requesting opinions on my fins and mask

[aznlmpulse]

Fins- Oceanic Vortex v12 split fins
Mask- Ocean Master view 3 with equalizing valve.

I've heard mix reviews about v12's....but the dive master in my local dive shop said he loves them, so purchased them for $149.

I really haven't heard anything about the mask, except for the sales lady at the store saying.."I wish I could afford those." to be honest with you, I feel a little uneasy about the flimsy "equalizing valve."

any comments?

 

[scubatoys]

Overall, I point divers away from purges. For snorkelers they are ok... but when diving, it is so easy to clear a mask without, and the purge seems just to get in the way when trying to pinch your nose to equalize... and it's something else to leak - so I kinda' warn folks off them.

As far as the fins... you may be overwhelmed with the folks telling you to get jet fins... but personally I love splits. The best in my book are the Apollo - and they have tested out better than any others for speed and efficiency, and would be cheaper than what you paid - but at this point if you've already got those... I'd say put the mask on your face, the fins on your feet.. and go have some good dives!

 

[RoadWarrior]

It's a purge valve not an equalizing valve.

I've had 3 Ocean Master masks over the years and a purge valve in all of them. Some poo-poo the valve saying they can leak. I guess that's true but I've never had one leak. I replace my mask ever couple of years just because I want to. I have a mustache so a slow leak is inevitable. I just exhale through my nose from time to time to clear any water that's leaked in. I think the valve is a necessity. Again, is it a failure point? Sure, but so is the harness strap where it runs through a slot on a backplate.

Some will say there's only a couple of manufactures making all the masks so why buy an expensive one? In my experience OM's standards are pretty high. They offer a High quality mask. What... it's another $10 bucks. As for that model... that's a style thing.

Fins- Oceanic Vortex v12 split fins
Mask- Ocean Master view 3 with equalizing valve.

I've heard mix reviews about v12's....but the dive master in my local dive shop said he loves them, so purchased them for $149.

I really haven't heard anything about the mask, except for the sales lady at the store saying.."I wish I could afford those." to be honest with you, I feel a little uneasy about the flimsy "equalizing valve."

any comments?

 

[RoadWarrior]

And to think.... I just bought my new OM w/Purge from Larry.

Gosh Larry.:14:

Well, Larry did try to steer me away from that damn purge valve. I had to have it though.

Larry will save you that $10 bucks I mentioned.

Overall, I point divers away from purges. For snorkelers they are ok... but when diving, it is so easy to clear a mask without, and the purge seems just to get in the way when trying to pinch your nose to equalize... and it's something else to leak - so I kinda' warn folks off them.

As far as the fins... you may be overwhelmed with the folks telling you to get jet fins... but personally I love splits. The best in my book are the Apollo - and they have tested out better than any others for speed and efficiency, and would be cheaper than what you paid - but at this point if you've already got those... I'd say put the mask on your face, the fins on your feet.. and go have some good dives!

 

[crpntr133]

I do have to side with Larry and I do have a Ocean Master mask. I got a Cressi Matrix for Christmas and the first thing that went through my mind after diving it was, I don't need a stinkin purge valve.
Pinching my nose was not an issue with the purge since I just have to swallow to clear my ears...swweeet.

I personally don't care for splits so I won't even go into that.

 

[Kriterian]

It's a purge valve not an equalizing valve.

I think Larry's point was that the purge valve can get in the way when you pinch your nose to equalize your ears, not that it was an equalization valve.

To the original poster:
Fins are something everyone has their opinion about and in the beginning you should try out several types before deciding on one. Make sure they fit well or they can cause blisters and cramps.

The mask is something you absolutely have to try on, in the water if possible. Don't just do the inhale test and see if it sticks to your face, if you inhale hard enough you can make anything stick to your face. Check the seals visually, make sure the nose pocket doesn't irritate your nose, and be sure to check the seal with a mouthpiece in your mouth since it distorts your face. A low volume (smaller internal space) is better for clearing, and some people (photographers) prefer a black skirt because it reduces glare. The disadvantage to that is that it makes some people feel claustrophobic.

Besides a wetsuit, you've picked two of the most fit-important things a diver can purchase. You absolutely have to try them before using them or it could ruin your experience.

 

[aznlmpulse]

thanks for all the quick repies guys.

sorry about the equalizing/purge mix-up...I'm pretty sure it had the word "equalizer" in the name somewhere...

anywho...

I couldn't find any rental spots that had higher-end equipment for me to try before purchasing them. I was told at the store that anything I bought from there could be exchanged as long as it didn't touch the water...which I kinda understand, but it still sucks..

I guess being a beginner, I just wanted to make sure I purchsed quality equipment which I could carry over and use as scuba gear without having any reservations or doubts.

thanks~

 

[RoadWarrior]

I don't believe3 I said that Larry called it an equaling valve.

I think Larry's point was that the purge valve can get in the way when you pinch your nose to equalize your ears, not that it was an equalization valve.

To the original poster:
Fins are something everyone has their opinion about and in the beginning you should try out several types before deciding on one. Make sure they fit well or they can cause blisters and cramps.

The mask is something you absolutely have to try on, in the water if possible. Don't just do the inhale test and see if it sticks to your face, if you inhale hard enough you can make anything stick to your face. Check the seals visually, make sure the nose pocket doesn't irritate your nose, and be sure to check the seal with a mouthpiece in your mouth since it distorts your face. A low volume (smaller internal space) is better for clearing, and some people (photographers) prefer a black skirt because it reduces glare. The disadvantage to that is that it makes some people feel claustrophobic.

Besides a wetsuit, you've picked two of the most fit-important things a diver can purchase. You absolutely have to try them before using them or it could ruin your experience.

 

[murrr77]

I love my cressi-sub matrix mask! I've tried several others, cressi big eye, scubapro clearvu, tusa visualator....matrix is low volume and fits me well (better than bigeye, it pinched my nose).

As for fins, I have Tusa Xpert Zooms and like em, but thinking about biofins or jets...

 

[The Kraken]

aznImpulse,
I think your fins are a pretty good choice.
I have seen some issues with the mask, however.
On some peoples faces the purge valve becomes, for the most part, useless because of the way the mask is designed. There are a couple of "ribs", for lack of a better term, that come up beside the nose on each side. The two masks I've seen divers have trouble with trapped water in the lens compartments and prevented the purge valve from working as intended.
I'm in Larry's school when it comes to purge valves in masks. I just don't think they're practical.

the K