This is something I've been contemplating for quite a while. To this point, I have only used it for about an hour but I already know it's something I should have purchased years ago. It's expensive, or not, depending on how look at it and your health.

 

 

 

I bought the 500/570 powered respirator system and ordered it from Woodturners Wonders. I've had a Trend I picked up used a few years ago but was just never happy with the weight of it. This unit is very light on the head and I can see wearing it for hours with no issues. Unlike the trend where everything sits on your head. The battery, filters, and fan fit on a belt around the waist or there is a backpack mount available. Mask and helmet are Z87+ and the filter system exceeds Niosh HEPA specifications. Hearing protection is an optional add on and I have those ordered.

Edited February 27, 20224 yr by Steve Krumanaker

I seriously considered that. Hope you keep us up-to-date on your experiences.

Edited February 27, 20224 yr by lew

I heard NASA was selling their old one trip to the moon space suits and there might be a wonderful bargain there.

 

I thought about that for I have to blow myself off every time I go in the house for another cup of coffee.

 

Plus saving on the heater cost in the winter might more than pay for one of those fancy pair of coveralls.

Yes please keep us posted Steve. I too have the Trend and had the same experience. My son ultimately took the battery pack out of it and made a belt pack out of a much more robust battery which helped but it’s still rather claustrophobic. This looks like a better option.  
Paul

It does sound like a better option.  The battery in the helmet has to be heavy.

I have a Trend and yes it does get heavy but will be looking at the Peke Powercap. Several guys in the club have them

1 hour ago, Masonsailor said:

Yes please keep us posted Steve. I too have the Trend and had the same experience. My son ultimately took the battery pack out of it and made a belt pack out of a much more robust battery which helped but it’s still rather claustrophobic. This looks like a better option.  
Paul

 

I can relate to that claustrophobic feeling with the Trend. I had to be careful how I positioned it as the shield would actually rub against my nose. In fairness, most probably wouldn't experience that! This shield and helmet are so light and there is such a wide field of view I literally forget I have it on.

Now, the power unit is heavy and even with the belt tight it wants to slide down my back. I solved that issue with my old carpenter suspenders though and that works very well. Where the suspenders would clamp is plastic and I didn't want to tear that up. A couple little strips of leather addressed that nicely.

 

10 minutes ago, Gerald said:

I have a Trend and yes it does get heavy but will be looking at the Peke Powercap. Several guys in the club have them

 

I considered that option as well but finally decided on the sundstrom.

 

My concern with belt mount is that I take my helmet off several times in the process of turning and puttering around. That to me would be an inconvenience . How does that work for you?

33 minutes ago, Gerald said:

My concern with belt mount is that I take my helmet off several times in the process of turning and puttering around. That to me would be an inconvenience . How does that work for you?

 

That's exactly how I used the Trend except I resisted  putting it on even when I should have. There is very little that I do in my shop that doesn't create dust that gets into the air. With that in mind, when I decided to purchase this I also committed to putting it on when I entered the shop and leaving it on until I left the shop. The last three days that's exactly what I've done. Whether I'm turning, sanding, using the table saw, drill press, band saw, or whatever I have worn it. Visibility is good enough and it is light enough that's not an issue at all. The times that I've wanted to raise the mask to measure or see something better haven't been an issue either. Simply lift the visor and go on.  It's just that comfortable to wear. It's also worth mentioning, the helmet/face mask can be removed and disconnected easily while leaving the power belt on. The only thing I've really noticed is that I tend to forget it's back there and bump into stuff with it. That will improve as I get used to wearing it.

Very interesting and I will have to think on that. Thanks for the review of useage