Top 5 Fire Helmets, According To Me

Submitted by: Justin Floridia

I am exploring the top five fire helmets according to my preference. I have used many helmets in my 17 years with the fire and emergency services, and to this day I have my favorite. This is based on comfort, style, price, and ease of maintenance.

Starting with number five is the Cairns N6A, this is the icon of fire fighting. The helmet that says I am a fireman and proud of it. However it is very costly, and heavy to wear on extended scenes. I was proud to wear my New Yorker and flaunt it off. However due to the high cost I was always afraid to break or destroy it, like I have done to many helmets before.

Number four is the Cairns 1010. This helmet is less costly than the New Yorker, but still shows the traditional look of fire service. It is lighter than the leather counter parts, but heavier than most modern helmets. I like the fact that it looks good when it has been used. However, I was on interior search and rescue team for a couple years and it was not user friendly when you were on your belly trying to look around. This is because of the extended rear bill. It seemed to always get in the way and create a problem looking up.

Number three is the Legacy Five. This was my first helmet so I am partial to it. It was low cost and low maintenance. I abused this helmet from all my fire schools to using it on actual scenes. It really didn t feel that heavy while I was wearing it. However I ran into the same problems that I faced with the 1010. It always seemed to get in the way when you needed it not to. I retired this helmet after replacing the face shield several times and having a paint locker fall on me. It was good to me.

Number two is the 660. I am partial to this helmet as well. This helmet although on the low end of the price scale still provided a level of comfort I have not had since. I wore this helmet for several years and had it retired when it was burned off my head. It still held its safety till the very end. The Fire Marshall estimated that the helmet was exposed to temperature in excess of 1200 degrees and held its integrity. I was very impressed with the way this helmet with stood the test under fire while on my head. It s more than I could say for my body and turnout gear. I ended that fire with third degree steam burns on legs, hands, chest, and arms. I still have this helmet hanging in my office for all to see, and for an example to the rookies why it s important to wear your gear even after the fire is out.

My number one is the Cairns 880. This helmet adds the look of traditional helmets, the feel of modern helmets, and it will not bankrupt you buying it. I received my first 880 from my children after my 660 was burned. It has been with me for my career as a volunteer for the last 12 years. The back brim is shorter than the 1010, and it does not sit as high as the New Yorker. All around this helmet has all I have ever looked for in a helmet. It is comfortable, light weight, low cost, and provides the very best protection that anyone could ask for.

These are the list of my top five fire helmets, based on my judgment, there were no studies done or completed. No expert advice, just a hard working volunteer fireman that has been around the block a time or two. I am sure many will disagree with my list and have their own favorites. Whatever they are just remember it does no good unless it s on your head where it belongs.

About the Author: Justin Floridia is a 15+ year veteran of the fire department. He is the author of this article and can provide more detailed information upon request. Justin can be reached by email at: firehelmetdepot@live.com or by calling 877-817-9544. Justin is also one of the owner’s of

firehelmetdepot.com

, he takes great pride in providing the high quality fire helmets and firefighting gear, that he uses when responding to fire calls. For more information on

firehelmetdepot.com

contact Justin at info@firehelmetdepot.com

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