CarbonX Balaclava's

[PointFire]

Howdy,


Ive been searching all over for some type of review on the CarbonX line of materials from chapman innovations specifically the balaclava. Has anyone had working experience with this type of fabric if so how did you like it compared to a regular nomex hood.

The hood I looked at was doubled layered and had all the NFPA tags (23 AT-PV rating) however it still struck me as being awefully thin hood.

[Rescue78]

Carbonx is an absolutely amazing fiber. The heat resistance is phenomenal. I have a pair of gloves that I use on the training grounds. They are just like an extrication glove, plus knuckle protection. But they exceed by, I believe four times, the NFPA rating on heat resistance. No NFPA 1971 rating however as that lack other specs to be deemed structural firefighting gloves.

I don't know about a balaclava, but the one thing about the glove is that they haven't been used that hard and they already are showing extreme wear on the finger tips.

If you are looking at buying one, ensure all the appropriate NFPA standards are met.

[PointFire]

I believe on the tag it had NFPA 1971-2007, and their website seems to support it being far superior to nomex and other blends.

Hows the heat transfer through the material of your gloves? I presume they are very thin just like this balaclava and I wasn't 100% sure if this impressive heat resistance for the material equates to a strong resistance to heat transfer to the user underneath?

Thanks

[irsmith]

The Carbonx fabric is hard to stitch together and has no little abrasion resistance.... Think carbon! It ends up like the dust in the bottom of a bag of BBQ briquets in no time.
If you are looking for a Firefighting Hood (balaclava) that offers comfort and sweat management get Pbi and vented like the American Firewear #VFDPBIR.

Of course if you routinely have molten lead poured on your head then you'll need the CarbonX... or a helmet.

[Hacienda216]

I've used a PGI Carbon hood for almost a year. No durability issues and I've used it for a number of Flashover Modules at OFC. Seems to turn away heat fine, and feels lighter than my old Nomex hood.