is Oceanic ion4 suitable?

[bjornvik]

Hey there!

Recently I acquired a mask at a dive store that was suggested to me as a really good fit- the oceanic ion4. It's a "low profile" mask, but nowhere close to the typical low volume freediving mask. I am just starting out with actual gear.

I am having some after thoughts, though. I haven't used it yet, but I am wondering if the volume is simply too large for any sort of freediving. Now, I am just starting out, taking it really slow and relaxed, no deep dives, but I am wondering at what depths does the volume of the mask become an actual issue? And is it something I should be worried about now? Frankly, if I could just afford trying it out and buying a new mask whenever necessary, I'd go that route; right now I just want to get what is needed and what I know is going to work.

I am wondering if there is anybody that knows this mask and could provide some insight as to how suitable it really is for a newb...

 

[Stephan Whelan]

To begin with i'd suggest using whatever you already have. However you'll want to proceed to having a freediving low-volume mask as you don't want to be using precious air reserves to equalise the mask air space neither do you want mask squeeze.

 

[John B Griffith Jr]

Bjornvik,

I didn't buy my first "freediving" mask until a couple of years ago, making do with the lowest volume "SCUBA" mask I could afford (needed prescription lenses). The difference after I started using a really low volume freediving mask was night and day...but for many years, the other masks were just fine for moderate depths (less than 20-30 meters). I just had to deal with squeeze and using excess air to equalize the mask. So, Stephan really said it right, use what you have for now, get comfortable and experienced with using the least air to equalize and then progress to a high-quality, low volume freediving mask...and there are many suggestions on the Freediving Forum Page. Have fun, be safe!