New mask time. Any suggestions?

[arrowloopboy]

I've a Cressi Matrix and love it (for spearing ) ,FOV is excellent.

 

[jaymz]

Just spoken to Mark Healey on Twitter. He's the bloke in the famous GoPro video 'Shark Riders' and a world renowned Freediver/Spearo.

He recommends the 'Naida' by RiffeUSA

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=r...YBQ&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAA#biv=i|0;d|Yqw100647bf1cM:

 

[Broseidon]

You used to live around here did you?
I've only gotten into spearfishing over the last 12 months really and that's only managing to get out even a few times. I'm still assembling people to go with and a regular location. I think Langland will be it when I finally master it properly. How far out would I need to be going off the left hand Side?

Have a look on Google maps mate - it's pretty clear. I remember it being exposed on very low tides so it can't be that deep. There's a webcam here for future reference:

Langland Webcam | GowerLive

If I had to guess, I'd say that the currents would be worst on the left of the bay, the right-hand side I'd guess would be fine - very safe in fact. I'd say it was a safe spearing spot in general - the only reason I has to be rescued was that I was sitting on top of a surf board and got taken out faster than my little arms could paddle. I haven't heard anything about it being a dangerous area but would be best to double check with the coast guard - they'll be more than happy to tell you.

 

[jaymz]

Have a look on Google maps mate - it's pretty clear. I remember it being exposed on very low tides so it can't be that deep. There's a webcam here for future reference:

Langland Webcam | GowerLive

If I had to guess, I'd say that the currents would be worst on the left of the bay, the right-hand side I'd guess would be fine - very safe in fact. I'd say it was a safe spearing spot in general - the only reason I has to be rescued was that I was sitting on top of a surf board and got taken out faster than my little arms could paddle. I haven't heard anything about it being a dangerous area but would be best to double check with the coast guard - they'll be more than happy to tell you.

Cheers for that Bro. So I need to be looking to go out with minimal surf?

And do you mean the right hand side as I'm looking out from the bay, or looking at it on google maps?

Cheers

 

[Broseidon]

Cheers for that Bro. So I need to be looking to go out with minimal surf?

And do you mean the right hand side as I'm looking out from the bay, or looking at it on google maps?

Cheers

Right hand side when you're looking out to sea, not on Google maps.

You need zero to absolute minimal surf - most swell is on the left hand side of the bay, the right is generally more sheltered. It's very stoney and quite shallow.

Go and check it out at low tide - there's quite a lovely little cafe / restaurant on the beach so you can grab an overpriced pint while you're there!

 

[jaymz]

So for the 'bays' around the Gower/swansea area, I need to be staying on the right hand sides then to be as shelterd as possible?

 

[Camanche killer]

Just started using this beauty:

Picasso Diamond | Picasso UK

Good field of view and very comfy skirt

Kev

 

[jaymz]

They all seem to look the bloody same lol

 

[martin366]

They all seem to look the bloody same lol

Jeah, looks like another Micromask "clone"

 

[baiyoke]

Just for the record: A very knowledgeable and well informed guy from Denmark is recommending this one for an allrounder (freediving + spearo): Aqualung Micromask / Technisub Micromask, wich should be the same.

 

[jaymz]

I went for the Cressi Superocchio in the end. Lots of good reviews and seems to be purposely made for Spearfishers.

 

[Broseidon]

I never get why people use masks like that - seems like such a restrictive field of vision. I've always used full glass / frameless masks and just cant get along with double lens masks like that - I brought an Omer Alien but have only used it twice - hate it.

Saying that, I think I'm in the minority in my view - just me being me I guess

 

[Massin]

Lol I was about to post virtually the exact same comment, frameless all the way- my Omer alien had one use in the water and has now retired to my dive bag as a backup.
Maybe the alien is just a bad example of a twin lens mask!

 

[jaymz]

I done soooo much researching for the perfect balance between spearfishing and freediving, because I enjoy doing both. This one seemed to suit me best because the low volume (freediving) and a good field of vision (spearing).

I'm not saying other masks don't have that, but looking at reviews of most others, they all seemed to be specific to their own genre and not really open to both. I would have bought the Shadow but read that it was rendered useless after going a certain depth. And because I'm also freediving this year, this wouldn't have been a good choice. But I am considering this mask as a trial and error for me. If its crap, ill try another.

 

[Broseidon]

Personally, I think that unless you're diving to serious depth (20m+), something like the Shadow would be fine. I've dived for the last 5 seasons with a MASSIVE volume consumer snorkeling mask, doesn't look cool but I like the visibility from it. I've been up to 12 meters with no problems at all - I'd guess that the Shadow has less than half the internal volume of my old mask so I'm sure it's fine for 20 meters.

Really, as with all equipment, use what you like and what you feel comfortable with - nothing else matters. Hope you get on great with the Cressi!

 

[jaymz]

Cheers Bro, I'm still toying the idea of a shadow. Looks really nice and sounds nice, just didnt know how good it was for depth. It sounds like it will be good for Spearfishing around Swansea, so I could possibly get that for spearing and use my Superocchio for freediving.

 

[jaymz]

Mask arrived this morning. Great looking and fits well.
All will be revealed in the water

 

[DafyddRees]

Personally, I think that unless you're diving to serious depth (20m+), something like the Shadow would be fine. I've dived for the last 5 seasons with a MASSIVE volume consumer snorkeling mask, doesn't look cool but I like the visibility from it. I've been up to 12 meters with no problems at all - I'd guess that the Shadow has less than half the internal volume of my old mask so I'm sure it's fine for 20 meters.

Really, as with all equipment, use what you like and what you feel comfortable with - nothing else matters. Hope you get on great with the Cressi!

You actually went to just over 15m with that goldfish bowl mate just behind the island! You must have expelled ~90% of your lung volume into it just to prevent squeeze!

 

[artiz]

I never get why people use masks like that - seems like such a restrictive field of vision. I've always used full glass / frameless masks and just cant get along with double lens masks like that - I brought an Omer Alien but have only used it twice - hate it.

Saying that, I think I'm in the minority in my view - just me being me I guess

I agree... the Shadow and similar single lens/frameless are a wise recommendation Broseidon and in particular regarding FOV but masks are probably where hunters and freedivers go their separate ways... any thoughts on the Cressi F1 for tighter budgets?... also is there any advantage in clear silicone... more light etc or could that extra light be a distraction? As my eyesight has deteriorated with age this has now become an issue for me?

 

[Apneaddict]

If you want a frameless mask with a single lens, the Beauchat MaxLux is a good example with low volume and great visibility.

My only caution is that it does not work for extremely narrow faces.

Medium / regular and wide faces should work fine.