Considering OTS Full Face Mask

[Ready4Launch]

I see the benefit to FFM when doing commercial diving. But, what is the main benefit to a FFM for recreational? OK - so you have the ability to add a microphone and speak between divers. Sure, that is great, but am I missing something else about this?

Or, are these just easier for people since you can breathe through your nose and mouth?

Also, since the ears aren't included in the airspace, do you have to be able to equalize without pinching your nose?

 

[Doby45]

I see the benefit to FFM when doing commercial diving. But, what is the main benefit to a FFM for recreational? OK - so you have the ability to add a microphone and speak between divers. Sure, that is great, but am I missing something else about this?

Or, are these just easier for people since you can breathe through your nose and mouth?

Also, since the ears aren't included in the airspace, do you have to be able to equalize without pinching your nose?

@The Chairman has already said that equalizing is just as easy as it with a regular mask and reg. This is NOT for everyone, but it does have some really cool recreational situations. I would use it for deep and cold dives on a single air source, such as backmounted doubles. It could also be useful for recreational ocean dives as it would keep you from getting saltwater in your mouth. While that may not be your "cup of tea" there are people that would love to dive in the ocean without ingesting as much saltwater. There is a market for this, it just may not be in your wheelhouse.

EDIT : This could also help people that have an issue with jaw fatigue.

 

[Ready4Launch]

@The Chairman has already said that equalizing is just as easy as it with a regular mask and reg. This is NOT for everyone, but it does have some really cool recreational situations. I would use it for deep and cold dives on a single air source, such as backmounted doubles. It could also be useful for recreational ocean dives as it would keep you from getting saltwater in your mouth. While that may not be your "cup of tea" there are people that would love to dive in the ocean without ingesting as much saltwater. There is a market for this, it just may not be in your wheelhouse.

EDIT : This could also help people that have an issue with jaw fatigue.

Well, I don't read every single post, and going to the post you reference does not explain how that gets done. I just want to know what the benefits are for recreational diving regardless of my wheelhouse. The jaw fatigue and ability to communicate for commercial diving are obvious. I guess there's really not much difference for recreational unless there's yet something else I don't understand with these.

 

[RainPilot]

I like a FFM since a loss of consciousness underwater is not an automatic drowning with (hopefully) a resuscitation at the end of it.

 

[Doby45]

Well, I don't read every single post, and going to the post you reference does not explain how that gets done

You can expect a full review on this, but one last item: equalizing your nasal passages has never been easier. The silicone allows you to do it quickly with just a pinch like most other masks.

Seems like it explains it exactly, not sure what is missing.

 

[Boaty McBoatface]

I tried OTS' Spectrum full face mask over the last few days and am very much impressed. This was by far the easiest FFM to use and by far the most comfortable. The first dive was a bit weird with me getting it adjusted to my face for the first time. It was a bit loose all around but I really noticed it on the top. Easy tugs and I was good to go. This mask seals incredibly well. I'm hard to fit on a mask. Almost every one leaks on me. This was perfect. The only time water got in was when I leaked it in on purpose to clear a bit of fog. There's a little pull tab on the chin, so you can break the seal and get the water out. One of the nice by-products is that you can breathe through your nose. Also, people can hear you a bit more easily. Maybe one day I'll get the electronics package, but this was suweeet. I had an AOW class of five with a few extra that tagged along. One appeared to be missing at depth at the very beginning of the dive, but I thought I had seen her in a blue scarf. I put my reg on her husband's forehead and asked: "Was she wearing a blue scarf?" He shook his head violently "no". Crap! A missing diver and there were multiple groups in the area. The first place to look was the boat, so I popped up. I didn't have to take my mask off to be understood either and the captain responded to my question. Our missing diver called her dive and was safe on the boat, so we went and had fun. Cool. Way cool! The husband was amazed at how clear he could hear me. Many of us know the reg against the forehead trick, but without a mouthpiece in my mouth, it wasn't garbled. Throughout the next few dives, I found simply yelling someone's name was enough to get their attention, even as far as fifteen or twenty feet.

What is the "reg against the forehead" technique?

 

[anelson-OTS]

@anelson-OTS

Looks like you have a winner on your hands. Time to update your Web site!

Somewhat off subject: Have you ever seen the water-filled face seal used on the NormalAir mask that was made in the UK in the 1970s? It was really comfortable unless the water was very cold. It did conform to a lot of faces though.

I have not seen nor heard of these masks. I'll check out the link posted!

@Doby45 -- We do not have an Ambient Breathing Valve available for the Spectrum yet, although we are working on one. We are hoping to have one available for purchase within the next year!

 

[Ready4Launch]

Seems like it explains it exactly, not sure what is missing.

How are you supposed to pinch your nose when it's covered by a shield of plastic?

A Guide To Full Face Scuba Masks

 

[anelson-OTS]

How are you supposed to pinch your nose when it's covered by a shield of plastic?

A Guide To Full Face Scuba Masks

Hi Ready4Launch,

The Spectrum FFM, as the Chairman is speaking about, does not have a plastic shield covering those nose pocket like the Guardian FFM (shown in my photo) or the Stealth FFM. The Spectrum has a soft silicone nose pocket where you can reach in and pinch your nose like traditional half masks.

To equalize in the Guardian / Stealth FFM with a poly carbonate visor, we have an equalizing block or "V-Block" that sits on a metal wire which can be customized to sit just below your nose. When you want to equalize, you simply push up and in on the regulator / mask to help seal the block against your nostrils to equalize. When this block is set up correctly, you should only need moderate force to equalize and it should be comfortable. To see what the blocks look like, please feel free to visit our link here : Shop | Ocean Technology Systems We also have a variety of training videos on our website if you're interested in more info.

A few reasons recreational divers are using our FFMs is that they offer benefits over a traditional half mask like :

1. Reduced jaw fatigue as you are not biting down on something. This has been big for disabled divers / veterans who are unable to bite down on something
2. Reduced dry mouth as you can breathe through your nose
3. They help keep salt water out of your eyes
4. They allow for underwater communications if you'd like to go that route
5. If using the Guardian / Stealth FFM, the mask self defogs. No need for defogger / spit into the mask. The Spectrum does require a defogging agent.
6. Keeps face warm when diving in cold environments

If you have any other questions, please let me know!

Cheers.

 

[Ready4Launch]

Hi Ready4Launch,

The Spectrum FFM, as the Chairman is speaking about, does not have a plastic shield covering those nose pocket like the Guardian FFM (shown in my photo) or the Stealth FFM. The Spectrum has a soft silicone nose pocket where you can reach in and pinch your nose like traditional half masks.

To equalize in the Guardian / Stealth FFM with a poly carbonate visor, we have an equalizing block or "V-Block" that sits on a metal wire which can be customized to sit just below your nose. When you want to equalize, you simply push up and in on the regulator / mask to help seal the block against your nostrils to equalize. When this block is set up correctly, you should only need moderate force to equalize and it should be comfortable. To see what the blocks look like, please feel free to visit our link here : Shop | Ocean Technology Systems We also have a variety of training videos on our website if you're interested in more info.

A few reasons recreational divers are using our FFMs is that they offer benefits over a traditional half mask like :

1. Reduced jaw fatigue as you are not biting down on something. This has been big for disabled divers / veterans who are unable to bite down on something
2. Reduced dry mouth as you can breathe through your nose
3. They help keep salt water out of your eyes
4. They allow for underwater communications if you'd like to go that route
5. If using the Guardian / Stealth FFM, the mask self defogs. No need for defogger / spit into the mask. The Spectrum does require a defogging agent.
6. Keeps face warm when diving in cold environments

If you have any other questions, please let me know!

Cheers.

I see said the blind man. Thank you.