Leatherheads

[dfwfirefighter]

I wore a Sam Houston until my department required us to wear our issued helmets. This was a worker's comp deal. We wear 1000's now.

[AbduNur]

Leatherheads!

I too am a proud honor of a Sam Houston. I wear it at my career department but at my part time, I am forced to wear a Ben Franklin II. It's really a pretty good lid, but it's not my leather.

[Calphenix]

Check out this TL-2 Phenix is donating to National Fallen Firefighters Stop Drop and Rock and Roll Auction March 24 During FDIC

http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/...FFDonation.jpg

[thomasldixon33]

My cairns Sammy! LOVE IT..

[GTRider245]

I am looking at buying a new n5a from the thefirestore but they told me they only sell them the the rachet system. Does any body know any different?

That's the only way they are made now.

That is what they sell, because the NFPA says they have to have that stuff inside.

The New Yorker isn't an NFPA compliant helmet...

[CaptOldTimer]

I am looking at buying a new n5a from the thefirestore but they told me they only sell them the the rachet system. Does any body know any different?

That is what they sell, because the NFPA says they have to have that stuff inside.

[cestes]

New Leather

I am looking at buying a new n5a from the thefirestore but they told me they only sell them the the rachet system. Does any body know any different?

[LT.Chouinard]

My other N6A

[IronValor]

Those are some awesome looking lids guys

[LT.Chouinard]

i have 2 sams and 2 new yorkers... love them all. my everyday is

[BLACKSHEEP3]

Looking to save up for one someday soon. Not sure what style yet.

[IronValor]

Heh Heh Id like to use a stripper on mine every night HOOOAH!

[FyredUp]

It has to be that damn stripper. I wonder if soaking the helmet with vinegar would neutralize the strippers acidic behavior.. I mean SOAKING that beeyotch..

That is one reason why I wouldn't hesitate to try a Phenix or Conway leather.. The color is IN the leather..

I didn't use the stripper on the first N6A...

[FyredUp]

Everyone here that is an instructor knows that the heat you are exposed to while teaching and/or throwing pallets will probaby be more than if you were fighting fire. Basing your service life of the helmet off of live fire instructing isn't exactly fair.

Okay, I'll agree to the fact that the heat is more intense. Please explain though how my leather helmets couldn't take the heat but the "plastic" traditionals I have replaced my leathers with have suffered no damage at all. It seems ludicrous to me that the leather helmet can't take the heat but a plastic helmet that costs hundreds less can.

Maybe the leather helmet should have a warning sticker on it that says "Caution exposure to heat and flames may cause your helmet to fall to pieces."

Hey, I haven't told anyone not to buy a leather helmet. In fact like I said if I could buy an original style N5A without the impact cap and either of my FDs would let me use it I would have one. But as for a new N6A, or an N5A, no thank you. Enjoy yours, and I sincerely mean that.

[GTRider245]

I never said it wore out. I said it was a piece of junk and it was and that it fell apart.

The back brim cracked, broke, and fell apart so badly that all that was left in some areas was the wire rim frame. I kept my helmet clean, I kept it painted, I didn't leave it sitting for hours or days in my car in the hot sun. It just couldn't take repeated fire exposure when i used it as an instructor. AND I don't want to hear how that is abusive to a leather fire helmet. Look what is a fire helmet for? It is designed yo protect you from heat and debris falling on you. Well, it couldn't handle the job and is now hung on my shop wall. On the other hand the "plastic" traditional Chieftan helmet shows no signs of damage and has served me very well. So for me the answer is clear.

Everyone here that is an instructor knows that the heat you are exposed to while teaching and/or throwing pallets will probaby be more than if you were fighting fire. Basing your service life of the helmet off of live fire instructing isn't exactly fair.