Helmet

[HEFFAY]

Once you get use to it, you wouldn't want to go back...

That's what I'm afraid of. $$$$$$$$

 

[fstbttms]

These have been around for a long time. Cressi and Poseidon made them before IST did a copy I believe.

Some older models were not made of silcone (and are still available, I think) and were real crap. The rubber would break down and crack within a matter of months. I don't know how useful this style mask would be for the recreational diver, but for what I do with it, it's great. I can't imagine going back to a regular mask.

 

[DCBC]

Some older models were not made of silcone (and are still available, I think) and were real crap. The rubber would break down and crack within a matter of months. I don't know how useful this style mask would be for the recreational diver, but for what I do with it, it's great. I can't imagine going back to a regular mask.

Yes, silicone wasn't available in any diving mask until the mid 70's. The rubber seemed to be a problem with most masks; although their was quite a bit of difference between manufacturers in the quality of rubber they used. I kinda liked this model, as far as sport diving FFMs go, but it couldn't be adapted for communications. I used it for ice diving in the early 70's.

 

[Reef]

I use a Guardian from OTS currently.

A few years ago I used a Kirby Morgan EXO26.

The Guardian for my needs works just about perfect.

 

[Casarez]

I have been eyeballing the OTS Guardian. I would love to be able to try one out. My wife likes the idea having verbal communication during a dive.

 

[knotical]

Sea Trek. I know it's not what you meant, but for its intended purpose, it was superb. It gave my non-diving sister a chance to commune with the fishes.

 

[Akimbo]

Deep Sea/Heavy Gear/Hard Hat:
• US Navy Mark V
• Seibe Gorman,
• Kirby Morgan

"Modern" Hats:
• Kirby Morgan/ Diving Systems International Clam-Shell & Superlites
• Navy Mark 12
• Savoie
• Miller
• Desco pot
• Sat Hat,
• Aquadyne
• Swindell
• Rat Hat
• La Spirothechnique
• lots of home-mades and prototypes.

Full Face:
• Kirby Morgan/Diving Systems International/US Divers Band Masks
• Normalair
• AGA
• Jack Brown
• Aquadyne
• La Spirothechnique drysuit/deathwish.

Most are shown on this site:

Modern helmet and mask collection

 

[muddiver]

I own, and use, a KMB mask from 1973. I am not sure of the designated number, maybe a 2? I know it is a Navy Mk1. It is plastic, instead of fiberglass (EOD I'm told) and was distributed by US Divers back then. Have had it worked on at Morse a few times. Sometimes I use a hose and bailout (and comms), sometimes just scuba, and comms, if there is no entanglement issues and it is fairly shallow. That is usually for a quick recovery and tie in. I don't, always, use a standard harness as I have an old bc in case I need lift for me. Most of my stuff is recovering dropped or broken equipment, or raising sunken boats and barges. For boats and barges I used a standard equipment configuration, hose, comms, bailout, harness, etc.

I also own a KM Exo-26. I like this for vehicle recoveries, and inspection work, as it is lightweight and again I can use scuba and a comm-line to make it easy and safe.

The band mask you describe is most likely a KMB-10. Orange or red plastic shell with all the usual band mask parts. I owned a KMB-9 which is similar, but it was stolen from the Long Beach aquarium when I loaned it for a display. :depressed:

 

[Trace Malinowski]

I've been using the IST mask for many years. Simple, reliable, no frills, pretty much indestructable. Perfect for my needs.

Oh, right! I used to ice and cold water dive with one of these! I totally forgot! I sold it to a friend who is a public safety diver in Delaware.

 

[Mark Michaud SELAUSAR]

The band mask you describe is most likely a KMB-10. Orange or red plastic shell with all the usual band mask parts. I owned a KMB-9 which is similar, but it was stolen from the Long Beach aquarium when I loaned it for a display. :depressed:

I think that may be. It has had a lot of years of welding and use before I got it and I have used it a good bit since 2003.