Full Face Scuba Mask: A Best “Top 3” List of Them
Contents
- Full Face Scuba Mask: A Best “Top 3” List of Them
The full-face mask is becoming more popular everywhere.
The divers can breathe through their noses instead of their mouths thanks to the masks.
While breathing through a scuba diving regulator held in your mouth, the majority of recreational dive and snorkel mask designs protect your nose and eyes.
With full-face masks, the regulator is integrated into the mask rather than in your mouth, so you may converse as you dive using the radio communication system without worrying about your jaw getting sore.
Who wears full-face diving masks?
Professional divers are the ones who utilize full face mask most frequently. In really cold waters, they frequently require some type of supplementary thermal protection.
Commercial divers, cameramen, and television presenters are among the other individuals who frequently utilize complete masks.
Due to the option of embedding communication devices, these experts frequently opt to use complete masks when diving. Either to record or broadcast underwater, or to communicate with one another.
A full face scuba mask was formerly only worn by professional and research divers. But full face masks in a variety of styles are also accessible to non-professional divers.
Now, some companies are producing simpler, more affordable face masks so that recreational divers can check out this diving equipment!
Let’s see a little top list from 3 the best full face masks:
1. OTS Guardian Full Face Scuba Mask
The seal is a typical issue with most Full Face Masks. The diver utilizes air more quickly when there is a poor seal. In light of this, a double seal was incorporated into the design of the Guardian Full Face Scuba Mask.
This, together with a number of other fantastic features (such as semi-positive pressure, easy maintenance, rapid release second stage, etc.), make the Guardian the best full-face mask option for the money.
By allowing you to breathe surface air, the ABV-1 Ambient Breathing Valve helps you conserve tank air. Your exhaled air won’t go back out the valve thanks to the one-way valve that is inside the full face scuba masks.
The second stage regulator directs your exhaled air outside, preventing a CO2 “building” in the full face scuba masks. When diving, the valve is also compelled to close.
The Guardian has a buckle mechanism that is simple to alter and adjust. No matter how deep you dive, the 5-point spider strap will fit you comfortably since it is the perfect thickness.
The double seal 55-60 shore liquid silicone skirt with high strength polycarbonate visor can seal better around the temple area on those with tiny or narrow faces (lens).
No one size fits everyone! With every Guardian FFM, OTS has created an equalizing kit. There are two bases in the kit. One has no holes and is of typical size. It may be adjusted up or down to fit.
The opposite base contains two holes that enable the addition of pads of various sizes. Any of the pads and the alternative base should work if the standard base is not suited for you.
The Guardian full-face mask contains a second stage regulator with a balanced downstream demand valve that is readily removed. The regulator includes a 32″ (81.3 cm) 3/8″ threaded low-pressure hose and an injected moulded high-impact housing for strength and longevity.
Key Features:
- the low profile visor
- mask bag included
- the ABV valve
- a double seal
- the detachable secondary regulator
- an Equalizing Kit
- multiple color options
2. Ocean Reef Neptune Space G Divers Full Face Scuba Mask
A highly comfortable full face diving mask for recreational use, the Ocean REEF Neptune Space G. Diver Integrated Diving Full Face Scuba Masks link your necessary 2nd stage regulator with a coordinated covering.
A balanced second stage-regulator with a 3.5″ 3/8″ threaded low-pressure hose is advantageous. To keep your face dry when diving, a fully trademarked far-reaching Double S Skirt seals carefully against your face.
To provide you an extremely supportive and comfortable fit, this full-face mask has been manufactured using premium silicone rubber and a big sealing and spring profile.
A 92% visible light transfer rate and the fact that the visor won’t fog up significantly improve your visibility while diving. To make sure you’re comfortable and getting the most out of your air, the airflow may be entirely adjusted.
This full-face mask is unquestionably excellent, despite being a little more pricey. The surface valve and quick disconnect must be purchased separately, which is a slight letdown.
Key Features:
- an orinasal pocket
- fast rotating buckle system
- up to six adjustable head straps
- GSM G.divers ultrasonic transceiver
- the air circulation system
3. Ocean Reef Unisex Space Extender Full Face Dive Mask
The upgraded version of Ocean Reef’s wildly popular Space Extender product is this integrated full-face diving mask. It offers all the characteristics a seasoned adventure diver would desire.
Since the Space Extender is cold water approved, it is the ideal solution for icy waters. The preferred design for cold water dives has greater room around the mouth and nose. You can completely customize this IDM to produce the ideal design for your favourite diving style.
Of course, this also includes the choice to include a surface air valve and an optical corrective lens. Professional divers will love this IDM. It can be changed to incorporate a system for underwater communication.
The Space Extender comes with a regulator that is already built in. It is an incorporated second-stage regulator that only releases air when you inhale. Their on-demand regulator system has even more advantages. There are many ways to regulate how much air is released in the design.
Key Features:
- dive or pre-dive switch
- surface air valve
- secondary regulator integrated
- polycarbonate visor
- camera mounting spot
- extender earphone included
- directional exhaust valve
Let’s look at these as well as some advantages and disadvantages of utilizing a full-face scuba diving mask:
Full face scuba masks-Advantages and Disadvantage:
Pros
1. They Possess a Broader Field of Vision
The majority of full face masks provide visibility that is somewhat less than 180 degrees. The traditional mask you have been wearing in the past is nothing like this.
2. They Permit You to Speak
Without a doubt, this is the main reason why individuals start wearing full face masks.
You can communicate with everyone in your dive group, from your dive buddy to the surface boat, as well as anyone else on the same radio channel as you because you don’t have the regulator in your mouth and there is an integrated communication system.
Also your jaws will be no sore from this reason.
Being able to talk underwater is a huge advantage, whether you’re doing search and recovery or exploring and wish to communicate more effectively and clearly than using the conventional hand signals.
3. They Offer a Securer Fit
Full face scuba masks are designed with multiple straps that must be attached snugly to your head but comfortably around your head, as opposed to the one strap you get with most normal scuba diving masks.
Full face masks have a considerably tighter fit and seal than conventional snorkel mask versions because of this.
4. You Have a Lower Chance of Losing Your Regulator
While many of you probably haven’t lost your regulator while diving, it is possible while using a conventional scuba mask.
You are unlikely to lose it because the regulator accessories are integrated into a full face mask.
These masks are excellent for accessories because you won’t have to hold a mouthpiece the entire dive, which may be advantageous if you have any jaw or dental problems.
5. Full face scuba masks let you Breathe more natural
You can breathe in and out of a full-face mask using either your nose or your mouth. You can remain calm and gradually become more relaxed in the water by breathing regularly.
The lack of a mouthpiece also makes extended swimming more accessible, allowing you to swim farther.
6. You will forget about fog
They include a twin vent architecture that allows air to flow inside to lessen fogging.
Cons
1. A little more difficult to clean
Full face masks are significantly less likely than regular masks to flood, although it still can and does happen. The issue is that when it does happen, there is more water, which makes clearing it more challenging.
To make matters worse, if there is too much water in the full face mask, breathing might not even be feasible while it is flooded.
2. Also it’s difficult to remote
Similar to traditional mask, you can’t quickly remove it or take it off.
As a result, it would be difficult to remove the full-face mask in an emergency, especially if you were frightened or having trouble thinking properly.
Some people doubt the safety of face scuba masks since the release button is difficult to locate.
3. They’re harder to put on correctly
A full face scuba mask has extra straps, which makes it more difficult to put on properly, especially in the water. It could fall off or even flood if you are not careful and don’t tie the straps tightly enough.
4. The decline of fundamental diving techniques
When using full-face scuba masks underwater, many divers can get used to merely talking to their dive partners and the boat on the surface and lose the ability to use even the most basic hand signals.
What happens if the intercom system malfunctions, given that technology isn’t always fault-free?
Even when utilizing these excellent full face dive masks, basic communication and diving skills, such as regulator recovery methods and mask clearing techniques, will always come in handy.
5. A serious issue is dropping your full face dive mask.
When diving with a conventional mask on, you don’t necessarily need to search for it and put it back on right after. You still have your regular, and you might even have a few extras in a handy pocket.
Dropping a full face scuba mask is even more dangerous because it involves both your regulator and mask.
The regulator hose on a full face mask gives you a tether to the mask because of its design, so if it does fall off, you hopefully won’t be without one for too long.
6. The cost and weight
Scuba masks with a full face are fairly expensive.
Additionally, full face diving masks—even the sleekest and lightest ones—are still heavier than typical scuba and snorkel mask models.
7. You are not permitted to dive deeper than five feet with full face masks.
While you could dive down and equalize, unlike with scuba masks, you could not add pressure to the area surrounding your eyes.
As a result, as soon as you descend, the full-face dive mask begins to press against your face and pinch your eyes, and there is nothing you can do to stop it.
Regular scuba masks would be more appropriate for deeper diving.
Normal diving mask VS full face mask
Prior training is required for the full face mask. Despite the fact that they are technically simpler to use than traditional masks.
Water cannot penetrate the interior of the entire mask thanks to the face fastening system. This style of mask makes it easier to use communication equipment.
The entire mask prevents water from penetrating inside.
The diver can breathe through their mouth or their nose thanks to the mask. This means in a more natural and cozy manner.
It is unnecessary to spit on the regulator.
The full face mask is heavier and has a larger volume than the standard one. However, complete masks are far more expensive.
Full face scuba mask-equipment for communication:
There are numerous communication systems available, but the selection of one relies on its intended function.
Not all of them are run in the same manner.
Here are a few illustrations:
1. Anchored system
It is utilized for bidirectional communication between the diver and a communications device on land.
It comprises of a wiring-based system with one end in the diver’s full mask and the other in the base that is placed on land.
The disadvantage of this technology is that the length of the cabling and how it is handled determine the coverage area.
2. Wireless Systems
Headphones and microphones for wireless systems pass through the full face mask.
Through a system that is situated on land, the signal is sent to the diver.
This system’s drawback is that it must be connected to the base in a specific fashion, which restricts the diver’s search and operation range.
3. Voice activated communication system
A microphone that is activated by voice command, or VOX, is another variety.
The diver can talk whenever he needs to contact the base on land using the VOX system.
There is a drawback to this system. For instance, the diver’s powerful breathing can cause the communication to activate involuntarily.
4. Push to talk system
Two separate microphone systems are present. On the one hand, there is the PTT system, sometimes known as “push to talk.”
To communicate with the surface using this technology, the diver must press the button with one hand.
This makes it easier to maintain focus with him and prevent pointless conversations with the base.
On the other side, this technique requires the diver to always keep one hand free when transmitting.
5. Surface systems
Different surface systems exist. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Some divers can speak with one another thanks to their very huge equipment.
The maintenance of the full face scuba mask’s communication system
It’s crucial to have a maintenance strategy for the equipment once you’ve decided what kind of system to use:
- When discussing full face mask communication systems, safety is the most important factor.
- You must keep in mind that the batteries need to be charged at specific intervals.
- When discussing full face dive mask communication systems, safety is the most important factor. In order to run the communication system that best meets your needs, you can enrol in training classes. Also, it is crucial that you maintain the tools appropriately, change the batteries, and consistently verify that everything is operating as it should.
Conclusions
Full-face scuba diving masks are a lovely, cozy, and enjoyable alternative to a conventional mask to wear. While many people, particularly divers, might dislike wearing full face masks and prefer scuba masks, others do.
Due to its great communication features, most people adore it. Your diving journey will be more thrilling if you can communicate with your diving partner while you’re underwater.
The most crucial factor is how comfortable a scuba mask will make you feel underwater.
Because you can breathe through your lips and nose instead of having to bite into the mouthpiece of a regular mask, diving with a complete mask is much more fun.
Full face dive masks might not be for everyone, despite the fact that they are an excellent addition to any diver’s equipment and can enhance the experience. Like everything else, they have some good and some terrible qualities.
Have fun and stay cautious while you dive!