The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Forestry and Logging => Topic started by: horselogger50 on September 09, 2013, 11:33:53 PM

Title: Helmet
Post by: horselogger50 on September 09, 2013, 11:33:53 PM
Looking for recommendations for a helmet with a face shield that doesn't interfere with glasses.
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: Compensation on September 10, 2013, 12:27:31 AM
I think a lot of them are the same, mine is a stihl. I love it! I leave my safety sunglasses on or the orange clear safety glasses with it. There is a lot of air space to keep your head reasonably cool. Don't forget the ear muffs that it comes with, because when your done its nice to hear afterwards. :)
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: NWP on September 10, 2013, 06:48:56 AM
I have the Rockman premium helmet from Bailey's. I wear sunglasses/safety glasses with it. They were on sale the other day for $49.95 regularly $79.95.
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: DaleK on September 10, 2013, 07:08:22 AM
I have the Husqvarna helmet with the ear protectors, no problem with my glasses and it seems to adjust to my oversized cranium better than others I've tried.
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: Parafiddle on September 10, 2013, 05:29:07 PM
I have a Husqvarna helmet with face shield and ear protectors as well and really like it.  The ea protectors seal well to my head but also can be snapped outward in order to hear somebody talking to me without taking the helmet off or moving them out of position.  When I'm done, they snap back against my head.  There is slight positive pressure to keep a good seal but it doesn't cause me any discomfort.  Also came with a plastic neck cover that keeps moisture or pine needles from falling down the back of my neck.  Forgot to mention - I wear prescription glasses and have had no problems with the face shield getting in the way.  Works very well protecting my face from branches and chips.  Definitely recommend it!  :)
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: ford400 on September 10, 2013, 08:19:55 PM
I second the Hasqvarna helment, no issues with my glasses.
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: Holmes on September 10, 2013, 11:24:38 PM
I like the Stihl and Rockman helmets.  The Peltor helmet's shield hits my nose and glasses.
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: John Vander on September 10, 2013, 11:37:59 PM
I'm blind without my glasses. I use Stihl, no problem.
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: cutterboy on September 12, 2013, 08:11:53 PM
I have a Stihl No problem with my big safety glasses. You can get them over at Orange Saw. I got mine there. They are expensive, but they are of good quality like every thing else with the Stihl name on it. I think all the makers of helmets assume the wearer will have eye protection on and take that into consideration.

Good luck on your quest for the perfect helmet.   Cutter
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: Red Clay Hound on September 12, 2013, 09:16:47 PM
I had a Husqvarna until I ran over it with my tractor a couple weeks ago! :'(  I agree with Parafiddle's assessment.  I liked it pretty well.  Now I'm in the market for a new one.  Since I run Stihl saws, I'll probably try a Stihl this time. :)
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: shinnlinger on September 12, 2013, 09:34:58 PM
My Labonville unit fits over my glasses just fine...
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: cutter88 on September 13, 2013, 05:44:07 PM
stihl pro series with fm radio ear muffs  :)
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: John Mc on September 13, 2013, 06:17:42 PM
I use the Husqvarna, and am happy with it. Whatever you get, go for a model with a six-point suspension. The cheaper four-point suspension does not provide As good protection.
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: Ed_K on September 13, 2013, 07:20:09 PM
Make sure that the front forehead strap doesn't have a sponge rubber molded in.I found it very discomforting,and tore it off and that was a bigger mistake.I got to have rita build something to replace it.
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: Andy B. on September 13, 2013, 09:17:01 PM
I also have the Stihl helmet.  I bet it's going on 10 years old now, and still works great.  Fits over any glasses I wear with it.

Andy B.
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: John Mc on September 14, 2013, 09:23:04 AM
Generally, the recommendation is to replace the helmet every 5 years or so.  I believe it's an OSHA requirement if you are using them commercially.  I believe the concern is that the plastice gets brittle with age, and exposure to the sun's UV rays can hasten that. 

I've been known to push mine beyond 5 years, but it's also not getting only occasional use, and is stored out of the sun.
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: thecfarm on September 14, 2013, 10:55:02 AM
John Mc is right. Should be a date on it when to replace it???  I forgot. But I suppose if someone only cuts their wood that is trucked in and not in the woods,it might not matter.
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: Andy B. on September 14, 2013, 07:06:32 PM
I didn't even think about the plastic breaking down over time on these helmets.  I'm just a home owner who cuts some firewood and the occasional fallen tree.  I keep the helmet inside a cabinet in my garage when not in use.  I know you guys can't tell me what to do, but given my situation, would you think I could go longer than 5 years between buying new helmets?  The helmet I have doesn't appear brittle or discolored and even the foam ear pieces and sweatband are in excellent shape.

Andy B.
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: John Mc on September 14, 2013, 07:32:58 PM
I can't tell you whether it's safe to keep using it or not.  I'm in a similar situation, and have gone beyond 5 years.  I've never taken a hit to the helmet, so it's hard to say if it's still good or not.

I did have a Game of Logging instructor who took a 10 year old helmet and flexed it hard.  You could see tiny discolorations (the start of cracks) when he did this.  He did the same with a relatively new helmet, and the cracks/discolorations did not happen.  He logs professionally, and say that when his helmet shows this condition, he replaces it.

There is usually something stamped into the helmet showing the date (I forget if it's date of manufacture or date of expiration).  Something to check when shopping for a new one:  you don't want to buy one that's been on the shelf in the back of some store for 10 years.
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: beenthere on September 14, 2013, 07:36:17 PM
I've got some hard hats that are plastic and prolly 30 years old. Can stand on them and they don't crack.
That doesn't mean they won't let a limb falling on my head give me less protection than if new, but they are better than nothing IMO. I get another new one about every 10 years and keep the old ones for any guests or onlookers that arrive and want to go to the woods with me. They don't go without a hard hat.

I have a couple of aluminum ones which are forbidden now, apparently because of being conductive. But they are nice and light weight.
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: macpower on September 14, 2013, 08:59:33 PM
Quote from: Holmes on September 10, 2013, 11:24:38 PM
I like the Stihl and Rockman helmets.  The Peltor helmet's shield hits my nose and glasses.

Just the opposite... The Peltor, (with the cloth cover over the visor), works best for me.
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: thecfarm on September 14, 2013, 10:34:45 PM
I don't know for sure,but could you remove the earmuffs and faceshield from one hardhat and put it on another one? If it would work helmets are not even $10.
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: horselogger50 on September 16, 2013, 10:02:53 AM
I went to Orange saw and they were very nice and set me up with a good helmet and ear protection. Thank you.
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: wesdor on September 16, 2013, 07:16:00 PM
Thanks for starting the thread.  My helmet is getting old.  I just ordered the Rockman on sale at Bailey's.  Looks like a great bargain
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: John Vander on September 16, 2013, 07:32:21 PM
Quote from: thecfarm on September 14, 2013, 10:55:02 AM
John Mc is right. Should be a date on it when to replace it???  I forgot. But I suppose if someone only cuts their wood that is trucked in and not in the woods,it might not matter.

There's a date stamped on the helmet.
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: slack ma girdle on September 17, 2013, 03:27:37 PM
Plastic Helmets should be replaced every 5 years, or 3 years from purchase, which ever date runs out first (UK rules). You can get hygiene kits for your muffs, which means you only have to replace the squishy bits. Also you can get muffs with different Db rating, i always go for the higher ones, as my hearing is very important to me.
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: Holmes on September 17, 2013, 04:20:20 PM
To all... If you take a hit on your helmet are you going to wish you had replaced your old helmet? $50 could be a small price to pay for your future.
Title: Re: Helmet
Post by: Joe Perkins on March 27, 2021, 11:20:36 AM
Quote from: Parafiddle on September 10, 2013, 05:29:07 PM
I have a Husqvarna helmet with face shield and ear protectors as well and really like it.  The ea protectors seal well to my head but also can be snapped outward in order to hear somebody talking to me without taking the helmet off or moving them out of position.  When I'm done, they snap back against my head.  There is slight positive pressure to keep a good seal but it doesn't cause me any discomfort.  Also came with a plastic neck cover that keeps moisture or pine needles from falling down the back of my neck.  Forgot to mention - I wear prescription glasses and have had no problems with the face shield getting in the way.  Works very well protecting my face from branches and chips.  Definitely recommend it!  :)
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