Big Eyes

[Hawkeye31]

After missing my only shot at a fish yesterday, I lost my Super-ochio mask while getting tossed around the tidepools by the surf. Before I order another identical mask from the sweet, local, on-line store , i want to ask someone (anderson), about the Cressi Big- Eyes.

I love the idea of increased vis, and the increase in volume shouldnt be a problem for me because I like to stay as shallow as possible . But some of the reviews I read stated that they are weak, and tend to leak. What are your experiences with these, and does anyone use silicone sealant to reinforce their masks?

Also, what is the kine technique to permanently glue/seal a snorkel to a mask strap to prevent squeeking?\\\

Thanks,
Adam

[Bindlestitch]

Hawkeye,
I bought a cressi big eyes not to long ago. I don't think it's a bad mask by any means but I know one thing, if you have a narrow face like I do then I don't recommend it. I could never get a good seal on it , it's just to wide for my face. Someone with a normal face probably won't have a problem though.
I know Anderson and others can give you a much more indepth review, so I'll leave the technical stuff to them.

[icarus pacific]

Man, there's an accident waiting to happen...

I too thought that the Big Eye was a sweet setup until I tried one on and could see daylight past the seal on my mug. Happily I found that HanaPa'a is carrying the AQA line of masks including the Mantis which is just sooo smooth it's dakine and a half! Comes in Amber for the lowlight stuff and Mirror for you highway cops in training. They have a bunch of remakes of masks gone by and the price is sweet too. 5 of my masks are AQA's and I've nuttin but good things to say about 'em.


sven

[Hawkeye31]

Ill look into the AQA mask, Id never heard of them before.....
That fit thing is a problem when ordering products online. If you dont know exactly what you need, it is hard to take advantage of on-line deals. Im also not a fair judge of the character (Width) of my mug. It looks kind wide, but I dunno. Maybe I need liposuction....Damnit, the mirrors gettin foggy

[andrsn]

Hey fellas,

The bigeyes is great for shallow stuff. Sorry Sven, but I find the AQA mantis a bit too cumbersome and heavy for warm water diving. I guess it's more about what fits your face.

Anyhow, Aquiles only uses the bigeyes and he's had it down to 110' w/ no problem. The only problems he's had were that some of the one's he's ordered leaked. But, being that the scubastore is so sweet, they promptly shipped him a replacement.

I think the greatest feature about the bigeyes is that the increase in field of vision is quite relaxing.

Another decent mask to try out is the cressi focus or the beauchat mundial. I think they're pretty comfy, too. Same field of vision to the sides as the big eyes, but w/ less volume.

By the way, Adam, if you need a super occhio, I've got quite a few laying around.

Later,
Anderson

[Iyadiver]

Hawk, tell us some fish story with ur Riffe....please.

[cjndiver]

Used the big eyes this summer. Great vision for up and down. I have the clear skirt which I dont recommend. The glare near the surface comes through the skirting. Still use my sporasub sams w/tinted lenses. Snapper seem to ignore you when they cant see your eyes. I know its probably bull*.*@ but it makes me feel better.

[Hawkeye31]

Thanks for the info boys
Im gonna try on a few masks tonight for fit.
Iya, if I had a good story to tell, you would be the first to know. The vis was pretty good tonight, probably 30-40 ft. I saw lots of opaleye, calico, sheephead of both sexes, stripped bass, and schools of sardine- those sardine almost gave me wood. No fish brought home.
Later,
Adam