ACE kayak/canoeing Helmets

[MDS]

Over here in the UK many cave divers prefer to use the above named helmets to protect our brains and mount lights on

The particular helmet model is the one that has no padding on the inside just the head cradle (as pictured below), the new padded variety are readily available but not the best for cave diving with

http://www.mainpeak.com.au/images/full/8360.gif

This particular ACE (tradename) helmet is not available/imported to the UK.

apart from very few that crop up s/h on places like fleabay from time to time does anyone know of a cheaper resource than the site from where the image is from? We traditionally endeavour to source/purchase these helmets via more frugal methods

[FW]

We discussed this a couple of years ago, and I think someone said they were still available in Australia.

[MDS]

The image is from an australian site - seems thats the only place to source them new :(

[FW]

The image is from an australian site - seems thats the only place to source them new :(
Maybe the CDG should do a group order from Australia :-)

[MDS]

Maybe the CDG should do a group order from Australia :-)
The australian retailer is a company called Mainpeak - about 2 years back I made an enquiry as to the cost of procurement and shipping from them

It turns out that they couldn't accept a UK credit card due to currency exchange problems but requested a bank transfer instead which would have cost me £25 alone if I had proceeded

the total cost of procurement would have been around £50 in UK money inc bank transfer and air mailing it to me - a somewhat extravagant expense for what is essentaily a piece of blown plastic

As it happens I have 3 already (from alternative sources) and am collecting as I wish to build up a stash to keep to replace as I wear each helmet out

from my experience UK cavers normally tend to favour a more frugal cost as cave kit usually ends up getting trashed with long term use (or short term depending how often you cave)

As UK caves are usually small and narrow your head protection usually makes a lot of contact with the roof of the cave. My current ACE helmet in use has only seen around 30 cave dives in the last year and half and is well scratched plus I have drilled holes to attach snoopy loops for my torches

I don't think I have paid more than a UK tenner each for the helmets I have and I don't think that any other UK cave divers would be willing to pay much more

I wish these helmets were widely available here in the UK then perhaps a large order could be made for them. I notice some UK cave divers opt for something like a Petzl Ecrin Roc or a builders hat with the brim sawn off if they can't source an ACE helmet cheaply

[Webmaster]

I use an Ecrin Roc, the Ace helmets are too small to fit on my head, much less with a hood. Plus the Ecrin is easily adjustable and all plastic, no corrosion.

If you want cheap go to Wal-Mart (or other local dept./sporting goods store) and get a cheap bike/skating helmet. These can usually be had for under $10 US.

Although they most often have foam instead of a headband you can cut this to fit as you like. Or, just remove it. And you don't feel too bad about cutting up a helmet that only cost $7. The basic shape is very similar to the Ace and by getting a slightly smaller size and removing the foam you can make it as close fitting as you like.

Marbry