Datamask Review

[dmoore19]

I recently purchased a Oceanic Datamask.

IMO it is a wonderful piece of equipment. It preformed flawlessly for all my dives.

It does seem a bit heavy on the surface but underwater it isn't noticeable. With all the information right there before your eyes it keeps both hands free for anything else that might be needed. It is especially great for night dives, the display can be dimmed for night diving. I never had any problems seeing the display during the daylight dives either.

I see it as a big improvement over the consoles I use previously. I think it is superior to wrist mounts as well. The only drawback, if it really is a draw back, if the fact there is no compass. I solved that problem by buying a SK7 with a retractor.

This thing is easy to use with only 2 buttons that are easy to get to if needed. The dive planning mode works well and can be put into gauge mode if you want. It also does Nitrox but I haven't used that feature.

It excels when doing an open water free ascent, nothing to hold, both hands are free for venting the BC or other tasks as needed.

You end up with 2 LP hoses coming from your 1st stage (1 for lp inflator and safe second and one for your primary reg) which really cleans things up IMO.

The software for downloading is good but I think I liked the Suunto dive software better, I am sure I will figure this stuff out eventually.

The sending unit, software, a protective case, the download cable, a pouch for holding the manual, a microfiber towel for drying and cleaning the mask and bottles of McNett mask scrub and defog were included in the package. There is a on line class available from ediving on how to operate the computer.

The mask itself fits my face perfectly without leaks.

The only problem I had was 1 time I forgot to put defog on the computer display window and it fogged up. I simply raised the skirt and let a little water in, sloshed it around and fixed the problem.

I don't really like the straps that come with most masks so I got a slap strap for this computer which my LDS gave me at no charge.

Without a doubt IMO the "cool factor" comes into play as well. Everyone on the boat wanted to see it and look at it. It is really cool and being a tech gadget lover and gear head, I fell in love with the mask before I got my own.

Overall this piece of equipment is easy to use, well designed and high quality. I am extremely pleased, I would recommended it to anyone!!!!

 

[=C=]

Thanks for the review. What's link Quality like? Have you lost link on a dive?

 

[dmoore19]

Thanks for the review. What's link Quality like? Have you lost link on a dive?

I won't lie and say it didn't lose link ever. It would 2 or 3 times on a 45 min dive. It would lose link for 5-10 seconds and then come right back. If it was on a wrist mount I may not have even noticed it. You do notice it though because the pressure digits flash. With the sending unit mounted on the right side of the 1st stage and your head so close to that it works very well.

The quality of the mask is exceptional in my opinion. the skirt is very flexible and soft. When you look at the way the glass fits into the black mount, it is even and well constructed. As you can tell from my review, I really like this computer/mask. Just remember to apply defog on the viewing window when you do it to the rest of the glass.

I have had a Oceanic Veo 250 in a console and a Suunto Cobra 3. The Oceanic computers seem to be easier to use than the Suunto to me. The screens on the Datamask are similar to the Veo 250 so the transition was easy for me. I do miss the compass on the Veo 250 and the digital compass from the Cobra 3, but I have a SK7 on a retractor ordered, that should solve the problem.

 

[Ana]

If this happens on every dive you may want to contact Oceanic.

I had mine for several years and the only time when I don't have an active link is when I first attach the first stage to the tank. I get zeros blinking until I either take a breath from the 2nd stage or give it a quick purge. Once the link is alive it doesn't stop, even on very long dives.

 

[dmoore19]

If this happens on every dive you may want to contact Oceanic.

I had mine for several years and the only time when I don't have an active link is when I first attach the first stage to the tank. I get zeros blinking until I either take a breath from the 2nd stage or give it a quick purge. Once the link is alive it doesn't stop, even on very long dives.

Thanks. I may get it checked then.

 

[a22shady]

I have it and only lost signal a couple times over about 15-20 dives but I also carry a camera and have been told that the flash can cause the signal loss but again only happened 2-3 times through out all my dives with it. But it reconnects within a matter of seconds so not a big deal for me.

The biggest thing I like about the mask out of all the features is the fact I always have my depth right in front of. I know exactly where I am at if I am moving up or down whether to let some air out or take a deeper breath. For me even if there was no or other info I would still like this for the Depth. Ofcourse having the extra is great and I like it too.

 

[trident00]

I have the compumask, which is essentially the same thing. I have been diving with it for some time now. All and all I like it. It is not without fault though. It is a fairly large volume mask, so it tends to ride up a bit. I talked with the manufacturers support about it once, and the guy I spoke with was very friendly and knowledgeable.

His suggestion was to start with it sitting as low as possible on your face so that the screen would still be 100% visible if it lifted a bit.

The connection to link and download dives is haphazard at best. You will eventually get a feel for it, but its by no means professional.

I do however really like the dive log software. It saves me from having to write everything down.

I guess to put it in a nutshell, the mask works very well but it just lacks alot of refinement.

I tech dive and have taken it to 175' with no issues.

Make sure you have the transmitter on the right side of you so that there is less intereference with the signal to the mask, and that may help with it not losing connection. I still lose connection here and there but its not for long and not a problem.

I'm not selling mine.


Cheers, Walt

 

[dmoore19]

I had to uninstall the software and reinstall it but the downloading wasn't that bad. I just liked the software for the Suunto better.

I love the mask and really have nothing to complain about. As is true for everything, it may not be "all that" for everybody. That is why manufacturers make so many different versions.