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tradition VS: tupperware
Hello Gents, been a FFN member for a short time, love it so far. Been reading your post in this group, and bought my first leather lid based your experiences with them. Have had the traditional 1010 and 1044's over the years, melted a few training recruits and thought they were good helmets. Until, the N6A, now that's a fire helmet, what a great fit and feel. The balance is excellent,doesn't move around on head at all. It fits similar to a fitted baseball cap without the pressure points of the 1010 or the 1044. Guys here at my house are looking into getting new ones for themselves as well. Thank you all for your input and insight, already removed the ratchet, fits better without it. Thanks to smoke n pipes i found your info to be very helpful and informative. Looking forward to hearing from the members here in this group and all your grand leather adventures.
Fraternally,
Rick Westerman
Fraternally,
Rick Westerman
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Loosecannon on
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Well done ! You have hit on one of the most important aspects of the Cairns Leather helmet. It is traditional, yes. It is the mark of an AMERICAN firefighter (no offense to the Brothers from the rest of the world). BUT it FITS on your head WITHOUT wiggling and moving around !! I am a bit OCD, so I modify my gear so that I am satisfied with it.
I have had other helmets thru the last 25 years and I'm sure they "protect" me fairly well, but they all suffer from the fact they they are NOT fitted, just like you stated. Would you wear a pair of boots or gloves or coat that is two sizes too big??? It is the same effect with the composite helmets. I have seen more FFs spend more effort on straightening and adjusting their helmets instead of doin' the job !
The newer leathers delivered "as is" are nearly as bad, what with all the "improvements" the NFPA has foisted upon us. Take all that crap off, trim the earflaps and they fit like they should!!! On your head with earflaps tucked. On your head with SCBA and hood on...with earflaps down. Beautiful....
What's better, a helmet the meets the "Standards" or one that stays on your head, sits low and does the job comfortably ? Don't get me started on chin straps. Yeah, it might keep a poorly fitting, higher center of gravity helmet ON your head, but that doesn't make it perform better for you.
I still lament the fact that the rear brims are getting shorter and shorter. Dammit, I like to look like a FIREMAN when I'm fighting fires !! -
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Permalink Reply by Rick Westerman on
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Who would have thought that this trademark piece of equipment could renew that "first day on the job" sense of pride. It has for me, not for any other reason than the handmade quality, built for one historical job, fighting fires.
Thanks for your reply Brother.
Fraternally, Rick Westerman -
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Permalink Reply by SMOKEnPipesJim on
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There's something about wearing a dead animal on your head, unlike wearing a salad bowl thatcauses this, especially when someone pulls the alarm at the local PETA convention.. :P
Rick I though you were going to wait until invested in Cairns....lol Glad you found some good info in my ramblings
Now you gotta posta picture or two in the other threads -
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yeah, I just bought this laptop for use at work. I dont have the photo shop loaded yet, I'll get it done and post a few shots. I love your PETA reference (people.eating.tasty.animals), and as in this post, wearing them as well. The cow is a very versatile animal, and if things go well here several more animal hats will be worn at this firehouse. Thanks again Gents.
Be safe, Be aggressive, Do great things,
people expect us too!
Fraternally,
Rick Westerman -
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