BandMask® 18 - Overview

KMB® 18 with 455 balanced regulator

Hand laid fiberglass frame

The fully tested and certified BandMask® 18 may be used in mixed gas diving as well as shallow water air diving.

The SuperFlow® adjustable demand regulator provides low inhalation resistance and high gas flow letting the diver breathe easier and work harder. This mask comes standard with the 455 Balanced Regulator. The 455 is an all stainless steel regulator with superior breathing performance.

The Side Block Assembly of both the BandMask® 18 and 28 receives the umbilical over the shoulder in the B configuration. They both come standard with the Tri-Valve® exhaust system, and the new BandMask® BandKeepers®.

The Tri-Valve® Exhaust System has less breathing resistance than the older single valve exhaust. It retrofits to all previous Kirby Morgan BandMasks®. The BandMask® BandKeepers, coupled with the redesigned hood, not only prevents any separation of the hood from the mask but also makes it impossible for the bands to separate from the mask.

The communications connections can be either a male waterproof "plug in" type or bare wire posts. The KMB-Band Mask® 28 is very similar to the BandMask® 18. Many parts of the BandMask® 18 are interchangeable with the BandMask® 28. The major difference between the 18 and 28 is the material of the mask frame. The BandMask® 18 has a hand laid fiberglass frame (yellow) while the KMB-Band Mask® 28 frame is an extremely durable injection molded plastic (black). The relative ease of production of the KMB-Band Mask® 28 frame allows for a lower cost and quicker delivery of this mask. Other differences include: 1) The main exhaust body of the KMB-Band Mask® 28 is part of the frame itself and uses a #545-041 main exhaust cover 2) no comfort insert is required on the "28" 3) the face ports for the 18 and the 28 differ slightly in size.

Part Numbers
500-025 KMB 18 BandMask w/Posts
500-026 KMB 18 BandMask w/MWPC

Features

  • Air Train
    The air train diffuses incoming breathing air/gas onto the face port/lens to defog and ventilate.
    Air Train
  • Communications
    Communications are “non-modular” (like the SuperLite 17B helmet). When ordered with male waterproof connector (for 4 wire communications), the mask also includes bare wire posts. When ordered with bare wire posts (for 2 wire communications), the port for the mwp connector is plugged.
    Communications
  • Defogging Steady Flow Valve
    Provides an additional flow of gas into the helmet for ventilation and defogging.
    Defogging Steady Flow Valve
  • Emergency (EGS) Valve
    Supplies backup breathing gas to the diver.
    Emergency (EGS) Valve
  • Gas Supply Non-Return Valve
    Prevents loss of gas pressure in the event of umbilical damage, preventing a "squeeze".
    Gas Supply Non-Return Valve
  • Head Harness (Spider)
    Keeps the mask in place on the divers head. The neoprene rubber spider has adjustment holes for varying the tension of the harness.
    Head Harness (Spider)
  • Nose Block Device
    Allows the diver to block the nose to equalize ears.
    Nose Block Device
  • Side Block
    Multi use side block has additional ports built in to provide controlled air flow, if needed.
    side block
  • Stainless Steel Bands
    Bands hold the Hood/Face seal in place on the mask frame. They also provide the mounting studs for the Head Harness (Spider).
    Stainless Steel Bands
  • The 455 Balanced Regulator
    The 455 Balanced regulator sets a milestone in surface supplied breathing performance and is compatible with all Kirby Morgan Helmets and Band Masks that feature the SuperFlow® 350 regulator. The regulator body is made of 316 stainless steel, as are all its other metallic components.
    The 455 Balanced Regulator
  • Tri-Valve® Exhaust With Whisker Wings
    Retrofits to many previous Kirby Morgan Helmets and BandMasks®, has less breathing resistance than the older single valve exhaust while providing an extremely dry hat. The Tri-Valve® Exhaust is made of a chemical resistant compound.