tankdiver
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Hey I'm Thinking Of buying a Divator MK II Full Face Mask From OTS and have heard very different Opinions wondering what you guys think of them Advantages/ Disadvantages Etc. Thanks Guys
Opinions/ Experiences With AGA FFM
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My thoughts are that your needs should drive the decision making process regarding whether to get a FFM and if so what one to get. A FFM is fine in situations where one is needed but is a liability in situations where it is not needed as a FFM invariably involves some compromises.
For cold water recreeational diving the AGA is ok, but avoid the positive pressure regulator as it is not needed in recreational diving and will just increase gas consumption.
If you want one for com use, you need a buddy similarly equipped and you need to be aware all that talking increases gas consumption.
In any case, switching to an alternate second stage with an AGA usually means switching to a backup mask - a switch that requires some skill and some practice to do it when you need it. The Kirby Morgan M48 is better in that regard as you can easily swap regs without using another mask and without having another second stage hanging off another port with another hose, etc.
A gas block adds some flexibility in terms of accessing bailout or surface gas supplies and can provide access to an alternate first stage, but you still have just one second stage available for alternate use with the mask. Plus a good gas block will cost you $350-$450.
The AGA is also fairly bouyant - enough to screw up your trim in some situations - so the weight kit is a good investment.
But in short, unless you have a good reason to buy and use one, don't. And consider your options before buying one. The AGA is popular with PSD divers, but it is not neccesarily the best option for a recreational or technical diver.
For cold water recreeational diving the AGA is ok, but avoid the positive pressure regulator as it is not needed in recreational diving and will just increase gas consumption.
If you want one for com use, you need a buddy similarly equipped and you need to be aware all that talking increases gas consumption.
In any case, switching to an alternate second stage with an AGA usually means switching to a backup mask - a switch that requires some skill and some practice to do it when you need it. The Kirby Morgan M48 is better in that regard as you can easily swap regs without using another mask and without having another second stage hanging off another port with another hose, etc.
A gas block adds some flexibility in terms of accessing bailout or surface gas supplies and can provide access to an alternate first stage, but you still have just one second stage available for alternate use with the mask. Plus a good gas block will cost you $350-$450.
The AGA is also fairly bouyant - enough to screw up your trim in some situations - so the weight kit is a good investment.
But in short, unless you have a good reason to buy and use one, don't. And consider your options before buying one. The AGA is popular with PSD divers, but it is not neccesarily the best option for a recreational or technical diver.
personally I chose the drager panorama over the AGA.. I could never get a good fit with the AGA.. the panorama also has 3 p-ports so you can plumb in 2 regs and a com system.. the mask works on slight pos pressure so with the right technigue you can actually unplug one of the regs without flooding the mask and exchange it for another.. it also has a wonderfule field of view which both the KM and AGA lack..
I dive an AGA almost exclusively. It's an excellent mask. It can be somewhat problematic for some people to fit, I'm lucky, in that I have what I call an "off the shelf" face. Most, say four out of five people, won't have trouble fitting the mask. The performance of the mask is excellent, no fogging, good CO2 washout and low work of breathing in any attitude. If you have a need for a full face mask or want comms, I'd recommend it. Learn well how to use the mask, consider it an advanced piece of kit. With practice and once you become comfortable, you'll find that you use about the same amount of gas as with a bite mouthpiece.
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OTS just introduced a new ffm at DEMA this year. Check out this post from the PSD forum:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/pu...guardian-full-face-mask-new-product-dema.html
Apparently it is supposed to have a softer seal and come in a variety of colors. It is aimed at the cnsumer market.
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/pu...guardian-full-face-mask-new-product-dema.html
Apparently it is supposed to have a softer seal and come in a variety of colors. It is aimed at the cnsumer market.
I am a goofball in that I am a rec diver who enjoys the FFM AGA on dives where its been silted out or very low vis. I found the field of view nice, the pos pressure easier to equalize, and the com option with my buddy was nice as well. 
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tankdiver
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I Carry A 40cf pony on most dives I do so how safe is a gas block
There are a couple of good ones out there. I usually just use a normal second stage off of my pony and carry a spare mask- that way you can donate the second to an OOA diver besides yourself.
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tankdiver
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And is the surface air valve worth the extra 200$ or is it something thats sounds good on paper but is useless in real situations
surface valve will let u wear the mask without using tank air!! so it is handy if u are all ready to go and then there is a delay. but be sure to have it tightly closed before u enter the water .lol
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