Visor vs. Goggles

[Hoot]

Looking to change helmets for our department. Presently using Bullard Firedomes (black of course) with ESS Innerzones. The Cairns 1010 looks to be a better deal (had a sample from local MSA rep, and it fits a little better) but the biggest sell point was the "Defender" visor. Neat, clean out of the way when not needed ... this seems like a good deal.

Looking for some feed back, is it as good as it looks? Thanks.

[hwoods]

Well.........

I Dunno....... I've had a 1010 for quite some time now, and I like it. In fact, I like all Four 1010s that I own. BUT, I started using Goggles as a Rookie Volunteer back in 1958, and That's all that I have any interest in. I tried Bourkes when they came on the Market, but they didn't offer the protection that Goggles do. (They did look Cool melted to my New Yorker though... ) There was a Period (Short, Thankfully) where I had to wear a 660 (or was it an 880) Metro with the Flip Down Shield. We had a Chief that recognized that the Troops Morale was going Downhill, so the Metros became an option instead of a Requirement, and I got my First 1010. Life has been good since........

[Acklan]

My twins bought my the 1044 with the defender about 3 years ago for my part time department. I put a set of ESS googles on for saw and hydraulic tool work. I have to go with the Chief on the Bourkes. They are the next thing up from not having anything. Had a set years back and opted to take them off and go with a 6" shield.

[BULL321]

The 1010 or 1044 are a great choice. the 1044 is a little cheaper, if price is problem, but you can't go wrong with the defender in either helmet.

[jbrescue]

Just beware with the defender if you have some guys with over sized melons. The defender makes the interior of the helmet smaller.

[zackman1801]

what i have found when trying my buddies helmet on is that the defender visor is down it sits right on the bridge of my nose. I would not want to take something to the top of the helmet with the visor resting on my nose, its possible that it would break your nose.
Although for you maybe it wont sit that low, or in that position.

[CaptOldTimer]

Hooter - both visors and goggles and hey Vern, the choice of helmets have appeared in this forum before. All have been debated to no end.

Try doing a search on these subjects.

[nmfire]

I'm all for goggles. They're actually useful and protect your eyes unlike shields or worse, bourkes. Of course, on a local forum I said that and was immediately attacked and hanged by a crowd of sparkwackers proclaiming their bourkes were better and looked cooler.

[gunnyv]

Things I like about the Defenders:
-They fit inside out of the way, unlike the others.
-I have had no problem with the shield hurting my nose.
-It stays clean and unscratched.
-It never gets left in the rig like goggles
-Doesn't fall down from the up position when you don't want it down
-Doesn't have to be replaced after every fire due to heat exposure
-Provides better eye protection than a 6" shield-ever seen guys tilt their head back to see better, thereby exposing their eyes to debris?
-Doesn't provide another two sided piece of "clear" plastic to get fogged up in front of my face.

[yjbrody]

what i have found when trying my buddies helmet on is that the defender visor is down it sits right on the bridge of my nose. I would not want to take something to the top of the helmet with the visor resting on my nose, its possible that it would break your nose.
Although for you maybe it wont sit that low, or in that position.

I agree with this. Our new guys had the defenders installed on their lids and after trying it on I just didn't like how it sat on the bridge of my nose and under the eyes. It may be different for you, but that's just my opinion.

Hooter - both visors and goggles and hey Vern, the choice of helmets have appeared in this forum before. All have been debated to no end.

Try doing a search on these subjects.

I also agree with this too...

[jam24u]

Helmets with the exterior shields prevent being able to add a low profile headlamp. I have changed some helmets to wearing ESS goggles and am pleased with the results. Others are keeping the shield. Visors may have been a more practical solution, but some areas of the rural boondocks still prefer the shields.

[FiremanLyman]

Experimented with the Defendor visor. I don't like it because it fogs up to quickly. It is blocked by the cushion of the helmet at the top and is a pretty snug fit to the face.

Goggles are very bulky.

I like to use safety glasses, but the problem is you go through a bunch of them becasue of scratches when you keep them in a pocket.

[FiremanLyman]

I'm all for goggles. They're actually useful and protect your eyes unlike shields or worse, bourkes. Of course, on a local forum I said that and was immediately attacked and hanged by a crowd of sparkwackers proclaiming their bourkes were better and looked cooler.

Well they DO look cooler, especially once they are a little melted. I love them, though they are nothing more than decoration.

[Hoot]

Thanks lots of good insight. I'll have a couple of "Charlie Brown" melons try it on for fit and issues with the nose.

Now what color ... Kidding no way I'd open that debate.
thanks.

[neiowa]

According to Cairns, there is no difference in the inside dimensions of the Defender shell compared to the old style shell.

If the Defender touches your nose the fix is very very difficult. Slide the shield up a 1/4 inch or so.