Sphera v Micromask v Minima

[DivingDane]

OK guys for those of you that have experience with these.

Looking at getting a LOW volume mask specifically for deeper diving.

Currently use OMER ALIEN and have used cressi super-occhio, matrix in the past for spearing so have no problems there.

So of the Technisub Sphera, Technisub Micromask, Cressi Minima:

1. Lowest volume
2. Best for compression at depth

what do you think, if you have any better option i'm all eyes.

thanx in advance

DD

[watts]

The best for compression at depth would be the sphera but it trips you out for a while till your used to it and scratches by looking at it the wrong way. The minima is way hardy having glass for lenses instead of plastic and the vision is very limited but doesnt distort.Dont know about the other one.

When are you coming to Sydney?

Nat....

[TheDude]

Micromask - very very low volume, but not compressible. Good for medium depth diving I would say till 60-70m, I don't think its good for the really deep stuff. You have to be very accurate with equalizing it, with the low volume and non compressibility it will sometimes either rapidly suck on your face when you put less air in, or you lose some of the air if you put just slightly too much.

But it has a very good and clear field of view, with almost no restriction. Perfect also for recreational diving.

[jimdoe2you]

My vote is for the sphera.

FYI: There is a new mask to consider now, it's called the Spetton Excell and I was overwhelmingly impressed with it recently. It has become my new primary mask along with my sphera!!!

[chrismar]

I own spheras and a micromask. Sphera wins the low volume (just) and the compressibility. TheDude is dead on, you really have to keep equalising it. Awesome recreational mask, but for really deep stuff, there are better options.

I can't comment on the minima as they just don't fit me.

[DivingDane]

thanks guys keep the info coming. so far it seems the sphera is the way to go for chasing deeper stuff. if anybody else in here as any better options or more comments bring it on.

thanks

DD

[salibandy]

I'd vote Sphera. I read somewhere that if fully equalised at 30m, you wouldn't have to equalise the mask anymore below that because the mask flexes. I think it was E Fattah who wrote it.

[scottwilson]

What did you decide on in the end? Ive just bought the Cressi minima to replace my super-occhio's.

I dont have any problems with the occhio's I just fancied a change and the minima fit really well.

[DivingDane]

hi Scott

i owned a superocchio for ages as well (still own it as a b ack up with scripted lenses)

i use an OMEr Alien for spearing but ended up buying the Sphera (actually have 3 now seeing as they've gone out of production figured i'd stock up) and i cant express how happy i amm with them, now i know why everyone raves about them, outside of the fact the lenses scrtach easily they are perfect for deep diving and the slight distortion underwater actually works to my advantage as it seems to improve my vision a little bit.
tried the Minima but the firld of view is TINY. but otherwise a bullit proof mask, tried the micromask from TechniSUb but it didnt suit my face and it pushed on the bridge of my noes alot, the sphera is also much easier to equlise and you can almost forget to because the mask compresses so much before it begins to hurt.

DD

[scottwilson]

AH Dane you have mentioned one thing that has been bothering me about the minima, when Ive tried the mask out of water ( I use it for statics at the moment ) the limited view is a worry, as I spearfish is seems a bit counter productive to use it

[DivingDane]

if for spearing then really low volume isnt really that important itend to go for comfort and vis. so i still really like my Alien or the new Cressi big eyes evolution is beautiful. otherwise the micromask gives very low volume,good vivibility but the sealcan be tempremental. the sphera isnt idealfor spearing because of the distortion from plastic lenses.

actually come to think of it the Cressi Occhio plus has incredible vision while still having low volume and is a bit more reliable on the seal(in my experience).

DD