New hardhats

I started with the basic construction helmet, so when I upgraded, I really wanted something with a bit of a brim. The Pacific helmet was about all that had one so thats what I bought. I've since moved on to the Petzl Vertex Best (no brim) and I like it better.

The Best is lighter, and I can feel the difference at the end of the day. You have to use some care when storing the Pacific, it can bend and crack if squeezed from the sides. The composite Petzl helmets seem to stand up a bit better when stored in a bag and loaded on the truck. I don't like the 'waffle' contour of the suspension on the Best, I can feel it when I take the helmet off. I don't miss the brim on the Pacific as much as I thought I would. After about a year of use, replace the suspension on the Pacific, (probably any other brand too for that matter) the plastic will break in the back near the size adjustment. I've seen it happen on several. The shell should still be in good shape if cared for properly. Replacement parts are available from both Fresco and Sherrill, though you may have to get on the phone and talk to someone at Sherrill, I've had a little trouble getting parts through the Vermeer dealer.

Another draw back to the Petzl helmets... The guys I work with now think it looks like the kind of helmet worn by those afflicted by various diseases affecting motor skills and the nervous system. My boss, a particularly outspoken sort will often question the wisdom of a particular action by inquiring, "What are ya... A F***ing RETARD?" My response, "Well I got the hat for it don't I!"

All in all. They're both good helmets. Much like a saddle, a lot of it boils down to personal preference.

Louie Hampton
 
I have tried the Petzl Vertax, but since gone back to the Petzl Ecrin Roc, a lighter helmet better helmet I think.

Cant understand why petzl made the Vertex in Black - cant see the guys on the ground if they are in the understory and wearing dark green t-shirts.

Cant seem to get spare parts for Ecrin at all.

Just end up buying a new one if it starts looking bad.

Its strange your boss calling you a 'retard' for wearing a Petzl with chin strap in all.

When i first stared wearing the Ecrin Roc my comrades who where all wearing Husqvarna groundie helmets started calling me 'Rocketman'

so Rocketman is my name at work!

They all wear ecrins or vertexs now........ funny that.
 
Louie, nice post.

Do you miss the brim?? Is no brim a problem re the sun or can you still block some sun even with brimless?

With either of the helmets (pacific or petzal) can you get the straps out of the way of the muffs? 10% more noise getting in is 9.99% more than I want to let in.

My basic logger hard hat works perfectly in performance and comfort and,less so, in spare parts. Hoping to find something as good which also offers the fall protection aspects.
 
Those kevlar lids are tanks. If you never actually "use" them for their intended purpose (which is the ideal situation) they are detrimental in comparison to the lighter-weight models.

Not having a brim greatly increases peripheral vision which in my opinion is worth more than a bit of sun-shading.
 
I like the Ecrin as well. Best feel to me. However, the Vertex helmets are now getting an upgrade from Petzl. They are changing the suspension system a bit that will allow for a better adjustment (dial), softer fit around the base, and allow it to store better to protect the system. I will be trying this one when it is available.

The brims are nice for many reasons. The sun, dust, rain, and if you do get hit from abaove, they deflect a bit. You can get a soft visor for these, but the deflection doesn't really exist with these.
 
Here is another vote for new zealand pacific- "the most comfortable helmut I've ever worn". I have the brimmed model- need the sun protection here in the Southwest as well as it helps to deflect some small stuff. I also like the fact that the chin strap would keep it on in the event say that I fell from the top of ze buckette head ache rack.In addition - I too always wear bandana- I found these ones that are made for use underneath a bicycle helmet that work real nice.
 
I hear you can paint the kevlar helmets no prob...some paints react bad with plastic, so I'm told you should paint the petzls...but I see sherrill sells them with some cool paint jobs, so maybe if you use the RIGHT paint, it's okay.

love
nick
 
just got a petzl elios (I don't know how different it is from the ecrin??) but it feels light and feels like a great helmet, although have only used it once so we'll see.....

jp
grin.gif
 
Mark
When are the revamped petzl comming out
I would like one but I don't want to wate to long I have some Xmass cash left but I have a wife too.
 
I have used pacific helmets for about 3 years now and like them very much. The weight of it has never been an issue to me. The suspension has broken a couple of times but other than that I have no complaints. Kevlar around my head just seems safer than plastic to me.

The company I work for has recently told me that the modle of pacific helmet I am using does not meet saftey standards due to the air vents. This makes it not E rated. They have ordered a Petzl Ecrin. It sounds like these are very good also. I hope that I like it.
 
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