Full face mask, are you kidding, arent those are for the military and other diving professionals? you might be asking.
Several years ago you would be correct, but now full face masks are becoming more popular with sport and recreational divers for a number of reasons.
As with almost any new gadget or technology, cost decreases and ease of use increases once something has been on the market for a while and full face masks are no exception.
[h=2]So What Exactly is a Full Face Diving Mask?[/h]A full face mask covers the whole face, including the mouth and nose. It eliminates the need for an external regulator and mouthpiece, allowing you to breathe normally as you would on land. Some have the second stage regulator built-in, whereas other models allow you to connect your existing second stage to it.
[h=3]What Are the Benefits of Diving with a Full Face Mask?[/h]
Ease of Breathing: You can breathe through your nose instead of your mouth just as easily as you can on land. No more sore jaw or mouth from clenching a mouthpiece.
- Greater visibility: Your visual field is larger, so its easier to see beside and below you than a traditional mask.
- Protection: Your whole face is covered, protecting you from cold water, pollution, stinging critters and anything else a normal face mask cant protect you from.
- Safer and More Secure: FFMs are more secure since they include multiple straps, making them much harder to dislodge. If you become unconscious due to heart attack or other medical emergency, you dont have to worry about your regulator falling out of your mouth your FFM will continue to provide you with air.
- Communication: You can talk to other divers! Youll need to buy a Full Face Mask with Integrated Communications (right) or add as an accessory, but no more pantomiming frantically with your hands that you just saw the most amazing <insert amazing thing>! Or, in an emergency, you can communicate with others.
- Great Platform for Accessories: You can attach lights, communication, and cameras to your FFM, freeing up your hands.
You should learn how to:
- Manually equalize your ears
- Clear in case of a flood (very rare)
- Remove and replace underwater
- Out of air / sharing air with another diver
Some FFMs come equipped with equalization blocks that can be moved up against the nostrils for clearing yours ears. If equalizing is a challenge for you, look for one that has this feature.
Fogging seems to be less of a problem for FFMs that have integrated regulators compared to ones that attach to an external regulator.
[h=3]What about Cost?[/h]Full face masks are more expensive than a standard half mask. However, if you purchase one with an integrated second stage regulator, your cost is going to comparable to a high-quality traditional mask and regulator. If taken care of properly, they will last a long time and usually have good warranty.
