A Guide to Diving Helmets: Choosing the Right Kirby Morgan Helmet

Kirby Morgan 27 Helmet
Benefits:

• Fiberglass Frame: The lightweight fiberglass frame makes the Kirby Morgan 27 helmet easier to handle, reducing strain during extended dives.
• Smaller Size: This model is more compact, making it ideal for divers who prefer a helmet with a reduced profile.
• 455 Regulator: The 455 regulator is highly efficient, offering excellent breathing performance even under demanding conditions.
• Tri-Valve Exhaust System: The Tri-Valve exhaust system ensures effective ventilation, preventing the buildup of carbon dioxide and keeping the helmet's interior dry.

Best For: Divers who prioritise lightweight and compact equipment, making it suitable for those who work in confined spaces or require extended wear.

Kirby Morgan 37 Helmet
Benefits:

• Fiberglass Frame: Like the 27, the 37 features a durable yet lightweight fiberglass frame, offering a balance of strength and weight.
• 455 Regulator: The 455 regulator provides consistent breathing performance, making it a reliable choice for a variety of diving conditions.
• Quad-Valve Exhaust System: The Quad-Valve exhaust system enhances the helmet's ventilation, providing an added layer of safety by efficiently removing exhaled air.

Best For: Divers seeking a versatile helmet with excellent ventilation and a fiberglass build, making it a good all-around choice for various diving scenarios.

Kirby Morgan 37SS Helmet
Benefits:

• Stainless Steel Frame: The stainless steel frame of the 37SS provides greater durability and resistance to impact, ideal for harsh underwater environments.
• More Robust Build: This helmet is designed to withstand rough handling and challenging conditions, ensuring long-term reliability.
• 350 Regulator: The 350 regulator offers a different performance profile, favored by divers who prefer this specific breathing system.
• Easier to Maintain: The materials and design of the 37SS make it simpler to clean and service, reducing downtime between dives.

Best For: Divers working in demanding environments where equipment durability and ease of maintenance are critical.

Kirby Morgan 97 Helmet
Benefits:

• Stainless Steel Frame: Like the 37SS, the 97 features a robust stainless steel frame, ensuring maximum durability.
• More Robust Build: This helmet is built to last, handling the most challenging underwater conditions with ease.
• 455 Regulator: Equipped with the 455 regulator, the 97 offers top-tier breathing performance, even in extreme situations.
• Easier to Maintain: The design of the 97 allows for straightforward maintenance, reducing the effort required to keep it in top condition.

Best For: Divers who need the most durable and reliable equipment, especially in heavy-duty commercial diving operations where performance cannot be compromised.

How to Choose the Right Helmet

Selecting the right Kirby Morgan helmet depends on several factors, including the specific demands of your diving work, personal preferences, and the environment in which you dive. Here's a quick guide to help you make an informed choice:

Consider the Diving Environment:

• Confined Spaces: The smaller and lighter Kirby Morgan 27 helmet is ideal for tight underwater environments.
• Harsh Conditions: If you’re diving in more rugged environments, the stainless steel frames of the 37SS or 97 helmets offer superior protection.

Assess Breathing Performance Needs:

• Standard Conditions: The 455 regulator on the 27, 37, and 97 helmets provides reliable and efficient breathing performance.
• Specific Preferences: If you prefer the 350 regulator’s performance characteristics, the 37SS might be the right choice.

Evaluate Ventilation Requirements:

• Standard Ventilation: The Tri-Valve system in the 27 is efficient for most diving situations.
• Enhanced Ventilation: For even better exhaust, the Quad-Valve system in the 37 offers superior ventilation, which might be necessary in high-demand scenarios.

Prioritise Maintenance and Durability:

• Easy Maintenance: The 37SS and 97 helmets are designed for easy maintenance, which is critical for reducing operational downtime.
• Long-Term Durability: If durability is a priority, especially in tough environments, the stainless steel frames of the 37SS and 97 models are the best options.

Conclusion

Kirby Morgan offers a range of diving helmets designed to meet the diverse needs of commercial divers. Whether you prioritize lightweight design, robust durability, or specific breathing and ventilation systems, there’s a Kirby Morgan helmet that will suit your needs. Carefully consider the conditions you’ll be diving in, along with your personal preferences, to select the helmet that will keep you safe and comfortable on the job.