Cressi-Sub Focus Vs. Cressi-Sub Big Eyes

[benzsk8]

I am looking at buying my first real mask and want a mask that is good for free diving but also can be used for snorkeling. So I have tried both on both fit me good but I'm not really sure if one is better then the other for what I need. I know that the Big eyes has a very good field of view but since the large lenses I'm not sure how it will hold up for free diving. Also has anyone used scuba.com and what do people think about slap straps for comfort, since I'm debating if I want to get one on my new mask.
Thanks
-Ben
Buy Cressi Sub Focus DS241010 and other scuba diving gear at scuba.com
Buy Cressi Sub Big Eyes DS261010 and other scuba diving gear at scuba.com

[benzsk8]

So does anyone have opinions? I am thinking the Focus because it seems like a better mask for free diving. However the Big Eyes has a larger range of view but this seems like it would be harder to equalize with even though on cressi's site both say low volume. I would really like to know the pros and cons of each more on the Focus since there is a lot of info on the Big Eyes here(But both would be appreciated.)
-Ben

[Ale Andres]

The big eyes is a SCUBA mask, not recommended for freediving due to its huge internal volume, the focus may be a little better, but if you're looking for a cressi mask i'll go for the Superocchio, or any kind of that low volume masks ( like OMER's Bandit )

[benzsk8]

On Cressi's site they put the Big Eyes in both the free diving and scuba sections. Also both are said to be low volume.

[Sean Smith]

You might want to check out the Aqua Sphera. Low, low volume, low price, and it works great for anything I'm doing in the water. Found mine on Amazon for around 40US. Show me another quality free dive mask for that price!

[sanso]

I can only chime in. I'm very happy with my sphera as well

[benzsk8]

Ok I will look into that however I like trying my mask on before I buy it and haven't found any dealers that sell them around me.

[benzsk8]

I am also thinking about the Cressi-Sub Superocchio, but am having a problem finding a reasonably priced one for the US.

[RiverRat]

Leisurepro.com is having a sale on those two masks and have bought from them several times fast shipping and hassle free returns my favorite site low price. Also reviews have the oceanic shadow as a great mask look at that one as well

[benzsk8]

Which 2 RiverRat? I think I really want a cressi since they are the ones I can try on locally, and either the Focus or Superocchio. I just want to keep it under $40 which I know I can do with the Focus and it includes a free hard case.

[Dennis77]

Hi.

I´ve got an Cressi Minima and a Mares X-Vision Liquid Skin. I bought the Mares for snorkeling, but I use it only as a backup-mask. Even when snorkeling I feel more comfortable with the Cressi Minima.

[benzsk8]

Dennis so do you have a good view when snorkeling w/ the Minima? Right now I am using a pair of Z-leader swim goggles for everything and I can see fine.

[Dennis77]

Of course you have not a very wide angle of view. But on the other hand the glasses are very close to the eyes. So in fact you won´t feel handicaped. As I said; I like the Minima very much.

[benzsk8]

Dennis the Minima's lesses are bigger than a regular pair of swim goggles. Would you say they are about the size of the seal style goggles?

[Seacidal]

I don't know what activities you are intending, but I switched away from a low, low volume mask some years ago. Primarily because I use my mask while spearfishing, and peripheral vision is of key importance.

I started using a Big Eyes mask a couple years ago, and fell in love with it. In fact, I bought another one to have, in the event that they stop making them and mine gets damaged somehow. Given that it is a very ruggedly built mask, I think that's unlikely. But eventually, I want to have a back-up on hand.

They have incredible peripheral vision, and that happens to be a hunting strength of mine. I can't conceive of going to a true, ultra-low volume freedivers mask, unless I was focusing solely on apnea activicities and not hunting. Just my opinion.