I have the Trition and the retrofit tube. You will notice how much
lighter and more flexible it is. These benefits are offset by its
thin wall, which you will see when you receive it. Overall it is an
improvement and reduces the pushing from behind experienced with the
original hose. I do find some minor optical abberations, but it is
easy to lift the visor to inspect work when necessary.
Finally, I have inserted a folded towel between the webbing and the
top of the helmet as it was too low on my head and there is no
adjustment provided for such a change.
It works and adds some protection from larger pieces should something
fly off the lathe!
Regards,
Alan

On Wed, 29 Dec 2004 10:40:44 -0800, "Scott" wrote:

Would you mind sharing your experiences with the current crop of air
helmets?

Terry


I received a Triton Powered Respirator for Christmas. It works quite well.
It incorporates a helmet, shield, and ear protectors. There is a washable
pre-filter on the bottom for large particles, plus two disposable cartridge
filters inside to get the smaller stuff. There is a good review he

http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com/rev...respirator.htm

I wore it for 2-3 hours yesterday while finish turning / sanding a bowl.
When I took it off, the bottom pre-filter was literally "caked" with about
1/16" of dust. Scary to think that all of that has been going into my
lungs.

Unlike some of the competing units that just seal around your face, the
Triton covers your entire head so you don't get sawdust in your hair (which
later gets on your pillow, then in your nose). This could get a little
stuffy/hot in hot weather, but I turn in my basement where it is always
pretty cool.

I have two minor complaints so far.....

(1) The ear protectors adjust up/down, but don't go quite high enough for
my ears. Even in their highest position, they are still about 1/2" too low
to properly fit over the top of my ear. They still work, but put a little
downward pressure on the tops of my ears. Of course I only use them when
I'm sanding, to suppress the noise of the drill and dust collector. The
rest of the time they "pop" outward, away from your head.

(2) Mine was purchased via Amazon in mid-December, but came with the
old-design hose which is very stiff and uses friction fit connections with
spring clamps. It is akward to connect/disconnect, and the stiff hose has a
tendency to push upward on the back of the helmet, rotating it forward over
your face. Not the fault of Triton; they changed the design in September,
but I apparently got "old stock" from Amazon.

Relative to complaint #2, I called Triton's customer service and they are
sending out a retrofit kit at no charge -- so I should have the newer, more
flexible hose and quick-connect fittings sometime next week. Good customer
service & support.

...Scott