Helm modifications

[GaryGrzybek]

Hey all,

I have this old MRL Sallet that's been collecting dust. It's an okay helm but the visor seems more trouble than it's worth and I'd really like to use it for sparring. Do you know of any place that can add or sell a mesh attachment for over the face? Having something like a three weapons mask with full head protection might be pretty handy. I suppose a Gorget could be added in addition for better protection of the throat.

[Jeff Hansen]

I found a supplier for wire mesh and attached it over the face cage of a hockey helmet with zip ties. The supplier is a company called Belleville. Their website is www.bwire.com . You can buy one foot squares, or larger chunks to your dimensions. Unfortunately there is a $50 minimum order for the larger pieces and a hockey face cage requires a 14-15" X 8-9" piece, so the 12" square won't work.
If I remember right, I got .032 or .035 wire diameter with a .123 spacing, galvanized to lock the wires in place. Even with a cage underneath to support the stucture I wouldn't go any smaller on the wire diam. as a matter of fact i suggest stepping it up to about a .04 unless you go with a smaller spacing than I did. Any exposed edges need to be wrapped somehow or they will shred sparring weapons.
good luck with figuring out how to attach it to your helm. Hope the wire mesh info helps.

[Brian Hunt]

Hey Gary,

that is something I might be able to help you with. I would need to see a picture of the helm, but I have a heavy duty mesh that I do use for helmets. If you ever saw Jake Norwood's helmet, I am the one that built it. If you are interested, contact me via private message.

Brian Hunt
GFS

[GaryGrzybek]

Thanks Brian,

I'm actually looking at my old hockey helmet here and considering stealing the cage off of it and then adding the mesh. The helmets seem better days and I can always get a new one at a later date. With some modifications I may be able to get it to work.

I'll certainly be in touch if this doesn't work <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Brian Hunt]

Good luck with your project.

Brian Hunt
GFS

[Allen Johnson]

If you want to pay someone to do I think GAA Armouries still does something to that effect. Check with them here: http://www.gaa-armouries.com/light_helm_default.htm

[GaryGrzybek]

That's what I had in mind but it looks like he's not taking any orders right now.

Thanks