Expired Gear?

[daysleeper47]

Question: I am wrangling to get some new turnout gear as what I have it pretty much crap compared to what the newer members of the department are getting. It looks bad, the reflective striping is pretty much black, and it lacks a lot of what the new G-XTREME has (I have no thigh pockets, no radio pocket and no place to clip a light). However, the department is only replacing gear which is falling apart or no longer meets the proper standards. In that area, I think my gear is okay, but I don't know for sure.

Is there a timeframe for gear before it should be removed from service? Any comments are appreciated.

[BCmdepas3280]

The average life span of turnout gear is around 5-8 years. If you are a busy company the replacement time is closer to 5 years. I have 21 years on "Da job" and have replaced my gear 4 times.

[ullrichk]

If your gear has blackened reflective striping, minor tears, holes, etc, see about having it sent to a professional cleaning/repair service. They can add pockets, etc, as required. The cost for professional cleaning, inspection, and repair is much cheaper than new gear. As a bonus, if your gear is unserviceable, they will tag it as condemned/unrepairable and you have an objective opinion from a third party stating that you need new gear.