opinion. I just use earplugs with it not as hot in the summer which is a bonus. Also keeps rain and snow out from your collar. I would look into getting one of those they were made in China for a spell but I think there made in America again? Could be wrong about that.
Don't advertise the dents in a aluminum hard hat if you are a commercial enterprise. :o
I knew of a guy that intentionally dented his hat to prove he was tough or something trying to claim that he had been made. After it happens to you for real it's not so funny any longer.
Quote from: Skeans1 on July 11, 2018, 08:31:23 AM
How often do you guys with plastic hard hats/helmets replace them?
The OSHA requirement is every 5 years or if it has taken a significant hit. Most of the loggers I know around here do follow that rule. Most landowners are not even aware the rule exists (not that OSHA rules apply to landowners anyway). I suppose it's not as much of an issue if a typical landowner goes over 5 years: One of the big factors in the longevity of the plastic helmets is UV exposure, and the typical landowner's helmet is not getting anything close to full-time use UV exposure.
Yes. I was alluding to OSHA with regards to dents - it is a violation if caught. But not for homeowner/personal use.
I use the regular Husqvarna forestry helmet. I don't cut much, and got it primarily for the face shield. Haven't run into any deficiences that aren't inherent to the design. Sweat pours off me, largely due to the muffs I think. If I were doing it professionally, I'd probably ditch the muffs and go with ear plugs.
As to replacement... I use hard hats for work, and you can tell when it's time to replace. The plastic will flake and craze after awhile. Time for a new one then. For those, I like the MSA VGard with a vented crown. Vents don't help much, but it beats a blank.
Best thing you can do is keep them out of the sun when not in use. Store them in a bag, and not hanging in a truck window or something like that. I keep my vest and hat in a reusable grocery bag I found somewhere.
Just looked at my stihl branded lid and it is a peltor ,also has a crappy slide adjustor,think ill switch it out to a crank or twist adjustor and harness from my old work hard hat. My stihl is definately the homeowners version with no foam core
Skull Bucket tin hat here. Seven years and it has save me more than a few headaches. The double plating in the crown is worth every cent. I would be interested to see a puncture test with a spear of a widow maker on both and see how they hold up. I am probably wrong, but I do feel a lot better wearing metal than plastic. Just my two cents, others mileage may vary.
-Tom
j Does anyone use a Rockman helmet?
Davep
Has anyone tried the Rockman Helmet?
Davep
I've worn that style hard hat before and honestly I don't see how you guys trust them, I've had a concussion, bit off the tip of my tongue, and got lucky most of the limb hit my shoulder with a skull bucket before I'd bet plastic would of let me be killed.
Quote from: BradMarks on July 11, 2018, 05:39:51 PM
Yes. I was alluding to OSHA with regards to dents - it is a violation if caught. But not for homeowner/personal use.
One of the things a hardhat gets its strength from is the arch shape. Once you have a dent in an aluminum hardhat, you no longer have an arch, and the resistance to further deformation from an impact is greatly reduced. OSHA frowns on dents for good reason. This is an instance where a homeowner would be well advised to follow OSHA's guidance.
Quote from: celliott on July 10, 2018, 09:19:06 PM
Quote from: John Mc on July 10, 2018, 07:39:37 PMI ordered a Husqvarna Technical Helmet a couple years ago - had to order from England, since no one in the US had them (it was odd - they had been here for less than a year, then disappeared for a couple of years).
Love the helmet, the most comfortable one I've ever owned. However, when I first put it on, one of the ear muffs detached from the helmet. I put it back on, but it popped off every time I moved the muff off my ear. Brought it to a local dealer, who was able to get me a pair of replacement muffs under warranty. Replaced the offending muff and kept the other as a spare. Wore it half a dozen times, and the other muff started falling off. Replaced that one with the spare and have not had another problem (knock on wood) - but it has not seen a lot of use.
I am hoping the problem has been dealt with with with the replacement muffs. I'm curious if anyone else has had this problem.
It is now available from US vendors - though I've not found any of our Forestry Forum sponsors who carry it.
John, I wrote that post this morning and hadn't had any issues with my helmet. Used it today at work and the dang earmuff kept falling off. Fought it most of the day and finally got it fixed. It's hard to describe but the metal tab that allows the muff to snap out and stay tight comes out of place near the top of the circle bit. It took quite a bit of force to get it back into place. Definitely not obvious. Took me awhile looking at it.
Well, now that I have completely retired my old helmet and started using my Technical Forest Helmet regularly, the ear muff problem has resurfaced.
Can you describe what was out of place on your ear muff? I can't see anything that looks out on mine. I don't want to pull apart the other muff to compare and risk messing that one up.
On the bright side, I wrote Husqvarna about my problem. Described the original problem which was fixed under warranty. Told them the helmet has been used only 5 or 6 times since then, since I've been getting the last bit of use out of my old helmet. They asked for pictures, which I sent. You could see the helmet was in like-new condition. I was hoping for a replacement ear muff, but they are sending me a whole new helmet. Nice to see a company that stands behind their products - I purchased it over 1.5 years ago.
I bought the husky technical helmet and have only wore it one day but I like it real well so far. comfortable and the ear muffs do a better job then the peltors I said I would never go away from (they don't make "my" style any more). it must be doin its job im still alive and no dumber than I was yesterday!! :) my only complaint is that when you snap the muff down on your ear it slams down. you kinda got hold it and lower it slow if you like your ear drums that is. ;D
I've used a bunch of different helmets over the years and rotate through a few based on what I'm doing.
For trail work, I use a full brim skull bucket. I don't use it for saw work due to the lack of ear muffs.
When running equipment other than a skidder, I use an aluminum front brim with ear muffs.
When running saw/skidder, I use the Husky technical helmet. I like it well enough that I buy them for each of my long term employees. Ear muffs have been fine so far. For shorter term employees, I give them the Rockman helmets. They are fine, but lack the quality and comfort of the Husky technical hats. They are cheaper though.
Depends how much time you spend in it?
However if you're going to spend all day in it, everyday drop the cash and get a Protos Integral from Pfanne and best ear muffs (https://flipboard.com/@bestgoodini/top-20-best-ear-muffs-v47epijby). Its really lightweight, has a good airflow and fits really comfy.
Quote from: DaveP on July 15, 2018, 05:58:09 PM
Has anyone tried the Rockman Helmet?
Davep
The helmet itself is ok, the visors dont last 5mins, the flip tabs are flimsy and break immediately.