2 questions about Sphera mask

[sross]

I have 2 masks I use for freediving at the moment- the Sphera & the Cressi Minima. The Minima is great, but I find it easier to equalize with the Sphera. The questions is, why is the Sphera better for equalizing?

Some thoughts:

i) The Sphera may be more compressible?
ii) I'm not convinced there's a whole lot of difference in the softness or collapsibility of the silicone skirt materials on either mask.
iii) Perhaps the softness of the Sphera's plastic lenses kind of allows them to push inward under pressure?
iv) Perhaps the curved shape of the lenses on the Sphera allow them to warp under pressure?

Has anyone investigated this & has some answers that are based on more empirical data?

Also, about a month ago there was a thread in which people said Technisub had put the Sphera back into production. Then, and just today, I tried looking the mask up on the Technisub, Aqualung and Aquasphere websites, with and without the part number, and the mask just doesn't show up anywhere with any listing.

Anyone know if the Sphera is really back in production?

 

[scurvypirate]

I have thrashed a Sphera for 10 years, apart from scratches and blueing of the lens it is still in excellent condition.
I haven't used the others but from a durability standpoint I can't fault it.

You are right - I don't see it on Technisub's site - but here is the next generation:
http://www.technisub.com/eng/maschere/marina.htm

I'd reckon that one would kick ass.

 

[BennyB]

I'm pretty sure the Sphera was the lowest volume mask available, which would make it easier to equalise than the Minima. Without fail, whenever I have students with mask troubles (usually fitting issues) I swap my Sphera with their mask and they make a side comment about how it's easier to equalise.

The Sphera would probably compress easier than the Minima given it's shallow flat shape, but I don't think this is a massive difference because i've had mask squeeze twice with a Sphera.

I've had a Sphera since 2005 and there's nothing wrong with it except for a couple of scratches when dropped and a bit of crud buildup around the inside lense edge. Beautiful masks.

Cheers,
Ben

 

[sross]

I don't see it on Technisub's site - but here is the next generation:
TECHNISUB - MASKS - MARINA

I'd reckon that one would kick ass.

Hey Scurvypirate,

looked up some of the reviews on deeperblue for the Marina- everybody had very good things to say about it, except one mask buckle broke apart & Technisub replaced it under warranty. Some folks also said it fits small faces well, so I think I'm going to try & get one for my SO, who has always had problems with mask fit due to small size. We have a Minima for her that fits extremely well though, but the Sphera is just to big for her face & won't seal.

It seems like it's available under the Marina name only in a few markets now. Technisub has re-branded it and calls it the Micromask in the US & Canada markets:

http://www.aqualung.com/us/content/view/218/108/

It looks identical to the picture of the Marina, except the head strap seems to be different (& maybe they've improved the buckle?)

It may be Technisub's freediving product nowadays- but boy, is it ever pricey compared to the old Sphera! Retail price $90-$95 in the stores here, although I was able to find one for $53 on eBay- but then I was able to get a Sphera on eBay for $29, and the retail price used to be $45. Then I picked up a backup Sphera from an online store too at a higher price when I heard they were being discontinued.

 

[sross]

I have thrashed a Sphera for 10 years, apart from scratches and blueing of the lens it is still in excellent condition.
I haven't used the others but from a durability standpoint I can't fault it.

I've had a Sphera since 2005 and there's nothing wrong with it except for a couple of scratches when dropped and a bit of crud buildup around the inside lense edge. Beautiful masks.

Cheers,
Ben

Thanks guys,

I try to always keep my Sphera away from sand & rocks & stuff, and I keep it in the plastic case it was shipped in rather than store it loose in my kit bag or in the dive gear cupboard. So far have kept the lenses scratch-free, except I went & put it lens-down on a tool in my workroom. The scratch isn't too bad & you don't even notice it when you have it on, I guess because your eyes are focused far away anyways. I also have my backup stored in its case, haven't had to break it out & use it yet, so I'll have a pristine one if I do manage to lose or break my current one.

So far no leaks, or mask squeeze. I find it very comfy.