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    Easy Gee
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    Name : Gary
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    Post by Easy Gee Mon Jun 25, 2012 10:00 am

    Hi Helmet collectors.

    Here's an ACH from my collection, in my opinion it is the best designed lid in current use,what do you reckon...discuss,cheers Gary Wink

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    Bury_Dave
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    Post by Bury_Dave Mon Jun 25, 2012 11:39 am

    You might well be right Gary but I prefer our Mk 7 Smile
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    Post by loski Mon Jun 25, 2012 11:58 am

    Me I prefer the Isreli OR 404 OR 602 para shape helmet.
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    Post by Easy Gee Mon Jun 25, 2012 12:20 pm

    Bury_Dave wrote:You might well be right Gary but I prefer our Mk 7 Smile


    Thanks for entering this discussion Dave, just out of interest do you prefer the Mk7 because as a Brit you prefer a Brit lid, or is it about shape and features?

    I'm hoping many people will enter this discussion, and as your the first many thanks Very Happy
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    Post by Easy Gee Mon Jun 25, 2012 12:31 pm

    loski wrote:Me I prefer the Isreli OR 404 OR 602 para shape helmet.


    Great thanks Graham,I know you have mentioned before how keen you are on the Israeli Para lids,I find it interesting to get others opinions on their preferred lids, cheers for your input Mate Very Happy
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    Post by Bury_Dave Mon Jun 25, 2012 12:42 pm

    Gary, it's definately not a patriotic thing. I'm a huge fan of the old Israeli and Irish kevlar helmets and not so keen on the Fritz patterns in general. There is a simple functionality and smoother lines to the Mk 7 over the ACH too IMVHO. I'm still a huge fan of the original Para Regt kevlar myself and still have mine somewhere. The only problem with them was a tendancey for the sponge to flake off after some use and sweat.

    Your helmet isn't helped by the fact that it has an ACU cover of course ! Wink

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    Gulf91
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    Post by Gulf91 Mon Jun 25, 2012 1:11 pm

    I know Im only a collector and dont know why but every helmet i buy if it fits I try it on,dont ask me why but I do(weirdo!!!!).

    I can honestly say that the ACH is the most uncomfortable(allbeit only worn for a short period of time) helmet Ive ever worn,no matter which configuration the pads were moved to they felt rock hard and offered no real support. I gather that they are supposed to soften with use and mine is unissued so that may change.
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    Post by Easy Gee Mon Jun 25, 2012 1:32 pm

    Bury_Dave wrote:Gary, it's definately not a patriotic thing. I'm a huge fan of the old Israeli and Irish kevlar helmets and not so keen on the Fritz patterns in general. There is a simple functionality and smoother lines to the Mk 7 over the ACH too IMVHO. I'm still a huge fan of the original Para Regt kevlar myself and still have mine somewhere. The only problem with them was a tendancey for the sponge to flake off after some use and sweat.

    Your helmet isn't helped by the fact that it has an ACU cover of course ! Wink

    Dave


    Interesting input as ever Dave, I often wonder if there is a theme of a collector's liking lids from their own nation or not as the case may be. I like the shape of the Para lids over the Mk6's personally, I feel it has smoother lines, the Mk6 was never a favourite of mine.I can't comment about the Mk7 from an owners point of view, as they are way too expensive for my blood, but I could learn to love the shape.

    And what other cover should an ACH have, other than Marpat,or maybe Multicam, I only own an ACU cover I'm afraid ? Laughing
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    Post by Gulf91 Mon Jun 25, 2012 1:35 pm

    Easy Gee wrote:
    Bury_Dave wrote:Gary, it's definately not a patriotic thing. I'm a huge fan of the old Israeli and Irish kevlar helmets and not so keen on the Fritz patterns in general. There is a simple functionality and smoother lines to the Mk 7 over the ACH too IMVHO. I'm still a huge fan of the original Para Regt kevlar myself and still have mine somewhere. The only problem with them was a tendancey for the sponge to flake off after some use and sweat.

    Your helmet isn't helped by the fact that it has an ACU cover of course ! Wink

    Dave


    Interesting input as ever Dave, I often wonder if there is a theme of a collector's liking lids from their own nation or not as the case may be. I like the shape of the Para lids over the Mk6's personally, I feel it has smoother lines, the Mk6 was never a favourite of mine.I can't comment about the Mk7 from an owners point of view, as they are way too expensive for my blood, but I could learn to love the shape.

    And what other cover should an ACH have, other than Marpat,or maybe Multicam, I only own an ACU cover I'm afraid ? Laughing

    Gary,from what ive seen/noticed lately but again not sure regarding the legality issues that there are more and more MK7s on Ebay with some going for around £50 or less which unless you were a jammy git is less than you paid for the ACH Laughing
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    Post by Easy Gee Mon Jun 25, 2012 1:42 pm

    Gulf91 wrote:I know Im only a collector and dont know why but every helmet i buy if it fits I try it on,dont ask me why but I do(weirdo!!!!).

    I can honestly say that the ACH is the most uncomfortable(allbeit only worn for a short period of time) helmet Ive ever worn,no matter which configuration the pads were moved to they felt rock hard and offered no real support. I gather that they are supposed to soften with use and mine is unissued so that may change.

    Ha ha, Rich I relate, I am a self confessed weirdo too, I have tried on every lid I own, but I only try them on for scientific reasons ..too get a feel of weight, balance, overall comfort,I'm talking pure ergonomics here....also cos' it's cool to try on different nations lids Laughing

    I suppose with time the ACH pads would soften up, and eventually "mold " to the users head shape, I obviously wouldn't know from personal experience, but maybe one of our American cousins could offer some sound opinions from their own personal usage of these lids.

    So moving on from ACH lids, what in your opinion is the most most "comfy-ergonomic" lid you own, or would like to own?

    Thanks for entering this discussion Very Happy
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    Post by Gulf91 Mon Jun 25, 2012 1:45 pm

    Easy Gee wrote:
    Gulf91 wrote:I know Im only a collector and dont know why but every helmet i buy if it fits I try it on,dont ask me why but I do(weirdo!!!!).

    I can honestly say that the ACH is the most uncomfortable(allbeit only worn for a short period of time) helmet Ive ever worn,no matter which configuration the pads were moved to they felt rock hard and offered no real support. I gather that they are supposed to soften with use and mine is unissued so that may change.

    Ha ha, Rich I relate, I am a self confessed weirdo too, I have tried on every lid I own, but I only try them on for scientific reasons ..too get a feel of weight, balance, overall comfort,I'm talking pure ergonomics here....also cos' it's cool to try on different nations lids Laughing

    I suppose with time the ACH pads would soften up, and eventually "mold " to the users head shape, I obviously wouldn't know from personal experience, but maybe one of our American cousins could offer some sound opinions from their own personal usage of these lids.

    So moving on from ACH lids, what in your opinion is the most most "comfy-ergonomic" lid you own, or would like to own?

    Thanks for entering this discussion Very Happy

    For comfiness regarding wearing and its a light helmet the French F1 wins without any question for me Wink Wink (dont own a Spectra to compare but liner seems identical so that as well I guess)
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    Post by Easy Gee Mon Jun 25, 2012 1:51 pm

    Gary,from what ive seen/noticed lately but again not sure regarding the legality issues that there are more and more MK7s on Ebay with some going for around £50 or less which unless you were a jammy git is less than you paid for the ACH Laughing [/quote]


    Rich, your not wrong Mate, the prices are going down, but until one turns up in my local surplus shop, for which I would get legally binding receipt( I would hope), I will not touch ebay Mk7's with a barge pole.

    And yes I paid a hell of a lot less for my ACH, so I am a very jammy git indeed, I got lucky ,very lucky. The cover was not so easy though, I had to trade this one for UK goodies with a guy in Canada, who had to buy this cover from the states and send it to me Shocked
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    Post by Easy Gee Mon Jun 25, 2012 1:56 pm

    "For comfiness regarding wearing and its a light helmet the French F1 wins without any question for me (dont own a Spectra to compare but liner seems identical so that as well I guess)"


    Ah yes the fantastic F1, I am with you all the way regarding this steel lid ,being the most comfy lid ever.....

    The Spectra as you said has a similar liner, like you I guess the comfort level must be on a par with the F1, one day ( hopefully one day sooner than later ),I shall own a Spectra, perhaps then I will be saying that it is the most comfy Kevlar style lid I have ever owned Wink

    French ebay, here I come Laughing
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    Post by Gulf91 Mon Jun 25, 2012 1:59 pm

    Easy Gee wrote:Gary,from what ive seen/noticed lately but again not sure regarding the legality issues that there are more and more MK7s on Ebay with some going for around £50 or less which unless you were a jammy git is less than you paid for the ACH Laughing


    Rich, your not wrong Mate, the prices are going down, but until one turns up in my local surplus shop, for which I would get legally binding receipt( I would hope), I will not touch ebay Mk7's with a barge pole.

    And yes I paid a hell of a lot less for my ACH, so I am a very jammy git indeed, I got lucky ,very lucky. The cover was not so easy though, I had to trade this one for UK goodies with a guy in Canada, who had to buy this cover from the states and send it to me Shocked [/quote]

    Should have asked Gary,I have somehow 2 spare ACH covers Shocked Shocked
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    Post by Easy Gee Mon Jun 25, 2012 2:57 pm

    "Should have asked Gary,I have somehow 2 spare ACH covers"

    Now you tell me, Oh well at least mine has had a bit of travel under it's belt I suppose, at the time these covers weren't all that easy to come by, now ebay seems to have quite a few..typical, thanks all the same mate Very Happy
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    Post by Gulf91 Mon Jun 25, 2012 3:02 pm

    Easy Gee wrote:"Should have asked Gary,I have somehow 2 spare ACH covers"

    Now you tell me, Oh well at least mine has had a bit of travel under it's belt I suppose, at the time these covers weren't all that easy to come by, now ebay seems to have quite a few..typical, thanks all the same mate Very Happy

    No worries Gary.

    Like you when i needed a cover I had to pay top dollar and get one from the States but since then have somehow managed to get another 2 from somewhere Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Shocked Shocked

    Isnt it bad when now I dont even know what i have in my own collection when years back I could find and remember where everything was,what I paid for it,where it came from etc but now its just gone beyond!!!!!

    Listed a few bits on Ebay with the intention of listing loads but it soon did my head in as it takes AGES Evil or Very Mad Evil or Very Mad
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    Post by loski Mon Jun 25, 2012 3:02 pm

    I have worn the F1 light and as comfy as a fur lined jock strap but im scepitacal as to the ballistic protection it would offer as the steel is bloody thin.
    so I would have to place the Rabenex / Orlite over the F1 for ballistic protection
    On the other hand I have heard roumors that the British MkIII para pot is a jump helmet and not ballistic rated



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    Post by Bury_Dave Mon Jun 25, 2012 3:55 pm

    Yep all Brit helmets prior to the para Kevlar were bump and light shrapnel protection only. So was the Mk 6 IIRC. It was after all plastic !

    The Canadian helmet is very comfy too but all their kits is very operator comfort biased.

    Gary, I just don't like ACU Very Happy
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    Post by loski Mon Jun 25, 2012 4:08 pm

    Hi Dave
    Im not too keen on ACU but I really hate the Fritz shape helmets dont know why Might be a genetic throw back to about 70 years or so. back then the people wearing helmets of that shape definatly did'nt ooze peace and friendliness .lol
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    Post by Bury_Dave Mon Jun 25, 2012 4:23 pm

    Lol Graham. If you think that the coal scuttle design give the most complete protection, you wonder why it took until the 1980's for it to finally be acceptable to be seen again!
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    Post by Gulf91 Mon Jun 25, 2012 5:28 pm

    People might be surprised by this but another comfortable(not sure about practical) helmet to wear is the good ole M1 with either the original WW2 type liner or even better with the later Nam era liner.

    Now,in order for an M1 to be comfortable the MUST be correctly adjusted on the headband,the head support and more importantly the nape strap,with all these 3 items correctly adjusted,spot on. Shame most people nowdays,especially reenactors cant seem to grasp this Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy
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    Post by Easy Gee Tue Jun 26, 2012 8:12 am

    [quote="loski"]I have worn the F1 light and as comfy as a fur lined jock strap but im scepitacal as to the ballistic protection it would offer as the steel is bloody thin.
    so I would have to place the Rabenex / Orlite over the F1 for ballistic protection
    On the other hand I have heard roumors that the British MkIII para pot is a jump helmet and not ballistic rated


    Again I agree with your comments Graham regarding the superior comfort levels of the F1,I suppose yet again it makes me want a Spectra all the more due to the F1 type liner, and it's ballistic properties..best of both worlds perhaps Wink
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    Post by Easy Gee Tue Jun 26, 2012 8:20 am

    Bury_Dave wrote:Yep all Brit helmets prior to the para Kevlar were bump and light shrapnel protection only. So was the Mk 6 IIRC. It was after all plastic !

    The Canadian helmet is very comfy too but all their kits is very operator comfort biased.

    Gary, I just don't like ACU Very Happy


    Dave the Mk6 is made of ballistic nylon, but I have struggled to find out the exact rating!!

    ACU was a revolution in camo technology back in the day, I must admit it looks slightly dated now, to me it sums up the US Forces during the second Gulf war, but fair enough it's not for everyone Wink
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    Post by Easy Gee Tue Jun 26, 2012 8:26 am

    loski wrote:Hi Dave
    Im not too keen on ACU but I really hate the Fritz shape helmets dont know why Might be a genetic throw back to about 70 years or so. back then the people wearing helmets of that shape definatly did'nt ooze peace and friendliness .lol


    Laughing I seem to recall having a debate with another member recently, regarding the Nazi profile of modern composite lids, and your right of course the Nazi's weren't exactly renowned for their peace and harmony to all other non-Aryan races, poor old Adolf ,he was such a confused idealistic tosser!!!!!
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    Post by Easy Gee Tue Jun 26, 2012 8:32 am

    Gulf91 wrote:People might be surprised by this but another comfortable(not sure about practical) helmet to wear is the good ole M1 with either the original WW2 type liner or even better with the later Nam era liner.

    Now,in order for an M1 to be comfortable the MUST be correctly adjusted on the headband,the head support and more importantly the nape strap,with all these 3 items correctly adjusted,spot on. Shame most people nowdays,especially reenactors cant seem to grasp this Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy


    VERY good point Rich, we should not forget the M1 ( and it's Euro off- shoots).

    I don't do the old reenactors thing, but I have seen pics of these individuals wearing their M1's in very odd way's.I think the "helmet police" should step in arrest them on a charge of not wearing an M1 in an appropriate manner, and generally causing untold harassment issues to serious collectors of the aforementioned headgear.


    No offence to any reenactors here of course, this is merely my own deluded point of view. Smile

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