I am looking at a getting another mask, one I can use for both scuba and freediving. First I was looking at the Cressi Minima and am now thinking the big eyes might be a better choice but there are apparently a few different ones. So what is the difference between the various types of big eyes and would any of them do well for both scuba and freediving?
Thanks,
Gary
The Atomic Aquatics Frameless is a great choice you should also consider.
Incredibly comfortable for sure, but one of the main benefits of the Atomic Frameless - in addition to the lower volume that is better for free-diving - is that it has a very wide field of view. In fact, according to Scuba Diving Magazine's "mask round-up" a a few years ago, the Atomic has the
widest field of view:
"The shape of the Atomic Frameless lens was computer-designed to maximize field of view both side-to-side and vertically, and no other mask tested here could beat it. In both the full-sized version and the slightly narrower Medium Fit version, we measured an impressive 85 degrees of horizontal vision and 75 degrees vertical."
Consider that there are two ways to improve field of view of a scuba mask:
- make the lens bigger
- place the lens closer to your face
The Atomic Frameless - as the name conveys - eliminates the frame, which improves the field of view in and of itself, and does give you a somewhat larger lens. However, it's also a very "low volume" mask, which brings the glass closer to your face. As a primary way to improve your field of view, this is a superior approach to merely increasing the size of the lens. Think about it this way: if you were looking out a window at your house - even a large picture window - where would you get the widest field of view? Standing on the opposite side of the room from the window, or standing with your face right up against the glass?
The Cressi Big Eyes Evo is a great example of the "make the lens bigger" approach to increasing field of view.
Hard to tell from any picture that doesn't have both in the same shot, but the Cressi is a large, clunky, high-volume mask, with glass that is much taller and wider than the Atomic. Take a look at the pictures below and, for a pretty good frame of reference to compare the Cressi to the Atomic, focus on the nose pieces on the two masks: they are essentially the same size in real life. So use that to compare relative sizes of the lenses and masks overall:
More importantly, look at where the plane of each lens sits relative to the position of the nose pocket on each mask. You'll notice that the lenses on the Cressi sits further out in front, closer to the tip of your nose. Compare that to the Atomic which has the lens in close, right over the bridge of your nose - about where a pair of glasses would sit. As the "picture window" example above illustrates, even though the Cressi may have "more glass" it holds the lenses further from your eyes, that you actually get a SMALLER field of view than on the much more compact Atomic Frameless.
Specifically note on the Cressi how much of the mask's frame and skirt is actually BEHIND the lens. The net result of the Cressi Big Eyes Evo's design is that is provides a field of view that is no better vertically (75°), and actually NARROWER horizontally (80°) compared to the Atomic. Not only does providing "more glass" not improve field of view with the Cressi, it also comes with all the drawbacks that accompany diving with a larger, clunkier, high-volume mask. Plus, due to the dual-lens design of the Cressi you also have to deal with a chunk of the frame cutting into your field of view in the middle of the mask.
Unfortunately, while you get no improvement in field of view with a larger lens you will still pay the price of wearing a larger, clunkier, high-volume mask. The larger the mask, the greater likelihood of fogging, and the harder to clear if it leaks. But probably the worst part about diving with a high-volume/high-profile mask is that you can really feel it pulling on your face in even the slightest current. In fact you can feel it fighting to push against the water even just when turning your head from side to side.
Long story short - don't get tricked into just looking at the size of the lens when evaluating mask choices. The location of the lens and the overall design of the mask are much more important factors to consider.
Of course, comfort/fit is the most important factor in mask selection. The Atomic is extremely comfortable, and comes in two different sizes as well, so ability to get a good fit might be better than other masks that only come in one size. You can read a "mini review" of the Atomic that I posted on this page:
Atomic Aquatics Frameless Mask at www.DiveSeekers.com
Good luck in finding the best mask for you! Since the main reason we go underwater is to see what's down there, the mask is arguably the most important part of gear we have. The right mask can make the difference between an unforgettable dive experience and 45 minutes of underwater torture.
