What are the best budget-friendly lacrosse helmets on the market. How do different helmet models compare in terms of protection and comfort. Which features are most important when selecting a lacrosse helmet.
The Importance of Quality Lacrosse Helmets
Lacrosse is a high-impact sport that requires proper protective gear, with the helmet being one of the most crucial pieces of equipment. A well-designed lacrosse helmet not only safeguards players from potential head injuries but also enhances their performance on the field. While top-tier helmets can be expensive, there are numerous affordable options that don’t compromise on safety or comfort.
Top Affordable Lacrosse Helmet Models
Several manufacturers offer budget-friendly lacrosse helmets that provide excellent protection and comfort. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Cascade S Customizer Helmet
- Cascade CPV-R Helmet
- Cascade R Helmet
- Cascade CPX-R Helmet
These helmets offer a range of features and price points, catering to different needs and preferences.
Cascade S Customizer Helmet: A Closer Look
The Cascade S Customizer Helmet stands out as a premium option that combines advanced protection technologies with customization options. What makes this helmet unique?
- SUPERMONO S Shell for improved impact mitigation
- TRI-LINER system with GEN4 EPP, NV3, and Seven technologies
- S-Series Jaw for enhanced chin protection
- Vision Bar with PowerPress technology for better visibility
- Made in the USA
- Customizable colors to match team uniforms
This helmet offers a perfect balance of safety, comfort, and style, making it a popular choice among players at various levels.
Understanding Lacrosse Helmet Technologies
Modern lacrosse helmets incorporate various technologies to enhance player protection. What are some key features to look for in a quality lacrosse helmet?
Impact Absorption Systems
Advanced helmets use multi-layered impact absorption systems. For example, the Cascade S Helmet’s TRI-LINER system includes:
- GEN4 EPP: Protects against variable force impacts to the front of the helmet and face mask
- NV3: Precision-molded impact foam for crown protection
- SEVEN: Compresses on impact to disperse energy laterally
Shell Design
The outer shell plays a crucial role in impact distribution and overall helmet integrity. The SUPERMONO S Shell in the Cascade S Helmet, for instance, offers a balanced one-piece design that effectively manages frontal impacts.
Visibility Features
Clear vision is essential for player performance and safety. Many modern helmets, like the Cascade S, feature improved face masks with thinner wires to enhance visibility without compromising protection.
Sizing and Fit: Ensuring Proper Protection
Proper sizing is crucial for a lacrosse helmet to provide optimal protection. How can players ensure they choose the right helmet size?
- Measure head circumference just above the ears
- Consult manufacturer-specific sizing charts
- Consider adjustable features like padding inserts
- Try on helmets whenever possible before purchasing
Many helmets, such as the Cascade S, come in a “one size fits most” design with adjustable features to accommodate various head sizes.
Customization Options: Blending Style and Function
Customization has become increasingly popular in lacrosse equipment. How does helmet customization benefit players and teams?
- Enhances team identity and unity
- Allows for personal expression
- Can improve visibility on the field
- Often available at no additional cost
The Cascade S Customizer Helmet, for example, offers free customization with a quick 48-hour turnaround time, allowing teams to create unique, eye-catching designs.
Maintenance and Care: Prolonging Helmet Lifespan
Proper maintenance can extend the life of a lacrosse helmet and ensure it continues to provide optimal protection. What are some essential care tips for lacrosse helmets?
- Regular cleaning with mild soap and water
- Inspecting for cracks, dents, or loose parts
- Replacing worn padding or chin straps
- Storing in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Following manufacturer guidelines for replacement schedules
By taking good care of their helmets, players can ensure long-lasting performance and protection.
Comparing Helmet Models: Finding the Right Fit
With various helmet models available, how can players choose the best option for their needs and budget? Consider the following factors:
Price Range
Lacrosse helmets can vary significantly in price. Budget-friendly options like the Cascade CPV-R start around $140, while premium models like the Cascade R can cost up to $260. Consider your budget and level of play when making a decision.
Protection Technologies
Compare the impact absorption systems and shell designs of different models. Higher-end helmets often feature more advanced protection technologies, but many affordable options still offer excellent safety features.
Comfort and Fit
Look for helmets with adjustable padding and ventilation systems. A comfortable helmet is more likely to be worn properly, enhancing its protective capabilities.
Visibility
Consider face mask designs and how they impact vision. Some models, like the Cascade S, feature innovative designs that improve visibility without compromising protection.
Customization Options
If team uniformity or personal style is important, look for helmets that offer customization options. Some manufacturers provide this service at no additional cost.
By carefully considering these factors, players can find a helmet that offers the best balance of protection, comfort, and value for their specific needs.
The Role of Certifications in Lacrosse Helmet Safety
Certifications play a crucial role in ensuring lacrosse helmets meet safety standards. What certifications should players look for when purchasing a helmet?
- NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) certification
- SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) certification
These certifications indicate that a helmet has undergone rigorous testing and meets established safety standards for lacrosse equipment.
Understanding NOCSAE Standards
NOCSAE standards are widely recognized in the sports equipment industry. For lacrosse helmets, these standards cover:
- Impact attenuation
- Shell rigidity
- Retention system strength
- Face mask integrity
Helmets meeting NOCSAE standards have demonstrated their ability to protect players from various types of impacts commonly encountered in lacrosse.
Emerging Technologies in Lacrosse Helmet Design
The field of lacrosse helmet design is constantly evolving. What are some of the latest innovations in helmet technology?
Smart Helmets
Some manufacturers are exploring the integration of sensors and data collection systems into helmets. These “smart” helmets can potentially:
- Monitor impact forces
- Alert coaches and medical staff to potential concussions
- Provide data for improving helmet designs
Advanced Materials
Researchers are developing new materials that could revolutionize helmet construction, including:
- Graphene-enhanced composites for lighter, stronger shells
- Non-Newtonian fluids for improved impact absorption
- 3D-printed structures for customized fit and protection
While many of these technologies are still in development, they point to an exciting future for lacrosse helmet design and player safety.
The Impact of Proper Helmet Use on Player Safety
While having a high-quality helmet is crucial, proper use and fit are equally important. How can players ensure they’re getting the most protection from their helmets?
Correct Sizing and Adjustment
A helmet should fit snugly without being uncomfortable. Players should:
- Ensure the helmet sits level on the head
- Adjust chin straps so they’re snug but not overly tight
- Check that the helmet doesn’t shift excessively when moved
Regular Inspections
Players should inspect their helmets regularly for:
- Cracks or dents in the shell
- Loose or damaged face masks
- Worn or compressed padding
- Frayed or broken chin straps
Any issues should be addressed promptly to maintain the helmet’s protective capabilities.
Proper Storage and Transportation
To prevent damage and maintain hygiene, players should:
- Store helmets in a cool, dry place
- Avoid leaving helmets in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures
- Use a dedicated bag or compartment for helmet transport
- Allow helmets to air out after use to prevent bacterial growth
By following these guidelines, players can ensure their helmets provide optimal protection throughout their lifespan.
The Future of Affordable Lacrosse Helmets
As technology advances and manufacturing processes improve, what can we expect from the next generation of affordable lacrosse helmets?
Improved Customization
Future helmets may offer even more extensive customization options, potentially including:
- 3D-printed components for perfect fit
- Advanced color-changing materials for dynamic designs
- Integrated team communication systems
Enhanced Protection at Lower Costs
As advanced materials and manufacturing techniques become more accessible, we may see:
- Higher-end protection features in more affordable helmet models
- Lighter weight helmets without compromising on safety
- Improved ventilation systems for better comfort during play
Sustainability Initiatives
With growing environmental concerns, future helmet designs may focus on:
- Use of recycled or biodegradable materials
- Modular designs for easy repair and part replacement
- Helmet recycling programs to reduce waste
These advancements could make high-quality, safe lacrosse helmets more accessible to players at all levels while also addressing environmental concerns.
Making an Informed Decision: Choosing the Right Lacrosse Helmet
With all the information available, how can players and parents make the best decision when purchasing a lacrosse helmet? Consider the following steps:
Assess Your Needs
- Consider the level of play (recreational, school, competitive)
- Determine your budget
- Identify any specific features you require (e.g., enhanced visibility, extra ventilation)
Research and Compare
- Read reviews from trusted sources
- Compare features and technologies of different helmet models
- Look for certifications and safety ratings
Try Before You Buy
- Visit local sporting goods stores to try on different helmet models
- Pay attention to fit, comfort, and visibility
- Ask about return policies if purchasing online
Consider Long-Term Value
- Factor in durability and potential lifespan of the helmet
- Look for warranties or guarantee programs
- Consider the availability of replacement parts
By following these steps, players can find a lacrosse helmet that offers the best combination of safety, comfort, and value for their individual needs.
The Role of Education in Lacrosse Helmet Safety
While having a quality helmet is crucial, education plays a vital role in maximizing player safety. How can the lacrosse community promote better understanding of helmet safety?
Player Education Programs
Implementing comprehensive education programs can help players understand:
- The importance of proper helmet fit and use
- How to recognize signs of helmet wear and damage
- The role of helmets in preventing head injuries
Coach and Parent Involvement
Coaches and parents can contribute to helmet safety by:
- Regularly inspecting players’ helmets
- Enforcing proper helmet use during practice and games
- Staying informed about the latest safety guidelines and technologies
Community Outreach
Lacrosse organizations can promote helmet safety through:
- Workshops and clinics on equipment safety
- Partnerships with helmet manufacturers for educational initiatives
- Social media campaigns highlighting the importance of proper helmet use
By fostering a culture of safety and education, the lacrosse community can ensure that players at all levels are well-protected and informed about the importance of quality helmets.
Cascade S Customizer Helmet
Customize the Cascade S Helmet and bring your team’s colors to life with Lacrosse’s preeminent helmet. The Cascade S Helmet utilizes the updated one-piece SUPERMONO S Shell to mitigate frontal impacts while balancing the helmets weight perfectly. Cascade delivers a powerful combination of protective technologies in the S Helmet to effectively manage impact forces found on the lacrosse field. The TRI-LINER system in the Cascade S Helmet infuses GEN4 EPP, NV3 and Seven technologies to individually address a wide array of impact forces and areas. Newly added S-Series Jaw brings added rigidity and reinforcement to the lower chin piece for added protection. Lastly, one of the most noticeable features on the Cascade S Helmet is the new Vision Bar. Through a new PowerPress process Cascade is able to decrease the wire diameter on the mask to improve sight and increase rigidity. The Cascade S Helmet is proudly made in the USA.
– Free customization built and shipped within 48 business hours.
These helmets can only be shipped by UPS.
– One size fits most.
– Cascade TRI-LINER protective technology addresses a wide array of impacts.
GEN4 EPP – Designed to protect against variable force impacts specifically towards the front of the helmet and face mask.
NV3 – Precision molded impact foam provides maximum protection towards the crown of the head.
SEVEN – Specially engineered and placed in key impact zones to compress on impact and displace impact energy laterally away from a players head.
– SUPERMONO S Shell creates a perfectly balanced one piece design with rigid construction to manage frontal impacts.
– S-Series Jaw reinforces and stiffens lower chin piece with dual-material for added protection.
– Vision Bar utilizes Cascade’s PowerPress technology to narrow wire diameter and improve sight while increasing visibility.
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Cascade Lacrosse Youth CPV Lacrosse Helmet
$124.99 – $133.92
Cascade Lacrosse Boys CPV Lacrosse Helmet, White – XX-Small
137.99
CASCADE R Helmet
249.99
Smith Optics Maze Unisex Helmet, Matte Black, Large, and Cascade Classic Goggle, Clear
140.0
Smith Optics Black Holt Snow Ski Helmet & Cascade Snow Ski Goggle ( Choose Your Size Helmet & Goggle Color)
100.0
Cascade CPV-R Helmet WHITE
139.99
Cascade Helmet Sticker Set – CS
$9.99
Cascade Mohawk Helmet Decal – CPX-R
5.
99
Smith Optics Olive Holt Snow Ski Helmet & Cascade Snow Ski Goggle ( Choose Your Size Helmet & Goggle Color )
100.0
Cascade Multisport Helmet – full ear – removable Itech cag
US $30.00
Cascade R White Lacrosse Helmet Chrome Tungsten Steel
259.99
Cascade R White Lacrosse Helmet Dark Grey Tungsten (Black)
249.99
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Apperal Processing customization
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Cascade CPV-R Lacrosse Helmet-MED/LG
139.99
Cascade CPV-R Lacrosse Helmet-MED/LG
139.99
Cascade CPX-R Black Matte Helmet With Black Mask
229.
99
Cascade White CPV-R Lacrosse Helmet Silver Mask-Med/Lg
139.99
Cascade Maroon CPV-R Lacrosse Helmet Silver Mask-Med/Lg
139.99
Cascade Royal CPV-R Lacrosse Helmet Black Mask-Med/Lg
139.99
Cascade Orange CPV-R Lacrosse Helmet Silver Mask-Med/Lg
139.99
Cascade Red CPV-R Lacrosse Helmet Silver Mask-Med/Lg
139.99
Cascade Orange CPV-R Lacrosse Helmet Black Mask-Med/Lg
139.99
Cascade Royal CPV-R Lacrosse Helmet Silver Mask-Med/Lg
139.99
Cascade Red CPV-R Lacrosse Helmet Silver Mask-Med/Lg
139.99
Cascade Silver CPV-R Lacrosse Helmet Black Mask-Med/Lg
139.99
Cascade Maroon CPV-R Lacrosse Helmet Black Mask-Med/Lg
139.99
Cascade Yellow CPV-R Lacrosse Helmet Black Mask-Med/Lg
139.99
Cascade Navy CPV-R Lacrosse Helmet Silver Mask-Med/Lg
139.99
Cascade Red CPV-R Lacrosse Helmet Black Mask-Med/Lg
139.
99
Cascade Vegas Gold CPV-R Lacrosse Helmet Black Mask-Med/Lg
139.99
Cascade Forest Green CPV-R Lacrosse Helmet Black Mask-Med/Lg
139.99
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The 10 Best Lacrosse Helmets to Buy in 2021
Your head is a pretty important part of your body, all things considered. Decades of research and millions of dollars have gone into creating the best protective devices for our heads. Helmets have been custom-tailored to exact specifications for just about every sport known to man. Lacrosse is no exception to this rule.
For lacrosse players, finding the right helmet isn’t an option, it’s an obligation. There’s nothing worse than suffering through an entire game with an ill-fitting helmet that either cuts off circulation, wobbles around on your head, or fails to protect you in your time of need.
We have put together this buyer’s guide along with our list of the top 10 lacrosse helmets to help you find the perfect lacrosse helmet for your needs.
Features to Consider in Good Lacrosse Helmets
A full-contact, high-speed sport, lacrosse is not for the weak of will or for those who shy away from conflict. Having the proper protective gear is essential for ensuring the safety of everyone on the field. Finding a safe lacrosse helmet is simple, but finding the best helmet for you can be a more involved process.
NOCSAE Safety Standards
Any reputable dealer will only carry lacrosse helmets that have met safety standards outlined by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE).
You will find the NOCSAE sticker located on helmets or packaging for helmets that have been tested and proven to be effective.
Fitting Your Helmet
Finding the right fit is the next step for ensuring that the helmet in question will work for your needs. A lacrosse helmet should be snug but not so tight as to be uncomfortable for prolonged use. The fit should feel like it’s firmly grasping your head and the helmet should not slide around on your head once the chin strap is in place.
Facemask and Style
The next thing to be on the lookout for is a facemask style that protects you but also provides you with excellent visibility. Some people have different preferences for where the crossbars are located in terms of impacting their view. The order of importance for finding a helmet is as follows: a helmet that has been tested appropriately, one that fits well, and one that is your preferred style.
The lacrosse helmet is arguably the most important piece of protective gear on the field at any time.
This is why finding the right lacrosse helmet for you is so important. Here are our top picks for lacrosse helmets in 2021.
Top 10 Best Lacrosse Helmets 2021
1. Cascade CPX-R Helmet
Why we like it: The Cascade CPX-R Helmet is the gold standard of lacrosse helmets for players the world over. This helmet provides great safety and comfort with a price to match its performance.
Editor’s Rating:
Construction
Featuring Seven Technology, the Cascade CPX-R Helmet provides impact absorption which helps to manage energy transfer and reduce the damage caused by direct impacts. The clean design features a wide viewing angle thanks to the oversized facemask which offers protection and visibility at the same time.
The helmet is outfitted with a buckled, cross-face chinstrap setup that allows for secure adjustments to the fit to be made with ease. There are also adequately-sized ventilation ports to help keep you cool during intense lacrosse matches.
The ventilation system is created to provide maximal airflow without negatively impacting the structural integrity of the helmet.
Purpose-Built
This helmet is a no-frills offering that refuses to sacrifice performance for cost or style. While the helmet is fairly attractive, it’s designed with performance as the foremost factor in mind. This helmet is the standard by which other lacrosse helmets are compared an is an easy recommendation for most lacrosse athletes. That doesn’t mean this helmet is perfect for you, but it’s a great place to start.
Pros
- This helmet is manufactured by one of the most respected lacrosse helmet manufacturers in the world and is built to keep you safe.
- The Cascade CPX-R Helmet is designed to protect your head from all types of potential impacts during play.
- This helmet boasts the Seven Technology liner system that provides ground-breaking impact attenuation.
Cons
- Due to the quality of this helmet, it’s certainly not the lowest cost option on the market.
- It isn’t the most stylish helmet on the market, but it gets the job done exceedingly well.
2. Cascade S Lacrosse Helmet
Why we like it: It’s no accident that Cascade helmets take up so many spots on this list. The only thing that kept the Cascade S Lacrosse Helmet from the top of this list is its cost.
Editor’s Rating:
Top of the Line
This helmet is as good as it gets within a reasonable price range for lacrosse helmets. It features Cascade Tri-Liner protective technology that can absorb impacts from any direction during play. The Cascade S Lacrosse Helmet is also equipped with Gen4 EPP that is designed to protect specifically against impacts towards the front of the helmet and facemask.
Sporting a chrome facemask, the Cascade S Lacrosse Helmet provides the utmost in protection, comfort, and style. Possibly the greatest lacrosse helmet ever made, this is an easy purchase if the added cost isn’t a deal-breaker for you.
Competition
The Cascade CPX-R Helmet edged out the Cascade S Lacrosse Helmet by a narrow margin and primarily due to the fact that the Cascade S is the most expensive item on our list. While nearly $100 more expensive than the number one spot, this helmet provides unparalleled protection with a stylish flair.
Pros
- One of the best lacrosse helmets ever made, the Cascade S provides incredible protection.
- Dominate the field in style with the eye-catching look of this helmet.
- This helmet takes advantage of years of R&D to provide you with optimal head and face protection that won’t slow you down.
Cons
- The only problem with the Cascade S is the fact that it’s considerably more expensive than the number 1 item on our list and that’s what earned it the number 2 spot.
3. Cascade CPV-R Lacrosse Helmet
Why we like it: The Cascade CPV-R is the less fancy but more affordable brother of the CPX-R.
While it may not be quite as comfortable, this helmet still gets the job done and does so at a considerably lower cost.
Editor’s Rating:
Cost-Effective
While the Cascade CPV-R might not boast all of the features of its more costly brother products, it still provides great security for your noggin during play. The facemask is designed to provide protection while also offering good visibility. It may not offer quite as much of a wide viewing angle as the items above, but it’s still a quality offering that won’t negatively impact your play.
The CPV-R comes in a large variety of sizes and colors which should make it easy for you to find the right fit and a color that complements your personality or your team’s. Its practical design focuses on providing the essentials for safe play while reducing the cost to pass the savings down to you, the customer.
Sturdy
The R-Series Shell features FreeFlow venting to help keep you cool in the heat of action without sacrificing safety.
All of Cascade’s R-Series helmets have been tested for their effectiveness in the absorption of impacts to the face and skull. This helmet will keep you safe throughout your career as long as you practice proper maintenance skills.
Pros
- An affordable Cascade helmet that doesn’t sacrifice its ability to keep you safe during play, the Cascade CPV-R is a great budget option.
- Multiple sizing and color options allow you to customize the fit and style to best meet your needs and preferences.
Cons
- This helmet is less expensive than other Cascade helmets because it doesn’t offer the same level of protection or style.
4. Cascade LX Women’s Lacrosse Headgear
Why we like it: While lacrosse helmets are generally not required for women’s play due to rule variations from men’s lacrosse, there is still potential for cranial injury to occur and the Cascade LX offers great protection and comfort.
Editor’s Rating:
Women’s Lacrosse Helmet
Female lacrosse helmets are typically not mandatory; however, goggles are required.
For many lacrosse players, goggles can be uncomfortable. The Cascade LX Women’s Lacrosse Headgear provides security for the head while also offering goggle-like eye protection that meets the safety requirements without the discomfort of standard goggles.
Despite the fact that helmets are not required in most female leagues, there is always a chance for head injuries to occur in regular lacrosse play. The Cascade headgear provides a wonderful mix of protection and comfort for female lacrosse competitors.
Construction
The Cascade LX Women’s Lacrosse Headgear features an integrated goggle system that relieves the pressure of standard goggles while also protecting the top and back of the head from impact. By leaving the lower part of the facemask completely open and creating large ventilation holes throughout the helmet, this piece of headgear can be worn comfortably throughout long play sessions.
This helmet also features dual hair slots for players with long hair that want to wear the helmet comfortably.
There is also a rear-adjustable strap to provide more options for situating hair comfortably inside and outside the headgear. This helmet offers protection from impacts without sacrificing comfort or visibility and while meeting the women’s lacrosse requirements of goggle protection.
Pros
- Protects the head from impact while also acting as protective goggles to shield the player’s eyes.
- Offers superior ventilation and options for hair management to provide maximum comfort to the athlete.
- It provides a more comfortable alternative to wearing standard goggles during play.
Cons
- More expensive than standard goggles.
- It doesn’t protect the lower face or chin from impact.
5. STX Rival Lacrosse Helmet
Why we like it: The STX Rival Lacrosse Helmet is the only serious rival to Cascade’s S series and offers great protection. The helmet’s air pump system for getting a snug fit is great for dialing in the perfect amount of tightness.
Editor’s Rating:
Construction
Cascade’s primary competitor, STX, has made a wonderful lacrosse helmet with their STX Rival Lacrosse Helmet model. Its design in both form and function are close seconds to the offerings of Cascade. Personally, I prefer the look of the STX Rival to that of the Cascade S and when you factor in the fact that the Rival is almost $50 cheaper, it starts to look like a great alternative.
The protective foam system inside the STX Rival provides the ability to pump air into the pads to increase the pressure and tightness of the fit inside the helmet. This customization allows for fine-tuning of fit that may be preferred by some.
Style
The STX Rival Lacrosse Helmet comes in a ton of color options including matte black which has always been a personal favorite of mine. The overall design of the helmet is a bit more intimidating, but some users have reported some discomfort where the helmet meets their forehead due to the difference in design compared to the Cascade S.
Comparison
The STX Rival Lacrosse Helmet is a great piece of equipment, but it’s impossible to not compare it with Cascade’s offerings. The STX Rival is roughly .5 lbs heavier than the Cascade S which can be a big issue for many. Furthermore, the ventilation system in the STX Rival is slightly more stuffy comparably. An in-depth comparison video can be found here.
Ultimately, choosing one over the other comes down to preference and we considered the Cascade to have the upper hand in the direct comparison due to pricing and overall comfort. That doesn’t necessarily mean you would have the same opinion, so if you like the look of STX, rest assured you’re making very few sacrifices in terms of quality.
Pros
- Stylish design that doesn’t sacrifice head and face protection.
- Available in many colors and finishes.
- Offers a unique air pump cushion system for fine-tuning the fit once your head is snugly inside.
- Slightly cheaper than the Cascade S Lacrosse Helmet.
Cons
- It is more expensive than the Cascade CPX-R Helmet while offering similar features and protection.
- Nearly a full half-pound heavier than the Cascade S which can be a deal-breaker for many.
- Less ventilation than the Cascade S.
6. STX Lacrosse Stallion 600 Helmet
Why we like it: The STX Lacrosse Stallion 600 Helmet is STX’s budget offering which provides great protection at a reasonable price.
Editor’s Rating:
Budget Option
The STX Lacrosse Stallion 600 is competitively priced slightly lower than the Cascade CPV-R, placing it neatly in the middle range of cost-effectiveness by attempting to be considerably cheaper than the CPX-R and slightly better than the CPV-R. Fitting into that narrow range of cost to performance ratio is a difficult task.
Construction
The Stallion 600 is an evolution of the older Stallion 500 model and features a more ergonomic design.
It combines comfort liner and TPU Cushioning in a hybrid system that offers great comfort, fit, and impact absorption. This helmet also features STX’s great Surefit Air Liner system which allows you to pump the helmet’s cushioning with air to dial in the perfect fit.
Additional TPU side pads have been added to elevate the comfort and fit above the Stallion 500. The adjustable EVA jaw pads also sport TPU cushioning for absorbing impacts. The jaw pads are available in various sizes to allow for a customizable fit.
Sale Pricing
The low popularity of STX Stallion helmets has made these an item that is frequently discounted. However, this helmet doesn’t provide great value if you’re paying the full price for it.
Pros
- Sale price is a great deal that makes it one of the most affordable offerings on our list.
- The Surefit Air Liner system is a great way to fine-tune the fit of your helmet.
Cons
- The availability of this item seems a bit limited so getting a good deal might prove difficult.
- If paying full price, you’d be better off going a different route.
- Limited color and sizing options.
7. Cascade CS-R Youth Lacrosse Helmet
Why we like it: The Cascade CS-R Youth Lacrosse Helmet is great for children 12 years and younger. This helmet will keep your burgeoning lacrosse player safe throughout their early years of play.
Editor’s Rating:
Construction
The build quality of this helmet is similar to that of the adult Cascade offerings but with a more simplified of a design to keep the size and price down. It utilizes Memory Foam side pads to provide a secure and comfortable fit for the little one during play. This JR. R mask has a 3-bar design for the facemask that is better for smaller faces to provide good vision at a reduced weight.
The Cascade CS-R Youth Lacrosse Helmet used an upgraded Full Pivot System that is specifically designed to fit the anatomy of smaller children under the age of 12.
The rear third of the liner is modified to keep a grip on smaller skulls to keep them safe without allowing for slippage. This helmet is as close as youth players can get to the full-featured adult offerings.
Designed for Youth
Youth lacrosse helmets can be difficult to find due to the relatively low popularity of the sport, especially for younger children. This makes the offerings available rather slim. However, Cascade has created a great product at a reasonable price for children who pick up the sport of lacrosse in their early years.
This helmet provides children with a comfortable and secure fit that uses top-notch materials and build quality to offer a snug fit that keeps them safe. The rating for this helmet is only low due to the fact that youth helmets can only last someone for a short period of their life and youth lacrosse is a fairly underpopulated sport. The first elite youth helmet on the market, the Cascade Youth CS-R Elite Lacrosse Helmet offers best-in-class protection and comfort designed specifically to cradle the heads of younger players.
Pros
- Designed specifically for youth while still using high-quality materials and build.
- Better fit than trying to use an adult helmet cinched down all the way.
- Competitively priced to not break the bank.
Cons
- It’s fairly expensive for something the child is not likely to get many years of use out of.
- The lack of youth lacrosse leagues makes this item a questionable purchase unless you live in a big lacrosse area.
8. WARRIOR Matte EVO Helmet
Why we like it: The WARRIOR Matte EVO Helmet has a great, stylish design that also provides excellent comfort and protection. This helmet meets all NOCSAE standards and is also SEI certified.
Editor’s Rating:
Custom Boa Fit System
The WARRIOR EVO Helmet takes advantage of Boa’s clever custom fit system that allows you to dial in your perfect fit without fiddling with clumsy straps. The system allows for easy fine-tuning of fit and quick access for tightening, loosening, or completely removing the helmet.
While a tightening system isn’t reason enough to buy one lacrosse helmet over another, it’s a nice added bonus.
Sturdy Construction
WARRIOR is known for making sturdy sports equipment that can stand the test of time. The WARRIOR Matte EVO Helmet is no exception to that rule. Its Viconic EAS liner offers enhanced impact protection with 100% recoverability. The Viconic EAS liner system was co-created with the market-leading automotive impact protection company to provide lacrosse players with the utmost in head protection.
Equipped with cutting edge helmet technology, the WARRIOR Evo Lacrosse Helmet provides great protection and a secure fit. This WARRIOR helmet provides great visibility and offers a striking design.
Style
Equipped with a chrome facemask, the WARRIOR Matte EVO helmet creates an intimidating visage on the lacrosse player’s head. The chrome facemask is also said to help some with visibility thanks to its reflective coating. This helmet is a solid option for those who want to stand out from the crowd without sacrificing protection.
Pros
- A unique look that will help you stand out from the rest of the players on the field.
- The Boa Fit system allows for quick adjustments to fit on the fly.
Cons
- This helmet is priced right in the middle of the two high-end Cascade offerings without much warranting the price other than style.
- The ventilation system on this helmet is a bit lackluster compared to other similarly-priced offerings available.
9. STX Stallion 100 Youth Helmet
Why we like it: Designed for youth players, the STX Stallion 100 Youth Lacrosse Helmet is a great alternative to the Cascade CS-R Youth Helmet. Equipped with an elastic strap system, this helmet allows for a great fit across a wide range of smaller head sizes.
Editor’s Rating:
Build Quality
STX is Cascade’s primary competitor in the world of lacrosse helmets and their build quality is right up there with the best.
The major downside of the STX Stallion 100 Helmet is that the build quality comes with a slightly heavier weight compared to Cascade offerings.
Features
The STX Stallion 100 Lacrosse Helmet offers an ABS shell with impact modifiers molded into the plastic for enhanced strength and durability. With an advanced EPP liner, this helmet provides consistent coverage and fit throughout the entire shell. It also sports adjustable EVA jaw pads that incorporate TPU cushioning for superior impact absorption. The jaw pads can be custom ordered in varying sizes to provide an optimal fit.
Comparison
Similarities between the Cascade CS-R Youth Helmet and the STX Stallion 100 Youth Helmet must be drawn. The STX Youth Lacrosse Helmet is a bit heavier in comparison while both share the same price point. Deciding between the two is likely to come down to a personal preference for your child as both are quality helmets that provide great comfort and protection for young lacrosse players.
Pros
- The STX Stallion 100 Youth Lacrosse Helmet boasts great build quality.
- It has a clean design with a stylish appearance.
Cons
- This suffers in popularity due to it being a premium youth helmet much like the Cascade CS-R on our list.
10. WARRIOR Burn JR Helmet
Why we like it: The Warrior Burn Junior Lacrosse Helmet is a great option when you can find it on sale.
Editor’s Rating:
Construction
This helmet utilizes less expensive but still effective materials to keep the weight and cost of production down. Unfortunately, its base price is quite high. When on sale though, it’s a good deal.
Paying a premium price for the Cascade or STX youth offerings seems a bit silly and unnecessary when you consider how many seasons your child is likely to get out of their youth-sized helmet. This is especially true when you consider the relative amount of force your child’s head will be likely to be impacted by playing against other children in the same age group.
Sturdy
This helmet has a sturdy shell and is lined with vinyl nitrate foam liner to keep the head cushioned from impacts. It also has an easy Velcro pull-tab fitting system to allow for quick and easy adjustments of fit. This helmet meets NOCSAE standards and is SEI certified, but doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the other two youth offerings on this list.
The ventilation system is a bit lacking so the player’s head will most likely get warmer inside this helmet compared to the other youth helmets on our list. However, this is unlikely to be noticed by younger players and saving money on a helmet that is probably only going to be used for a season or two is a valid option.
Pros
- This helmet is occasionally steeply discounted
Cons
- Paying full price for this helmet is a waste of money when you can get one of the more popular brands for the same price if not a bit lower.
Guide to Buying the Best Lacrosse Helmets
Due to the blistering pace and full-contact nature of the sport, getting the best lacrosse helmet for you is imperative. There are a few key things to keep in mind when it comes to buying a lacrosse helmet. Here are the key considerations for buying a lacrosse helmet, listed in order of importance.
Safety First
When lacrosse was first played by Native Americans who wore no protective equipment whatsoever. The rate of injuries in lacrosse prior to protective wear was much higher than it is today. Lacrosse was actually featured in the 1904 Summer Olympics and even then, no protective equipment was to be found.
It wasn’t until 1928 that helmets were finally put to use, but those thin caps of leather were a far cry from the advanced helmets of today and only some players actually wore them. Facemasks were later introduced in the 1940s and in the early 1960s, the bucket design was implemented to offer more cranium protection from impacts.
The next evolution in lacrosse helmet technology didn’t occur until the mid to late 1990s when Cascade introduced their first helmet. Cascade would go on to dominate the lacrosse helmet scene even up to now when it has only a couple of competitors.
Lacrosse helmets are built similarly to football helmets with a handful of modifications to optimize their performance for the different requirements of the sport. One of the primary differences between football helmets and lacrosse helmets is their overall weight and the much more open design of the facemasks.
A lacrosse helmet is designed with mobility, agility, and visibility as the primary considerations after safety and this is obvious just by looking at them. Despite the emphasis on lighter weights, lacrosse helmets still seek to provide optimal protection against impacts to the face and cranium.
Lacrosse players have a historically high rate of concussions due to the fast-paced and full-contact nature of the sport. However, those rates have gone down in recent years thanks, in large part, to improvements in helmet safety technology.
Lacrosse Helmet Technology
New kinds of foam liners have been developed over the years that are light and comfortable while having the ability to instantly become more rigid when an impact occurs to help absorb the shock of the impact evenly throughout the helmet.
The construction of a lacrosse helmet includes several primary components:
- Shell – The hard, plastic carapace that makes up the outside of the helmet is essential for protecting the head from sharp blows. The shell must be sturdy but also light enough to not interfere with the athlete’s mobility and comfort. Most shells include ventilation holes to allow the helmet to breathe and prevent overheating.
- Impact Liner – Inside, the shell has a system of foam liner pieces that absorb impacts to the head of the athlete during play. The thickness and density of these foam pieces are essential for ensuring the athlete’s safety.
- Facemask – The facemask acts as a barrier between the athlete’s face and any incoming objects while still allowing them to see what they’re doing. The design of the bars is intended to maximize visibility while minimizing the potential for dangerous objects to get to the player’s face.
- Chin Bar – This part of the helmet is designed to protect the jaw as well as the upper throat from impacts.
- Chinstrap – The chinstrap is used to snugly secure the helmet onto the athlete’s head. The strap can be cinched to dial in the perfect fit for each person’s head.
Finding the Right Fit
Getting a helmet that fits properly is essential for ensuring your protection and comfort during play.
Lacrosse helmets need to be snug and tight while not exerting so much pressure as to be unduly uncomfortable. Getting your head into the helmet is likely to be slightly uncomfortable, but once you have the helmet firmly in place, it shouldn’t be more than slightly uncomfortable and ideally not at all.
The padding inside the helmet should feel like a firm grasp on your skull but it shouldn’t cause bruising or tension. Once your head is securely inside the helmet, you should snap the chinstrap in place and cinch it until it sits snugly without any slack. The chinstrap should be firmly in place but not uncomfortably so.
Once you have the chinstrap cinched and all buckles are fastened, you should test the fit of the helmet. Testing for a proper fit involves simulating play by vigorously moving about and shaking your head. The helmet should not move much if at all on your head and the skin of your forehead should move with the helmet as it wiggles slightly. You should always be able to see out of the top opening and the mask should never slide on your head.
Helmets should be kept in good shape and checked regularly after play for any dents, cracks, or bends. If your helmet appears compromised in any way that isn’t purely cosmetic, repair or replacement should become a priority immediately. The safety of a helmet can be compromised by damage to its structure.
Looking Good
The last consideration for your lacrosse helmet should be its style and appearance. Wanting to stand out from the rest of the players with a cool-looking helmet is great, but style should never come at the cost of safety. Don’t get the cooler-looking helmet if it doesn’t fit as well as another one.
It’s important to understand that looking good doesn’t count for much if you’re sent to the hospital because of an ill-fitting or poorly-constructed helmet. The look of a helmet can be relatively easy to alter by applying decals or paints so don’t be afraid to get a little crafty with your lacrosse helmet as long as you aren’t modifying the structure or any of the aspects of the helmet listed above in the Safety First section.
If you can find a helmet that fits great, has high safety standards, and looks cool then you’ve definitely hit the jackpot. When searching for a lacrosse helmet, keep your expectations in check and focus on function over form. You can select from an array of colors through amazon and even add your own custom decals.
Bottom Line
Lacrosse has been rising in popularity in North America in recent years as one of the fastest growing sports in America. Considered to be “America’s first sport”, lacrosse was played by early Native Americans. When the French first witnessed the game being played in North America they thought the sticks being used looked like a bishop’s crosier, hence the name “lacrosse” was given to the sport.
If you’re a lacrosse player, safety should be your top concern and protecting the top of your body is on the top of that list. Lacrosse safety equipment is highly recommended for all levels of play, helmets in particular. However, not all pieces of equipment are required depending on the league in which you play.
To learn more about lacrosse equipment requirements and how to measure your body to find the right size, check out this detailed resource put together by Lacrosse Unlimited. For information on lacrosse injuries and how to avoid them, go to UPMC’s helpful resource found here.
Wearing the proper equipment for your sport will help you reduce the risk of injury and increase your overall enjoyment of the competition by alleviating your worries. Finding the best lacrosse helmet should be easy with this resource at hand. Good luck with your search and have fun on the field!
Jamaica 2020 Crime & Safety Report
This is an annual report produced in
conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Kingston.
OSAC encourages travelers to use
this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Jamaica.
For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Jamaica country page for original OSAC reporting, consular
messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to
private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.
Travel Advisory
The current U.S.
Department of State Travel
Advisory at the date of this report’s publication
assesses Jamaica at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise
increased caution due to crime. Do not travel to
Spanish Town, or to parts of Kingston and Montego Bay, due to crime. Review
OSAC’s report, Understanding
the Consular Travel Advisory System.
Overall Crime and Safety
Situation
Crime Threats
The U.S. Department of State has
assessed Kingston as being a CRITICAL-threat
location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Violent crime, including sexual assault, is a
serious problem throughout Jamaica, particularly in Kingston and Montego Bay.
Jamaica’s police force is understaffed and has limited resources. Gated resorts
are not immune to violent crime.
In 2018, the homicide rate was 47/100,000
residents, and 2019 saw an increase of 3.4%. This is three times higher than
the average for Latin America and the Caribbean. Forbes Magazine listed Jamaica
as the third-most dangerous place for women travelers in 2017. In 2018,
Business Insider ranked Jamaica tenth among 20 of the most dangerous places in
the world. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently cited crime as the
number one impediment to Jamaica’s economic growth. The Jamaican government
concluded that corruption and the transnational crime it facilitates presents a
grave threat to national security.
In January 2018, due to rampant
violence and murders, the Government of Jamaica declared States of Emergency
(SOEs) and Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOs) for several parishes (like U.S.
counties) including the Kingston Metropolitan Area and St. James (Montego Bay).
The U.S. Embassy warned visitors to avoid some areas of Kingston, Montego Bay,
and Spanish Town due to violent crime. Under the SOE, security forces deployed
to address organized crime, including gang violence related to drug and gun
trafficking and lottery scams. The Emergency Powers Act allows the security
forces to detain and deport suspicious persons, to enter premises and seize
property without a warrant, and declare curfews. Throughout 2019, the
government enacted various SOEs and ZOSOs for the same parishes. They remain in
effect as of January 2020, with little long-term effect on the murder rate. Review
OSAC’s report, Jamaica
State of Emergency.
Crime | 2019 | 2018 | % |
Murders | 1326 | 1287 | +3.4% |
Shootings | 1246 | 1156 | +7.8% |
Aggravated Assaults | 361 | 379 | -4.7% |
Rapes | 484 | 503 | -3.8% |
Robberies | 1189 | 1088 | +9.3% |
Break-ins | 1210 | 1174 | +3.1% |
Data
from the Jamaican Constabulary Force Statistics and Information
Management Unit
The U.S. Embassy in Kingston maintains
several areas as off-limits to its personnel. The Embassy refers to its largest
off-limits area in Kingston as the “Red-Zone,” which represents two-thirds of
the city. The Embassy prohibits personnel from travel within this zone, between
Mountain View Avenue and Hagley Park Road, and south of Half Way Tree and Old
Hope Roads; this area includes Trench Town, Tivoli Gardens, and Arnett Gardens.
The Regional Security Office must approve all official travel within the Red-Zone.
Travelers must pass through the Red-Zone
to access Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport (KIN). The approved
primary route is South Camp Road to Normal Manley Boulevard. The approved
secondary route is Mountain View to Deanery Road to South Camp Road to Norman
Manley Boulevard. The Embassy does not require employees to submit a travel
request to travel to KIN using either of these approved routes.
Also off limits in Kingston are Cassava
Piece, Grants Pen, Stand‐Pipe, Duhaney Park, and Mountain View.
Avenue between Deanery Road and
Windward Road, and all neighborhoods encompassed in a lower-level “M-Zone”
include Olympic Gardens, Cockburn Gardens, Seaview Gardens, Trench Town, Tivoli
Gardens, and Denham Town.
In St. Catherine Parish, off-limits
areas include Spanish Town, Central Village, and certain areas within Portmore
to include Old Braeton, Naggo Head, Newland, and Waterford.
All of Clarendon Parish is off‐limits.
However, personnel may pass through Clarendon parish using the T1 and A2
highways. The Embassy does not require employees to submit a travel request to pass
through Clarendon using these approved routes.
In St. James Parish, neighborhoods encompassed in the off-limits
zone of Montego Bay include Flankers, Norwood, Glendevon, Paradise Heights, and
parts of Mount Salem. The downtown “Hip Strip” of bars, clubs, and vendors in
Montego Bay is an area where tourists should remain aware of pickpockets and
theft. Review OSAC’s report, All That You Should
Leave Behind.
In Kingston, Embassy personnel reside
in several housing compounds employing 24/7 armed guards. Residences must
adhere to rigid security standards for a critical-threat crime environment; each
must have locked window grilles, alarm systems, and a safe room.
Rape and sexual assault are serious problems throughout Jamaica,
including at resorts and hotels. Review OSAC’s reports, Hotels: The Inns and
Outs and Considerations for
Hotel Security.
The use of date rape drugs is possible
even at private parties and resorts. For more information on date rape drugs,
review OSAC’s report, Scopolamine
Incidents on the Rise in Colombia.
Gangs are a major security issue
across the country, and are the source of most violent crime nationwide. While
there is no evidence to indicate criminals and gang-related activities specifically
target U.S. citizens for violent crime, U.S. citizens are the prime targets for
financial “lottery scams.” In 2018, the USPIS assisted Jamaican law enforcement
with 109 cases involving lottery scamming and have extradited six lotto
scammers. Criminal elements pose as legitimate lottery companies and convince
unsuspecting U.S. citizens to send large amounts of money to obtain claimed
lottery winnings. The lottery fraud/scam operates predominantly from the north
coast near the tourist areas. Those organizing scams may obtain personal
information on tourists and use it to conduct their operations.
The most notorious Jamaican scam is
the Lotto Scam, a kind of advance-fee fraud. The scammer leads the victim to
believe that a Jamaican lottery prize is available to them after the payment of
“fees.” If you receive a call, know that you did NOT win a lottery. The person
on the telephone is lying, and you should hang up. Never send money to someone
who calls to say you have won the lottery in Jamaica. Do not travel to Jamaica
to collect a “prize.” Criminals have killed, kidnapped, extorted, or robbed
victims. Be very cautious about sending money to help a traveler claiming to be
in trouble. When in doubt, contact your local police department for advice and
assistance. Be wary of promises to protect a loved one from harm or to help the
loved one out of trouble, in exchange for money. That is extortion – contact
your local police department. Scam artists often fake romantic interest to get
money from a would-be lover, especially on the internet. When in doubt, contact
your local police department. If you are the target of a financial scam, you
will need to file a report with your local police department. Review OSAC’s
report, Criminal Gangs, Arms
Trafficking, and Lottery Scams in Jamaica.
Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s
Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.
Cybersecurity Issues
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for
Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile
Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones:
Critical or Contraband?
Transportation-Safety
Situation
Road Safety and Road
Conditions
Driving is on the left side of the
road in Jamaica. The lack of pedestrian crosswalks requires special vigilance.
In 2019, road fatalities increased to 435, from 389 the year before. Most roads
are paved, but suffer from ill repair, inadequate signage, large potholes,
limited lighting, and poor traffic control markings. Roads are often subject to
poorly marked construction zones, pedestrians, bicyclists, and livestock.
Driving habits range from aggressive speeding and disregard for others, to
inexperience and overly cautious behaviors, creating uncertainty and hazards to
pedestrians.
Drivers should maintain special care
when entering poorly marked traffic circles; entering motorists must yield to
those already inside. Exit points are exceptionally confusing, often making it
difficult to determine which exit to take.
With the completion of the North-South
Highway toll road in 2016, there is now a modern, expedient route between Kingston
and the north coast area near Ocho Rios. The A1, A2, and A3 highways provide
links between the country’s most important cities and tourist destinations.
These roads are comparable to but do not quite meet the standard of U.S.
highways; road conditions are hazardous due to poor repair, inadequate signage,
and poor traffic control markings. Highways and rural roads are often very
narrow and carry large trucks, buses, pedestrians, bicyclists, and open-range
livestock. Most highways invite vehicles to travel at high speeds, but do not
limit access. (Only North-South Highway and Highway 2000 prohibit bicyclists,
pedestrians, and livestock). Breakdown assistance is limited in urban areas,
and virtually unavailable in rural areas. Avoid nighttime driving; lighting is
either poor or non-existent outside of larger cities, and nighttime driving is
especially dangerous. Drivers and passengers in the front seat must wear seat
belts, and motorcycle riders must wear helmets. Use extreme caution operating
motor-driven cycles, as this is the leading category of deaths.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best
Practices, and Evasive Driving
Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving
and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Conditions
Embassy employees may not use public
transportation, except for the Jamaica Union of Travelers Association (JUTA)
taxis and minibuses, the Knutsford Express, or pre-approved taxis. Public buses
are often overcrowded and a venue for crime. Several serious and fatal
accidents take place each year involving passengers riding in taxis without
seatbelts. There are reports of private buses, acting as public transport,
driving erratically leading to injury and death for both riders and
pedestrians.
Official public transportation
vehicles have red license plates. Private vehicles, not licensed for public
transportation, have white license plates with blue letters/numbers. Only use
licensed taxicabs with red-and-white PP license plates or recommended transportation
services.
Do not accept rides from strangers.
Aviation/Airport
Conditions
The U.S.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Jamaica’s
Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of air carrier
operations in Jamaica. Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit:
Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.
Terrorism Threat
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Kingston as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism
directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. While
there do not appear to be any extremist groups active in Jamaica, lax
immigration controls, porous borders, availability of illegal weapons, and the
ease of obtaining fraudulent travel documents, along with the prevalence of U.S.
and other Western tourists could make the country an attractive target for
potential terrorists.
Political, Economic,
Religious, and Ethnic Violence
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Kingston as being a LOW-threat location for political
violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Jamaica’s
political system is stable, and the country has a history of peaceful transfers
of power between the two political parties, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and
the People’s National Party (PNP). The country’s historic economic challenges
and consistently high murder rate exacerbate social tensions and are the subject
of intense political debate.
Civil Unrest
Protests
and demonstrations can be unpredictable. Although protests and demonstrations
are infrequent in Kingston, they do occur. Even those intended to be peaceful
can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Activities in protest
include, but are not limited to roadblocks, throwing rocks, burning tires and
vehicles, and some degree of physical violence between law enforcement and
protesters. The U.S. Embassy and U.S. interests within the community are not
immune to the effects of these protests but are not direct targets. Review
OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western
Sentiment
Jamaicans are amenable to U.S.
travelers, with little to no apparent anti-U.S. sentiment.
Post-specific Concerns
Environmental Hazards
Jamaica shares a major geographic
fault line with Haiti. Tremors are very common throughout the country. Jamaica
also lies within the Atlantic hurricane belt; the hurricane season runs from
June 1 through November 30, although hurricanes can occur outside that period.
Critical Infrastructure
Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency
Management has put measures in place in the event of an emergency or natural
disaster.
Economic
Concerns
Corruption
is a major concern in Jamaica. There is substantial money-laundering activity.
Colombian narcotics traffickers favor Jamaica for illicit financial
transactions.
Personal Identity Concerns
Despite
the diverse ethnic and religious background of its population, Jamaica has the
reputation for being one of the least-accepting countries for the LGBTI+
community. Public displays of affection between same sex couples are uncommon,
and the law still criminalizes consensual sex between males with penalties of up
to 10 years in prison, though authorities rarely enforce this law. Several
highly popular Jamaican music entertainers have featured song lyrics that
contain homophobic messages and condone violence against the LGBTI+ population.
There are continued reports of serious discrimination and abuse against LGBTI
individuals, including assault, “corrective rape” of women accused of being
lesbians, arbitrary detention, mob attacks, stabbings, harassment by hospital
and prison staff, and blackmail. Pride events began in Jamaica in 2015, and have
slowly increased in size and participation. The 2019 Montego Bay Pride event
was canceled after the Mayor of Montego Bay blocked permission for a LGBTI+
group to use public venues. Review the State Department’s webpage on security
for LGBTI+
travelers.
While some
of the country’s resorts meet U.S. standards, most transportation,
entertainment, and medical facilities cannot accommodate travelers with
disabilities. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers
with disabilities.
Sexual
assault is a major problem, including at hotels and resorts. See the Police
Response section below, and review the State Department’s webpage on security
for female
travelers.
Rastafarians
report that while prejudice against their religion is still a problem, there is
increasing societal acceptance of and respect for their practices. Seventh-day
Adventists report a limited ability to gain employment because of their
observance of a Saturday Sabbath. Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the
State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based
travelers.
Drug-related Crimes
Jamaica is a transit point for South
American cocaine destined to the United States, Canada, and Europe. It is also
the largest Caribbean producer and exporter of cannabis (marijuana), adding to a
vibrant drugs-for-guns trade with Haiti. The Government of Jamaica has a
National Drug Control Strategy in place that covers supply and demand
reduction. The Government has intensified and focused its law enforcement
efforts on more effectively disrupting the trans-shipment of large amounts of
cocaine. It also has fully cooperated in several major international narcotics
law enforcement initiatives. It is ready and willing to extradite to the United
States those responsible for the manufacture, trans-shipment, and distribution
of vast amounts of cocaine throughout the central Caribbean region.
Foreign visitors to Jamaica may use
marijuana for medicinal purposes with a prescription from a physician in the
United States or from a local doctor. Any attempt to take marijuana into or out
of the country may lead to a serious charge of drug trafficking. Possession of
two ounces or less of marijuana may result in a fine. Possession of larger
amounts of marijuana, or possession of other illegal drugs, may lead to arrest
and prosecution.
Kidnapping Threat
Although rare, kidnappings can happen
in any part of Jamaica. A wide range of criminals with varying levels of
professionalism and differing motives can execute kidnappings.
At one end of the spectrum are
high-end kidnapping gangs that target high-profile/high-net-worth individuals.
Such groups employ teams of operatives who conduct specialized tasks (e.g. collecting
intelligence, conducting surveillance, snatching the target, negotiating with
the victim’s family, and establishing/guarding safe houses).
On the
other end of the spectrum are gangs that roam the streets and randomly kidnap
targets of opportunity. These gangs are generally less professional, and often
will hold a victim for a short period, just long enough to use the victim’s ATM
card to drain their accounts or to receive a small ransom. Sometimes they hold victims
for extended periods if they have a large amount in a checking account and a
small daily ATM withdrawal limit. While most of the world views this as
“express kidnapping,” Jamaican law interprets this as robbery. Review OSAC’s
report, Kidnapping: The Basics.
Other
Issues
Review
OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and
Don’ts for Photography.
Jamaica
strictly forbids importing or possessing firearms in Jamaica without prior
authorization of the Firearms Licensing Authority of Jamaica. A U.S. concealed
carry permit does not allow you to bring a firearm or ammunition into Jamaica. If
you bring a firearm, firearm components, firearm parts, or ammunition (even a
single bullet) to Jamaica, you will face arrest and prosecution. This will
result in a large fine and/or incarceration for an unspecified amount of time.
Bringing mace, pepper spray, or knives into Jamaica without authorization will
also lead to arrest. Read the State Department’s webpage on customs
and import restrictions for information on what you cannot take into
or out of other countries.
Police Response
The police
emergency line in Jamaica is 119. Insufficient funding and resources
hinder Jamaica’s Constabulary Force (JCF). Government officials have very low
salaries. Despite the creation of the Independent Commission of Investigations
in 2010, an entity that investigates police misconduct, police corruption and
involvement in criminal activity still occur.
Local police assistance is available
throughout the country. Police support for foreign victims of crimes varies
between semi-responsive and responsive due to a shortage of labor, training,
vehicles, and resources. Police do not usually mistreat victims of crime, but
response times, investigation techniques, and the arrest/conviction rates of
suspects are below the standards found in U.S. police departments.
Some civilians
fear that the authorities cannot protect them from organized criminal elements
because they suspect authorities are colluding with criminals, leading them to
avoid giving evidence or witness testimony. Those in some marginalized
communities are often indifferent to police authority, adding to a perceived
sense of lawlessness. Reporting crime can seem archaic and confusing and can be
a lengthy process that some see as frustratingly bureaucratic. Download the
State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Despite these setbacks, Jamaican
police officers have received extensive training from the United States and
other international trainers, including the United Kingdom, Russia, China,
Canada, and South Korea.
Victims of sexual assault should
contact the police and the U.S. Embassy in Kingston as soon as possible. In a
hotel, management should assist the victim with these communications. Victims
of sexual assault in Jamaica should not expect the same assistance routinely
offered in the United States. Rape kits are not always available, and victims
must often ask for medication to avoid STD transmission and reduce the chances
of pregnancy. An offer of counseling is unlikely. Law enforcement shortcomings
exist in collection of evidence. Prosecution of rape cases moves very slowly. Victims
may need to return to Jamaica during the legal process.
Those involved in a traffic accident
or victimized by crime may have to accompany the investigating police officer
to the local police station to file a complaint or respond to questions. Should
you require a police report for an insurance claim, police will charge a
nominal fee.
Medical Emergencies
The medical
emergency line in Jamaica is 110. Medical care is limited compared to the
United States. Comprehensive emergency medical services are only available in
Kingston and Montego Bay. The Embassy medical staff does not recommend using medical
facilities outside of Kingston and Montego Bay. Ambulance availability and care
provision is limited, especially in rural areas. Traffic congestion and road conditions
may slow response times. Find contact information for available medical
services and available air ambulance services on the Embassy’s Medical
Assistance page.
Healthcare
providers often require cash payment prior to providing services. Serious
medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation (medevac) can
cost thousands of dollars. The U.S. Department of State
strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling
internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on insurance overseas.
The availability of prescription drugs is very
limited in outlying parishes. EpiPens are not sold anywhere on the island.
Mosquito
borne viruses (e.g. Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika) are prevalent in Jamaica, as is
HIV/AIDS. Use insect repellant with DEET. Although Jamaica does not have any
specific vaccination requirements, authorities require the Yellow Fever Vaccine
for entry if the traveler has been in an area where Yellow Fever is active.
The
CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Jamaica.
Review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Traveling with Medication, I’m Drinking What in My Water?, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad.
OSAC Country Council
Information
The Kingston Country Council meets
quarterly. Interested
private-sector security managers should contact
OSAC’s Western Hemisphere team with any questions or to join.
U.S. Embassy Contact Information
142
Old Hope Road, Kingston 6
Hours:
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90,000 Boxing Helmet Review
Official ExpertBoxing Helmet Review for every boxing helmet I’ve used over the years. I will share my experience with 18 different helmets and explain why you should and why you should not buy them. I will describe their levels of protection, comfort and price, as well as other important factors. Learn about the important aspects of helmets to protect your head and enjoy boxing!
Review of Criteria Helmets
Factors I Consider When Using A Boxing Helmet.Some of them may or may not matter to you. Over the years I have become more sensitive and more aware of how different helmets feel on my head after years of sparring. The real plus of this guide is that I have used all of these helmets and can compare them relative to each other.
Comfort & Fit
This should be the most important factor in a helmet. It doesn’t have to feel like it’s made specifically for your head, but you should feel confident in your protective gear.The fighting itself is intense enough that you don’t have to wear something that distracts you, annoys you, or feels uncomfortable. At the higher levels of boxing, many fighters sacrifice cushioning material in favor of comfort because speed and relaxation provide more protection than cushioning material.
I describe comfort by how well the helmet fits on my head. Some helmets press on the side or on the forehead or on the back of the head. Others are too unstable or fidget too much.Some helmets have a very irregular fit, creating small gaps between the helmet and the head, causing the helmet to wobble when you take hits.
Interior padding is also an important point. I especially hate the smooth padding that allows the helmet to glide over my head when I’m sparring. On the other hand, some people dislike padding because it feels dirty and annoying.
The chin strap is also particularly important. Sometimes the strap is too relaxed that you feel like the helmet is not tight enough.Sometimes the chin strap is too close to feel like being strangled.
Overview
The best defense against a blow is a complete escape from it, but it’s hard to defend against blows that you can’t see. Even if you do miss a blow, it is very important that you see the blow. The ability to see a blow allows you to prepare for it, or to wrap up from a blow and also get away from subsequent blows. More experienced boxers rely on good protection instead of thick padding for protection.
The best impact protection is a complete escape from it.
Visibility is determined by the cheek and forehead protectors as well as the tightness of the padding around the front of the face. Different brands and different models all vary in the amount of padding and the shape of the cheek protectors. Too much padding and you will feel buried inside your helmet. The cheek protectors can bend slightly to the sides so that they don’t block your vision too much.
I should also advise you to try on different sizes.A helmet that is too large for your head will protrude further from your face and take away some of your visibility. The cheek protectors will also be larger and further away from the face, also reducing your visibility.
Packing
This is protective equipment, so padding is especially important. I have defined a “Padding Rating” for all helmets. The rating goes from 0 to 10. 0 is equal to none. 10 equals invincibility.
I rate the padding of helmets for the perceived thickness of the helmet when taking hits.The actual thickness and how it feels in the hands does not matter.
I wish the shock absorption of the helmets was simple, but it is not. Some helmets serve well against light hits, but are terrible against hard hits and vice versa. Why is that? I’m not sure, but my guess is that the softer the padding, the better it works against light impacts. Tighter padding will also take longer to post, but that’s okay. I’m usually in high spirits when I enter the ring, so wearing a new helmet becomes another excuse to enter.
Quality
I define quality by how well the helmet is made. Will the padding stay in good shape for years to come or will it soften after just months of use. How well is the chin strap made? This area is very important because it is the thinnest part of the helmet and is subject to a lot of pressure and is used the most. Many cheap helmets have weak straps that fall apart after just a year. The buckle falls apart easily or the strap itself breaks easily.A helmet is useless if you can’t even attach it to your head. A quality helmet will last forever, don’t buy anything cheap.
Coverage
The main areas of helmet coverage are the forehead, cheeks, flanks, chin and nape. Different helmets vary in their coverage.
The cheeks and forehead are the most important areas because you will get there most often, and they affect your vision. The sides of the helmet are also very important because you will be hitting there often.The sides do not interfere with your view, but they should not be too thick, because you will feel like your head is going to be a giant target.
The back of the head will vary in the amount of padding on different helmets. Sweeping punches often get there, so be aware of this if you have a boxing style where you take a lot of punches to the back of the head. (such as: many turns).
For me personally, the padded helmet is incredibly annoying. The chin padding prevents me from dropping my chin and doesn’t seem to soften my chin at all.Some helmets also have a septum in front of the face that runs in front of the nose. I’ve seen many pros spar in these helmets and enjoy their level of protection. I think they are great if you have a nose that can break easily, but otherwise, this septum prevents me from seeing punches when sparring.
Size & Weight
The size and weight of the helmet will definitely affect your mobility, especially your head movement. The lighter and tighter the helmet feels, the easier it is to dodge blows.Bigger, bulky helmets may have more padding, but you will feel like your head is a giant target and difficult to close when blocking short range shots. Lightweight fighters love thin helmets more, while heavyweights perceive all helmets as “light”.
Boxing Brands VS Brands MMA
Time and time again, I believe that boxing equipment made by decent boxing brands is far superior to equipment made by MMA brands.I think the same about boxing gloves. Equipment made by MMA brands may look and feel the same, but they don’t last as long. Boxing equipment made by MMA brands loses its softening ability after a year; it either becomes too soft or too hard. Equipment made by boxing brands can easily last 5 to 10 years of normal use. Very often you can see boxing gloves from 10 years ago in the hall.
Training Helmet vs Competition Helmet
I have to clarify this.Training helmets are usually heavier than competition helmets. They provide more protection against all the punches you take in sparring. Competition helmets are generally thinner and lighter, compromising on mobility padding so you can move your head faster and avoid impacts completely (which equates to points being scored against you).
I recommend that everyone train with a training helmet and then use an approved competition helmet only in competition.I do not recommend using a competition helmet for training because they provide low protection. Training is your time to develop new skills and new tactics, so you will be expected to miss a few beats as you learn.
Packing VS Visibility
Increased coverage and padding are almost always detrimental to visibility. So find a compromise. As a high speed lightweight, visibility in combat is especially important to me.I tend to love a helmet with small cheek protectors and then find a helmet that has the most padding that isn’t too heavy or too huge. If you’re new to boxing, you’ll have to experiment before you figure out how much padding and visibility you like.
Buy Your Helmet
You can save money by wearing a general helmet in your gym, but there are some good reasons for having one. It’s disgusting to wear a helmet with someone else’s sweat on it.Sometimes it is more than just sweat; there is blood or even blood stains.
Your own helmet will always be adjusted to fit your head, so it will always fit perfectly. Using a helmet that belongs to the gym can be a hassle because it might not sit properly and / or the one you want might be taken by someone else.
…. now on to the helmets review!
1.EVERLAST Headgear Helmet – $ 35
Packing Rating – 2
Experience
This thing felt like a toy in my hands. It is simply a souvenir for children to “play boxing”. I do not recommend it for any boxing sparring. Even if you insist that it is cheap, I would tell you to save money and borrow a helmet from someone or put a bicycle helmet on your head.
Opinion
Don’t buy it.Even if you get it for free, don’t use it.
2. Helmet EVERLAST Classic “Old School” Headgear – $ 39
Packing Rating – 3
Experience
The packing is so stiff it doesn’t feel like packing. The coating feels uncomfortable. I don’t understand why Everlast is selling this. You would think that all the “old school” boxers would have retired by now.
Opinion
Don’t buy it.I think it’s no secret that the new school boxing helmets are much better than the old school helmets.
3. “PRO” Mexican Style Headgear – $ 45
Packing Rating – 4
Experience
I bought this helmet from a local store when I was new to boxing and didn’t know any better. You will find this unpatented brand all over California. I bought it because it was cheap and I regretted my decision very soon.The padding was fine at first, but quickly softened even with minimal use. The buckle was made cheaply, making it difficult to put on and take off the helmet even if someone helped me. Most of the PRO helmets I see have shitty buckles where the buckle tongue dangles to either side, extending beyond the buckle.
Opinion
Don’t buy it. One day I showed up at a boxing competition wearing my PRO helmet and the head coach laughed. Do I need to say more?
4.WARRIOR Pro Training headgear helmet – $ 59 90 133
Packing Rating – 4
Experience
One of my main sparring partners had this helmet. The padding is too soft. A friend of mine explained that it was not that soft when he first bought it.
Opinion
Don’t buy it. The padding is too soft.
5. Helmet TITLE Classic Power Air Training Headgear – $ 39
Packing Rating – 4
Experience
Thanks to the holes, your head definitely feels cool and free.It’s also super lightweight, so when combined with breathable holes, it feels like you’re not wearing any helmet. Unfortunately, weak padding also adds to this effect. The padding is so weak it looks like you’re not wearing a helmet. I couldn’t figure it out. The helmet seemed very good and protective in my hands, but not when I was taking hits.
Opinion
Don’t buy it. It feels great, but the padding lags far behind other helmets for the same price.
6. FIGHTGEAR Air Max Training Headgear Helmet – $ 49
Packing Rating – 4
Experience
Same experience as TITLE Classic Power Air headgear. Very lightweight and breathable, but not very good protection.
Opinion
Don’t buy it. There are many better options for the same price.
7. EVERLAST Competition Headgear $ 69
Packing Rating – 6
Experience
I spent most of my time in my Everlast competition helmet and I must say it is very good.I had the option with closed cheeks, rather than an open face. He was very comfortable, very light, good protection all over the head. Even though I had the cheeks option, the visibility was high. I didn’t feel like anything was interfering with my review.
The suede padding inside kept the helmet stable and ensured the safety of the head. I have never had to adjust this helmet during intense exchanges. Also I have to say that I am a GREAT FAN of Velcro chin straps. And I especially dislike a helmet with buckles.Velcro is much easier to use and allows you to tighten where you need to instead of fumbling all day for a hole. You can easily put it on and take it off yourself, without having to look in the mirror.
Opinion
Buy it. Highly recommended for competition and light sparring. Velcro alone is worth something. This is a great $ 69 purchase and will last you years. However, I would look at the more expensive helmets if you are doing intense sparring.
8. TITLE Traditional Training Headgear Helmet – $ 49
Packing Rating – 7
Experience
Nice helmet. Good coverage and good protection. Great buy for $ 49.
Opinion
Buy it. Good for training and low cost.
9. TITLE Platinum Training Headgear Helmet $ 59
Packing Rating – 8
Experience
Excellent helmet.Thick and feels great. Some people may not like cheek protectors.
Opinion
Buy it. Only $ 10 more expensive than the TITLE Traditional Training Headgear, why not?
10. TITLE Boxing Competition Headgear – $ 59
Packing Rating – 5
Experience
Good padding, comfort and lightness for competition. Feels great, everything is good. The one in the picture above is the open face version, but there are also cheeks.
Opinion
Buy it. Great for amateur competition.
11. Helmet TITLE Boxing Face Protector Training Headgear – $ 89
Packing Rating – 10
Experience
Good padding, comfort. Made for tough sparring! The bar is great for fighters who tend to break their nose. A lot of middleweights and heavyweights in the Mexican gym I used to train at used this helmet all the time for sparring.
Personally, this crossbar on my face is incredibly annoying. I weigh around 63.5-66kg and guys at my weight usually prefer open-faced helmet to better see the fast shots coming from all angles.
Opinion
Buy it if you don’t like to face it. Beware of the crossbar, which potentially blinds you to certain hits. Padding will not help if it blocks your vision of the impact.
12.RIVAL Traditional Training Headgear Helmet – $ 69
Packing Rating – 8
Experience
EXCELLENT helmet. Looks great, feels great, and absorbs shocks very well. I felt very protected when I put on this helmet for the first time. It feels subtle yet safe. You will feel very comfortable, fast and protected in this helmet. This is one of my all time favorites.
Opinion
Buy it.You won’t find a better combination of padding, slim size and comfort under $ 100.
13. FIGHTGEAR Master’s Competition Headgear – $ 69
Packing Rating – 9
Experience
Excellent coverage and excellent protection. Full face padding. An excellent choice for grunts. The padding is tight, so be sure to get the right size or you’ll feel like you’re buried in a helmet. The inside is also a little smooth, so it slips a little.
Opinion
Buy it. Great protection at a great price, as long as you don’t mind having a little less visibility.
14. FIGHTING SPORTS Tri-Tech Training Headgear – $ 99
Packing Rating – 8
Experience
Great padding and comfort, but I don’t recommend this helmet. The inner surface is too smooth. The helmet slips and fidgets over your head even when you are not sweating.I got tired of constantly spinning it on my head and took it off after 1 minute of sparring.
Opinion
Don’t buy it. Great padding, coverage, lightness, comfort, but ultimately can’t be used because it fidgets too easily.
15. Helmet RIVAL d3o Pro Training Headgear – $ 129
Packing Rating – 10
Experience
This is my main training helmet at the moment.This helmet is made with excellent quality and full surface protection. Everything from the padding to the top of the head to the puffs in the back screams quality. Great fit, great padding and comfort. The cheek protectors and padding around the eyes still feel like they are slightly obstructing the view. It doesn’t bother me, but other boxers may not like it.
Opinion
Buy it. Excellent protection and comfort.
16. ADIDAS Amateur Boxing Competition Headgear – $ 129
Packing Rating – 5
Experience
I have never used this helmet, but I was outboxed and beat up by the guy who was wearing this helmet.Hahaha, okay, I had the opportunity to experience this helmet several times. It has very little padding, it feels like you’re not wearing a helmet at all. You shouldn’t use it unless you’re super slippery and / or performing internationally. I have to admit that the padding is surprisingly good considering that you are barely wearing anything.
Opinion
Buy it if you’re slippery enough.
17. GRANT Professional Headgear – $ 179
Packing Rating – 10
Experience
Excellent padding against hard and soft impacts.I see a lot of grunts and heavyweights using this helmet.
Opinion
Buy it. Excellent quality and reasonable price.
18. Helmet WINNING FG-2900 – $ 250
Packing Rating – 8
Experience
I wish I had a better picture of this helmet, but then I realized that the factory picture shows it the best way. This helmet is a true piece of equipment used by serious boxers all over the world.For information: Winning is considered one of the best brands of boxing protection. Their gloves are renowned for providing the best protection for the hands. This is something you should consider if you are a serious power drummer and need to save your hands for years of striking.
BELIEVE THE NOISE! At first, it’s hard to imagine that something so thin and light could provide so much protection, but it really is! You won’t believe it until you spar in this helmet.
This is what the pros use in training and for a good reason.It is very lightweight and very comfortable, it will feel like you have nothing on. The level of protection is very high for such a lightweight helmet. I must warn you that the protection at the back of the head is minimal!
Opinion
Buy it. The price is fully justified. Great protection and comfort, but the most important thing is how lightweight it is. This is the lightest helmet I have ever wore and the quality is highly appreciated by high-level fighters.
The Winning FG-2900 Wins EXPERTBOXING AWARD FOR BEST HELMET!
Final Recommendations for Helmets
Your brain is vital to your long-term health and enjoyment of life, so do whatever you can to protect it.There are many who would argue that a helmet only protects skin or bones and that it cannot soften the brain. Maybe so, but I will still wear the best helmet I can find in the hope of minimizing this risk. This is your head and your health, so buy the best boxing helmet as soon as you start boxing seriously.
As a last resort, a helmet that makes you FEEL more comfortable and more protected will protect you best because you will be more comfortable and you will fight better.Therefore, wear a helmet that is more comfortable for YOU and feels the most protective for you. Everyone’s head is different and will fit differently for each helmet. Your boxing style will also be another determining factor when choosing a helmet. I am completely confident that I do not recommend the thinnest of helmets for grunts.
All Other Boxing Helmets
If I didn’t mention any other helmets, it’s because I have never used them or not used enough to form my opinion.The only helmets I’ve used are the ones I’ve listed here. My favorites are Rival Traditional , Rival d3o , Everlast Competition , and Winning FG-2900 .
How easy it is to choose a child safety helmet – tips for choosing
The child’s head weighs about a quarter of the body weight and, with undeveloped muscles, the baby’s first year of life greatly outweighs. Because of this, when the baby falls, the head often suffers first.Most often, parents encounter this problem when a child learns to move around. To save the head, various devices are used, for example, a walker, but the most effective protection is the helmet, which is always on the head.
Love for a child makes you very worried when your beloved baby, falling, hits his forehead or the back of his head and cries out in pain for a very long time. Then a bump appears on the forehead, it quickly increases in size and darkens. It is necessary to apply a cold object to the bump as quickly as possible to cool the impact site.This will significantly speed up the healing time of the bruise. BUT. There is only one tool that can reduce the effects of an impact to zero – child safety helmet .
Children’s protective helmets reliably protect the child’s head from bruises and bruises. Such a helmet can also protect against more serious injuries such as concussion and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. With a concussion, at best, if you’re lucky, you can get off with a few days in the hospital with your child, but there are also severe cases.The damage caused by blows to the head has been studied in detail by modern medicine. Director of the Center for Encephalopathy Dr. Ann McKee, neuropathologist, Boston University / VA Boston Health Care System argues that even mild traumatic blows to the head can cause chronic traumatic encephalopathy over time.
What properties should a child safety helmet have to effectively protect a baby?
Impact protection comes first.Actually, the helmet was created for this. Various materials are used in the manufacture of a helmet – from foam rubber and granular polyethylene to air-bubble films. All of them soften the blow to one degree or another, but their density greatly affects the weight of the helmet.
Helmet weight . Naturally, the lighter the helmet, the better: less stress on the child’s weak neck, low inertia allows you to better hold the helmet on your head during sudden movements. Helmets vary greatly in weight – the lightest models range from 35 grams to over 100 grams.
Next in importance is head surface ventilation . The child’s thermoregulatory system is imperfect and his head often sweats. If the helmet fits snugly to the surface of the head, sweating and thermoregulation are inevitable. The correct design of the helmet allows the scalp to be ventilated. In addition, the composition of the material that comes into contact with the baby’s skin is very important. And although modern synthetic materials are most often low-allergenic, parents still prefer natural cotton materials for their child.Rare models of helmets provide the necessary thermoregulation of the child’s head well enough.
Also, in terms of importance, ease of adjustment can be distinguished . Your child’s head is individual, so a high-quality, comfortable helmet should be widely adjustable. This is achieved through the use of various fasteners, as far as the design of a particular model allows.
And only , the combination of the above properties determines the consumer characteristics necessary for parents.Helmets from different manufacturers have their own characteristics: material, construction. For example, the IPROTECT helmet features a robust, patented air design to maximize the requirements for children’s helmets, while the high impact resistance of air helmets is confirmed by research from Stanford University in the USA, which shows that a Hovding helmet air bag can reduce exposure as much as six times. , compared to traditional bicycle helmets.
The cost of child safety helmets ranges from US $ 5 to US $ 40. One manufacturer has the most pronounced protective properties: an English helmet covers almost the entire head with a thick layer (Fig. 1). The European helmet is very hard and durable (Fig. 2), the Korean and Chinese high-tech ones (Fig. 3 and 4). The child safety helmet IPROTECT (Fig. 5) has a balanced set of characteristics and a reasonable price. Cheap Chinese models (Fig. 6) differ only in low cost and minimal consumer characteristics.
Thus, the choice must be made when choosing what properties of the helmet you most need. For example, if the baby hits his head very often and strongly, then a helmet with higher protective properties is needed. If the child hits occasionally, then a light model is enough for every day.
As doctors say: it is easier to prevent than to cure. Modern parents are also guided by this slogan.
How easy it is to choose a child safety helmet – tips for choosing .
90,000 Which VR helmet to choose: a review of virtual reality helmets. How to assemble a Cardboard with your own hands: drawings, dimensions
Helmets on the head of the Lord!
It is difficult to think of a brighter symbol of the digital age than a virtual reality helmet. Suffice it to recall any Hollywood film on this topic: the hero always puts on his head something resembling either a helmet or hypertrophied glasses in order to get into the virtual world and begin his eternal struggle with the universal evil.
It just so happens that the main source of perception for a person both in the virtual and in the real world is vision. Therefore, many companies racked their brains over the creation of convenient devices that allow you to immerse yourself in the virtual world. One of the pioneers in this area was IIS (Interactive Imaging Systems). Its first product (virtual reality headset VFX1) entered the market more than 5 years ago and, although not widely adopted, nevertheless, became a significant milestone in the path of virtual reality devices to the end user.Until this moment, the field of virtual technology was mainly the prerogative of the military. So for a long time there have been and are successfully used options for virtual reality helmets for helicopter pilots and some options for military simulators. An ordinary user can only lick his lips, looking at the characteristics of military devices: in comparison with what is offered to ordinary users, this is heaven and earth. True, it is worth noting that such helmets cost up to $ 250,000, which, against the background of several tens of millions for the helicopter itself, of course, seems like a penny 🙂
Alas – progress in the field of virtual reality helmets is moving very slowly.If we compare it, for example, with the pace of evolution of processors or video accelerators, it seems that the helmet market is generally stagnant. However, it is not. First, the number of companies producing such devices has significantly increased recently. Secondly, there was an additional application for them. Using glasses or virtual reality helmets when watching DVD movies (for example, from a portable player) allows you to get the effect of being in a movie theater. For those who are interested, I can recommend this site, where you can look at all the variety of virtual reality devices.
From our friends from the “Multimedia Club” company we got for testing an exclusive copy of the VFX3D virtual reality helmet from the IIS company. This helmet is the evolution of the VFX1 that the manufacturer started with.
To begin with, a small digression about what a virtual reality helmet is and how it works. The helmet is a combination of three main VR systems:
- Audio – Typically in the form of headphones.In expensive models, quad headphones are sometimes used to provide a more comfortable 3D sound experience.
- Video – Two monitors (or panels), one for each eye. They can be liquid crystal (LCD) or CRT (recently a rarity). Now a little about such a burning moment as the resolution of the panels. Manufacturers often indicate the maximum resolution at which a device can operate, but this often does not match the physical resolution of the panel.You can calculate the real resolution of the panels using the formula height * width * 3pixels = real size of the panel (3 pixels is RGB, in order to get one color pixel). Thus, to obtain a resolution of 640 * 480, the helmet must have panels 640 * 480 * 3 =
0 pixels. - And the last “whale” on which the technology stands is orientation in space (trekking). Unlike virtual reality glasses, which require additional sensors for head movements, helmets always have built-in sensors, and, as a rule, for several directions of movement.Usually this: turning the head to the right / left, tilting the head to the right / left, tilting the head up / down.
The helmet works quite primitively. You just plug it into your computer and you get the image that currently exists on the display. For more interesting modes, such as stereo viewing or tracking in the virtual world, you need to have the appropriate software that will allow you to use these capabilities of the helmet.
Well, now let’s move on to examining a specific helmet model that came to us for testing.
Specifications
- Videos
- Dual 0.7 ” LCD
- Resolution of each 360,000 pixels
- 16 bit color
- Optics
- Viewing angle 35 degrees
- Fixed focus: 11 ft
- Can be used with
- VOS
(orientation system in virtual space; trekking) – 3 sensors - Yaw (head turn right / left) 360 °, sensitivity ± 0.1 ° (12 bit)
- Pitch (Head Up / Down) ± 70 °, Sensitivity ± 0.1 ° (12-bit)
- Roll (head tilt right / left) ± 70 °, sensitivity ± 0.1 ° (12-bit)
- Audio
- High quality headphones
- Supported frequency range: 20Hz-20KHz
- Integrated volume control
- Parameter control
- Brightness
- Contrast
- Chromaticity
- Backlight
- Video modes: Mono, Stereo 1, Stereo
glasses
The delivery set includes the following things: A helmet, a black LinkBox, to which all signal sources are directly connected, and a huge number of cords for connecting something somewhere :).Unfortunately, the kit that we got did not include instructions or software. So I had to go online in search of what was missing. Fortunately, you can easily find everything you need on the IIS site.
I also got the CyberPack joystick, which was previously supplied with the helmet, but now it is, as it were, additional peripherals. The operating principle of this joystick is based on the helmet tracking system. The joystick has two sensors that allow you to control its tilt to the right / left and forward / backward, which corresponds to the x and y axes, as well as three buttons.
However, let’s proceed to the installation stage. All connections are based on the “black box” LinkBox. In the photo below you can see all the variety of its connectors.
In the photo on the left, the side responsible for the “output” of the signal. There are two connectors here: S-Video and a connector that directly communicates the LinkBox with the helmet. Also located here is the power button for the entire system.
In the photo on the right, the side performing the opposite task, i.e.e. communication with a computer. From left to right: Audio input – connects to the Line Out connector on the audio card, VGA – through a special pass-through cable connects directly to the video card connector, and a monitor is connected to it (in more detail this cable can be viewed in the photo below), RS- The 232 input is connected to a free COM port of the computer and, finally, to the connector for the power supply, which ensures the operability of this entire system.
The consequences of using a VGA pass-through cable were dire.The picture on the monitor has become “soapy” in the best traditions of the old Chinese video accelerators on the Voodoo 1 chipset, which also used a similar VGA pass-through cable.
In this photo you can see the fully assembled kit, but not yet connected to the computer.
Software installation is very simple. You run the program, and it installs two utilities and drivers necessary for the headset tracking system to work.
VFX control
The utility provides calibration of tracking sensors and software interface settings.VFXLauncher
This program, in theory, should allow you to run the game programs on your computer in a mode that allows you to make the most of the capabilities of the VFX3D helmet.
CyberPack Joystick connects like a standard joystick to the game port. After that, you need to register it in the Game Controllers section as an ordinary joystick with two axes and three buttons.
You can now proceed to the calibration process for both the helmet sensors and the Cyberpack joystick sensors.The joystick is calibrated in the Game Controllers section as an ordinary joystick (by standard means). I must say that out of habit it will take a long time to fiddle with the calibration of the joystick, since first you need to fully master and understand its control system. I can’t say that it seemed convenient to me, but in the virtual world it seems quite natural: tilting the arm forward – moving forward, tilting the arm to the right – turning to the right, etc.
Helmet calibration is more tedious process due to the larger number of sensors.For calibration, as mentioned above, the VFXcontrol utility is used. Of course, you can leave the default settings and in most games they will work more or less acceptable, but for complete comfort it is worth spending a few minutes on the sensor calibration procedure. Calibration is simple enough, but somewhat tedious. It is necessary to calibrate all three motion sensors one by one. It is recommended to start with the Yaw head rotation sensor. To do this, by pressing the Calibration button, you must slowly rotate the helmet 360 degrees, do this three times, and then repeat a similar procedure for the other two sensors (Pitch, Roll) and then turn off the Calibration button.
You can then refer to the INTERFACE SETUP section. In fact, here we are only interested in one point: DirectX Support ON. He is responsible for the operation of tracking sensors in games using DirectX procedures. Thus, to work with the headset, the user must use exclusively Directx and forget about OpenGL and Glide forever.
Here the first pitfall was waiting for me. As it turned out, the headset drivers cannot work with DirectX older than version 7.0a. I had to deal with the painful procedure of “crawling” from DirectX 8 to DirectX 7.At the same time, it turned out that the helmet does not work with Windows ME and 2000 operating systems. However, we finally managed to successfully switch to DirectX 7, and the helmet drivers reported that everything was in order. The preliminary settings are complete. Now, finally, you can put the helmet on your head and start adjusting its video parameters. The helmet fits very tightly on the head thanks to the thick and soft seal. At the same time, it does not put much pressure on your head, so you feel quite comfortable, although, perhaps, in the warm season it will be somewhat hot to sit in it.Thank God, the manufacturers have provided an opportunity to remove the seal from the helmet and wash it 🙂
It should be noted that the helmet does not separate from reality as completely as we would like. I can’t say anything bad about the headphones: they block external noise well enough. But when you lower the front of the helmet, where the LC-screens (visor) are located, you have to concentrate on the image, as the surrounding reality strives to “squeeze” into the slots around the visor.
Now let’s go directly to configuring the video parameters of the helmet. Control is carried out using two-position rocking buttons located on the lower surface of the helmet (in the photo they are in red circles).
Left key when pressed forward allows access to the video settings menu: brightness, contrast, saturation, etc. and with subsequent pressing it cycles through all the menu items. After selecting a menu item with the right button, you can increase or decrease the value of the selected parameter.By pressing the left key backward, you can access the video modes Mono, Stereo1, Stereo2. Stereo1 and Stereo2 modes are reverse modes. When you switch from mode to mode, you will see the inscription “Left Eye” in one of the displays. This is necessary in case the program has mixed up the video sources for the right and left eyes – thus, you have the opportunity to make sure that everything is in order. The menus disappear from the screens after 2 seconds. When the left-click menus are not active, the right-hand button is used to control the headphone volume.
Having fiddled with the settings for a few minutes, I realized that, in principle, it would be better to adjust the image in the specific program used, and not try to achieve an acceptable quality for looking at the Windows desktop. Now I had to select from the list of games I had in stock and see how they would work.
You were probably surprised that I did not touch on such a question as working in a helmet without a monitor? As a matter of fact, I did not raise this issue, since the image quality is very poor and it is simply impossible to work.Sadly, a helmet cannot replace a monitor. This is most likely due to the low resolution of LCD screens (360k = 263 * 480 * 3). So it remained to use the helmet solely as a means of entertainment.
From the list of the above games, I had UnrealTournament and SystemShock 2 close at hand. Both games supported 3D stereo / tracking. The VFXLauncher utility was used to launch it. Then the next funny things began. The utility found the directory with the game and notified me that tracking is not supported by this game, so I should either remove the driver or leave it as it is.Removing the tracking driver from Game Controllers. Launch VFXLauncher again and start the game, we get a message that the game requires a trekking driver and an offer to install it. This is followed by an untranslatable pun using local idiomatic expressions;) After restoring the tracking drivers, the games are launched ignoring this warning. To be honest, I expected better work from the software for such an expensive thing. Apparently as a result, UnrealTournament not only didn’t want to turn on the stereo mode, but also didn’t start trekking.True, SystemShock 2 pleased with the impeccable work in stereo mode and full support for the tracking system.
Now directly impressions from the device. The video quality is, of course, rather mediocre – the color rendition leaves much to be desired. Attempts to adjust the parameters of the helmet to achieve more or less acceptable image quality were unsuccessful. Playing in stereo mode, despite some discomfort from color rendering, leaves an unforgettable impression. The sense of volume of objects is very impressive.Even in mono mode, all games acquire some volume. In SystemShock2 I looked at the urns on the floor for a long time: for some reason, each one evoked in me associations with the Wolf’s hooligan behavior in “Just Wait!” I just wanted to kick her: she looked so natural 🙂
Trekking, however, did not work flawlessly. From time to time when I twisted my head, looking at the sights of the ceilings and floors of the spacecraft, the trekking got confused, and the image jerked quite noticeably.Most likely, I should have paid more attention to the calibration of the tracking sensors. Otherwise, everything worked just flawlessly. True, I had to get used to aiming with head movements for some time. From the outside, this procedure must have looked very interesting. IIS engineers should have made an additional sensor so that, by winking, they could shoot, then they could completely immerse themselves in virtual reality without being distracted by the joystick 🙂
Alas, one more old problem remains: eyes get very tired when working with a helmet.Until now, the limit for working in 15 minutes has remained, after which it is recommended to take a break.
Next: I was, of course, curious to see how a DVD movie would look when viewed in a helmet. In principle, it turned out very well: it seems that you are sitting in a cinema approximately in rows 9-10. At the same time, when watching a movie using PowerDVD, it felt like it was viewing on a normal wide 16: 9 screen. Unfortunately, the color rendering, as mentioned above, is mediocre.When watching a DVD, the eyes do not get tired so quickly, but it is still quite dangerous to watch the entire movie without interruption. The sound quality is good, but for such a device, in my opinion, it was worth using better quality headphones.
Total
Progress compared to the old model is evident. Video quality has improved significantly: the old helmet supported lower resolutions and could only work in 256 colors. However, the picture quality is still mediocre and cannot satisfy even the average gamer.A rather rapid eye fatigue makes the acquisition of such a helmet for private use somewhat premature. However, this helmet can be successfully used for training and demonstration videos, as well as for use in gaming clubs. After all, whatever you say, but the sensations from the already familiar games become simply unforgettable.
And other virtual reality helmets are already on the lips of many and the feeling of something fantastic and unseen is no longer there, because devices using virtual reality technology are demonstrated by several manufacturers at once.Let’s take a look at VR helmets
major market players.
VR helmet Oculus Rift
VR-helmet Vive
The second VR headset in our review was announced by the duo of Valve and HTC. The price of the device is still unknown, but according to the gamer community, it will be on par with the Oculus Rift. Let’s take a look at the specs and equipment of the Vive VR headset, is it really the same as the Oculus Rift?
Resolution of Valve’s virtual reality headset: 2160⨯1200 pixels, respectively, a similar image of 1080 x 1200 pixels for each eye.The refresh rate is also unchanged – 90 Hz with a diagonal viewing angle of 110 °. In the Vive, a similar set of over 70 different sensors for spatial orientation. The complete tracker for accurate tracking of the user’s head position is not just an IR camera, as is the case with the Oculus Rift, but a pulsed laser system that is installed at two points in a room with an area of 4.5⨯4.5 m². The main similarity between the Vive and the Oculus Rift is the need to buy a powerful computer.
An important difference from other VR helmets is the presence of an integrated front camera in the Vive virtual reality headset, by activating which the user can see the contours of the surrounding space through the virtual world of the game, somewhat similar to augmented reality. This function will allow you to communicate with people in the room without removing the Vive VR helmet from your head, but you will see them on a virtual screen. Plus, the option will protect you from surrounding objects in the room, displaying their three-dimensional contours on the screen of the virtual headset as you approach.
We expect the appearance of the Vive VR helmet on sale in April 2016, almost a month after the start of sales of the Oculus Rift. It will be possible to pre-order in February, but let’s wait for the official price announcement for this VR headset.
Advantages:
- decent technical characteristics and equipment;
- integrated front camera;
- laser tracking system and VR controllers included;
- the ability to use your own headphones;
- compatible with.
Disadvantages:
- The need to purchase a powerful and expensive computer;
- spacious playroom;
- is arguably the highest price of any VR headset reviewed.
The
Vive
VR helmet PlayStation VR
Playstation VR
Each of the three VR headsets has strengths and weaknesses, but the picture will be as follows: the community of potential owners of virtual reality headsets will split into two camps:
- – Powerful PC users willing to spend $ 1,500-2,000 on virtual reality from Oculus VR or HTC / Valve;
- – PS4 game console users with a modest budget who will make their choice towards Sony.
The most interesting struggle is ahead, because manufacturers will try to lure users with exclusive games. Sony and Oculus VR are already working hard on VR projects in their own studios. Nothing has been heard about HTC or Valve yet.
And this is not some sophisticated 3D glasses for watching 3D movies. This is much cooler!
I am delighted with this device … Sony HMZ-T1 helmet is very suitable for watching broadcasts from Dreambox. Now you have a personal 3D cinema Sony HMZ-T1 at your home … and no need to look for a 60-inch TV.
In fact, although this device is worn more like glasses, inside there are two 0.7-inch (18 mm) OLED panels with a resolution of 1280×720 pixels.
Which provide a three-dimensional picture when watching movies and computer games or viewing pictures from other sources.
The creators of the device gave it the name “Personal 3D Viewer”, which can be literally translated as a personal 3D viewer.
This is a really curious gadget, equipped, in addition to displays, with a pair of headphones simulating class 5 sound.1.
However …
The glasses themselves are light, but they come with a massive block (weighs a kilogram or so). The power cable comes off the block, you need to connect HDMI to it, and, in the end, glasses are connected to it.
After an hour of viewing, a red mark remains on the forehead, probably so it should be.
The rubber strap on the back of the helmet or Sony HMZ-T1 glasses is also regulated, I would still call this miracle a helmet.
Yes, and one more strap nearby, in theory, it should lie on the back of your head.I had to not fasten it, otherwise it was impossible to put the device in place.
According to the developers, the owner of such a device can rotate his head 45 degrees.
At the same time, getting additional viewing angles of the image (corresponding user experience), and the design itself provides a 3D image viewing similar to viewing in a cinema with a 750-inch screen from a distance of 20 meters.
So that you have a rough idea of the device and its capabilities, I recommend that you read the instructions.
About watching movies through the Dreambox, the impression is:
If you turn off 3D, it’s very funny to watch, I note good sound quality in the headphones, the volume is enough, the sound surrounds from all sides.
The image, when properly seated on the head, is clear, the impression is that you are watching a large TV.
Very large!
I probably didn’t work with 3D, I don’t like films in this format either, because it’s some kind of violence to the brain and eyes.Or maybe you need to get used to … or even the insanity of impressions is nearby.
However …
In truth, everything is perceived in a completely different way, different and very curious sensations. I can’t call it a loud expression “immersion in another reality”, but there is something similar, probably due to the fact that the picture is close and literally from all sides.
But this is not for an amateur …
Perhaps this piece could be the most coveted addition to a Blu-ray player or PlayStation.And the most interesting thing is that with Sony HMZ-T1 you can watch satellite programs on DREAMBOX … Fortunately, even on NTV +, there are 3D programs.
However, there is always a choice … you can watch in HD quality and regular programs in comfort without disturbing others.
In the article, you will find a comparative analysis of four popular virtual reality headsets that you can buy and try now: HTC Vive
, Oculus Rift
, Samsung Gear VR
and Google Cardboard
.We have prepared this review with Maxim Chizhov, co-founder of the Virtuality Club. We did this on the eve of the launch of a new course within the educational programs for the game industry at VSHBI – “Methodology for VR development”. The training will begin in October, and those who wish to register need to register now, since the number of places is limited. This educational program will teach the creation of game content for virtual reality helmets, but in today’s article we will tell you in detail about these very helmets.
Virtual reality is one of the most popular technologies of 2016. We are already seeing its visual application, and in the future we will have even more interesting things! What can we say about virtual reality helmets, which are becoming more and more. After so many years of waiting Oculus Rift
has finally arrived to its lucky owners. At the same time, there is an opportunity to buy a more affordable mobile virtual reality helmet – Samsung Gear VR
. And, of course, let’s not forget about the most expensive PC helmet with cool controllers HTC Vive
and about the most budgetary virtual reality glasses Google Cardboard
.These gadgets were created for different target audiences, but we hope that everyone will be interested in comparing them and finding out the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Price
So, let’s look into the wallet and see how much money the average user will have to pay for flagship devices. First place is HTC Vive and its record $ 799 per helmet
, but for the sake of honor it should be noted that this price includes controllers. Next comes the Oculus Rift with a slightly lower bar – $ 599
.Followed by Samsung Gear VR and $ 99.99 request for its mobile VR headset
(but there are discounts and promotions and you can buy it cheaper), and Google Cardboard closes the four with its record low price of ($ 9 (V1.0) / $ 14.99 (V2.0) + mount ($ 2) per set
.
System Requirements
Let’s move on to analyzing system requirements. HTC Vive can only be overclocked on good hardware
, it will need an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon R9 290 or higher, Intel i5-4590 or AMD FX 8350 or higher, 4GB RAM or more, HDMI 1.4 or DisplayPort 1.2 or newer, USB 2.0 or higher, Windows 7 SP1, which will cost about $ 1000
.
Next in line Oculus Rift
, which is not far from its direct competitor. The helmet will work stably on NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD R9 290 or above, Intel i5-4590 or above, 8GB RAM or more, HDMI 1.3 compatible output, 3 USB 3.0 ports and 1 USB 2.0 port, Windows 7 Sp1 64 bit or newer. The approximate cost of a PC with these characteristics of is also about $ 1000
.So you are very lucky if you want one of these helmets and already own a powerful PC, otherwise it may take more money to buy a new or upgrade an old hardware than the helmet itself.
Now on mobile VR: everything is somewhat simpler here, because the base for gadgets is a smartphone. Samsung Gear VR
is compatible with its own line: Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6 Edge +, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, prices for which range from $ 629 – $ 800
.As for Google Cardboard
, then the device will work with any smartphone
on Android OS 4.1 and higher, or on iPhone 4/5/6.
The next vital question: “What to play?”
Of course, the amount of content in app stores is one of the important factors influencing the decision in favor of buying a particular device. The number of software and games in the Oculus store is approaching 200 units, but there are already more than 400 VR applications in Steam VR for HTC Vive.But of course, in the budget segment of Google Cardboard, the abundance of applications is maximum – all mobile VR applications come with it.
Design
It is difficult to talk about design in the field of VR yet, since there are no established norms yet. Definitely, the looks of the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift attract attention with their futuristic looks. These two helmets are not alike, but each has its own flavor. Rift looks austere and minimalistic, which gives it a certain elegance. In turn, the Vive boasts an extraterrestrial design that mentally directs us to alien movies.Both helmets look impressive and expensive, which matches their price.
Next on the list are Samsung Gear VR and Google Cardboard. Gear VR looks very good and stylish, has high-quality plastic in white and gray colors, which is pleasing not only to the look, but also to the skin during use. Cardboard has a solid cardboard body. But, given the price the developers want for it, you shouldn’t pay attention to it. Moreover, the cardboard is not very unpleasant for the skin and does not have sharp corners, which allows you to use it in the same way as the Gear VR, without serious inconvenience.
Performance
This is where things get interesting. The Oculus Rift and HTC Vive have two built-in OLED displays with a resolution of 2160×1200 pixels. And even though Gear VR does not lag behind here, you need to understand that the software of a smartphone cannot always be compared in terms of graphics quality with a PC. But the difference between HTC Vive and Oculus Rift is almost imperceptible – everything rests on content developed specifically for a particular helmet, taking into account the peculiarities of its use. The performance of Google Cardboard depends entirely on the smartphone itself.
Pros and cons
| . | Pluses | Cons |
| 1 | Oculus can be called a really high-quality product that has decent characteristics, a comfortable shape, and a good package bundle. The game graphics are excellent, especially in comparison with the developer’s version of the DK2 helmet. High frame rate without delays allows you to fully immerse yourself in the gameplay and sometimes even forget that you are physically in the real world. | Of the minuses, we note that for many budget PCs this helmet will be too tough. The device requires great performance from the computer. Moreover, interaction with objects in games is carried out using an Xbox controller, and the player really wants to touch and poke everything on his own! It should also be borne in mind that at the moment, almost all games in the Oculus Rift will have to be played while sitting. |
| 2 | Big advantage HTC Vive is the ability to “walk away with hands” into another reality, allowing the user to contact objects using two controllers.What could be better than tactile activity? Also, thanks to an advanced system for monitoring human actions, the helmet allows you to move in the game “independently”, physically moving around a real room without the help of a gamepad. Full immersion is enhanced by the ability to physically move around a given area. The minimum area required to install the tracking sensors is 1.5×2 meters, and the height is 2 meters. The maximum permissible distance between the sensor is 5 meters. | As is the case with HTC’s competitors, the player will need serious hardware to enjoy the miracle of engineering.And the presence of wires can make you think about how not to get entangled in them while moving, and not about what is happening in the game. In addition, for a comfortable game in a helmet, you need a sufficiently large free area and the ability to hang cameras on the sides of the playing area. HTC Vive is by far the most expensive helmet and is also quite difficult to set up. |
| 3 | Price and Portability Are Key Benefits Samsung Gear VR .Unlike the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, it is much more affordable and delivers decent gaming performance. The user is not confined to a computer and can use the device wherever it is convenient for him. The lack of cords is a big plus. | Phone resources are limited and it cannot match the performance of a cool PC, so you should not expect the same immersion as from PC-helmets. Games on Gear VR sometimes slow down, and the quality of games on Gear VR is mostly inferior to games on the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. |
| 4 | Glasses Advantage Google Cardboard , besides the low price, is compatible with most devices, including the iPhone. The quality, accordingly, depends on the smartphone. Google Cardboard is not a final product, but a set of diagrams and drawings from Google, using which anyone can assemble their own virtual reality glasses. It takes a pair of lenses, a piece of cardboard, and a little bit of ingenuity. | The disadvantages of the glasses are the lack of softening attachments and a strap for fixing on the head, and the poor quality of the device as a whole. |
Conclusions
PC-helmets HTC Vive and Oculus Rift are not inferior to each other either in functionality or design, and their price range is about the same. A significant difference between the brainchild of HTC Vive and the development of Palmer Lucky – the first helmet immediately at the start of sales allows the player to interact with objects through controllers, and the second is just getting ready to release the Oculus Touch controllers.
Portability and price are still important for mobile VR.Google Cardboard is focused primarily on getting started with the virtual reality world, while Samsung Gear VR is more suitable for active use. In October 2016, a console virtual reality helmet from Sony PSVR is also released and it plans to surpass its competitors in terms of price / quality ratio. It still cannot be tried in the public domain, so one can only believe the optimistic forecasts of analysts. By the way, their forecast for 2016 by the number of pieces sold
Well, now decide for yourself which helmet you like, and join the world of virtual reality!
Dale’s People – Faction Preview Third Age: Total War
This state of average people owes its existence to the dwarves of the Lonely Mountain or Erebor.The city of Dale was founded immediately after the arrival of the Dwarves in Erebor, and the well-being of the two races depended largely on their cooperation. One of the characteristics of the inhabitants of Dale was that they understood the language of birds and often used birds to convey messages. A couple of days’ journey from Dale, on the shores of Long Lake, there was another human settlement – the Lake City of Esgaroth.
In the year 2770 of the third age, one of the last dragons, Smaug, ravages Erebor and destroys Dale. The rescued inhabitants, led by the ruler Girion, move to Esgaroth, which, for safety reasons, was transferred from the shores of the lake directly into the water.About two hundred years later, Girion’s descendant Bard the Archer kills Smaug and rebuilds Dale. During the War of the Ring, the people of Dale and Esgaroth, along with the dwarves, did not succumb to Sauron’s promises and held back his blow in the North.
______________________________
Preliminary ruler:
– Peasants. Standard, cheapest unit. Of weapons: sickles / spears / swords of some kind. It is not very important here =) Of armor: leather jacket \ tunic. Total attacks: 7, defense: 11.The number of soldiers is 240.
– City guards. Armed with one-handed swords. For protection – leather armor, helmet, greaves, bracers, shield. Attack out: 8, defense: 15. Number of soldiers – 200.
– Dale’s Spearmen. Short spears. For protection – chain mail, helmet, leggings. Attack: 10, defense: 15. The number of soldiers – 200.
– Wars with Dale’s axes. (the name is lame, it should be different, I have no imagination) Dressed in long chain mail, a round helmet, leggings.Armed with two-handed axes. Attack: 11, defense: 15. The number of soldiers – 200.
– Swordsmen. Of armor: a long chain mail along with an upper armor (I forgot the name, at least kill me. But on the torso over the chain mail something like a cuirass is put on, leather with metal inserts. Or something like that), bracers, leggings, a round helmet. Round shield. And, of course, the sword =) Attack: 9, defense: 18. The number of soldiers – 200.
– Armored men. Elite infantry. Dressed in a one-piece forged cuirass, “skirt”, shoulder pads, bracers, greaves, helmet.Rectangular shields, one-handed swords. Attack: 12, defense: 22. The number of soldiers – 180.
– Javelin throwers (the name is again not the same). Melee – small swords, long-range – analogue of pilums =) Protection: leather upper armor, shield, leggings with bracers. Helmet. Melee attack: 7, long-range: 15. Defense: 15. The number of soldiers – 200.
– Free arrows. The cheapest and weakest archers. From protection: one leather armor. A sword as a melee weapon. Ranged attack: 15, melee: 8, defense: 12.Number of soldiers – 200.
– Dale’s Archers. Melee – one-handed swords, attack: 9, ranged – bows, attack: 17. Protection – leather light armor, helmet, bracers and greaves. Total: 14. Number of soldiers – 160.
– Bard Archers. Elite shooters. Protection is similar to the previous one, the difference is one – instead of leather armor – chain mail. Ranged attack: 21, close: 10, defense: 16. The number of soldiers – 160.
– City nobility. Dale’s Cavalry.Armed with swords, of armor: “scale” chain mail, “skirt”, greaves, bracers, shield and helmet. Attack: 11, Defense: 19. The number of soldiers – 100.
– Knights of Dale. General’s unit, mounted. Knightly armor, not particularly lush and bright, I think. Breastplate, “skirt”, leggings, shoulder pads and bracers. Massive spears (or still swords?). Attack: 13, defense: 24. The number of soldiers – 80.
_____________________________
In-from, it appears. Basically, it’s realistic to add another light cavalry unit.I just don’t know if it’s necessary
I’m waiting for criticism =)
Post has been edited by Haiduc: March 22, 2008 – 21:27
Feci quod potui, faciant meliora potentes.
sandblasting machine, sandblasting, training, etc.
What is called sandblasting.
Sandblasting is understood as cleaning surfaces by exposure to sand as a grinding agent, which is directed to the object to be cleaned with high acceleration using compressed air through a nozzle (nozzle) that you can buy from us at the lowest prices.
Although, according to the terminology, it would be more correct to call this cleaning process abrasive blasting, because in addition to sand, grains of various types are involved in the cleaning process; nevertheless, in the future, the generally accepted name “sandblasting” should be used.
We will tell you more about materials with the most commonly used types of grains later.
The sandblasting method can achieve varying degrees of cleaning. When cleaning metal surfaces, the degree of cleaning can be conditionally divided into the following 4 groups:
- Sandblasting with a wire brushing effect.
- Normal surface cleaning without high gloss effect.
- Cleaning metal surfaces to a near shine.
- Cleaning metal surfaces to full shine.
The choice of the degree of cleaning should be determined in advance depending on what kind of coating was applied to the metal surface: anticorrosive, enamel, primer paint, zinc or plastic coating, etc.
In addition to cleaning metal surfaces, the sandblasting process is also used when matting glass for decorative purposes, when removing varnish and paint residues from wood, when cleaning plastic items (eg.: dentures, electronic parts, etc.). It is also used for removing deposits from concrete, for cleaning building facades, in the leather industry and in many other industries.
Purpose of the sandblasting process
When sandblasting metal surfaces, this process has a dual function: it cleans and roughens the surface. This double action is achieved by the use of abrasive particles that cut into the metal surface at high speed.Depending on the type of abrasive used, the surface is finished or roughened in the form of a specific primer texture. Thus, the cleaned and roughened metal surface provides an impeccable base for adhesion to modern protective coatings.
Economy-minded entrepreneurs know that corrosion protection is less expensive than replacing rusty structural components. For this reason, at present, everyone is striving to use coatings, which, although more expensive, are much more durable, instead of once cheap paints and varnishes.The difference in price when buying and processing is more than compensated for by the greater durability and the absence of the need to re-paint after short periods of time.
However, the maximum durability of the coating can only be achieved if the surface has been pretreated by a proper sandblasting process. If all layers are not completely removed from the surface (mill scale, rust or its deep layers, as well as paint residues, etc.), then it is useless to use better quality coatings, i.e.because the corrosive process will continue under the paint layer.
On the other hand, sandblasting surface pretreatment, when done properly, is an economical method by which the required primer base for the coating can be achieved.
Currently, each paint and varnish factory develops certain rules for the pretreatment of surfaces for its products before applying coatings. Therefore, before making a proposal on the object of cleaning, we strongly recommend that you consult the manufacturers of protective coatings on what type of preliminary sandblasting they recommend to use, bearing in mind the subsequent application of the coating.
An essential prerequisite for successful sandblasting
In the course of many years of in-depth research on various types of work related to the sandblasting process, we have gained experience that allows us to carefully analyze the prerequisites for successful work with maximum benefit. The following set of principles, based on experience and research, are intended to guide the practice of sandblasting.
The practice of using the sandblasting process is best characterized by the following expression: “The strength of a chain is determined by the strength of its weakest link.”
Maximum efficiency can only be achieved if all the components important to the sandblasting process are matched with each other. Therefore, compare the content of this brochure to your current working environment. If you missed even one of the factors we mentioned earlier, then there is still the prospect of improving your sandblasting method.
For the profitability of the sandblasting process, the following factors can be investigated in relation to each other:
- Compressor
Question: Do you have a compressor with sufficient supply capacity and sufficient pressure? - Hose Sizes
Question: Is the inside diameter of the hose sufficient to supply air from the compressor to the sandblaster? - Couplings and Hose Connectors
Question: Do your couplings and hose couplings have the same inner diameter as the supply hose? - Sandblasting capacity
Question: Does your sandblaster have a high enough capacity? - Transportability of the sandblaster
Question: Is the sandblaster easy to transport? - Nozzles
Question: Have you previously used carbide Venturi nozzles? - Remote control
Question: Is your sandblaster already equipped with a remote control? - Dehumidifier
Question: Do you dry the air with an effective dehumidifier? - Nozzle jet pressure
Question: Have you checked if you have sufficient jet pressure leaving the nozzle? - Blasting material
Question: Are you using the material with the exact grain required for the cleaning process? - Safety Helmet
Question: Do you use a breathing air safety helmet for your sandblaster? - Training
Question: Is your sandblaster trained enough to carry out the sandblasting process?
You can buy all these components from us.The best price.
Compressed air supply
Compressed air supply, hose sizes and couplings
The most important principle of economical sandblasting is formulated as follows:
Power is proportional to the amount and pressure of compressed air that
passes through the nozzle.
For economical sandblasting, high pressure and sufficient compressed air is required for effective sandblasting.
Sandblasting of steel plates or metal structures should be carried out at a pressure of 6.5-7 kgf / cm 2 (excess atmospheres), cleaning of building facades and glass processing at a minimum pressure of 2.8-3.5 kgf / cm 2 .
Compressor high capacity is the main:
- for using larger nozzles;
- for constant provision of the required working pressure in the nozzle;
- for greater productivity and time savings.
The compressed air required for sandblasting can be produced both by stationary and mobile reciprocating, rotary or screw compressors.
Most stationary compressors are driven by electric motors, while transportable units are driven by diesel engines.
All above mentioned compressors can produce one or two stage pressure
in the range from 6 to 10 atm. For high air supply capacities, screw compressors are used, while reciprocating compressors are mainly produced for capacities up to 9 m 3 / min.
The basic rule is that for every hp. The electric motor, which is used by
to drive the compressor, could produce and supply about 125 liters of air per minute at an operating pressure of about 7 atm.Compressor 40 HP supplies, for example, approximately 5 m3 of compressed air per minute at a pressure of 7 atm.
Stationary compressors are typically used in hard-wired sandblasting units inside factories, while mobile compressors are used to supply air for off-site sandblasting. Providing air to sandblasting machines with a compressor is one of its most difficult tasks and only the best products should be used for this purpose.
The difficulty lies in the fact that most other pneumatic tools operate only intermittently and are not fully loaded continuously, while the sandblasting process requires a constant flow of high pressure air and a large volume for several hours.
Requirements for fixed installations
To supply air to stationary sandblasting machines, the following points should be carefully checked
:
- Does the existing compressor station satisfy the large additional air demand of one sandblasting unit, without damaging the entire air supply system, which also includes other pneumatic tools, paint spray units, pneumatic devices, etc.d.
- Whether the available compressor station gives a sufficiently high air pressure.
- Whether the compressed air line from the compressor station to the sandblaster is large enough to ensure proper operation.
If the network pressure in the plant is higher than the pressure required for sandblasting, then a pressure reducing valve with a sufficiently large air passage opening must be installed on the pipeline in front of the sandblaster.
When using a separate compressor station for a stationary sandblaster, pay attention to the “Requirements for mobile units”.
Requirements for mobile installations
- The compressor should be installed as close to the sandblaster as possible. In this case, special attention should be paid to ensure that it remains outside the zone of sand dust arising around the sandblaster. (Pay attention to wind direction!)
- The air supply hose from the compressor to the sandblaster must have a sufficient inner diameter.
Every entrepreneur should understand that they should not save on this, since here it is necessary to use hoses with the largest possible inner diameter. The air supply line cannot be large enough. The larger the inner diameter of the hose, the lower the friction loss.
A frictional loss of only 0.1 atm in the hose system results in a 2% power reduction. A friction loss of 1 atm means a 20% reduction in power. Table 1 of the appendix shows a series of values that characterize the frictional loss in a 15 m compressed air hose depending on different pressure levels and different throughput rates.
Measurement results are based on tests conducted by Ingersoll-Rand Co. to determine pressure loss with rock drills and pneumatic tools. Results are considered correct for hoses with smooth inner walls.
However, the friction loss for hoses with rough inner walls can be 50% more than the negative values given in the table.
The pressure drop increases
or decreases linearly with the length of the hose:
Example:
Length of the hose 15 m, working pressure 7.7 bar, flow rate 3.4 m3 / min.The pressure loss is 0.4 atm.
The same hose (with the same parameters and at the same pressure and the same flow rates), but only 7.5 m long shows a friction loss of 0.2 atm, and a 45 m long hose (all other things being equal) gives a loss of 0.2 atm. friction is already 1.2 atm. Therefore, instead of conventional hoses with an inner diameter of 19 mm, we recommend using hoses with an inner diameter of 32 mm as supply lines (from the compressor to the sandblaster). - Table 2 in the appendix shows the ratio of the required amount of air to the size of the nozzles used for sandblasting.The air consumption per minute shown there, in terms of the pressure measured in the nozzle, was influenced by the amount of material that is supplied to the nozzle with the help of the compressed air along with the conveying medium.
While the previously used tables for calculating air consumption were based on the free passage of air through the nozzle, nowadays it is taken into account that part of the nozzle cross-section is filled with material (e.g. sand), which is transported by the air and thus the cross-section for the passage air decreases.Due to this circumstance, air consumption is significantly reduced.
Universal couplings should be used for all hoses to avoid cross-sectional narrowing compared to conventional hose couplings. We will talk about this in more detail later. - The automatic changeover device (idle speed control device
) on the compressor must be adjusted by setting the regulator to the pressure required for the sandblasting process.
If you took the above points into account when setting up the compressor unit and determining the hose material
, then you are on the right path to the economical operation of your sandblaster. In addition, it is very important that the other devices required for the sandblasting process are coordinated with a correctly calculated air production unit. Your sandblaster should be checked as the next item.
Sandblaster
The types of sandblasting machines required for the respective purpose are the subject of constant deep thought.
There are three types of devices, we have all these devices in stock at the lowest prices:
- Suction blasting machines
These machines not only use air for the jet, but also to feed the material by injection from the container (without using pressure) to the nozzle.
Applications:
Light cleaning work, glass frosting, cleaning thin materials, removing paint residues, etc. - Vacuum-type sandblasting machines
In this design, the grains of material are thrown onto the surface to be cleaned, then immediately picked up by vacuum again and re-launched into circulation.
Applications:
Sandblasting near machinery, cleaning small areas where exposure to grains can damage nearby equipment.
Both types of machine are only used for special jobs, as opposed to the pneumatic sandblaster described below. - Pneumatic sandblaster
The pneumatic sandblaster is a device designed for high power. It is very widely used for cleaning large areas or difficult-to-machine structural elements, such as in shipyards, chemical plants, large repair shops, when cleaning buildings, bridges, steel or other large structures.
This brochure is mainly about pneumatic sandblasting machine. It comes in two versions. The first type works according to the gravitational principle. The pressure above and below the material is the same. Through the dosing device, the grains enter the air stream. In the apparatus of the second type, the grain is forcibly fed into the jet hose through a riser (or casing), a dosing device, a curved pipeline and a special nozzle.
About 95% of all devices that are used in high-volume sandblasting work according to the gravity principle.
The purchase of a pneumatic sandblasting machine necessary for your work (the lowest prices only with us) should be carried out taking into account the following points:
- The compressor should be as lightweight as possible and have a chassis for movement in order to conveniently transport from one work site to another.
- The design of the tank shall comply with international safety requirements for pressure vessels.The tank inspection certificate shall be supplied by the manufacturer with the tank.
- The sandblaster should have a simple piping design and as few fittings and bends as possible. To achieve high power, the minimum pipe bore must be 1 “or 1¼” = 32 mm.
- The apparatus should work equally well with all granular products that will be described later.
- It shall be equipped with an automatically self-closing rubberized fill flap (or valve), as opposed to the hand-opening flaps found on earlier models.
- Above the fill opening of the headbox, there must be a supply container (or storage container) that has a capacity of about 60% of the capacity of the headbox. One auxiliary worker can fill this feed container during operation so that the material, when pumped out, can be directed directly to the pressure container.
- The parameters of the pressure tank of the sandblaster must be calculated in such a way that the stock of material is sufficient for operation for 30-40 minutes.Because material consumption depends on nozzle size and jet pressure, you can determine the size using the tables at the end of this brochure. The capacity of the reservoir does not depend on the power of the jet. Only the time for reloading changes.
- The sandblaster must be equipped with a material metering device that precisely controls the amount of abrasive supplied.
We will acquaint you with a detailed description of the dosing device later. - The sandblaster must be equipped with shut-off valves for air inlet and outlet.
- The sandblaster shall be equipped with a conveniently opening inspection hatch.
In addition to being able to be monitored in accordance with regulations, this hatch also allows the removal of foreign bodies (paper, wood, stones, etc.). - The sandblaster must have a conical bottom with a slope angle of at least 35 ° for free flow of material.
- If the work is carried out with bulk materials or reusable material, then a sieve must be installed on the feed hopper.This ensures that only the correct grain size gets into the sandblaster.
- If the sandblaster is installed outdoors, a protective cover prevents moisture penetration.
- For sandblasting machines intended for continuous operation, it is advisable to use a compressor with a double tank.
This installation basically consists of two pressure vessels stacked on top of each other. The sand is sucked out from the lower reservoir.During the ejection of the jet, the top can be sucked off and refilled with abrasive. If the contents of the upper tank settle under pressure, the material will automatically rush to the lower tank. - Buying from us, you acquire high-quality equipment at a low price.
Remote control sandblasting machines
Traditional sandblasting machines require two operators to operate properly.
One operator directly performs work related to sandblasting, and the second turns on / off the device at the command of the sandblaster.
Especially for these purposes, we have developed remote control valves that can be mounted on any of the existing sandblasting machines, regardless of the type of product. They make it unnecessary to use a second operator (auxiliary worker), and give the sandblaster himself a 100% safety guarantee.
The sandblaster is started by pressing the control valve lever. This opens the air inlet valve on the tank and automatically, at the same time, the air outlet valve closes.This means that the sandblasting process has begun. To pause operation, simply release the control valve lever on the jet nozzle. Thereby, the air inlet valve on the tank is automatically closed while the air outlet valve is opened. As a result, the sandblasting process is interrupted.
Along with the advantages in maintenance and labor savings (no ancillary worker), automation (remote control) ensures one hundred percent safety of the sandblaster.
If the sandblaster loses consciousness (eg when working in a large closed tank), trips or falls, the sandblasting process will automatically stop due to the released control valve lever (safety valve) on the nozzle. This is a reliable guarantee against serious accidents that can occur as a result of exposure to sand blast.
Our remote control is fully pneumatic and enables sandblasting even in hazardous areas.
Feeding material from a hopper along with the operation of remote controls
A material sieve with a hopper can be installed above the tank. As soon as the sandblaster releases the remote control valve, air is sucked out of the tank. The material from the sieve is automatically rushed into the reservoir. Typically, these screens contain just enough material for one work shift. (Approx. 4 tons in case of using large jet nozzles).
The opening of the hopper on the sieve must not exceed 100 mm. The sieve is designed in such a way that at the construction site it can be fed to the object to be processed using a crane or forklift.
Material metering valve
Standard metering valves have a straight material flow path.
Experiments have shown that these valves have a tendency to interfere with the smooth flow of material. Material flow is either interrupted or completely stopped if the pressure in the tank and in the air line is not balanced.This is avoided thanks to the eccentric material flow in our metering valve.
The material metering valve is the heart of any sandblaster.
The following design features are particularly important:
- Quick and easy adjustment of the throughput.
- Arrangement with a cleaning window that allows for quick removal of foreign bodies (currently, most types of valves used must be completely disassembled for cleaning).
- Informative mechanical quantity adjustment that allows the valve to be set to the amount of material required for a specific nozzle.
- Wear and corrosion resistance.
- Eccentric material flow.
- The valve is always in stock at a low price.
Jet hoses
Jet hoses with too small inner diameters are often used. The basic rule is that the inner diameter of the hose should be 3-4 times the nozzle orifice.
We have already pointed out the frictional losses in the hose system and the resulting pressure drop.
This pressure loss for the apparatus, which already manifested itself in the air supply hose, increases even more in the jet hose with a poor calculation of the inner diameter and, due to a decrease in power, can cost an entrepreneur hundreds of marks per month.
In the tests recorded below, we present for you the results of measurements concerning the pressure loss that occurs due to friction from the compressor to the nozzle.
This data makes it clear that the selected spray hoses can never be too large. While 3/4 “ID hoses were mainly used a few years ago, today most sandblasting entrepreneurs have switched to 1 1/4” hose, which they use in combination with a 3 / 4 “or 1”. In any case, optimum performance can only be achieved if the hand hose is not taken into account and the sandblaster is trained to operate without this hand hose.
Whether you need a double fabric or 4 layer sandblasting hose depends on the type of work to be done. Many sandblasting machines prefer a double fabric lined blasting hose, especially for hand hoses because of the they are lighter and more flexible.
Today, jet hoses are made using a special process and without the use of an electrically conductive metal core to protect the sandblaster from electric shock.
The hoses should be handled with great care: protected from moisture and stored in a dry place so that they lie as straight as possible and not in a twisted position.If the hose has to be bent when laying, then longitudinal bends should be avoided. in addition to increasing frictional pressure loss, they cause severe abrasion of the hose lining.
Pressure Drop Test Series
Equipment used for testing:
- Compressor: capacity 16.8 m 3 / min (rotary compressor)
- Blower: pneumatic sandblaster
- Tank capacity: 300kg
- Piping on tank: 1 1/4 “(32 mm) ID
- Jet nozzles: Carbide Venturi nozzles
- Jet hose: 1 1/4 “(32 mm) ID with special quick couplings
The pressure loss measurements carried out with the above equipment were carried out with different diameters of the air supply hose.The pressure loss in the blast hose was determined with the same inner diameter, but with varying lengths, with / or without a hand hose.
Test # 1
Air hose dimensions: length 15 m – inner diameter 19 mm
Jet hose dimensions: various lengths – according to the table – inner d.32 mm
Hand hose dimensions: length 3.5 m – inner diameter 25 mm
Measurement result
| Nozzle size | Compressor pressure | Sandblasting pressure | Pressure at the jet nozzle in atm for the jet hose with an inner diameter of 32 mm and a length of | |||
| 19 m | 34 m | 49 m | ||||
| mm | in | atm | atm | atm | atm | atm |
| 8 | 5/16 | 7.1 | 7.1 | 6.8 | 6.3 | 6.2 |
| 9.5 | 3/8 | 7.1 | 7.0 | 6.4 | 5.9 | 5.7 |
| 11 | 7/16 | 7.1 | 7.0 | 6.3 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
Test # 2
The test procedure is almost the same as test # 1, however Air hose dimensions: length 15 m – inner diameter 32 mm Dimensions of jet hose: various lengths – according to the table – inner d.32 mm Hand hose dimensions: length 3.5 m – inner diameter 25 mm
Measurement result
| Nozzle size | Compressor pressure | Sandblasting pressure | Pressure at the jet nozzle in atm for the jet hose with an inner diameter of 32 mm and a length of | |||
| 19 m | 34 m | 49 m | ||||
| mm | in | atm | atm | atm | atm | atm |
| 8 | 5/16 | 7.1 | 6.2 | 6.0 | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| 9.5 | 3/8 | 7.1 | 5.5 | 5.2 | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| 11 | 7/16 | 7.1 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 3.7 | 3.5 |
| 12 | 1/2 | 7.1 | 6.9 | 5.0 | 4.7 | 4.3 |
Test # 3
Same hose dimensions; as in test no. 2 – however, jet hose without hand hose – the nozzle is directly connected (coupler) to a hose with a diameter of 32 mm.
Measurement result
| Nozzle size | Compressor pressure | Sandblasting pressure | Pressure at the jet nozzle in atm for the jet hose with an inner diameter of 32 mm and a length of | |||
19 m | 34 m | 49 m | ||||
| mm | in | atm | atm | atm | atm | atm |
| 8 | 5/16 | 7.1 | 7.1 | 6.9 | 6.7 | 6.7 |
| 9.5 | 3/8 | 7.1 | 7.0 | 6.6 | 6.2 | 6.2 |
| 11 | 7/16 | 7.1 | 7.0 | 6.5 | 5.7 | 5.6 |
Measurement results show the superiority of hoses with a large diameter and prove the need to train sandblastrs to work without a hand hose in order to achieve effective results.
Special quick couplings
Only quick couplings are suitable for jet hoses, which do not reduce the hose diameter. These connections are mounted externally. Hose connectors or couplings that insert the lugs into the hose reduce the cross-sectional area of the hose by about one third. Always there, the price will delight you.
This reduces the air throughput by about 50%. In addition, turbulence is generated when air and grains of material collide with the edge of the ferrule or nipple.This results in large additional pressure losses and high wear on the hose walls.
Our jet hose quick couplings are externally mounted and secured with special small screws that screw into the wall of the hose without punching it or causing compressed air to leak. The couplings are equipped with universal bayonet couplings that allow hoses of different diameters to be connected to each other.
The specially improved rubber seal ensures complete sealing of the joints and simultaneously forms a rubber tunnel downstream of these joints without restricting the cross-section.
Using conventional fittings as hose connectors also requires tools to change the length of the hoses. This is often not done because of the work involved. Because of this, some factories routinely use oversized hoses. Quick coupling / uncoupling of hoses with quick couplings also means respect for the material of the hose. Over the course of the year, all of this creates significant cost savings for the entrepreneur.
Summing up the above, we can say that the use of quick couplings avoids pressure losses, speeds up the work process and saves the hose material to the maximum extent.
Quick couplings available in aluminum and steel.
Steel connections are more durable.
Aluminum connections are preferred due to their light weight. Quick couplings can be supplied for hoses with internal diameters: 3/4 “, 1”, 1 1/4 “and 1 1/2”.
It is very important that the connections have a smooth bead (or band) so that they do not catch on bumps when the hose is pulled. Hitching and unhitching can be done with just one hand movement. In this way, the hose length can be changed quickly and easily at any time, if necessary.
Nozzle holders
Holders for threaded nozzles are also externally mounted on the hose.
They can be supplied for hoses with internal diameters: 3/4 “, 1”, 11/4 “and 1
There are metal prices higher than nylon, but the service life is longer.
Sandblasting nozzles
Choosing the right nozzle is just as important as choosing the right hook for the angler. There are many different types of nozzles, each for a specific application. The nozzle should be considered as a piece hand tool. Just as a good fitter must have several wrenches, so a good sandblaster must have a wide variety of nozzles. When choosing nozzles, consider the following factors:
- Nozzle opening
This must be determined according to the amount of air available in each case.The table 2 (air consumption) given by us in the Appendix may help you when choosing a nozzle. The largest nozzle size should be used depending on the amount of air at your disposal.
Always remember the basic rule: “The power of the jet is directly proportional to the amount of air at your disposal that passes through the nozzle at high pressure.”
To illustrate the difference in power between nozzles of different sizes, we offer you the following percentages:
Taking a nozzle with a 1/4 “= 6 mm orifice as 100%, we get the following picture:
If a nozzle with a 1/4″ orifice = 6 mm has a power of 100%, then at the same time
a 5/16 “= 8 mm nozzle has a power of 157%
a 3/8″ = 9.5 mm nozzle has a power of 220%
a 7/16 “= 11 nozzle mm has a power of 320%
a nozzle with a size of 1/2 “= 12.5 mm has a power of 400%
3/8 “nozzles with a capacity of 66 m3 per hour.The nozzles of the following dimensions are serially manufactured: diameter 6 mm, 8, 10, 12 mm. - Nozzle length
The length of the nozzle you purchase is determined by the type of surface to be cleaned. For an object that can be cleaned easily, a short 7.5 cm nozzle is sufficient. For difficult-to-clean surfaces where mill scale or old paint layers are removed, select a longer nozzle. We supply nozzles up to 23 cm in length.
For sandblasting in hard-to-reach places, such as between frames in shipbuilding or other steel structures, we produce short nozzles with a length of less than 7.5 cm. - Nozzle material
Nozzles are available in a variety of materials. The list of materials below only applies to the area of application of the nozzles where they come into contact with air and material.
An overview of the materials used for the nozzles and their durability gives the following picture:- Ceramic nozzles – durability 1 – 2 hours
- Cast iron nozzles – durability 6 – 8 hours
- Tungsten carbide nozzles – approx. 300 hours life
- Boron carbide nozzles – service life approx. 750 – 1000 hours
Durability indicators are taken taking into account the fact that sand was used as the material.When using steel granules as a material, the durability is about 2 – 2.5 times longer.
Nozzles are the next item in the sandblasting business that an entrepreneur shouldn’t skimp on. In terms of durability, the cheapest solution is to choose the most durable and stable sandblasting nozzles, even though they will cost you a lot more.
Ceramic and cast iron nozzles should not be used for large-scale sandblasting, i.e.because due to their rapid wear, the general picture of the cleaned surface is disturbed.
In addition, the consumption of air and material increases significantly.
This makes the production costs too high for 1 m 2 surface treated. For such objects, only carbide nozzles should be used, for which (as already mentioned) the price calculated on the basis of cost per hour of processing (despite the relatively high purchasing costs) is lower than in the case of using cheap ceramic or cast iron. nozzles.Keep in mind that the cost per nozzle is only a small fraction of your total sandblasting cost per hour.
Tungsten carbide nozzles can be used for all known materials except alumina and silicon carbide. Boron carbide lined nozzles can be used for all materials. - Shape (design) of the nozzle hole
For more than 50 years, the nozzle hole has been manufactured in a straight cylindrical shape. Such nozzles had a material exit speed of about 350 km / h at a jet pressure of 6 atm.In 1954 the Venturi sandblasting nozzle was developed. A venturi nozzle differs from straight cylindrical nozzles in that it has a large inlet inside, which gradually tapers conically to a very short straight part in the middle of the nozzle, and then expands again to the nozzle outlet.
Thanks to this new nozzle shape, the material exit speed is doubled and is now about 720 km / h. Because the power of the jet is determined by the force with which the material strikes the work surface, the greater advantage of such Venturi nozzles is obvious.
Sandblasting plants achieve a 15 to 70% power increase with Venturi nozzles compared to plants using straight nozzles. This increase is achieved without the use of special material and without an increase in compressed air consumption.
If the average cost of running one sandblaster for 8 hours of work is about DM 450 (including production costs and worker’s wages), then this should mean that a 30% increase saves the entrepreneur DM 135.Thus, the nozzles are self-supporting.
Other advantages of Venturi nozzles are that they:- Save material. With rational dosing at the dosing valve with less material flow and high outlet speed (720 km / h), the same cleaning effect can be achieved as with straight nozzles with high material consumption.
- Provides a more uniform sandblasting pattern over the entire cone. This success is due to the conical expansion to the nozzle outlet in combination with the high material velocity.On the contrary, in straight nozzles, the greatest jet force is in the middle of the jet cone and decreases to the edge.
Large inlet nozzles
All Venturi nozzles have a throat with a diameter of at least 1 “= 25 mm.
A throat hole is the diameter of the hole through which compressed air and material enter the jet nozzle from a sandblasting hose.
After extensive testing, we have established that an increase in this throat hole up to 32 mm bore has an effect on large nozzles starting from 3/8 “= 9.5 mm in terms of a further 15% increase in power, while the consumption of compressed air and material does not have a negative effect.
We call these types of nozzles wide-mouth. They are made only with a shoulder (or belt) and are attached to the jet hose with a special quick-release connection. For these special nozzles, only the jet hose with an inner diameter of 32 mm can be used. In order to show you the difference in power between straight nozzles and similar wide-mouth Venturi nozzles, we present below the measurement data, which were made as a result of the comparative tests.
| Nozzle design | Length | Nozzle opening | Power |
| wide-throated Venturi | 175 mm | 11 mm | 100% |
| straight | 150 mm | 11 mm | 75% power wide-necked |
| straight | 50 mm | 11 mm | 65% Venturi nozzles |
Measuring air pressure at the blasting nozzle
Looking at the previous designs, you can see how much value we attach to high pressure at the blasting nozzle for the economy of the sandblasting process.
Many entrepreneurs think they are sandblasting at high pressure when the pressure gauge on the compressor or sandblasting tank shows high pressure.
However, these gauges only show the pressure that is held at these points, not the effective pressure that is generated and maintained directly in front of the jet nozzle. Because the pressure gauge cannot be installed in this place, the entrepreneur cannot determine exactly whether the sandblasting process is effective.
For this extremely important pressure measurement, we supply pressure gauges with an injection needle. This needle is carefully passed through the jet hose in front of the nozzle so that the head penetrates the air / material flow and accurately indicates the nominal pressure.
If the pressure shown is too low, the following points must be checked immediately:
- Does the compressor have its own effective capacity
- Is the inner diameter of the air supply hose sufficient
- Does the pipe system on the sandblaster have a sufficient inner diameter
- Is the jet hose large enough
- Is the jet hose equipped with a coupling that does not result in a narrowing of the cross-section
- Is the nozzle diameter consistent with the compressor capacity
The value of blasting pressure for economical sandblasting can be clearly seen from the data below.They show the influence of the jet pressure on the jet power at a constant nozzle diameter.
Nozzle jet at 7 atm -100% of surface
Nozzle jet at 5.6 atm – 66% of surface
Nozzle jet at 4.2 atm – 50% of surface
We repeat:
Effective power corresponds to the amount of compressed air and pressure at the jet nozzle.
Economic calculation when choosing nozzles
If larger areas are sandblasted, for example, sedimentation tanks, the bottoms and sides of ships, etc.large nozzles must be used in any case. Below we present a comparison of the average flow rates using different nozzles. The given figures can only be indicative, since every entrepreneur must determine for himself the true costs and power when using certain nozzle openings. Whatever these variable costs may be, however, they must be equally correlated with the dynamics of savings. Our example below is based on the following factors:
- Compressor-related costs.
These are based on regular rent, with the rental costing approximately DM 1.75 per meter 3 and 1 hour with a compressor running 6 hours daily. - Material costs.
These are DM 84.50 per tonne of brass abrasive. The net working time is 6 hours per day. - Staff costs.
The hourly wage rate for an 8-hour shift is 2 operators at 14DM each. - Expenses for preparatory / closing time, etc.d.
Expenses for preparation / finishing time, fuel, insurance, transportation, etc. were not taken into account when calculating expenses.
Comparison of expenses
| Nozzle opening | 1/4 “ | 3/8 “ | 7/16 “ | ||||||
| Air flow m 3 / min Compressor capacity m 3 / min Rent per shift | 3.5 4.5 40 DM | 5.9 6.0 60 DM | 8.8 9.5 90 DM | Material consumption for 6 hours of work (in tonnes) 90 974 Material costs 90,719 | 1.8 152 DM | 4.2 355 DM | 6.0 507 DM | ||
| Wages for 2 workers in approximately 8 hours Estimated sandblasting capacity in 6 hours | 224 DM 60m 2 | 224 DM 132m 2 | 224 DM 192m 2 | 466 DM | 639 DM | 821 DM | 7.76 DM | 4.84 DM | 4.27 DM |
The sandblasting capacity quoted in the cost comparison cannot be used for costing purposes.because the conditions of use are always different.
How, after all, the actual capacity and cost rates (prices) are determined. Summing up will constantly show that at 100% power for a 1/4 “nozzle, the power of a 3/8” nozzle will be about 220%, and for a 7/16 “nozzle – about 320%.
If you, taking into account the approximate values, calculate the power increase achieved by using larger nozzles, correlate this increase with cost factors, and then summarize in terms of the price per meter 2 , it will become very clear to you how significant the savings can be from the application. Larger nozzles for any sandblasting business.
Safety helmets used for sandblasting
During sandblasting, 2 types of protective helmets are mainly used. The first type is only one mask, which is put on and provides protection from material bouncing off the treated surface. The second type is a safety helmet absolutely safe for the sandblaster with a separate air supply to prevent dust from entering the respiratory system. Responsible entrepreneurs should insist on this type of helmet.The helmets are equipped with a glass or plastic window. The helmet chosen should have a solid upper to protect the sandblaster from falling objects.
When choosing a helmet, you should pay attention to the fact that the window can be easily opened. This is necessary so that you can talk to the sandblaster without forcing him to take off the entire helmet. For fresh air access, oil-free compressed air must be used, which is produced by dry-running compressors without oil lubrication.If the air comes from an oil-lubricated sandblasting compressor, then it must be pre-treated with a special filter in order to be completely cleaned of oil vapors, the prices are the lowest, buy from us.
Frame structures
Those entrepreneurs who often buy the best compressor and the best sandblasting machines then pay too little attention to the optimal and quickly installed scaffolding on any construction site.Thus, it is often impossible to use the power that could be achieved thanks to your existing compressor and sandblasting device.
In the workplace, frame structures must be given a lot of attention. When choosing scaffolds, care should be taken to ensure that the areas where the large nozzles will be used are wide enough. This is to ensure that the sandblaster is at a sufficient distance from the work surface and can use the largest cone of the jet.The minimum width should be 1 meter. It is often advisable to rent frame equipment from specialized firms, including on-site assembly and disassembly. We would like to advise you: in each case, before any work, carry out a thorough analysis regarding the most suitable framework.
Sandblaster Training
Most entrepreneurs who want to employ specialists know that the specialist needs good specialized training.Each specialist must have a good command of his working tool. It is very difficult to fulfill this condition when hiring sandblaster. Very often, an athletic man, who has almost no prior knowledge and skills, is given a nozzle in his hands, after which he is already called a sandblaster. At the same time, no attempt is even made to teach him the most elementary methods of work.
Many sandblasters have gained their experience at a very high price and they have acquired it often at the cost of their own injuries and mistakes.While some of these sandblasters have made their way to high-profile specialists, for many, on the contrary, this job has remained an occasional occupation. They lack basic training in valuable sandblasting techniques.
A training program should be drawn up for all sandblaster. For her, some of the material contained in this brochure could be used as guidelines.
The most important points of these instructions are as follows:
- Awareness of compressor maintenance and adjusting the correct working pressure Check for yourself that the compressor is delivering the maximum allowable working pressure.The air hose to the reservoir must be connected to the large air connection on the compressor. To do this, do not use the usual small unloader cranes on each compressor. If there is no large unloading pipe, then it must be additionally installed.
- Tank operation briefing
- The operator must be trained to properly fuel the machine. Show the trainee how, even with a full reservoir, the hopper can be replenished with three or more bags of material in excess of the reservoir capacity, and thus the material can be prepared for immediate inertia into the reservoir as soon as there is no pressure in the reservoir.
- Explain the principle of operation of valves and other fittings on a sandblaster.
Inform the sandblaster to comply with the following rules:
- Close the air valve before starting the sandblaster.
- Open the air inlet valve.
- Always keep the sand metering valve open.
- Operate the inlet and air valves at the same time when shutting off the machine.
The material metering valve must not be closed, but must remain in its end position. - Instruction on Adjusting Material Dispense Valve
Explain how to adjust this valve so that the correct amount of dispensed material is delivered to the nozzle. This is done as follows:
First the valve is fully open, then the lever (or handle) is moved in the Open direction until the correct mixture is achieved at the lowest material consumption, without reducing the power of the blasting process.(In this case, you can hardly see the material coming out of the nozzle.)
If material comes out of the nozzle unevenly or in jerks, it is usually caused by incorrect adjustment of the metering valve. The error can be corrected by correcting the adjustment. Another reason could be moisture build-up in the tank and hoses. To eliminate this, an effective oil-moisture separator with an automatic condensate drain valve must be installed. - Opening the manhole cover (or inspection hole)
Show how to open the inspection hole on the tank so that foreign bodies can be removed if necessary. - Hose Connections
Demonstrate how to connect hoses to each other and connect to machines. Make sure the hose has a passage that matches the nozzle diameter correctly.
In normal practice, the inside diameter of the hose should be three times the nozzle orifice. It is also possible that you are using a hose with an inner diameter that is too large in relation to the nozzle. If, for example, a 3/16 “(4.7 mm) nozzle is used and the hose is 1/4” (32 mm) ID, it is possible that the speed of the material in the hose can be reduced to such an extent that the material will settle. and the hose becomes clogged.If the inner diameter of the hose is equal to three diameters of the nozzle (as recommended), this will not happen. - Handling the nozzles
Make sure the sandblaster treats the nozzles with care. He should not throw them or use them as a hammer. Most of the nozzles are very fragile and break easily. Use a suitable wrench and never a gas wrench or the like to tighten and loosen the nozzles.
Be sure to insert a new O-ring behind the nozzle every day to protect the lining and nozzle body from material.When inserting the nozzle into the holder, tighten it firmly so that the ring fits snugly between the nozzle and the holder, but does not flatten.
Pushing a short length of hose through the nozzle will further protect it from damage and destruction. - Choice of nozzle
Ensure that you have a number of different nozzles at your fingertips so that the sandblaster can better handle the surface with short nozzles in hard-to-reach areas and always have longer nozzles at hand. large surfaces.Angled nozzles are very convenient for sandblasting in hard-to-reach places. - Spray angle
Correct spray angle is especially important for removing rust and mill scale. It should be approximately 80 – 90 °. A downward jet at this angle blows sand dust off the sandblaster’s protective helmet and provides a better view of the work surface.
If lighter layers of paint or other coating layers need to be removed, this treatment is fastest when the nozzle is held at a flat angle to the surface to be treated, i.e.This is because air can penetrate the paint and break it into pieces. - Handling the Safety Helmet
The sandblaster must handle the helmet with care. With careful maintenance, the helmet can last a long time for the sandblaster.
As soon as the viewing glass begins to cloudy, it must be replaced immediately. Poor visibility leads to reduced power. Glasses are cheap and easy to replace. They must always be at your disposal at the sandblasting site. - Handling Hoses
Train your sandblaster to reel in and bundle the hoses after running loose.This makes them easy to carry. In the plant, hoses must be stored coiled without strong bends and must be unwound for a specific job only to the minimum required length.
Where a length of 15 m is sufficient for work, do not unwind the 30 m hose.If you start work with a 45 m hose and the distance from the sandblasting site to the sandblaster gradually decreases, then, as soon as possible, immediately correspondingly shorten the hose.This increases your efficiency and extends hose life. Keep hoses dry. - Operating instructions Refer to the supplier’s operating instructions.
- Cleaning
Additional care must be taken for remote controlled machines:
Clean material filter and lubricate valves daily according to manufacturer’s instructions. - Replenishment of material To prevent wasted work time, ensure that you always have sufficient stocks of nozzle rings, rubber seals for hose connections, air and jet hoses, sight glasses for helmet, etc.All these accessories are quite cheap and your minimum inventory for each of the listed items should be at least 10 pieces.
- Grounding
Ground your sandblaster well to prevent electric shock or sparks.
Selection of abrasive material
A whole treatise could be written about the available materials, but when choosing material for a particular job, we recommend using the advice of a specialist in this area.There are various companies that specialize in the supply of materials and have a large assortment of materials in large quantities in warehouses. The type and area of the treated surfaces are very different. It can be a huge tanker with a displacement of 90,000 tons, or a small denture. If you want to use the advice of a specialist, you must provide him with help on the following key points:
- Type of surface to be cleaned, including exact material data (paint, varnish, etc.)and a dirt surface.
- The size and shape of the surface to be cleaned, why it should be cleaned, and whether it should be cleaned in the sandblasting booth of a vacuum machine or outdoors.
- Surface condition before cleaning.
- The surface condition required after cleaning.
- Whether to sandblast the lb of the surface to be cleaned or just polish the surface.
- Type of paint product, which is planned to cover the surface after sandblasting; what surface roughness must be obtained in order to achieve correct adhesion with this coating agent.
Materials are classified according to various indicators:
- Hardness
The harder the material, the faster and more intense the effect, which gives the surface a roughness. Usually hardness is determined by the “Mohs or Rockwell scale”. - Grain size
The larger the particles, the higher the force of their collision with the cleaned surface and vice versa. Uniform material grain size is very important to obtain uniform roughness over the entire surface - Form
- Round or nearly round compact material grains are cleaned by impact energy with the surface and give a uniform cleaning effect.
- Elongated, sharp-edged friable particles clean the surface by rubbing and cutting the surface. They have a scrubbing effect and result in a deep surface roughness with an adhesion base firmly seated in it (in the surface) for subsequent coating.
- Particles of material in the form of compact, ribbed grains, as well as grains with almost rounded edges. They have a combined cleaning and polishing effect on the surface.The result obtained is a less rough surface than that given in paragraph 3b.
- Classification of materials by origin
- Natural materials – of natural origin. They are washed, dried and partially crushed (or crushed). They used to be used on a large scale and consist mainly of sea sand and dune sand. Zirconia sand and emery are natural materials, but their applications are limited.
- Vegetable materials are agricultural by-products.
These include walnut shells, minced fruit pits, minced hulls, minced rice chaff, etc. They are soft and have a slight non-destructive effect on soft surfaces. They are widely used in the aircraft industry for cleaning engines. - Commercially manufactured materials are classified into three groups:
- By-products from metallurgical plants These materials, made from metallurgical slags, have a fast cleaning effect, medium durability and are offered in large quantities.They are classified as mineral materials, because made from brass, copper or lead slags, etc.
- Non-metallic materials These materials are manufactured industrially from silicon carbide, aluminum oxide and glass. They have a strong stripping effect and a firm and uniform grain size. The grains of the supplied material can be of any size.
- Metallic materials These materials are available in white cast iron, ductile iron, aluminum, brass or bronze and are available as shot or granulate in various grit sizes.They are very durable in work. Wire cut also belongs to this category.
More recently, smaller grain sizes have been used in large sandblasting plants. While grit sizes from 3000 to 750 microns were commonly used, today the sizes of abrasives used have dropped to 600-300 microns. This is especially true in cases where expensive coatings will have to be used for subsequent coating.Materials with a finer grain size allow for more intensive processing and give a finer roughness. This increases the power of sandblasting.
You should seek advice from your material supplier on all of the above issues just in case. But if you do the test yourself and find out with what material and at what grain size you can achieve the best quality sandblasting and the highest power, it will do you an honor.
Costs arising from the sandblasting process
We would be happy to provide you with a formula with which you can calculate in advance all the costs associated with the sandblasting process, starting from the desk.Unfortunately, there is no such formula. the factors for determining costs in each case are different.
Any preliminary cost estimate for sandblasting depends primarily on whether you have accurate data on what equipment and material costs are required under the given circumstances to achieve the desired success.
The factors that must be taken into account are as follows:
- What kind of surface to be cleaned
- What is the requirement for the degree of cleaning and roughness
- Which material is most appropriate for cleaning
- What operating pressure and what delivery power are required for this
- What is the operating mode of the sandblaster
After clarifying these factors, you can determine the costs taking into account the current in the area:
- salary rates,
- material cost,
- transport costs,
- compressor rent,
- rates for the use of equipment for the compressor,
- the cost of transportation to the workplace of devices and materials,
- costs for the installation of scaffolding, etc.d.
To reduce the calculation risk, many entrepreneurs carry out trial sandblasting works at the sites for which a tender has been announced to determine exactly what the surface is covered with, what degree of roughness is required, which primer is most suitable and, finally, which material, which nozzles and etc. most advisable to use.
For this purpose, we have developed small tanks that can be used to carry out test sandblasting operations without transporting numerous equipment.
Using these tests, you can determine the factors needed to estimate upfront costs without fear of misjudgment.
Conclusions
Unfortunately, entrepreneurs can carry out detailed tests only to a certain extent, since they have an insufficient number of objects at their disposal, the conditions on which are close to practice.
For this reason, we have accumulated our experience through many years of observation of sandblasting operations in the USA and Europe.
To convey this experience to you, we have published this small brochure for you.
We hope the tips in this guide will help you get your sanding jobs done more efficiently than ever before.
We would be very grateful to you for all the advice and suggestions that you could give us based on your own experience, and which would be very important to complement the content of this work.
Leonid Andreev.Great helmetThey played vint three times a week: on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; Sunday was very comfortable for play, but it had to be left to chance: the arrival of strangers, the theater, and therefore it was considered the most boring day of the week. However, in the summer, at the dacha, they played on Sunday. They were arranged like this: the fat and hot Maslennikov played with Yakov Ivanovich, and Evpraksia Vasilievna with her gloomy brother, Prokopy Vasilievich.Such a distribution was established long ago, about six years ago, and Evpraksia Vasilievna insisted on it. The fact is that for her and her brother it was not of any interest to play separately, against each other, since in this case the gain of one was a loss for the other, and in the final result they did not win or lose. And although in terms of money the game was insignificant and Evpraksia Vasilievna and her brother did not need money, but she could not understand the pleasure of playing for the game and was happy when she won.She put the money she won separately, in a piggy bank, and it seemed to her much more important and more expensive than those large credit cards that she had to pay for an expensive apartment and give out to the household. For the game, they gathered at Prokopy Vasilyevich’s, since only he and his sister lived in the entire spacious apartment – there was still a large white cat, but he always slept on an armchair – and the silence required for studies reigned in the rooms. Evpraksia Vasilievna’s brother was a widow: he lost his wife in the second year after the wedding and spent two whole months in a hospital for the mentally ill; she herself was unmarried, although she had once had an affair with a student.No one knew, and she seemed to have forgotten why she didn’t have to marry her student, but every year, when the usual appeal for help to needy students appeared, she sent to the committee a neatly folded hundred-ruble note “from an unknown.” By age, she was the youngest of the players: she was forty-three years old. At first, when the distribution into pairs was created, the eldest of the players, Maslennikov, was especially unhappy with it. He was indignant that he would constantly have to deal with Yakov Ivanovich, that is, in other words, give up the dream of a big, trumpet helmet.And in general, she and her partner did not fit each other at all. Yakov Ivanovich was a small, wiry old man, who wore his overcoat and trousers winter and summer, silent and stern. He always appeared at exactly eight o’clock, not a minute earlier or later, and immediately took the chalk with dry fingers, on one of which a large diamond ring was free to move. But the worst thing about Maslennikov in his partner was that he never played more than four, even when he had a big and faithful game in his hands.Once it happened that, as Yakov Ivanovich began to move with a deuce, he retreated to the very ace, taking all thirteen tricks. Maslennikov angrily threw his cards on the table, and the gray old man calmly collected them and wrote down for the game, how many should be at four. – But why didn’t you play big slam? Nikolai Dmitrievich cried out (that was Maslennikov’s name). “I never play more than four,” the old man answered dryly and remarked instructively: “You never know what might happen. Nikolai Dmitrievich could not convince him. He himself always took risks and, since the card did not suit him, he constantly lost, but did not despair and thought that he would be able to recoup the next time. Gradually, they got used to their position and did not interfere with each other: Nikolai Dmitrievich took risks, and the old man calmly wrote down the loss and appointed a game at four. Thus they played summer and winter, spring and autumn. The decrepit world obediently bore the heavy yoke of endless existence, and now it blushed with blood, then shed tears, sounding its way in space with the groans of the sick, hungry and offended.Nikolai Dmitrievich brought faint echoes of this disturbing and alien life with him. |
Fandral Staghelm: Character Story
Fandral Staghelm – night elf, druid. Unlike Malfurion and Illidan, our hero was relatively young – born after the war of the ancients. But even despite this, he was an excellent leader and commander-in-chief: he participated in many battles and easily found a solution to any problem.He was also a member of the Cenarion Circle along with the chief representatives of the night elves under the leadership of the demigod Cenarius himself.
Fandral Staghelm was Malfurion’s right hand man and the teacher of many druids. At times he was quick-tempered and impatient, which distinguished him from the judicious and beloved Malfurion.
But what was the main thing in Fandral’s life? The family, especially his son Valstan the Stag Helmet.
Valstan, son of Fandral Staghelm
Unlike many other elves, Fandral, along with military operations, did not forget about his family.Valstan was raised only by his father, for the mother of Staghelm Junior died after giving birth. But even in an incomplete family, Valstan grew up as a future warrior, and his battle-hardened father contributed to the development of excellent combat skills.
Growing up, Valstan married Leira, a night elf. And later they had a daughter, Istaria.
Nightmare Appears, Andrassil
After enslaving all the Titanoid Guardians, Yogg-Saron reached the surface of Northrend, forming a new ore, Saronite, the blood of the Old God.Ore tended to absorb all life around. Creatures affected by the Saronite have wreaked havoc in the lands of Northrend.
The Cenarion Circle was very worried about this, but could not find a solution to the problem. How can we save this land from the cursed blood of Yogg-Saron? Fandral, famed for his hatred of expectations, chose the fastest way: taking a few shoots of Nordrassil, the druid planted five trees on all sides of Northrend. The largest tree was named “Snow Crown” by Andrassil.
The Circle members were furious at Fandral’s deed, but the vanished saronite proved to them that the anger at the Staghelm was wrong. Saronite was leaving, and the roots of Vordrassil grew deeper and deeper into the earth and reached Ulduar itself, the prison of Yogg-Saron. Taking advantage of this, the Old God desecrated the tree, which contributed to the main threat of the Emerald Dream – the appearance of the Nightmare.
Upon learning of this, the Cenarion Circle destroyed the tree. The fallen tree became known as Vordrassil Fallen Crown.As a result, we can say that Fandral, not knowing about it, became one of the creators of the future Emerald Nightmare.
War of the Shifting Sands, Death of Valstan
When there was not even a hint of the very first war, the Qiraji, the soldiers of K’Tun, began an attack to return the Old God to its former influence on the earth. The first to oppose the beetles were the night elves. Around Cenarius, it was decided to give control of the army to Fandral, who gladly agreed and took his son Valstan with him to the war.
Under the onslaught of the night elves, the Qiraji army was retreating, but they all have weak points. The twin emperors Vek’lor and Vek’nilash also found weakness in Fandral, his son. Walstan persuaded his father to appoint him commander of the garrison of a small village of the South Wind, which was far from the front line. The emperors decided to take advantage of this to take the young warrior prisoner, thereby crushing Fandral, who doted on his son. A small detachment of Qiraji managed to overcome the front line and break into the South Wind village.Insects ruthlessly destroyed the entire garrison, and the village itself was razed to the ground. Valstan, on the other hand, was captured by the Qiraji, and a little later, right in front of Fandral and his entire army, he was brutally killed by General Rajax, the commander of the Qiraji army.
The emperors’ plan succeeded: Fandral, deeply shocked and confused by what had happened, left the battlefield. And if not for the help of dragons, the war for the night elves would have ended in shameful defeat.
In any event, Fandral didn’t care much about her outcome.
Teldrassil, attempt to restore immortality to the night elves
After the third war, Nordrassil no longer endowed the night elves with immortality, and Malfurion fell into a coma, remaining in the Emerald Dream. Nobody tried to awaken him. After everyone decided that Malfurion was lost for a long time, Fandral would be recognized as the new archdruid until his return.
Before the coma overtook Malfurion, he told Fandral about his desire to grow a new great tree.Having gathered the entire Cenarion Circle, the Staghelm announced his intention to grow a new tree and return immortality to the elves. By Fandral’s decision, Teldrassil, one of the tallest trees in Kalimdor, was raised in northern Kalimdor. In an effort to achieve what he desired, Fandral turned to the Aspect Dragons to bless the tree for immortality. Only Nozdormu, an aspect of the bronze dragons, refused to transfer the blessing, and the tree was devoid of magical powers. And later on the weakened Teldrassil began raids of satyrs, desecrated elves, which formed a new threat.
Tyrande, Xavius’s Nightmare
Perhaps Fandral’s hatred of Tyrande was comparable only to the hatred of the trolls for the high elves, who deprived the Amani and many other tribes of their lands. Malfurion and Tyrande’s supporters, pursuing a calm policy, disagreed with the strict Fandral, which increased the likelihood of a civil war more and more. But this did not happen thanks to Malfurion’s intervention upon awakening.
One day, Fandral had a vision of Valstan.His son asked to plant the seedlings of Morrowweed, the tree of Nightmare, to help Valstan revive, but this not only destroyed Teldrassil, but also led Malfurion to the clutches of the Emerald Nightmare.
Soon, some druids noticed that something was wrong and learned that the sprouts belonged to Fandral, and Staghelm himself was drugged by the vision of Xavius, King of the Nightmare. Returning from the clutches of the Nightmare, Malfurion proved Fandral’s betrayal and sent him to prison in the hopes that his madness would disappear.
Majordomo of Ragnaros
After the war on Hyjal with Ragnaros, Fandral disappeared.It turned out that Alisra, the green dragon, betrayed her family and, together with the Twilight’s Hammer cult, saved the Stag Helmet from prison. She was killed, and Fandral was sent to the Firelands to the Firelord Ragnaros.
