Racal air helmet
DANIEL J MACGRADY
Hello;
Any comparisons between, and/or comments on the Racal Air Helmet and the
Racal power visor would be appreciated. I was about to order the air
helmet system when I came across a catalog (Packard Woodworks) that also
offered the power visor. The cost differential is considerable. I assume
that since they are the same company that the quality will be the same. I
need protection mostly from dust. Ordinary face masks, respirators etc.
all fog up the glasses and are warm, especially in South Florida. I'm
concerned that the power visor might be disproportionately heavy in the
front(??). Again any comments would be appreciated.
--
DANMA...@prodigy.net
Michael Roegner
Your concerns are valid. The power visor is a useful tool for
occasional use, but isn't really comfortable to wear for extended
periods. The weight is centered in front of the forehead, and can
cause fatigue in the neck muscles when used for long periods.
On 4 Jan 1998 16:37:07 GMT, "DANIEL J MACGRADY"
Nick S.
DANIEL J MACGRADY wrote:
>
> Hello;
> Any comparisons between, and/or comments on the Racal Air Helmet and the
> Racal power visor would be appreciated. I was about to order the air
> helmet system when I came across a catalog (Packard Woodworks) that also
> offered the power visor. The cost differential is considerable. I assume
> that since they are the same company that the quality will be the same. I
> need protection mostly from dust. Ordinary face masks, respirators etc.
> all fog up the glasses and are warm, especially in South Florida. I'm
> concerned that the power visor might be disproportionately heavy in the
> front(??). Again any comments would be appreciated.
> DANMA...@prodigy.net
Well, the power visor is considered a less commercial version (read
occassional use
only). It is certainly better than a plain old mask, but I remember the
Racal people
at a booth show admitting it wasn't as effective as the full helmet
enclosure at
keeping dust out. Really you need to simply consider how often you
intend to use
it. Personally I'd go with the Racal helmet. Cheers!'
nick
ultradad
I bought the Racal Airlite in '93, which has since been modified into the
Power Visor. I bought a Power Visor for the kids and when my Airlite
finally gave up the ghost, I sprung for the AH5, which is the full helmet
with the self contained filter and motor in the back.
I have worn the Airlite for hours at a time with very little discomfort,
and it has saved my face on several occasions as well as my lungs. It is a
fine, but somewhat lighter duty unit compared to the full helmet options.
I haven't had the AH5 long enough to comment on it yet. The Airlite does a
great job of keeping glasses from fogging too. I never noticed any strain
on my neck muscles with the Airlite, even with prolonged usage. I did wear
foam earplugs while using it though. The high pitch of the motor can't be
good for my ears, and I like classical music too much to give up my
hearing. Perhaps if I was a head banger, it would be a different story.
Either choice will probably do for you
DANIEL J MACGRADY <DANMA...@prodigy.net> wrote in article
<01bd192e$b7b93440$5d57edcc@default>...
<<<___ Bob ___>>>
The current thread regarding the AIRMATE helmet filtration system reminded me that I
have not one, but three of them in my basement. We took a chance on trying to get
them to do something they weren't really designed for (but that's another matter
altogether), the test basically failed, and I now have the leftover units.
Although I have been accused from time to time of being two-faced, they are both
attached to just one head, therefore I have two units which I have no need for. I
don't really know what they are worth, and I dislike setting up a "bid war", but if
anyone would like one or both, contact me & we'll see what we can work out. I also
have some extra helmets, face shields, & maybe a few other odds 'n' ends parts if
anyone has need. The units are all used, but in near-new condition . . . . may
have some cosmetic scuffs/scratches/markings, but nothing to hamper the
functionality. They are located in SE Tennessee if it matters . . . . either
e-mail me or call . . . . (423) 472-6302/614-0847 if interested.
These things are very effective at what they do, and it's a shame for them to be
sitting on the shelf, while someone could be putting them to good use. BTW . . .
if the size/weight of the hard-hats is a concern, the parts (visor, shield, air-flow
manifold) can be retrofitted with a minimal amount of work to the much lighter
"bump-hats" that are available at most industrial supply houses.
DANIEL J MACGRADY wrote:
> Hello;
> Any comparisons between, and/or comments on the Racal Air Helmet and the
> Racal power visor would be appreciated. I was about to order the air
> helmet system when I came across a catalog (Packard Woodworks) that also
> offered the power visor. The cost differential is considerable. I assume
> that since they are the same company that the quality will be the same. I
> need protection mostly from dust. Ordinary face masks, respirators etc.
> all fog up the glasses and are warm, especially in South Florida. I'm
> concerned that the power visor might be disproportionately heavy in the
> front(??). Again any comments would be appreciated.
> --
> DANMA...@prodigy.net
--
<<< BOB >>>
May God be above you to bless you, within you to sanctify you, around you to protect
you, and before you to guide you.
Mark Proulx
January 4, 1998
21:52
Dan:
I advocate the full-blown helmet/fan(ny) pack setup. I've owned and used an
Airmate 3 for five years, and it is one of the best things I've ever
purchased. I've worn it for hours with no discomfort. This includes
summertime work in hot attic spaces. Not only is it handy in the shop, it's
a lifesaver if you do any demolition work in conjunction with a remodel
(drywall dust, insulation fibers, debris falling on your head).
If you go this (or a similar) route, be sure to get the integral ear muffs.
One advantage of this type of system is that it enables you to get up close
and personal to your work without being distracted by chips and other debris
hitting your face. This is very handy when doing router work.
Respirators of this type are rather costly and probably overpriced, but I
have long since forgotten the pain of prying my hands from around the money
while I breathe freely every time I'm in the wood shop. For me, this is no
small thing - I am hypersensitive to dust of all types. The Airmate makes
it possible for me to do woodworking. Period.
Good luck,
Mark Proulx
Des Moines, WA
mpr...@msn.com
DANIEL J MACGRADY wrote in message <01bd192e$b7b93440$5d57edcc@default>...
Gary G Smith
On 4 Jan 1998 16:37:07 GMT, "DANIEL J MACGRADY"
<DANMA...@prodigy.net> wrote:
>Hello;
> Any comparisons between, and/or comments on the Racal Air Helmet and the
>Racal power visor would be appreciated. I was about to order the air
>helmet system when I came across a catalog (Packard Woodworks) that also
>offered the power visor. The cost differential is considerable. I assume
>that since they are the same company that the quality will be the same. I
>need protection mostly from dust. Ordinary face masks, respirators etc.
>all fog up the glasses and are warm, especially in South Florida. I'm
>concerned that the power visor might be disproportionately heavy in the
>front(??). Again any comments would be appreciated.
>--
>DANMA...@prodigy.net
I have used the Air Helmet for several years and I think it is great.
It is well balanced and reasonably quite. So well balanced in fact
that I have forgot that I had it on and tried to answered the phone.
Idaho is very dry so I don't know how the S Fla. humidity would affect
it.
Consider that the air intake is at your lower back so your diet may
affect your time in the helmet (think about it :-) ).
No experience with the visor but very happy with the helmet.
Gary Smith
DANIEL J MACGRADY
Gary;
Point well taken!! My wife says that maybe now I'll be able to appreciate
what she has had to put up with for years. They make a product called
BEAN-O guess I'll stock up on that and unsubscribe from alt.food.barbecue.
DANMA...@prodigy.net
Gary G Smith <ggs...@micron.net> wrote in article
<34b07dcb...@news.micron.net>...
> On 4 Jan 1998 16:37:07 GMT, "DANIEL J MACGRADY"
> <DANMA...@prodigy.net> wrote:
>
> >Hello;
> > Any comparisons between, and/or comments on the Racal Air Helmet and
the
> >Racal power visor would be appreciated. .
> >--<snip>