DESCO Agar Divers Helmet

The DESCO "Lightweight" series of helmets are of the same materials and constructions as their heavier brothers. They have considerably less weight and volume than the "heavies". All share the Lightweight (Sponge) pattern breastplate and top shell, with modifications to suit varying customer and market demands.

The Agar Divers Helmet features a single spring adjustable tension head butt exhaust valve. Windows are secured by Abalone type rings (without bars) and screws. The non-return is integrated into the air inlet elbow. Breastplate loops and communications are optional. Helmet is available in Tin plated or polished finish. Shipping weight approximately 39 lbs.

Options for lightweight helmets:

Communications system Cat. No. 21300
Spitcock P/N 29035
Breastplate loops P/N 21149 (standard on Abalone)

History

The history of the Agar helmet is intertwined with the Abalone helmet. On the Abalone page we detailed the confusion about the exact configuration of each type. The Agar is basically a sponge helmet with a different exhaust valve, and a different method for securing the windows in their frames. Sponge window frames and rims are machined with threads so they screw together. The Navy Mark V and the commercial helmets have always had the windows secured by the guards. The Abalone and Agar adopted this method. The sponge exhaust valve is a non-adjustable head butt type. Internal pressure opens the exhaust automatically. The diver has no control over the amount of back pressure needed to open the valve. The Agar exhaust uses a spring set inside a adjustable handle allowing the diver to regulate the internal pressure somewhat. The amount of adjustment is only 1psi or a bit more. This is enough adjustment to allow some buoyancy control without risking a dangerous blowup of the suit. The downward facing tube limited leak back of water into the helmet.

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