Swapped from a Kirby Morgan to a hardhat helmet last month and my neck still hurts

I ran a Kirby Morgan 19 for about 4 years on oil rig jobs in the Gulf, and finally tried one of those lightweight fiberglass hardhat helmets on a salvage job off Port Arthur. The difference in drag and weight underwater was huge, but now I'm dealing with neck soreness from adjusting to the new balance. Has anyone else dealt with this kind of muscle strain after switching helmet styles?

3 comments

3 Comments

adamgreen3d ago

Was the helmet properly fitted to your head before you started using it, or did you just strap it on and go? That balance point makes a huge difference in neck fatigue.

lane.eric3d ago

I heard Bob from the safety crew say the new ones need the center strap adjusted or you'll wreck your neck.

the_joel1d ago

...and honestly that Bob guy from safety might have been close but he's a little off on the details lol. It's not really the center strap that's the problem, it's the side straps and how the helmet sits on your crown that messes with the balance. I've seen guys just crank down the center strap thinking it'll fix everything but that just makes you carry more weight on your forehead instead of spreading it out. You gotta adjust the whole suspension system, not just one strap, or your neck is gonna keep hurting no matter what. Adam's right about the head fit too but even if it's fitted perfect, if the weight isn't balanced front to back you're still gonna feel it after a few hours.