Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ed Jackson on October 18, 2008 at 5:28pm

First of all an 880 is not leather. leather Cairns are new yorker or sam houston. Eye protection is a personal preference. If you want nfpa compliant go with a houston with goggles or face shield.osha compliance get whatever eye protection you want. Unless you go with used expect to pay 400 to 500.

Permalink Reply by John Rulli Jr. on February 5, 2009 at 9:15am

Carns N5A is my personal fav. It is the yooung brother of the traditional leather. I think its the best fiting helmet on the market. Go with the flip down shield and not the goggles. The goggles get smoked after a couple of fires and are useless.
GOODLUCK in finding a helmet and keep us posted!
STAY LOW THINK SMART!!

Permalink Reply by Rick Westerman on February 24, 2009 at 8:03pm

good evening Brother, I recently purchased a Cairns N6A Houston, we have always worn the traditional style helmet in my Dept. 1010's and 1044's. I went with the N6A because our helmets must meet NFPA requirements, that means it must have impact protection,thermal protection and a penetration barrier. N5A's do not have a penetration barrier thus making them only OSHA compliant. However, the fit and comfort of a leather helmet for me has been nothing short of amazing. For the last 11 years I just thought these plastic helmets where as good as it gets, and constantly adjusting them was just part of the program. That couldn't be farther from the truth, Our heritage and tradition in the fire service has proven once again that the wheel need not be reinvented. They got right the first time with good old fashioned hand stitched leather. Never again will plastic sit on my head.... good luck with leather bound dreams of style comfort and funcionallity.


Leather for ever.
Rick Westerman

Permalink Reply by Josh Bartlett on March 5, 2009 at 2:58pm

I have to agree with everyone so far. I have worn a Houston for the last 4 years and absolutely love it. I chose it over the New Yorker only because our department is going the way of NFPA. I have the bourkes for minor protection and keep a pair of innerzone 2 attached to the helmet with the nomex sock on them. they are the quick deployment style that attach on the sides and can be moved from the back of the helmet to the front by snapping them off. it just keeps the helmet completely NFPA God forbid something happens. I'd say try a few on and see what you feel comfortable in.

Josh Bartlett
First State F.O.O.L.S.
Sec/Tres
FTM PTB EGH

Permalink Reply by Clayton Aldridge on March 5, 2009 at 8:11pm

thanks for all the advice guys

Permalink Reply by Bob on March 19, 2009 at 5:30pm

I PERSONNALLY ENJOY WEARING THE N5A, ALL LEATHER, FAIR PRICE AND COMES WITH THE BORGES IN THE PRICE. I DON'T KNOW IF YOU ALREADY GOT YOURS BUT GOOD LUCK ANYWAYS, EVER THINK OF F.O.O.L.S?.