Bourke Flip Eyeshields vs. Faceshield

[chadf652]

Im a new firefighter our department allows both shields i was wondering which shield you guys liked better throughout the years thanks

Chad

[MarcusKspn]

*hides under my desk to await the onslaught of links and "use the search button" replies*

I have only used the face shield. So I am of not much help.

[chuckbrooks]

Bourkes look cooler and get in the way less.
Face shields protect better.

If you get the bourkes, you are probably going to have to invest in a good set of goggles or at least some safety glasses.

My old volly department required faceshields. My experience with them was that they smoked up so easily that after a few good workers they were difficult to see through. So, I saw more than one guy just opt not to use them when they really should have (I was also guilty of that on some occasions). That is not the answer.

Whatever you choose, make sure that you give some thought to protecting those eyes. Bourkes by themselves are not adequate protection.

[Eng34FF]

I personally like bourkes, but carry safety glasses for when I need eye protection. As stated before, the important part is protecting your eyes. The face shield does offer better protection than bourkes, but in my opinion, you still need safety glasses with a shield. I have had small objects get into my eyes even while wearing a shield. To me it give a false sense of security.

[drparasite]

I have bourke's on my helmet because they look cool.

for eye protection, I have a pair of safety glasses that I keep in my gear, and another 3 or 4 that are kept in my locker.

faceshield's don't protect your eyes as much as people would like you to believe. In fact, they are only approved by NFPA as secondary eye protection. plus, face shields get scratched up really easily, making them worthless.

regardless of which you chose, make sure you carry a pair of safety glasses with you.

[CFD Hazards]

Bourkes are not NFPA approved.

I believe the big ugly shields are but there is so much space between the shield and your face I think it is useless.

I have the NFPA approved goggles that came with my helmet swung over to the back of my helmet. Another useless piece of equipment because they are now black from fires and cannot be seen through. Safety glasses carried in your pocket is the safest bet.

[Tillerman17]

Neither one are primary eye protection. Safety glasses are a must with either shield. That being said I prefer the Bourkes, just for the looks.

[quint1officer]

Bourkes are for looks only, you'll need a good pair of safety glasses with either option. Glasses are well worth the couple of bucks to protect your eyes.

[rfd599]

Here is another option:

Order your helmet with ESS Snap On/Snap Off Goggles. Keep the goggles in your pocket in a case and only attach when needed that way they don't get smoked up or scratched when not in use. This also eliminates a little weight on your head.

We are issued no eye protection on our helmets and each FF is issued a pair of safety glasses and a case that must be used during overhaul, extrications, etc......

Just another idea.....

rfd599

https://www.IllinoisFireStore.com

[VinnieB]

Bourkes work just fine. They have been used on my job for many years ....with no major problems. I use mine often, and they on a few occations have prevented an eye injury just like goggles would have.

I

[Chauffeur6]

The faceshields are total garbage. They only get in the way, take up way too much helmet real estate and worst of all, give you a false sense of security. The truth is, they come down so far from your face that it's very easy for debris to fly under it and still get you. Not that the Bourkes really protect any better, being so small, but they definitely look better (which really SHOULDN'T be a factor, but realistically we know it is) and they never get in the way when using other systems like goggles or SCBA masks.

Bottom line, as many have stated: Do NOT rely on EITHER of these two choices to protect you. Get a good set of NFPA approved goggles or use your SCBA mask for protection.

[USAFSSGT]

As far as safety glasses, what do you fellas think of the WileyX line ?

[BFDLT32]

Has anyone read the warning on the side of a shield. It states that is not intended as the primary protection for the eyes. (Or something to that affect) You must still wear goggles for complete protection. So why not have just the goggles. Our department is split about 50 50 for shield vs. goggles. Our state requires one or the other so we had to pick.

[chuckbrooks]

WileyX makes a rather large selection of glasses (not all suited for use as safety glasses). From your screen name, I gather that you are in the Air Force. If you're talking about the glasses/goggles that the military is issuing under the rapid fielding initiative, I didn't really like them. I was in the Army for a while. I still have the WileyX's that we got before the Afghanistan deployment. But, I only use them for eye protection on my motorcycle. They fog up too easily if you aren't moving.

Also, I wouldn't spend that much. Get a good pair of dependable glasses for your bunker gear. But, don't spend too much on making them look good as they will probably be replaced more than once. Remember high school shop classes? Get those.

[JTFIRE80]

Faceshields are a secondary means of eye protection, and from what I have experienced over time, they are more a means of heat protection than anything else. They are a lot less cheaper than a facemask, so it's designed to take the heat and not mess up your mask. However, for tradition's sake (I'm big on tradition), I have an N5A with Bourkes, and ESS goggles on the backside. I also carry regular safety glasses in my pants pocket. And as wrong as I know I am, I often don't wear them when I should.