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Post by SeaRat on Sept 27, 2006 22:14:42 GMT -8
Last Friday, I was at the LDS and they had a Scubapro Pressurizer Compact mask and Shotgun snorkel for sale used for $15. I looked at them closely, and the mask still had the original talcum powder in it. I don't think either the mask or the snorkel have ever been used.
I'm on a business trip, and took the mask and snorkel into the motel's pool this evening. I haven't used an oval mask in about 25 years, but tonight I enjoyed a few laps in a very small pool. It's not diving, but it was a good diversion. So here are my observations.
The mask fits nicely, and is very comfortable. The vision is not as good as I'm used to, but because of its neoprene skirt, no reflections are seen on the inside. Scubapro made the mask's locking mechanism a little too tight; I cannot get the strap to lock behind the rubber hooks. But that did not keep it from working pretty well. I pushed off the side of the pool several times (like I said, it's a very small pool). A few times the water pressure lifted the skirt off my forehead, and the mask flooded. But it was very easy to clear. Clearing my ears was very easy, as it has finger "what-chya-ma-call-it" openings for getting to my nose.
So these "vintage" masks actually function very well, are easy to produce, and relatively inexpensive. I will be diving the Scubapro Pressurizer Compact soon, probably with one of my double hose regulators.
I got a Shotgun snorkel too, and it's been one of my favorite snorkels ever. So I recommend, if anyone has the opportunity, to get and an oval mask. It'll either bring back some really good memories, or give you a different experience, like the "vintage" divers of old.
John
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Post by nemrod on Sept 27, 2006 23:30:32 GMT -8
I love oval masks and the Shotgun snorkel. Ovals of good quality by Voit, Dacor and Healthwys have been my favorites. I don't find the visibility particularly limited with a good oval and they clear so nice and balance so well on my forehead after a dive. Some designs are hard to improve upon. Maybe the dive world will regain some sense and rediscover some of what has been lost like simple snorkels and oval masks.
James
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Post by duckbill on Sept 27, 2006 23:57:33 GMT -8
I started diving an oval mask for the first time several months ago and hope I never have to go back to a modern style mask!
I find the view the most unrestricted I have ever seen (no center post, up-over-the-nose bridge, purge valve, finger pockets, etc. in the way). AND, while I was really confused at first about how I would ever be able to equalize my ears (no finger pockets), it is actually EASIER than a mask with finger pockets. Just push up on the bottom of the mask so the skirt seals my nostrils and do the standard exhale. Works with or without gloves, no fiddling for the pockets, and no double hose mouthpiece is ever in my way! I love it!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Sept 28, 2006 17:31:37 GMT -8
I probably will get corrected on this but I believe the new modern masks are not really scuba masks, but snorkleing masks. At least that is what they were originally designed for........low volume for the free diver..................
Scuiba does not require a low volume mask as the diver has his/her own air supply and can equalize to prevent mask squeeze without expending much needed lung air as a snorkler would be hesitant to do.........
I love my Pinochio (sp) but it does not have the view my Oceanic oval does........like a plate glass window to the underwater world.........been using it for nigh on 20 years.
Ovals rock................
What's with these masks with the tinted glass?......sand too bright?
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bsea
Regular Diver
Posts: 42
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Post by bsea on Sept 28, 2006 20:12:06 GMT -8
Speaking of vintage mask, I was talking to the owner of my LDS. He's been around diving since the early 60's, and he told me of a mask he had that used a built in nose clip. You squezed the clip shut from outside the mask, and it basically pinched your nose shut. Has anyone ever seen 1 of these?
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Post by SeaRat on Sept 28, 2006 20:51:19 GMT -8
Yes, I have seen it, and it was manufactured by AMF Voit. Dan may have more on it.
John
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Post by Gomez' echo on Sept 29, 2006 5:10:31 GMT -8
Do you mean this one?   |
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Post by Captain on Sept 29, 2006 5:38:19 GMT -8
Speaking of vintage mask, I was talking to the owner of my LDS. He's been around diving since the early 60's, and he told me of a mask he had that used a built in nose clip. You squezed the clip shut from outside the mask, and it basically pinched your nose shut. Has anyone ever seen 1 of these?[/quot Voit/SwimMaster made then,I don't recal the nane of the mask. |
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Post by scubadiverbob on Sept 29, 2006 7:32:31 GMT -8
I just don't like purge valves on mask ... something to fill up with sand on a beach entry ... then ... Mossback mentioned tinted lenses ... (oh I forgot to mention ... Thanks, my IP port adapter works GREAT !!!) For Calif. Lobster diving the yellow tinted mask lens makes the bugs stand out like a sore thumb at night ... otherwise, you won't see them. For more info go to www.divingcharters.com and talk to Kenny (the Sand Dollar Captian) the best Lobster diver around that I know of. Being a underwater photograper, and having used CC30R filters, I doupt if the rose tinted lenses work below 15 to 20 feet, and I won't buy one to find out ... |
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Post by scubadiverbob on Sept 29, 2006 7:35:40 GMT -8
Has anyone seen the dome mask around that came out in the 70's? I wear glasses; so, never got to try one. I've heard they give best visibility of any mask ever made ...
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Post by OystrPir8 on Sept 29, 2006 8:42:13 GMT -8
I LOVE oval masks! Mossback has it right. A wonderful window. (Some have a wider field of view than others)
I have one clear silicone from Dan and I just bought a black rubber Oceanways Pacific mask (which is still in production!!) The one I am wearing in my Avatar is called a Mariner. I am not sure who made it - great mask though. Got it for $2.50. To me it is where the vintage look begins. Double hoses complete the picture and Thanks to Dan & Chuck those are on their way.
Wearing the mask on your forehead is a MUST! I have an instructor that refuses to take my picture if my mask is on my forehead. This whole arguement kills me. A sign of distress? OK - a diver wearing his mask on his EAR or one eye with NO regulator - that's distress. Not returning the OK sign - definitely. But trying to convince me that wearing the mask backwards on my head or taking it off and holding it in my hand will not cause me to lose it is talkin' jibberish. Similarly, pulling it around my neck or taking it off entirely and clippiing it to my BCD are equally absurd solutions. The forehead is the most logical convenient and safest place - thats why people automatically put it there. PLUS IT LOOKS COOL! : )
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Post by OystrPir8 on Sept 29, 2006 8:57:47 GMT -8
Oh - It also hides my receding hairline which is a real plus
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Post by nemrod on Sept 29, 2006 9:41:44 GMT -8
That Voit mask must the premium oval ever built, those are great, I have seen them. I had one of the Super Equalizers with the purge on the glass.
They had a whole article in that stupid Scuba Training rag about masks on the forehead and how bad it is. This past week, I Nemrod who have never lost a mask that I can really think of, was diving with friend newbie "mask on backwards PadI neophyte." He lost his mask. The mask belongs on the forehead and I could care less what the evil PadI says.
Nemrod
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Post by nemrod on Sept 29, 2006 9:52:32 GMT -8
One thing about the oval,it really does sit nicely on he forehead much better than the stupid bug eye masks like my Mares X Vision. I am not sure why I use that thing except that it has bifocals in it? My friend and I, note myself properly wearing my mask and friend incorrectly wearing his PadI sytle. I got some work ahead on this fellow--lol--so he is new and is actually a good diver.  |
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Post by duckbill on Sept 29, 2006 11:04:05 GMT -8
I was certified in 1985 (at the age of 21) through NAUI and this is the first time I've heard about the MOF thing (in Oct. 2006 "Dive Training" magazine). I guess I've really been out of the loop! Was that started by PADI, or what? Pretty stupid if you ask me. I thought waving was the sign of distress and always avoid waving to my friends and family on the beach and end up having to explain to them why later so they don't think I was being rude. (Reminds me of a story: This last summer I got to do some diving during our Southern California trip and learned that diving practices can vary quite a bit geographically. I got on line and hooked up with someone to dive at Laguna (you have to have a buddy there). The surf is different than at Monterey. At Monterey the beach slopes down fairly quickly and I was taught to exit on hands and knees. Well, that's what I did on my Laguna exit and looked up to see the lifeguard standing right in front of me with float in hand. I came to find out that the locals take their fins off in the water and stand up to make a walking exit. I guess to them I looked like a wounded whale!  Turns out that the gradually sloping beaches there make for a long crawl and long wave run. If I gave it any thought at all, I would have been embarrased  The surf can get rough at both locales for those not used to it, but from now on I watch the locals before diving a new spot. I still reserve the option of using the techniques I learned, embarrasing or not, if suitable to the conditions.) Anyhow, now another 21 years later I'm signed up to take the Advanced course through NAUI so I can see what the new cards look like. lol I guess I'll have to see what my instructor has to say about MOF during the OW dives. And, I'll be darned if he didn't say that I could use my double hoser as long as it has an octopus (and, I asume, LP inflator)!!!! Looks like I'll get my Advanced cert. diving vintage!  Yipee! ;D The instructor wants to try a double hose regulator too, and said it would be interesting for the class to see. (Recruiting time?! ) And, yes, I'll be wearing my oval mask!  For nostalgic reasons, I'll probably also do a dive or two in my original 1985 gear as well. |
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The surf can get rough at both locales for those not used to it, but from now on I watch the locals before diving a new spot. I still reserve the option of using the techniques I learned, embarrasing or not, if suitable to the conditions.)