mask with side windows?

[RumBum]

Who has tried out a mask with side windows in the water? I have heard it causes weired refections. What do you think?

 

[Footslogger]

I dove with one for a while and retired it to the gear locker. For me it was too distracting. I have good peripheral vision and kept seeing "things" out of the side panels and ended up turning my head to try and get a better look. In the end it was just a sea fan or gorgonian waving with the current.

'Slogger

 

[trigfunctions]

I like mine - it is less claustrophobic. My girlfriend tried it and didn't like the funhouse-mirror effect.

 

[nyprrthd]

IMHO, too much glare and distortion. A few people convinced me to try a black skirted mask, and I doubt that I'll ever go back. The new Atomic frameless is ultra-low volume; and, coupled with the well designed window, gives you a great field of vision with no distortion. Aside from that, the special glass in the mask is incredibly clear, with no color distortion.

Note: I have no connection with, nor a vested interest in Atomic Aquatics.

 

[cyklon_300]

the 'aquarium' style, multi-window, hi-volume masks. I've had three, they were all unsatisfactory.

You'll be happier with a low-volume, black skirt mask.

 

[RumBum]

Thank you for your replies. Reefs are wild enough without adding a "funhouse factor"

 

[Wayward Son]

My wife & I use Scubapro Crystalview masks & like them.

 

[gtimm]

I'm in agreement with the black skirt, low volume mask crowd. I've tried a couple of side panel window models (both clear and dark colored skirts) and found things appearing and vanishing in my peripheral vision depending on how I turned my head. I much prefer my low volume black skirt mask.

 

[Doc]

I'll go your 2+2 and raise you two. I use the Mares ESA with 6 panels.

Not for the beginner, but rewards those who can deal with it. Would never go back.