Leather or Metro Helmets???

[Ford45]

hey all. Well, I've been trying to decide wether to stay with a metro or buy a leather helmet. I like the way the leathers look and how they sit on your head, I was just wundering what everyone else thinks. Thanks!!

[Neptune 33]

Well, if you like the looks of the leather, but don't want the weight, I recommend the Morning Pride Ben Franklin. I have one, and I'll never give it up. It looks exactly like a leather, (unless you get another color besides black) Of course, if you don't mind the weight, and paying 400.00, go for the leather.

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Neptune 33

[HFDExplorChief]

I have two words for ya "LEATHER FOREVER"

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The opinions and questions presented here are my own, and not those of any organization that I belong to, or work for.

[firecadet613]

I have a Cairns 1010 currently. I love it! It has the look of the leather, but doesn't weight as much. It is a traditional style helmet, which is the only kind of helmet I will wear. I have the faceshield on mine, but if you look at my post titled, goggles/bourke's/faceshield, you'll see that I am going to change it. I highly recommend the 1010. It sits on my head very nicely, although the backend wobbles a little bit. It is considerably less than a leather. You can get it for about $200. If you want to go with a leather, I would check out the Paul Conway Leather, it is the cheapest one out there, and I hear it is pretty good. Leathers range in the $400 price range, while the pleathers(plastic-composite-fiberglass) helmets are in the $200 price range. I would recommend you get a pleather first, to make sure you like the traditional style after you use it a bit, and then get a leather, because that is a lot of money. If you have any more questions, contact me via one of the methods in my signature.

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Take care/Stay safe,

Joe E. Thomson
tttennis@corecomm.net
AOL IM: FireCadet613
ICQ# 30864971

May our thoughts and prayers forever be with the Worcester 6 and all our brothers and sisters who make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

[Adze]

I agree with my fellow New Englander...LEATHER FOREVER!!!!!

[smokeeater51]

Don't even ask a question like that! LEATHER ALL THE WAY! Neptune has a really good point though. The Ben Franklin is lighter, and looks very close to being leather, AND, if you get promoted and have to change colors, you can send it back and they'll put a new "color covering" on it. I used to have a 1010, which is currently the standard issue helmet on our department, but traded up for the Sam Houston. Leather Forever! http://www.firehouse.com/interactive/boards/cool.gif

Take care, stay safe, & stay low.

Lt.

[Capt. Clay]

Hey Ford45, I can understand the decision you are trying to make. My dept. recently purchased new gear and I specified the 1010's as the new helmets over the metro style. Since the new lids have come in, I get nothing but thanks from all the guys. They absolutely love them in comparison! Especially since we are the only dept. in the area that wears traditional stly helmets. On a personal note, though, I just recently purchased a Paul Conway leather for myself and have nothing but compliments for it! The weight isn't too bad compared to the 1010's, but there is something in the old saying, "LEATHER FOREVER!!!" http://www.firehouse.com/interactive/boards/smile.gif

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Be safe, have fun!
Capt. Clay
103

[Captain Gonzo]

My next "brain bucket" will be Leather!!!

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Firefighters: Today's heroes protecting our tomorrows....
Captain Gonzo

[my_dog_goes_ARFF]

Any other views on the Paul Conway leather helmet (good or bad). I know it will be easier on my wallet, but will it be as good for my head as the Cairns.
Nathan

[Nick SBFD 6]

I'll have to stick with the New England contigency, LEATHER, I went through the JR. Ranks with the Bullard Firedome, or as I like to call it the SALAD BOWL DOME. Make sure you get the goggles, I keep mine in my pocket until I need them so the lenses stay clean, and I got the Bourke Shields on there because as i've said before, they just look funny without them. Stay safe and have a fire!

-Nick

[GTFDLt61]

I'll begin this by saying that, along with most of the New England contingent, I wear a leather Cairns and have for 10 years. What I'm wondering, and I know this is a little off thread, but what do you all think about the "rescue" style helmets. I'm thinking about getting a Cairns w/out the tail to use for for extrication purposes. What does everyone think? Anybody have one, use one? Its just that my leather gets heavy, and usually ends up on the roof, where it does my melon noooooo good.

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[Fired0g]

Bought my first leather 25 yrs. ago and have never regretted it. In those days you'd have been totally embarrassed and laughed out of the firehouse if you came in wearing one of those "salad bowl" helmets. I think it cost a whopping $100 or so then. It's on the shelf now, replaced by an newer one that's compliant with all the latest legalese...funny, I don't ever remember hearing of any deaths or injuries attributed to the old style lids but anyway... http://www.firehouse.com/interactive/boards/smile.gif Leather Forever!

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"We don't go to work, we go to war."

[Neptune 33]

if you get promoted and have to change colors, you can send it back and they'll put a new "color covering" on it.

[/B]

How do you have this done?


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Neptune 33

[FFShooty]

There's an option to wearing LEATHER? I didn't know there was anything but leather. Sorry...I wasn't aware.

Leather Forever Bros.



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Firefighters....We're Risk Takers, We're Heartbreakers.

[hazmat961]

Do you really need to ask?! Even though I don't have a leather YET go with a Carins Leather.

Leather Forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.firehouse.com/interactive/boards/biggrin.gif

[Adze]

Just out of curiousity...of all you guys (and maybe gals) who have leathers...how many of you bought them yourself as opposed to your FD buying them?

Both the FD's in my town issue leathers...we just give plastic metros to Juniors and Probies. Actually, when I was a junior we all had leather. Sucks to be the current juniors. http://www.firehouse.com/interactive/boards/smile.gif As far as new regular members go, once they pass Firefighter 1 class, then they get leather as their reward.

[ENGINE18-3]

Cairns 1010 lighter than a leather and cooler looking than a metro.

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The statements above are my own opinions

FF Greg Grudzinski
Oaklyn Fire Dept.
Station 18-3

[EUitts]

Another New England vote for leather...Cairns New Yorker; I paid for mine myself

[GBordas]

The leather helmet will last you a very long time. Most guys I know have had theirs for their entire career. I recommend the Cairns N5A "New Yorker". You can rip the rachet system out of it for a lower riding, better fitting helmet. I would say that the Leather Helmets are safer than the composite helmets because they are of tougher materials and construction. With a composite helmet, such as the Metro, you may need to replace it once the shell is compromised. That is very easy to do if you drop it. The visor alone can do it by rubbing each time you raise and lower it.
You can buy a new leather for about $400.00. It is an investment that will last.



[This message has been edited by GBordas (edited 06-06-2001).]

[Mike DeVuono]

Cairns Leather N5A New Yorker with Bourkes. Nothing else. Don't compromise with the Paul Conway, you'll regret it later. There is a difference, the Conways don't sit as high nor do they look like the Cairns. Go for it...you got an extra $400 laying around I know it!! Get the Cairns.


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Mike DeVuono
Warminster Fire Dept.
Engine Co. 91

"There are few atheists inside a burning building."

[OFDLUIT33]

I haven't saved enough yet but LEATHER

[Rich F]

Check out the Conway Heritage Leather helmets. They are a beter helmet than what Cairns is producing: field replaceable hardware(no need to send your helmet back to have the suspension or liner replaced)Leather lined suspension is standard not an expensive upgrade,Carved brass eagle standard again not an upgrade, dyed leather throught out, not painted so you dont have blistering or chipping problems like you do with Cairns. All options of eye protection are the same price. Prices now running about 320.00 complete.Do yourself a favor and check them out I think you will like the way it fits and feels better than the N5A's
The folks at Conway have done their homework and understand what the firefighter wants.
Stay Safe.

[Da Sharkie]

I have to agree with Rich F. The Conway is the better of the options I have seen. Most guys stick with the Cairns because they have been around forever. The Conway fits better, wears better, is less expensive and as stated before, it doesn't get chipped since it's died the whoel way through no matter whether it is red, yellow, white or black. I still have to say that the leather liner inside fits better than any other helmets I have tried.

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I didn't do it, nobody saw me do it. You can't prove anything.

[Bob Snyder]

I can't comment on the Cairns - Conway issue because I've never used a Conway, but I have a few other comments:

1. If you have to use a rationalization like "it looks like leather, but...", then it isn't worth buying...just buy the leather!!

2. If you're using your leather properly, you'll burn, crush or otherwise bang up those fancy eagles anyway...why spend the extra money?? Same goes for gold-leaf fronts. The exceptions, of course, would be ceremonial helmets used for special occasions, given to retiring chiefs, etc.

3. Changing colors with changes in ranks is never a problem if you just buy a "natural" and keep it "natural"...I've just changed my frontpieces when I've change ranks and I was good to go.

4. Full face shields ruin the whole concept of a leather...only Bourkes are authentic. You can always carry goggles in your pocket if it's an issue for you. Personally, I actually use face shields, Bourkes, etc. so rarely that it makes no difference to me.

5. Leather is a preference...I bought mine myself, and I'd do it again. I'm also equipment officer for my company, and I buy Bullard Firedomes for company issue. We can't afford to be spending 4X as much on helmets to issue to everyone. If people want a leather in my company (like me), then they need to fork over the $400+ to get it. I don't see anything wrong with that. (I issued myself a Bullard like everybody else...no favorites...it sits in the trunk of my car with my spare turnout gear and rarely sees the light of day).


So, you can probably figure out my "optimal" helmet: Cairns N5A New Yorker (ratchet taken out), natural leather (no paint), Bourke shields, basic (name/rank/company number) leather frontpiece in the appropriate color(s) for the company/rank. Just exactly like the one on my shelf on the gear rack in my station.

[nshake67]

Real Men wear leather.

[FORT ff]

I have a Cairns N5A New Yorker on its way to me. I am getting the black painted helmet. I have worn others to get a feel for them and i like them a lot. A lot of you guys are talking about taking out the ratchet systems in them, what does that do and how do you do it??
Thanks
DAN

[jaybird210]

Ford- Got leather as soon as I could afford it. New Cairns N5A is about a pound or a pound and a half lighter than about five years ago. I had a Bullard salesman come to the station recently and try to sell me one of their plastic traditional styles before he knew I already had leather; we weighed 'em up and they were dern near the same!! Newer suspensions are much more comfortable. As for the Conway-Cairns debate, I have never had a Conway-- had heard bad things, but there are obviously some that are very happy with them.
Yes, the Cairns will blister under high heat, but it is not a big deal to slap a new coat of paint on. After seeing salad-bowl domes under high heat and my leather under high heat, I would NEVER go without the leather.
As for ripping out the ratchet, that's a new one on me. I need it one size for extrication, etc., and a little bigger for the SCBA mask. I wouldn't want that investment flopping around. Stay on my melon!

[DED1645]

I wasn't aware of a REAL helmet being made of anything else but leather.

Leather is forever.

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David DeCant
Firefighter/NREMT-B
New Jersey, USA
Career or volunteer we are all brothers. Just feel good for the good you do for others.

[ME93]

Come on now brother--look's like leather!!

Once you buy your leather you will regret ever saying that. I have a New Yorker with bourkes. I would never go back to the junk 1010's, 1000's, etc...

LEATHER FOREVER!!

[PASCOM826]

I don't use tupperware in my kitchen, I'm not wearing it on my head in a fire! We had switched to metro helmets in the early 80's, and mid-decade we went right back to leather. Now, most of our guys have been upgraded to the newest composite traditional style. They are lighter, but I'll keep my leather thank you. Besides, how well does a salad bowl keep debris from going down your collar(I know it's supposed to be up, but sometimes stuff gets in there anyway!). Sadly enough, you don't see leather much south of the mason dixon line, and not much west of Chicago.

Stay safe brothers and sisters...
and for the New Englanders...Leathah Forevah!

[Ford45]

Thanx for all the help, everyone!! Much appritiated, and, by the way, I'll be buying a Cairns N5A at the Harrisburg expo in spring:-) LEATHER FOREVER!!!!!

[Ford45]

[This message has been edited by Ford45 (edited 11-12-2000).]

[engco27]

I personally prefer the N6A- NFPA compliant. It gives you some added protection and with a set of goggles you can remove the shield and remain NFPA. Try looking for DANCHECK from Kingston/Wilkes Barra, pa. for a great price.

Leather For Ever!!

[TFDminnow]

Like the others say "Leather Forever", I personaly use a Huston made by Cairns & Brother, it has an impact cap made of the same material (kevlar reinforced fiberglass)as your metro, plus it has the leather surrounding it. Any one that wants to argue about a helmet that will give you better protection that that, come wit it....

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Will Caruso
Firefighter/Paramedic
Taylor FD
Taylor, MI
Local 1252

[firehat87]

I sleep with my New Yorker! Not really, but I love that thing. I keep a Metro for use on hazmat or rescue or wildland scenes, but I have the leather for structure fires. Go for the Bourkes too, it's not right with goggles or a shield. I do use my Metro with the goggles when I need eye protection however. I don't trust the Bourkes that much.

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In Omnia Paratus

[Jon Drew]

My department wants to switch to leathers, but were having a problem with getting the cheif to ok it. has anyone else had this problem and if so what did you do about it. Please e-mail me at f3scuba3@aol.com
thanks
Jon

[SSD]

I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU GUYS AND YOUR LEATHERS... I DON'T GET IT . I WORK FOR RURAL METRO AND FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS ALL WE'VE USED IS THE METRO I THINK THE METRO IS DEFINITELY THE WAY TO GO!! IT'S LIGHT, IMPACT RESISTANT AND I LIKE THE BRIGHT YELLOW COLOR! HEY, LOOK AT IT LIKE THIS... IF IT'S GOOD ENOUGH FOR PHILLY , IT'S GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME!
IT LOOKS LIKE TO ME THAT THE WHOLE LEATHER THING IS A COMMUNIST PLOT STARTED BY THE IAFF!!!

[jj1967]

They make helmets out of things other than leather?

Seriously, for 17 years I have worn an N5A. I wouldn't trade if for the world. I am a volunteer captain on a combo department. I was issued a 660 metro. I put it on the truck. Thats where it stays. When I get off the truck my N5A is on my head.

[Adze]

SSD: You like BRIGHT YELLOW METRO HELMETS?!?!?

Ok...let's start a vote...who thinks SSD isn't really a firefighter and is just joking around with us?

Ok, it is one thing to like Metro Helmets (which is unacceptable) but another to like YELLOW ones!!!

*Everyone* knows that black leather is the only way to go.

[E_man9RFD]

I prefer leather helmets. I like the traditional look. If you can foot the bill, get one. Its your money, (and your melon) get what you want.

AAD
Eng. Co. 9

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[Adze]

Not my money...in my FD, leathers are SI...

On the subject of SI, my FD started issueing extrication gloves! (for the one extrication we get a year)

[SSD]

SCREW LEATHER... LEATHER DOESN'T PUT OUT FIRES... FIREFIGHTERS PUT OUT FIRES.

[Capt. Clay]

SSD, Well you got it half right, it is true, firefighter's put out fire. But you forgot to mention the fact that they do it while wearing their LEATHER!!!! http://www.firehouse.com/forums/biggrin.gif

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Be safe, have fun!
Captain Clay Rheinlander
South Hays Fire & Rescue
LEATHER FOREVER!!

[SSD]

THE YELLOW METRO HELMET WAS THE OFFICIAL HELMET OF THE RIOTS IN THE 70'S! I'M PROUD TO HAVE MY YELLOW METRO HELMET AND I TELL EVERYONE AT MY JOB AT RURAL METRO, AND I'LL WEAR THAT BABY TO THE END! BESIDES THAT I CAN'T SEE THE POINT IN PAYING $500.00 FOR A STINKIN' HELMET. I THINK THE STINKIN' IAFF HAS STOCK IN LEATHERS, IT MUST BE A COMMUNIST PLOT TO GET RICH ON POOR FIREFIGHTERS. http://www.firehouse.com/forums/cool.gif

[Ford45]

Hey now!! Easy SSD, take a chill pill.
1) Leather helmets ARE NOT a communist plot by the IAFF. Get that thought clear.
2) Whatever comments you got, you brought upon youself. I posted this topic to see what others OPINIONS were, not to have people like you come on criticize everyone on the opinions they have. There's no room for that in my posts.
3) Okay, so you like metros. A lot of people do, I think. But thats your opinion, you're entitled to it, and you're entitled to post it, but not in that fashion. Others like Leather, thats their opinion and their entitled to it as well.
4) I intend to get a leather. My choice. However, I will keep my metro for situations that don't warrent using it, like brush fires, rescues, ect.
5) You WILL NOT make many friends around here if you continue to say things like "screw leather" and some other comments you made in you're replies, so take it easy. And I'd appritiate it if you would not do that on my topic. I'd really be upset if WEBTEAM closed this thread. Thank you. Peace out.

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Matt
Newtown Fire Association
Station 45

[Ford45]

[This message has been edited by Ford45 (edited 11-23-2000).]

[FF/Diver]

AS MUCH AS I LOVE TEXAS, MOST DEPARTMENTS DON'T BELIEVE IN THEM SOOO SAD. LEATHER FOR EVER. ISN'T THIS JOB ALL ABOUT LOOKING GOOD

FOR ALL YOU NON LEATHER BELIEVERS I WAS JOKING ABOUT THE LOOKING GOOD SO PLEASE DON'T START WHINING ABOUT HOW I SHOULD CARE ABOUT SAVING LIVES AND NOT WORRY ABOUT LOOKING GOOD, MAN YOU CAN'T EVEN AY A JOKE ANYMORE

[SSD]

SORRY FORD 45, I MUST HAVE GOT CARRIED AWAY THERE... I JUST FEEL SENSITIVE ABOUT MY YELLOW METRO HELMET... I TAKE ALOT OF CRAP ABOUT IT.
FORD 45, YOU SOUND LIKE A DORK.. GIMME YOUR LUNCH MONEY!!

[Ford45]

Yeah, appology accepted SSD. But, ah, dork?? Thats just mean. Hey, I'll bet ya that my lunch cost more than you're metro!! ooooo, did I say that out loud?? http://www.firehouse.com/forums/rolleyes.gif

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Matt
Newtown Fire Association
Station 45

[ENGINE 52]

I love my LEATHER. I had for 14 years. Wouldn't wear anything else.

[Nick SBFD 6]

Well, you can tell who in this room has never worn leather!!! Maybey it's just a North east thing, after all isn't that where American firefighting began. To the rest of you, good luck with the salad bowls, I've been there too, and regret every day of it.

Oh yeah, and my salad bowl sure as he!! wasn't YELLOW!!!

[windham3]

It is traditional thinking like leather helmets that have American firefighters playing catchup to the rest of the world. If departments (and individuals) would use what worked the best instead of what was traditionally accepted, the injury and fatality list might be shorter in this country. When an improvement comes along, it is stupid not to utilize it. These guys with the leather helmets and long coats with no bunker pants are the same ones that walk into fires without SCBA. They are very heroic as they get carried to the ambulance.

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Bradford County PA.
Department 19

[Ford45]

Yeah, but put it this way. No other fire department in the world fights fires as aggressivly as american fire companies, so yeah, there's gonna be a few more fatalities. But I don't think that leather helmets have anything to do with them, considering they are all OSHA approved and at least one of them is NFPA approved. And as for guys running in with no bunker pants, no scba? Well thats not what we are talking about here. Just because someone has a leather doesn't mean that they are doing that. And your right, there is a lot of traditional thinking going on in the fire service, thats what makes us different from all the rest. Try to remember that as you go in to a building next time, because we are VERY different from everyone else. http://www.firehouse.com/forums/rolleyes.gif

[FF/Diver]

Windham
I have to agree with you to a point. The fire service sometimes get locked into this tradition thing and firefighters have died, because of it. But I don't ever remember hearing a story about a firefighter death because he was wearing a leather. They only time I'm told a leather can be dangerous is during a hazmat call because the leather could absorb some of the chemical, but you know what so will your turn out gear. That's why they invented class a suits, so yes LEATHER FOR EVER, intill someone can show me were a fighter has died because of it. This is one tradition I'm sticking with.

[FPOfficer308]

Leather Forever!

P.S. The Ben Franklin or Paul Conway IS NOT the same. Lighter? Yes. Cheaper? Yes. The same? No.

[This message has been edited by FPOfficer308 (edited 11-24-2000).]

[windham3]

I didn't mean to imply that anyone has died because of a leather helmet. I have never heard of it anyway. Reading some of the responses to the question I detected the same old "tradition before reason" attitude I have seen too often. Guess I got a little fired up and got off the subject.

I figure the final word as far as a helmet would be whichever is most comfortable for you. The more comfortable you can be, the better job you'll do.

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Bradford County PA.
Department 19

[RDWFIRE]

I have been a west coast firefighter my entire career. While I DO like the looks of the "traditional" leather helmet, my personal favorite is the Phenix "First Due 1500". The weight and comfort can't be beat. I won't get into the leather vs metro arguement. Just stating my preference. They ALL protect your melon! http://www.firehouse.com/forums/smile.gif

Be safe. The dragon lurks!!!

[GTFDLt61]

Windham and all, the reason I choose to wear leather is, that I know that it will NEVER melt down around my ears when the room that my state of the art gear has allowed me to get so far into 'cause its soooo damn hot. One of the reasons I bought my leather was due in part to an article in a trade magazine by a California (of all places) fire chief. He'd had one of his men get caught in a flashover situation and had his 660 melt down around his ears and neck. He was advocating going back to leathers for the safety of them. The pictures that were included with that article as well as the fact that I was wearing the very same 660 at the time made up my mind and I haven't looked back since (although I must admit I just bought a 'rescue' style brimless Cairns to wear for MVA's)

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[SBrooks]

Hey, the DC Metro area wears leathers and we're south of the Mason-Dixon Line. None of the department issue them anymore, though they do remain popular. DC & PG & I believe Montgomery Co., MD allow them to be worn, and many guys do. I'm pretty sure that Phoenix wannabe Fairfax, VA does not allow leather helmets. Standard color is yellow for FFs and white for officers. Some companies use black or even silver. While you might not like yellow helmets, they look mighty nice after a few fires.


A question for the group: What kind of helmet shield/frontice/front piece do you wear?

Around here the three most popular ones are the paul conway fdny passport one (I have an older one -- the quality seems to have slipped in recent years), the boston style shield, and locally handmade ones (I have one of these now, and doubt I'll buy anything else).


One more thing: in the district of columbia, colors associated with the companies (on helmet shields, etc) are: Engines, red; Trucks, green; Rescue Squads, Blue;

I know many places use black for engines, red for trucks, and blue for squads.



[This message has been edited by SBrooks (edited 11-25-2000).]

[GRAPPER]

Leather is the only way to go "Leather Forever".

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D/O Hays Grapperhaus
Local 254

[RF Duval]

I'll stick with the thick-headed Yankee contingent - cowhide for this guy. I have worn a leather for most of my 20 years in the fire service. When I didn't have a Carins N5A, I was wearing a knock-off plastic lookalike.

The department issues metro style helmets. You must purchase your own leather.

Besides the leather keeps you head warmer in the cold weather and cooler in the warm weather. Or it just seems that way....

We have nickname for the metros - wheelchocks (All in good fun - SSD)

FF/Diver from TX - You mean with all the cattle in Texas, everyone doesn't wear leather?!

Kidding aside, it doesn't matter what you wear on your head as long as you do your job well and with pride.

I plan on retiring with my now slightly off-white N5A that I purchased when I was promoted several years back.

Be and Stay Safe.

[FRED]

In short...LEATHER! No substitution!

It won't:
-Melt
-Break
-Crack
-expire like plastic
-get soft in high heat enviroments

It will:
-maintain its strength
-maintain its durability
-keep your head safe
-outlast your career

Overall I feel it is personal preference:
If you feel that you want a plastic helmet..more power to you.
If I had a choice I would still be wearing leather.

Just two cents from a fireman.

[MB1213635]

Leather Forever.

The County issues 660C Metros but a lot of the brothers go out and buy leathers. I've seen a good number of Metros that have bubbled or melted in fires that did nothing more than cause the paint to blister on a leather.

[CFDENG23]

Feel lucky you have the option. We are forced to bear the embarrassment of wearing the metro. I would be wearing leather tomorrow if I could

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Views stated do not reflect that of my department or local.

[CFDENG23]

Consider yourself lucky you have the option. We are forced to endure the embarrassment of wearing metros. I would have leather on tommorow if i could.

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Views stated do not reflect that of my department or local.

[lumpy649]

Let's see... Hmmm.... yeah, the last time I checked, plastic still melts. It's fine if you like wearing pudding when things go sour, so I'll just say...


LEATHER FOREVER!!!

And ANYTHING but a Cairns N5A is just a toy... give 'em to your kids for playtime. http://www.firehouse.com/forums/wink.gif

[lumpy649]

Let's see... Hmmm.... yeah, the last time I checked, plastic still melts. It's fine if you like wearing pudding when things go sour, so I'll just say...


LEATHER FOREVER!!!

And ANYTHING but a Cairns N5A is just a toy... give 'em to your kids for playtime. http://www.firehouse.com/forums/wink.gif

[lumpy649]

Let's see... Hmmm.... yeah, the last time I checked, plastic still melts. It's fine if you like wearing pudding when things go sour, so I'll just say...


LEATHER FOREVER!!!

And ANYTHING but a Cairns N5A is just a toy... give 'em to your kids for playtime. http://www.firehouse.com/forums/wink.gif

[lumpy649]

Let's see... Hmmm.... yeah, the last time I checked, plastic still melts. It's fine if you like wearing pudding when things go sour, so I'll just say...


LEATHER FOREVER!!!

And ANYTHING but a Cairns N5A is just a toy... give 'em to your kids for playtime. http://www.firehouse.com/forums/wink.gif

[lumpy649]

Last time I checked, plastic still melts under heat. Here's another faithful "LEATHER FOREVER" wearer. As long as the choice is up to me, I will refuse to wear something that may become as useful as a lump of Play-Dough on my head when things go downhill...

[lumpy649]

Last time I checked, plastic melts... so that just leaves one option: LEATHER FOREVER!

[lumpy649]

Last time I checked, plastic still melts when it gets hot... LEATHER FOREVER! Those "salad bowls" are great- for kindrergarten play-time.

[RADFIRE]

I bought a N5a New Yorker 6 years ago for $325. Liked it so much I got another for when I got hired as a paid guy. Have both and use both. They are the best. The weight takes a little getting used to, but it's worth it.

[RADFIRE]

I bought a N5a New Yorker 6 years ago for $325. Liked it so much I got another for when I got hired as a paid guy. Have both and use both. They are the best. The weight takes a little getting used to, but it's worth it.

[esemans55]

I'VE HAD MY LEATHER FOR 7 YR'S NOW,NO PROBLEMS AT ALL IT HAS MADE MY NECK ALOT STRONGER NOW,N5A FOREVER.

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[lumpy649]

I wear a leather rather than a plastic helmet for one reason- durability. Real men wear leather? Great saying... for a T-shirt. I've known some complete idiots that wear leather, so that staement is obviously not a completely true one. I guess it all comes down to finances... are you willing to spend a little to wear a more durable product? I am, and will not change, as long as the choice is still mine... I will stay "LEATHER FOREVER!"

[lumpy649]

I wear a leather rather than a plastic helmet for one reason- durability. Real men wear leather? Great saying... for a T-shirt. I've known some complete idiots that wear leather, so that staement is obviously not a completely true one. I guess it all comes down to finances... are you willing to spend a little to wear a more durable product? I am, and will not change, as long as the choice is still mine... I will stay "LEATHER FOREVER!"

[Medic328]

I've had leather for over 20 years!!!!!!
LEATHER FOREVER..... Plastic is for storing food not fighting fire!!!!!!!

[Medic328]

I've worn a leather for almost 20 years and only have one thing to say..... LEATHER FOREVER!!!!! Plastic is for storing food NOT fighting fire

[LdrTwr1514]

I grew up in a firehouse and around firemen.And the now infamous quote "Leather Forever" was instilled in me. The guys who bought the leathers always said that. Since then I have joined a different fire company and we are issued leather helmets. OUr Fire Explorers are issued the Cairns 1010. I was an explorer at one time and i do like the 1010. Dont get me wrong its not a bad helmet, but I like my leather.

This Post is of my own opinion

F/F Dan Devitt
Westmont Fire Co #1
Station 15-1

[BUGGY5632]

My new department issues the 1010, I HATE the damn thing. I have been lobbying the Board of Fire Commissioners that leather is the way to go. I have 2 of them. 1 is still at my old firehouse downstate in case they need a hand and I have another one that is ready to be put into service when the Commissioners will allow them. I will never wear one of those salad bowls again, I handed mine back in and got my 5 cent deposit back. (If this is a joke grenade for some, soda cans and plastic bottles are redeemed for 5 cents in NY). Both of my converted n6a's have Bourke shields, ratchets ripped out of them, and have a nice "Bronx Bend" in the back. The Cairns helmet is by far the best in my book, the other knock-offs don't even look the same. <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

[Medic162]

Hey Guys hold on... Remember when you were a child and the bright red fire truck ran by... what were the guys wearing? LEATHER! (If you grew up in or near a "large" city.) Now think back again... When you asked Santa for a firefighter helmet for Christmas, what did you get? PLASTIC! There is a reason children still get these from Santa - even today. They make great toys for the little ones. Own a New Yorker, Paid for the New Yorker, Love the New Yorker... <img src="tongue.gif" border="0">

[afd7951]

Leather Leather Leather, I own a Paul Conway Leather, It fits better than my trusty ball cap and has a hell-of-a-look to it.

[engine117]

I love my Cairns New Yorker. The extra money is well worth it

[brother hoot]

you can't buy anything better than a leather,people say there to heavy but what's for protection,keep the tradition alive check out the fools international website,remember stay low and let it blow-FTM-PTB-EGH better a sister in a whorehouse than a brother in a metro

[eng10drvr]

LEATHER FOREVER !!!!!!

[PFD147]

I have a Conway leather, it is NFPA and is a very good helmet. I could have bought the Cairns but I did not like how the paint came off and I did not like how it felt on my head. That being said I do not like the rubber edging or the fact that the Conway can't be shaped,it is an excellent helmet though. My personal feeling is that Leather is best, it won't melt and it is more substantial. I had an incident a few weeks ago and I feel that if I didn't have a leather on I would have been hurt. Do yourself a favor and try both of the helmets Cairns and Conway see how they fit and which you are most comfortable with and go from there.

[shammrock54]

LEATHER FOREVER!!

I happen to be a fan of the cairns N5A

[FHandz17]

The "Bronx Bend", I assume that is the bend in the rear brim of the helmet that prevents it from smacking your tank while crawling? <br /> <br />How do you get this bend without cracking the leather or any other damage.

Seriosly, I want to know, just curious.

[NMFD33]

if it looks like leather that dosnt make it leather. those PLASTIC helmets dont hold up the same. when i was a junior my PLASTIC helmet's liner kept coming out, i just didnt trust that thing. i know that my leather can be run over by my truck and still work. my helmet is a cairn's leather, just got refurbished last year and looks pretty. if have leather boots too but i cant. (im on the hazmat teams, need the rubbers.) all but one person on my company has a leather. and that one person who has a PLASTIC helmet has a shirt that says "LEATHER FOREVER".

[ 01-21-2002: Message edited by: NMFD33 ]</p>

[shevais]

standard issue (at this time) is the metro style. After seeing what some of them did in high heat situations i started looking at the leather style. our chief (at the time) said he wasn't allowing any "yankee" helmet to be worn on his FD. well after 3 of us went and bought Paul Conway Leathers he finally gave up and let us wear them as long as it was only on our volunteer time. (funny thing was he was wearing a 1010). well i will NEVER EVER EVER go back to a metro style for structural firefighting, i did 2 burns on 2 back to back days, one with metro and one with my conway... i had steam burns from water running off the back of the metro and down my neck. the next burn i was wearing my conway, water ran straight towards my SCBA and away from my neck. that day i vowed to wear my leather 24/7. Now that we have a new chief it will be my goal to if not make leather std issue at least to make that style SI. Basically right now i have my black conway with 4" shield. but with a pending promotion i'm gonna be looking at the Sam Houstons with Borques or another conway with borques. I still do keep my metro on hand for extrication/rescue calls as we run quite a bit of those and that helmet is alot better suited for those kind of calls. I plan on persuing the brimless rescue/extrication helmets to be placed on our rescue truck, with goggles pre-installed.

but as for structural firefighting.. leather will forever be on my head