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While most people probably think of divers as using respirators, the breathing apparatus that goes inside your mouth, there are still plenty of uses for the diving helmet. Many people prefer to use them when they dive, particularly if they need to go very deep or go into areas that might be hazardous. Just like a bicycle helmet, a diving helmet can protect your head.
It’s still possible to purchase high-quality diving helmets online. If you are in need of a top-quality diving helmet, here are the best five we found. We tried to include a variety of price points, even though diving helmets don’t typically come cheaply. But we’ve investigated from the newest lines on the market through the classics.
Product FAQs
Why would I want to use a diving helmet?
To be honest, the average diver is better suited to a respirator. It’s cheaper and easier to move around while using one. Plus, you need to have a specific kind of dress to use a diving helmet, as compared to the more-common wetsuit donned by divers.
However, diving helmets are useful for those who might be going down deeper than the average hobby diver or those who might encounter hazardous situations. Plus, the helmet has an advantage: should the diver become unconscious, the diver will be able to continue breathing. If a diver using a respirator becomes unconscious, it’s likely that he or she will drown. For those who like to dive to the depths where few others go, a diving helmet is a must.
What are diving helmets made from?
The majority are made from a form of tin, but the tin can be polished for a shinier look if desired. If you would like a polished tin look, this option comes at an additional cost.
How We Reviewed
We wanted to give a fair spread of different sorts of diving helmets with different options. Some tend to come with communication systems built in, while others do not. This will affect the final price point. As mentioned previously, if you would like your diving helmet shined for aesthetic purposes, this
also increases the price. We also cared about the field of vision, comfort, and weight. Of course, the right diving helmet for you will depend upon your uses and your preferences.
Price Range of the Product
Diving helmets tend to be rather expensive due to the amount of workmanship that goes into them. Typically, a diving helmet will cost a few thousand dollars.
The Best 5 Diving Helmets of 2018
DESCO 29134 Commercial Diving Helmet
Image: DESCO OFFICIAL
This helmet is a great choice for those who are looking for something heavy-duty but also great-looking. It is specially made for deep-sea diving and is sure to make dealing with the dangers underwater a breeze. This diving helmet is made for the professional, but can also be used by the amateur.
Key Features
This diving helmet has breastplate and faceplate gaskets, a spring lock, and a circular faceplate that is attached with screws. It is somewhat similar to the Navy Mark V in construction, though it’s meant to be a bit simpler. It is a very basic bonnet helmet and is considered a bargain in its class.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy
The Commercial Diving Helmet can be purchased from divedesco.com.
Heavyweight – Four Light Commercial Helmet
Image: DESCO OFFICIAL
This is a great option which is a bit of a step up from the DESCO 29134 Commercial Diving Helmet. This helmet offers much that the DESCO does, but with a little more. It also has a handsome tin appearance that can be polished for an extra fee.
Key Features
Like the DESCO 29134 Commercial Diving Helmet, this diving helmet is meant to be rugged and simple. It is also modeled after the Navy Mark V but has a simpler construction that does not compromise on integrity. There is an oval top window as well as a circular front window that is held in place with a screw.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy
The Four Light Commercial Helmet can be purchased at descodive.com.
DESCO 29103 Mark V Diving Helmet
Image: DESCO OFFICIAL
Not only is this diving helmet a serious piece of kit, but it’s also a serious piece of history. The DESCO 29103 Mark V Diving Helmet has been in production since 1942 and is still considered one of the staple diving helmets in the industry. The only serious change that has been made to this diving helmet since it was originally introduced is that the “glass” in the helmet is now acrylic since it’s safer and more durable. Other than that, this diving helmet is an enduring classic.
Key Features
Probably the biggest selling point of this diving helmet is the amount of hand-crafted effort that goes into it. The Mark V Diving Helmet is pounded by hand, not machine-stamped. The process of making this diving helmet has largely gone unchanged other than the switch from glass to acrylic.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy
The Mark V Diving Helmet can be bought from descodive.com.
DESCO 29131 Browne Utility Diving Helmet WithWrap-Around Window
Image: DESCO OFFICIAL
This one has a fun look to it with the wrap-around window. That is the main feature to this diving helmet. It’s got a great retro look that makes it pretty easy to see around you since the window is larger than you would get out of many other helmets in this class. For ultimate visibility, you can’t get too much better than this model.
Key Features
The obvious key feature to this helmet is the wrap-around window. This window allows for superior viewing, particularly if the Bule-type top window is chosen as an option.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy
The Browne Utility Diving Helmet with Wrap-Around Window can be purchased from descodive.com.
DESCO 29198 Lightweight Agar Divers Helmet
Image: DESCO OFFICIAL
The lightweight helmets that DESCO produces are the same quality as the other helmets, but they are made of a much more lightweight material. This makes them more accessible for people who might have mobility problems or those who simply would like to reduce the amount of weight they are carrying around when outside of the water. These are also a bit cheaper than some of the other options since they don’t have as many automatic additions. The communication system that comes standard in many other models does not with this diving helmet.
Key Features
The key feature to this diving helmet is definitely the fact that it’s so much lighter than many of the other options on the market. This diving helmet is a mere 39 pounds, while other models can weigh up to 60. This is a very affordable and easy-to-transport helmet.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy
The Lightweight Agar Divers Helmet is available on descodive.com.
Comparison Chart
DESCO 29134 Commercial Diving Helmet
Works with: commercial dresses only
Optional extras: spitcock, telephone cup, telephone gooseneck, transceiver
Heavyweight – Four Light Commercial Helmet
Works with: commercial dresses only
Optional extras: none available; communications come standard
DESCO 29103 Mark V Diving Helmet
Works with: commercial dresses only
Optional extras: none available; communications come standard
DESCO 29131 Brown Utility Diving Helmet with Wrap-Around Window
Works with: any dress so long as there is a DESCO yoke
Optional extras: spitcock, Bule-type top window
DESCO 29198 Lightweight Agar Divers Helmet
Works with: any dress
Optional extras: communication system, breastplate loops, spitcock
Our Verdict on the Best Diving Helmet of 2018
In our opinion, the DESCO 29134 Commercial Diving Helmet hits all the bases in the best way possible provided that you do not need a communication system. It’s comfortable, it’s not the heaviest helmet available, and it has a neat-looking appearance. This helmet also gets high marks for its overall performance. If you are just looking for a generally good diving helmet that will do the job, this option is a choice that you can’t go wrong with. If you’re in love with this helmet and do need a communication system, though, you can certainly get one added in for an extra cost.
However, if you are in need of a communication system and aren’t attached to the prior model, we recommend the DESCO 29103 Mark V Diving Helmet. First of all, we’re absolutely in love with the fact that this helmet hasn’t been changed much at all since 1942. If you are in love with the past, then this diving helmet will be a joy to own. (It is a big favorite among collectors.) Plus, it comes standard with modern communication equipment, so contact with the surface is easy. It’s ranked as relatively comfortable, as well.