History

The company was formed in 1993 by Jeff Sacree', making Custom Surfboards for local surfers and retail shops in Devon & Cornwall. In 1994, Jeff developed a light-weight, heat retaining helmet for himself to prevent "ice-cream headaches", a phenomenon of surfing in cold water akin to a vice being applied to the temples. The helmet sold to other sufferers (surfers), but in no great numbers due to surfers being free spirits and wishing to let their hair down!

In 1995 the Royal National Lifeboat Institute were looking to replace the motorcycle helmets currently being worn by lifeboat crews, as they were deemed unsafe due to the "bucket effect". This effect was created by someone falling overboard with a large heavy object on their head, creating drag on the neck which could result in injury. Several companies were working on prototypes, and having been informed of the project, Jeff Sacree contacted them to offer a solution. Over the next three years various models were subjected to trials and testing to overcome the problem of designing a one size lightweight shell that would offer good head protection, be compatible with existing equipment and be at home in salt water without any increase in weight.

The GMSH Mk 5

This culminated in 1998 with the MK5 Marine Safety helmet going into service, creating the first Marine Safety Standard in Europe and creating a benchmark for others to follow. This enabled the company to expand, taking additional staff on to aid production. The helmet offered a solution, but was by no means perfect, so research and development continued.

Subsequent models MK, 6, 7 and 8 followed, allowing improvements in weight reduction and comfort. Add-ons were tested and accepted by a wider range of users within the Marine environment. In 1999, the MK9 became available, with a feature that allowed individuals to alter the fit using the pad set supplied, held in place with "hook & loop" fastenings. This proved to be the most popular design to date, and new customers were taken on, including the Ministry of Defence and the Australian Navy.

However, the fit and comfort were still not ideal and a better solution was needed. A previous idea was revisited to try and achieve the aim of creating a wide range of size adjustment, along with improvements in comfort.

The GMSH Mk10

In January of 2003, the MK10 was introduced. This design was the culmination of eight years research and development.

The helmet features a patented inflatable liner, which inflates to the individual wearer's head size and can be further adjusted through an oral valve. This design offers exceptional comfort, prevention of rotation, very good thermal qualities and built in buoyancy. This advance in the evolution of the Gecko Marine Safety Helmet is incorporated into several hybrids, including the Full Face, Cutaway and Videocomm designs. In 2007 the inflating device was incorporated into the 'Surf Lid' as well as all future designs. Gecko Head Gear will continue to research and develop new helmet designs for the benefit of others, through the dedication of it's staff, and welcome feedback from end-users or potential customers alike.