Unpopular opinion: Kirby Morgan is overhyped for cold water work

I mean, everyone raves about Kirby Morgan helmets like they're the only option, but after 6 winters working the North Sea off Aberdeen, I switched to a Dräger and I'm never going back. The KM 37's silicone skirt gets stiff as a board below 40 degrees, and I spent more time clearing my mask than actually working. Last January, I had a 6-hour shift on a pipe repair job in 38 degree water, and my Dräger kept the breathing smooth while the guy next to me was fighting his KM the whole time. Maybe it's just me, but I think the hype comes from how long they've been around, not how good they actually perform in extreme temps. Anyone else tried both and found a clear winner for cold conditions?

3 comments

3 Comments

tarajenkins26d ago

Wait the silicone skirts actually freeze up like that?

robert_smith3618d ago

Wouldn't you say the skirt freezing up is kinda the point though? It's supposed to grip and stay put so you don't have to fight with it constantly shifting around while you're trying to cut or paint. Yeah it takes a little more effort to adjust, but I'll take that over having to re-setup every five minutes.

amyh2126d ago

Oh good, so it's not just me that thinks those skirts freeze up like they're unionizing. Sounds like the other guy had a free hand workout while you actually got work done.