Turnout/Bunker Gear
Turnout/Bunker Gear Ok, so I've got my plan set up and hopefully (God willing) I'll be attending the fire academy in the summer. Just came here to ask some opinions. I don't have any gear yet and I know they rent out bunker gear for your duration of the academy. My question is, what would you do in this situation. My plan is to attend the academy and then get a job, obviously, as a firefighter. I also want to continue my schooling and go back to fire training for various other scenarios. I want to firefight and also do volunteering when possible. So, I plan on having a longtime career in firefighting and training. With that said, should I invest on buying my own equipment new so it is made for me size wise and the way i like (i'm not going to grow any taller and my weight is very consistent, so even if I gain muscle mass, I won't change much size wise). Or should I rent from the academy and then maybe buy used equipment for volunteering and continuing training. I'm not wishy washy about this, I plan on being in the fire career aspect for a long time, so don't consider that I may change my mind later.
Opinions?
I priced the equipment I want and brand new it would be about $1250 meeting all NFPA standards from the 2006 update.
If I rent from the academy I will place a $200 deposit and then pay about 600 to rent.
All gear prior to 2006 met the NFPA standards of 1971. Equipment has been held to those standards and even exceeded standards since it was so long ago, but in 2006 new updates were put on those standards so anything manufactured prior to 2006 may not meet qualifications.
Depending on quality of equipment I could get full bunker gear ranging from 200-600 used (hopefully finding the right sizes and mixing and matching brands and colors)
Equipment consists of: hood, helmet, boots, pants, suspenders, coat and gloves
Opinions?
I priced the equipment I want and brand new it would be about $1250 meeting all NFPA standards from the 2006 update.
If I rent from the academy I will place a $200 deposit and then pay about 600 to rent.
All gear prior to 2006 met the NFPA standards of 1971. Equipment has been held to those standards and even exceeded standards since it was so long ago, but in 2006 new updates were put on those standards so anything manufactured prior to 2006 may not meet qualifications.
Depending on quality of equipment I could get full bunker gear ranging from 200-600 used (hopefully finding the right sizes and mixing and matching brands and colors)
Equipment consists of: hood, helmet, boots, pants, suspenders, coat and gloves
Most volunteer programs are going to have gear for you to use already, however it is nice to have your own. IMO renting for the academy is the way to go as you won't necessarily be doing wear&tear on your own items. You can purchase some nice stuff once you finish the academy.
As I am sure you noticed, buying your own gear begins to add up quickly ~50 for a hood, ~150 for decent footwear, ~100 for gloves, ~250 for helmet, and so on. Those are rough estimates but you are going to drop quite a bit just for the bare essentials.
Like I previously stated, if I were in your situation I would go with the rented gear to make sure it is what you want to do. You can always purchase your own later down the road.
As I am sure you noticed, buying your own gear begins to add up quickly ~50 for a hood, ~150 for decent footwear, ~100 for gloves, ~250 for helmet, and so on. Those are rough estimates but you are going to drop quite a bit just for the bare essentials.
Like I previously stated, if I were in your situation I would go with the rented gear to make sure it is what you want to do. You can always purchase your own later down the road.
I will NOT buy my own gear!! NFPA standard s change so often, and expire every so many years so really buying it yourself can be a huge waste of $$!
Volunteer departments, just like the paid services, will supply you with gear. Rent for your academy, and then have whatever department you join supply it for you! The only gear I'd consider buying myself would be good leather boots (if the department isn't paying for them and wants to only buy rubber boots) and a good helmet.
Volunteer departments, just like the paid services, will supply you with gear. Rent for your academy, and then have whatever department you join supply it for you! The only gear I'd consider buying myself would be good leather boots (if the department isn't paying for them and wants to only buy rubber boots) and a good helmet.
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COMP - FAST - PACESETTER - DIAMOND RACING - EAGLE SPECIALTY PRODUCTS - CALLIES - COMETIC GASKETS
RAM CLUTCHES - MOSER ENGINEERING - KOOK'S HEADERS - ARP - GM BOLTS AND GASKETS - MSD - NGK
POWERBOND - ASP - AND MORE!
Yup, I'm hearing a consistent answer of don't buy your own gear lol
Thanks for all the advice guys! i'll rent my gear or I might even buy some used gear (found some pretty good prices on used gear that will meet academy standards and its cheaper than renting). I'll worry about having some nicer equipment once I get hired on
Thanks for all the advice guys! i'll rent my gear or I might even buy some used gear (found some pretty good prices on used gear that will meet academy standards and its cheaper than renting). I'll worry about having some nicer equipment once I get hired on
Teching In
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Burleson, TX
Don't buy your own gear. Just rent it when you go to fire academy. The standards on gear is it is good for 5 yrs then after that it goes on the shelf. We get another set and if anything happens to your new gear we can use it as a back up. After 10 yrs, if gear makes it that long gets destroyed.
Once you get hired on a fire dept they will size you and get your own gear. The dept I work for even issues out our station gear and boots. We don't have to purchase anything.
If you go volunteer for a fire dept they will provide you some gear also.
I hope this helps you. If you have anymore questions just contact me I hope I can answer them
Once you get hired on a fire dept they will size you and get your own gear. The dept I work for even issues out our station gear and boots. We don't have to purchase anything.
If you go volunteer for a fire dept they will provide you some gear also.
I hope this helps you. If you have anymore questions just contact me I hope I can answer them
Like everyone else said: Don't buy anything. Used gear or rent for the academy. Vol. and paid departments will issue you what you need. Some are also very picky about buying anything extra. We (Houston) can only wear what is issued. They even went as far as to have everyone remove the lights from the helmets. They have now said a select few lights are okay. Good luck. Can't beat the job.
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thanks for the help everyone! Seems to me that I will be taken care of very nicely once landing a job 
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