Spearfishing Mask.

[HEDS]

Masks i have tried press fairly hard on the bit between my eyebrows and it hurts! especially during aspetto because of the top of the mask frame being pushed against my forehead.... There might not be an answer to this... im just 'longshotting' incase someone else has the same experience.
I need a new mask anyway.. and i probably wont go for a very low-vol mask because the frame will be even closer to my face,and i dont really need the advantage of this as i dont dive very deep anyway!. Im thinking of either a more traditional snorkeling mask or a frameless mask maybe ??
Any input is good.

 

[Whopperhead]

If you can get to a dive shop and try some on- that would be best. I had the same problem when I was just starting- found out - I had them WAY TOO TIGHT! Sphera makes a really comfortable, low volume, inexpensive mask. You can get them for about $45 US dollars.

 

[Macnaughty]

Hi HEDS,

Just a quick question... you are equalizing the mask as well as your ears,- right? Because if it is only during aspetto, while at depth it sounds as if it is a bit of mask-squeeze.. In that case, remember to blow a little bit of air through your nose into the mask as you descend. Hope that helps.
Cheers M

 

[Pastor]

The problem HEDS has is the same as mine in that there isn't a supplier of freediving masks within 300 miles of here. I was lucky enough to be able to try on an Omer Alien before I bought one but apart from that all that is available is clear silicon scuba masks in the local dive shop.

 

[Marwan]

heds take a look at the sherwood MAko mask, its frameless, low volume, WIDE field of vision and very comfy...they sell it at leisurepro.com
Sherwood Mako Frameless 1 Window Mask from LeisurePro.com

 

[HEDS]

Cheers for the input guys , as PASTOR said , we havent any diveshops that would provide specialist freedive eqip up here. Good point about tightness WHOPPERHEAD , my mask may well be a little tight!
I am equalising my mask also but it doesnt seem to push the frame from my face for some reason[strap too tight?]
The Sherwood Mako looks the biz , i am a little curious as to how frameless masks perform though - i might take the plunge and give it a go. .

 

[Janner]

I use a cressi matrix at the minute its a great mask for spearfishing/ freediving with an excellent field of vision compared to allot of other masks. However i recently tried on this mask at a local dive shop, [ame="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ATOMIC-FRAMELESS-MASK-TOP-OF-THE-RANGE-FOC-DELIVERY_W0QQitemZ370026132738QQihZ024QQcategoryZ71161QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQ_trksidZp1638.m118.l1247QQcmdZViewItem"]ATOMIC FRAMELESS MASK, TOP OF THE RANGE FOC DELIVERY on eBay, also, Masks, SCUBA Snorkelling, Sporting Goods (end time 23-Apr-08 17:18:05 BST)[/ame] its called an atomic frameless mask, its got an amazing field of vision (better than any other mask ive tried on including my matrix) with a reasonably low internal volume (looks fine for 20m dives) and it was extremely comfy for both me and my friend and he's a got a 'BIG' hooter and also tends to find masks press on his forehead allot. If you have a search on here im sure some blokes dive with atomic masks and love them, apparently they make the lenses with some kind of extra clear 'gucci' type of glass that is warranted.

Im thinking of buying one this payday even though i have 2 spare masks locked away in the garage. It was that bloody good!

Cheers Ian

 

[Mr. X]

I agree with Janner, the Cressi Matrix is a nice mask - comfortable with a good field of view, although Cressi gear is often pricey & it is a twin lens mask.

I have a very nice Visualator style SCUBA mask, which has an excellent field of vision (mine is all clear). However, I cannot imagine going back to it having used spearo masks (like the Omer Alien & Seasub Combat X-Low). I briefly tried it again last Summer: it's great at the surface but not for diving - and I don't dive deep. Tusa Visualator mask - Only £40.00 - Scuba Dive Shop

If you really can't face using any of the spearo masks (e.g. Omer's vast range), you could try the Beaver Atomic. I know somebody that has one and I was surprised how good it is -- it feels as close fitting as a spearo mask but w/o the nose bridge. Definitely worth checking out & your local SCUBA store might carry it. Actually, if you are interested, he might even sell it, I don't think its been used much, if at all (his life priorities changed).

Beaver Masks

 

[enzolucci]

Aloha Mr. X,

I am looking to purchase a new mask for Spear Fishing, 5 to 20 meters. I believe in another thread you also mentioned the Aqualung Micromask.

Between the Omer Alien and the Micromask (hope this hasn't been beaten to death) which would recommend as a better Spear Fishing mask (I understand that fit and comfort is the most important)? Also does the compressibility of the Alien allow one to save more precious air? Better field of view??? Any durability issues it can get rough on some reefs.

Are there any online stores that will except returns if the fitment is poor. Here in O`ahu no store carry both masks and is very hard to compare. Both seal on my face it is just that the Alien has a softer skirt. In this thread members have commented that facial movements can cause the Micromask to leak; and the Alien fogs up constantly don’t most masks fog? Sorry for the 101 questions but have searched the site and am just a newbie, I can use the help and the advice, thank you.

I just joined and appreciate any advice you, or anyone else have for a novice. Hope this is an ok place to ask for this help, new to forum edict.

Cheers!

 

[MahiMan]

I have the Matrix and I must say it has great field of vision but after a few hours in the water it hurts under my nose and towards the center of my eye brows. I recently purchased the Omer Alien and the silicon is soo very comfortable compared to most the masks I have used in the past. Its field of vision isn't quite on par with the Matrix but not too far off. The Alien does fog alot but give it a few rub downs with toothpast some anti fog, and you shouldn't have any issues. Hope that helps

 

[agbiv]

Anyone tried a new mask I saw on ebay--has a 5 mp camera/video built right into it???? Looks interesting but if the mask & cam are crap I'm not spending $100 on it. Don't remember the name but it is bright yellow (a neg in my book).

 

[Fondueset]

I've got the matrix, alien and micromask as well as one of those 'beaver' masks (its actually made by a taiwanese company and sold under several brands) The matrix is a fine mask for those depths. The micromask beats the alien for visual field, volume and the nose pocket is larger - it also beats or matches the much larger matrix for visual field. Volume (which is not so critical above 20 meters or so) is so small that I once filled mine with water, cracking up at my dive buddy's reaction when I snuck up on him, cleared it and stayed down another 30 seconds. The alien has very soft silicone but a 'michael jackson' style nose pocket. The 'beaver' mask is very comfortable - not quite as good as the micromask for field of view to the sides but it is nice not to have a post dividing your eyes.

I use the micromask or a sphera most of the time. In my opinion the micromask is the best of the lot - provided it fits. It also does leave some fearsome lines in your face for a few hours. The sphera is an awesome mask, with unbeatable side and upward vision, but it is fragile, with polycarbonate lenses that scratch - and downward vision is poor, something you are apt to notice while wrangling fish in close.

 

[Swedish Jim]

After 30-odd years of trying new model masks I always end up back with my fave:inlove. Black Rubber and tiny. Ie it lets in no distracting reflective light. Its easy to equalise and as the glass is close to my face its great vision. its a Cressi.

 

[enzolucci]

Thank you all for your advice! Is compressibility an issue at those depths, 5-20 meters? Fondueset, seeing as you have my actual three choices, for spear fishing alone what would you go with in that depth range? Does the Micromask leak more than the Alien (rough water or strong current/surge, facial movement), if so is it worth the sacrifice of the field of view? I recently had iLASIK and the salt water can/does burn the expletive out of my eye.

I truly appreciate all of you and your recommendations and advice. When I sign up as a supporter of DB is it a onetime deal or does it automatically renew my support every year? Last but not least, does DB affiliate with any on line vendor(s) who will accept returns if a mask is tried on and has poor fitment or are there any out there?

P.S. –Swedish Jim, someone told me once you go black your never go back… regarding masks, of course.

Take care and thanks again!

 

[Fondueset]

Not much of an issue at those depths
The alien has the softest silicone and probably the most robust fit of the three (matrix, alien, micromask) - I have to watch face movements with the micro. Less so with the matrix.

Personally I would go with the micromask - but you are best off trying them on if you can get the chance.

 

[enzolucci]

Fondueset, thanks appreciate the response. Wish I could try the two ‘vacuus pensio’ (without paying)… secure skirt vs. better field of view. I understand with my inexperience either one will be more than sufficient.

It would be a stretch for me to purchase both. Just want the best of both worlds, and an upper hand on the game. As far as mirrored masks go, what’s the deal are they any better?

Thank you for helping out a newbie who is trying to get a better bottom time at 15 meters. I seem to have such a low bottom time, maybe too much exertion in my pursuit. I can hold my breath for four minutes or more on the surface, but when I go under it seems to be cut in half or more.

Many, many thanks, hope one day I can reciprocate with answers rather than questions. Mahalo!

 

[ben]

Hi HEDS,

I use a black silicon Mares X vision and find it great....very comfortable and a really good fit even when not worn tight. several friends have got them on my recomendation and have really liked it...it seems to fit a variety of face shapes.
Cost £35 ish...so not bad

It can often be found in dive shops in clear (you could try it locally) and either order one off the shop or drop me a line and ill pick you up a black one and stick it in the post. They sell black ones in Cardiff sports gear and Bristol Channel Diving does Cressi stuff and often has black silicon cressi big eyes in stock (another good comfortable mask).

drop me a pm if your interested...
ben

 

[Fondueset]

The Alien is probably the safest fit - It seals very well on me despite scrunching my nose up. The micromask is expensive! Alot of people like the Mares masks - I am curious about the Star Liquid Skin - pricey but I bet its a very nice fitting mask.

Matrix, Alien and Micro are all comparable in terms of FOV.
For side to side its Micro, Matrix, Alien. Down Micro and Matrix are Equal.
Up same but all are very close. In terms of fit probability

Alien
Matrix
Micro

 

[enzolucci]

Fondueset, you are the man thanks for all your help. I am going to see if I can get away with getting one and trying it in my friend’s pool, check the seal then see if the LDS will take it back. Whilst it’ll be hard to compare the view.

I read some thread or somewhere that Leisure Pro takes stuff back if it doesn’t fit, is this true? Though in another thread it said that their Aqualung stuff is grey market, cause they’re not an Aqualung distributor or something. Do you have any info or have you heard anything to that nature?

I’m going to go this weekend with my friends; they both have Shadows so they’re no help. Never the less do you have any suggestions on how I can improve my bottom time? I bought a device that is supposed to help; ‘Expand-A-Lung’ is this thing BS? I can hold my breath longer than both my friends put together (exaggeration) on the surface but under the surface at depth it is a different story.

Thank you I’ll let you know what I go with but you have been a big help. I hope you have a great week.
My regards.

 

[trux]

I used many different masks, but the current Technisub Mikromask is probably the best I ever had. Being so low volume and close to the eyes, having hence only little reserve for compressibility, it is exremely important keeping the strap quite loose, so that the mask keeps on your face only very lightly when on surface. It is a very common error of many divers who fasten the strap quite tightly to prevent leaking. In fact you need to do the exact opposite, and at the Mikromask it becomes quickly more apparent than at other masks.