Petzl vent

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Husabud

Husabud

TreeHouser
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So after Fridays job, a 32 DBH spreading Red Oak removal, I see this. I don't know when it happened or for that matter how it happened. I have not taken a hit in five yrs and this helmet is only a yr old. Everything I have heard about Petzl tells me not to deal with there warranty dept. I guess I'll refresh the Kask and start sweating again. ImageUploadedByTapatalk1348400238.241900.jpg
 
I am not a helmet expert, but that sure looks like a defect in the helmet. That crack looks like it starts where the helmet contours change which seems to be a likely weak spot.

I would be pretty upset considering how expensive climbing helmets are now a days.
 
Work in the call that you were 'venting' to the guys on the TH about it, and they said it wouldn't be a problem through a warranty. You know they say you're lucky if a satisfied customer tells one person, but an unsatisfied customer will tell anybody that will listen. The internet has a lot of 'anybodies'. Couldn't hurt. Good opportunity for Petzl PR there.
 
Another thing to consider is the fact that polycarbonate is not compatible with many cleaning agents and solvents. We often have to deal with some caustic materials. There's always the chance that the helmet may have come in contact with a weakening solvent and cracked when packed away.

PETZL - Tips for protecting your equipment
 
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I'll give them a call tomorrow. This is my helmet and it is stored next to me on the console of my truck and has never been washed. After closer inspection it almost looks sun bleached. Like it became more brittle after being in the sun or something. I will look for more damage this eve, but didn't see it yesterday.
 
Bud, as long as you are nice to them, and come across as more inquiring as to what could have gone wrong than accusatory, they will definitely send you another one. Just make sure to call the American office.
 
Sun damage (UV rays) is the biggest danger to modern helmets. The storage in direct light plus exposure time, whilst being worn has damaged your helmet. It will now be brittle & unfit for use.

Manufacturers usually stipulate storage away from direct sunlight
 
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  • #12
As I said it rides in the truck next to me, mostly shaded. The only uv it would see is when it is on my head. I agree that that may be the culprit, but so soon? If you figure 2000 hrs in a working yr, I am lucky to see 75% of that, so 1500 hrs. I am willing to bet only half of that is in direct sunlight. I didn't see any other stressed points or cracks so who's to know?
I am still going to give a call, I have a backup so if I do not have it for a couple of weeks so be it. I wouldn't wear it again anyway so I guess I'll report back with the details.
 
I also thinkn Pete has hit it on the head. Heat is also a nono... Heat (oxidation, expansion and contraction) and sunlight (uv) degrade plastics bad. Car seats are supposed to be retired after each kiddo out grows them for a reason.
 
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  • #15
No B, it is in the Ipack toolbox when not driving around between jobs. I wonder if the limited gas fumes from the premix would help to break down the plastic. That would be the only chemical that the helmet has come close to, but no direct contact. Aside from keeping this thing in its own bag, it is really taken care of. Afterall it is my noggin that it supposed to protect.
 
Got to agree with Pete, Burnham and Stephen. One year stored in an IPac, sounds like the most likely cause is excess heat. That said, it's still worth pleading your case with Petzl. Let us know how it goes.

Good luck, Bud. :)
 
I still say its defective. I have two Petzl helmets, one is over 10 years old and one is about 7 years old. My oldest one has been the kids play helmet and has been left out in the sun, rain, snow, etc, and beaten up and it still is intact. My 7 year old helmet has ridden around in my pickup tool box for the past 4 years and is still is decent shape. Those helmets should last much longer than one year, even exposed to our work environment. IMHO, those chemical and light things in the owners manuals are mostly there to cover their butts. I am not saying that chemicals and light dont degrade the helmet, but what you are describing is nothing extreme.
 
This has been a great thread but got me worrying about my helmets. I went and inspected mine and decided to find something to put them in when not in use. I found the Petzl Vent with screen & muffs fits perfectly in a 3 gal. pail. They don't take up much room, keeps 'em safe, stack nice and easy to move inside if necessary.

While doing all that, I looked at my helmet where your crack/split is. There's a molded channel in that area for the suspension. It could quite easily be, when your helmet was injection molded, that area didn't get filled correctly. Like Eric says, that would certainly be a manufacturing defect which might be a good way to pursue the issue with Petzl.
 
Same here...rope in bag, bandoleer on top of that, helmet upside down with glasses and "ears" in helmet on very top, all snugged down. It keeps the essentials together and ready to go.

Great minds think alike....:D
 
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