"Hotshield"- ever use one?

[CALFFBOU]

I am in the process of ordering a "Hotshield" face
protection device from Southern California. Anyone
ever use one or have any thoughts?

Thanks.

[xenophon13]

I use a whiffs filter which I and everybody on my home dept. just can't say enough good things about. If you look at the info you get from whiffs you will see they out perform the hotshield. That could be just propaganda but I don't think so. Only bad side is that the filter leaves a slightly greasy feel on your face.

[CALFFBOU]

I am pretty set on a Hotshield, but will look into
"Whiffs".

[Bowbreaker]

I have a Hot Shield. It is better than a cotton bandanna for protecting your face from the heat but they are hard to breath through and they trap a lot of heat. If I work very hard while wearing mine I take frequent breaks and drink extra water. We looked at Whiffs when we got these and were told by a contract crew that had them, a cotton bandanna did as good and was easier on your face. The Hot Shield is not perfect but I haven't had a burn on my nose since I got it. It works for filtering smoke, ash, and dirt but I use mine more to protect me from the heat. It takes some getting use to, I was ready to give mine away the first time I wore it but I've gotten use to it. Now it's another tool hanging on my pack,with my gloves, ready when I need it. I hope this helps.

[SPIPER]

Yes I have. Best money I ever spent for wlff gear. There's another thread about this somewhere. Get one, you will not be disappointed!

[smketer]

I have been using a Hot Shield now for about six years and just got the new black one they came out with. Its very nice and I like it better then my old yellow one.

About the whiffs, well did you know that it has styrene foam beads in it and it also has polyester. The way I look at it is that we dont have polyester in our nomex pants so why would we want to put that on our face?

CDF and other departments have said not to use the whiffs mask on wildland fires, because of what its made out of. And the NFPA does not even say anything about them in anything or at any meetings. But the Hot Shield wrote the standard on the mask.

Hope it helps
stay safe,

[CALFFBOU]

Originally posted by smketer
I have been using a Hot Shield now for about six years and just got the new black one they came out with. Its very nice and I like it better then my old yellow one.


That was the kicker. Thanks. I wasnt sure about the new black one,
but after reading those comments, sounds good to me. The way I
see it, my face and lungs are atleast worth the $70 or so bucks/

Thanks again!!!!

[UTFFEMT]

:p Mr. Brettbouk, I first started using these about 6 years ago while working a seasonal job, I now carry one with my full time City job, my department was sooo impressed that I prepared a presentation for the Chiefs and they immediately sold off on them, and are odering the entire Department personnel one as standard issue.

:D