Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sparky3317 on June 4, 2011 at 10:44am

I have done this in the leathers I own. You have to be very careful if you take it out because the clear plastic pieces that come through the ratchet are very fragile and can break easily (and if you ever want to put the ratchet back in or have to if you change departments trying to put back in the ratchet probably is not the easiest of tasks). If you do it you have to do one at a time and I find using a flat head screw driver and pliers works best for me atleast. You may find a different way that works better for you.

Place the flat head screw driver on the plastic piece flat then with the pliers slowly pull up on the ratchet until it pops off the first piece the do the rest on the same.

I recommend it but it first comes down to department policy and if they will allow it and next it comes down to how it fits and personal preference. I always tell people I work with or talk to that make sure there is a reason your pulling it out, not just because someone else has it done. If you have a reason thats a good thing. Mine is because when you have your pack on and are trying to look up (atleast with me because my ratchet is usually always fully extended) it is difficult to look up.

Also size maybe an issue. Like for instance with me a large is to big but a medium is just alittle snug so I removed the ratchet for that little extra head room and also the plastic ring inside the helmet that does absolutely nothing for the helmet. (I think its just there so they can charge more lol). But remember all carins leather helmets are made by hand so every medium wont fit the same and every large wont fit the same.

So again after my long ramble it coems down to department policy and personal preference.

Permalink Reply by Devan Mills on June 4, 2011 at 3:54pm

i am part of a volly department and were not a fully compliant NFPA department. also my helmet, i had to repair the front of the bill by the bourkes and i didnt sand the leather repair epoxy all the way down and you can still see some of the outline. do you think this will be a problem and i should sand it flush with the leather? or would it be fine to leave it as is and just paint over it?

Permalink Reply by Sparky3317 on June 4, 2011 at 4:40pm

Id sand it so it is smooth atleast but I do not forseen any issues with it. My brother and I have fixed plenty of leathers and have not heard of any issues yet. Just make sure to use a high heat paint like you do on a grill. Holds up alot better than just regular spray paint. And dont worry there are not many full NFPA compliant departments out there. But some do have specific policies anyways.

Permalink Reply by Devan Mills on June 4, 2011 at 4:44pm

this is the first leather i have owned any advice on prolonging the life of the helmet?

Permalink Reply by Sparky3317 on June 4, 2011 at 4:48pm

Take good care of it do not drop it if possible. Other than that basic maintenance on the ear flaps, liner, and chin strap should just about do it.

Where are you located?

Do you have photos of the helmet you could email me?

Permalink Reply by Devan Mills on June 4, 2011 at 7:03pm

I am in Alabama and yea i can take a few pics and post them on here or email them which ever is fine with me whats your email?

Permalink Reply by Sparky3317 on June 4, 2011 at 8:12pm

Near tornado alley at all?

jmurdock3317@hotmail.com

Permalink Reply by Devan Mills on June 4, 2011 at 8:28pm

yea sparky we had a few bad ones here last month im glad its getting back to normal. and okay as soon as i get those pics taken i will email them to you here in the next hour or so.

Permalink Reply by Devan Mills on June 4, 2011 at 9:42pm

hey man i sent you those pics they should be in your inbox. i also (very carefully) removed the ratchet and i love the way it fits without it. but when i tuck the ear flaps in the helmet it then sits too tall. any solutions to remedy this?

Permalink Reply by Joel Chouinard on June 6, 2011 at 9:07pm

what year is your helmet? had the same problem on my N6A when i took that ratchet out. where the net is do you have a foam pad? if so cut it out (the pad not the net) it will sit lower once you do that

Permalink Reply by Devan Mills on June 6, 2011 at 11:12pm

yea joel i have a foam pad. my leather is a 2005 N6A got it for 300 bucks not a bad deal the leather was very solid few minor dings some refurbishing took care of the pics are on my page in my albums. thanks for the tip brother.. stay safe!