petzl vizion longevity

Just read in another thread that the petzl vizion shield is discontinued??? Have had mine for a couple of years and it has dramatically improved how much fun I have ice climbing!  Any tips or tricks to making the one I have last as long as possible?

Have seen numerous close calls with peoples eyes involving even the most experienced climbers and to me it absurd to climb without eye protection and we all know that wearing glasses sucks!  Never had fog issues with my vizion though!

Argh! I have one too and I really like it. It can take quite a pounding, but just be careful to protect the shield when you're not using it - don't let it get scratched up rolling around the back of your car. Also, really take care of the connector slots where you affix it to the adjusting mechanism. If it's out of alignment the holes will get damaged and break and you may not be able to raise/lower the shield any longer. My friend just taped hers to the side of her helmet when that happened, lol! 

Yeah, I'm on my fourth shield over maybe 12 years. They always break at the hinge connection. Usually because I catch the shield on something when I'm walking.

I'm working on making a batch of replacement face shields out of 1mm lexan (polycarbonate), which is the same material petzl uses. Acrylic is more resistant to scratches, but it shatters much more easily. According to a plastics guy I talked to, all safety glasses are made with polycarbonate lenses.

Should be able to sell the shields for a reasonable price. I have no interest in making this a business, but I'll hopefully have more shields than I can use. I'll update this thread when I've got something available.

it is out of alignment the holes will get damaged and break and you may not be able to raise/lower the shield any longer 

jkd159 wrote:

I finally got a batch of replacement shields for the petzl vizion. 1mm lexan. Looks and feels identical to the original shield. I expect them to perform the same. My shields are ever so slightly bigger where they connect to the hinge, which should help with longevity. Couldn't go much bigger or they would interfere with the movement of the hinge.

Had them made by a shop that does water jet cutting. I probably won't do another batch, so if anyone wants to take over this "business opportunity" I'm happy to give you all the beta I've learned about making them. I've already sold about half the production run to people who expressed an interest earlier. If anyone wants to buy a few shields, I'm selling them 3 for $50 plus actual shipping costs. Send me a private message if you are interested. I can do different quantities too.

Jeff

Hi

   how to you install the DIY shield on your helmet  ?

Thanks

You need to already have the Petzl Vizion hinges. Basically, my face shields replace the Petzl shields which tend to break. But mine rely on you having the hinges which bolt directly to the helmet.

BTW, I have three remaining to sell. Act now. Supplies are limited. Makes a great holiday gift.

Just used the Jeff-made replacement shield yesterday. Worked great. Thanks Jeff!

Doug Hutchinson wrote:

Just used the Jeff-made replacement shield yesterday. Worked great. Thanks Jeff!

Sweet!

We've got a whole week of warm weather coming up here in NY, so I'm not sure how the Dacks will fare.

How easy is it to take the shield off and put it back on?

Douglas Michon wrote:

How easy is it to take the shield off and put it back on?

The Petzl Vizion installs with two screws.

To be clear, my replacement shields require that you already own a Vizion. It uses those hinges.

Jeff Deutsch wrote:

You need to already have the Petzl Vizion hinges. Basically, my face shields replace the Petzl shields which tend to break. But mine rely on you having the hinges which bolt directly to the helmet.

BTW, I have three remaining to sell. Act now. Supplies are limited. Makes a great holiday gift.

Jeff,
Are you planning to make a batch of the replacement Vizion faceshild ?.Willing to buy a couples.

curvenut wrote:

Jeff,
Are you planning to make a batch of the replacement Vizion faceshild ?.Willing to buy a couples.

I just made the one batch and I'm not going to make another. I might have one or two extra to sell. I'm not home right now, so I can't check the stash, but send me a DM to remind me and I'll let you know later next week.