Printable View
I note some Californian depts (LA City FD, LA County FD and CDF amongst them) wear the Phenix 1500 California spec helmet, a tupperware item that has no neck flap or eye protection as standard. I guess this helmet is used due it's light weight and the fact that it is permissable under Cal-OSH. Does anybody know more about these helmets from a wearing and protection point of view? All comments welcome, but lets not have another leather vs tupperware thread!!! :D
I have been using these helmets for years and
they have been around since the 70s. They DO
HAVE neck, ear and eye protection. Most people
will not give them back once they have them.
(except Oakland, CA) To me, these helmets have
a more progressive design that have been copied
by a couple other helmet makers.
They are light, balanced and last a long time.
They are ideal for the 24 hour to a week fire
storms we get out here. Some people will tell
you they were made for dual purpose (structural
and wildland) But that is not true. I asked
the helmet inventor, Ronny Coleman.
(former state fire marshal)
I best thing I like about them is that they can
almost work as a pass system. You can add the
magnet panels and you last name on the back.
During an incident with multiple companies
running around, it makes it easier to tell who
is who.
You can get more information at their site-
www.phenixfirehelmets.com There is a list there
that shows who wears them and the helmets in
action.
Here is an example picture below-
Thanks for the information CALFFBOU, it's always good to get objective information from users. With reference to the lack of neck/ear and face protection, I was refering to the 1500-CA model, which Phenix states comes without a facesheild or earlaps, and is Cal-OSH compliant only. I note other models the 1500-2000F and 1500-2000G come with the earlaps and facesheild/goggles respectively and are NFPA compliant. I was asking in particular about these helmets as Phenix state that they are used by Australian departments, and was thinking that a Phenix might be useful as a helmet to see both structural and wildfire duty. :D
Some Phenix helmets in action. Check out the
front leather shield.
I have been wearing the Phenix helmet for about 6 years now and I can say that I would not give it up without a fight:)
During two days of high-rise live fire training we were required to wear helmets anywhere in the training zone which ment even while on our break at cars, we had to continue to wear our helmets. No problem for me, however that night at dinner, EVERYONE not wearing a Phenix helmet complained of neck and shoulder stress from wearing their helmets for as much a 8 hours straight. Those who wore it did not have any complaints. That stems from both the light weight and how it fits on the head.
Although not traditionaly looking, it is the best helmet I have ever worn.
They also have now come out with a light weight NFPA compliant leather helmet that also fits on the head better than most I have tried.
Hope it helps.
And if you ever need to be shot out of a cannon, you're all set! ;) :D :D
Nice meeting ya in San Diego Kirk.
Dave
first off I wear a leather lid..helmets are preference..I just can't see the level of protection of the 1500 as aposed to a metro for instance..The 1500 even though it's NFPA compliant is basically just a shell..that's it..where is the thermal protection aspect??Just my 2 cents...
first off I wear a leather lid..helmets are preference..I just can't see the level of protection of the 1500 as aposed to a metro for instance..The 1500 even though it's NFPA compliant is basically just a shell..that's it..where is the thermal protection aspect??Just my 2 cents...
-Augdog
FTM-PTB-RFB-KTF...
I forgot to add earlier. The company or vender willQuote:
Originally posted by pumper41
With reference to the lack of neck/ear and face
protection, I was refering to the 1500-CA model,
which Phenix states comes without a facesheild or
earlaps, and is Cal-OSH compliant only. I note
other models the 1500-2000F and 1500-2000G come
with the earlaps and facesheild/goggles
respectively and are NFPA compliant. :D
add anything to your helmet. There shouldnt be a
problem getting the goggles, earflaps, etc.
Oh and augdog11, to my knowledge, they are more
than a shell. I heard a story from the manufactor
that a female recruit fell from the tower and
landed on her head while wearing the helmet and
survived with minimal injury. They are good helmets,
try them first before knocking them.
Brett, I can do that with my 660C Metro at the paid job and add a leather front. I also have all that with my traditional in the volunteer department. I don't see that it would be a selling point with me. I have two of the Phenix helmets, both came as demo's and didn't cost me a dime. I wore them around for a while, and I certainly WILL NOT give up my traditional for it.Quote:
Originally posted by CALFFBOU
I best thing I like about them is that they can
almost work as a pass system. You can add the
magnet panels and you last name on the back.
During an incident with multiple companies
running around, it makes it easier to tell who
is who.
Loveingly,
*Mark