Full face mask?

[porsche060]

Saw on a few websites commercial scuba full face mask... Do they offer any advantage to a regular scuba set up?

 

[mike_s]

advantages?
* Less jaw fatigue (no mouthpiece).
* less mask fogging in some models that direct air across the glass
* can add COMM gear to talk/communicate with others.
* in cold water dives, your face is much warmer.

disadvantages
* can fog easily if air doesn't direct across the glass on some brands
* you loose all quietness with someone squalking on the damn COM gear.
* cost WAY more.
* if Octopus isn't integrated into mask, then you have to remove mask to breathe off backup 2nd stage.
* slightly higher air consumption can be expected as not all air enters lung system but some vents of unused.
* heavier, weights more than regular mask.
* harder to buddy breathe/share a 2nd stage.
* clearing mask (of water) is a much bigger task than a regular mask and inhibits breathing while doing it.


I think the number one reason you don't see more of them though is cost. People just aren't going to pay $800 to $1500 for a full face mask in most cases.

 

[NorthWoodsDiver]

I own the AGA mask, just got mine actually and have not outfitted it enough to dive with. Our hole team uses them for public safety diving and many members have their own for personal use. if you dive in cold water or have friends or fellow dive buddies that also have the mask then its worth it caus eyou can chat or what ever but for technical diving or warm water diving I dont see a need.

 

[Gary D.]

disadvantages
* clearing mask (of water) is a much bigger task than a regular mask and inhibits breathing while doing it.

I think the number one reason you don't see more of them though is cost. People just aren't going to pay $800 to $1500 for a full face mask in most cases.

If you know how to properly use one they are MUCH easier to clear than a regular mask and don't interfer with your breathing.

Cost? Some are under $100.00 so that can't be it. Some can exceed $5000.00 so the range is much greater.

Gary D.

 

[DandyDon]

Do they come in bifocals?

I think they'd be good for pushing MOD on Nitrox. OxTox still possible, but you won't drown.

 

[mjh]

I dive an AGA when volunteering but have never considered buying one from my recreational diving.

 

[GatorKev]

I used one with the communicators when I reenlisted on the Oriskany and practiced with them a few other times before. They are nice for a once in a while thing but I wouldn't want to use them all the time. It was a bit harder for me to clear and the comms need the transmitter relay box sitting on the boat/shore with a wire hanging in the water (not too easy if you are trying to do a beach dive). It was a little hard to hear sometimes with all the bubbles (takes some practice) and they did use more air than normal (shorter bottom time). Also if you have a regulator malfunction you will loose your whole mask so you need to cary a spare mask along. I was much happier when we did our second dives with normal gear.....

 

[knotical]

Those who have to pinch their nose to equalize would have problems.

edit: I should have said Could have problems.

 

[Gary D.]

Those who have to pinch their nose to equalize would have problems.

There is a nose block in most and others have nose pockets to take care of the problem. So pinching one's nose is not an issue.

Gary D.

 

[BDA]

I dislike 'em.
As GatorKev says, less bottom time and comms were scratchy at best.
My recommendation would to get used to flooding drills before use. The purge throws water up into your nose and eyes and takes a bit of getting used to.
Cleaning isn't a matter of fresh water washing (like most other equip) but instead involves getting all the intricate pieces apart and cleaning.
Much happier using a 'normal' reg.