|
|
Post by Aquala1 on Jun 19, 2022 13:31:30 GMT -8
In preparation for my upcoming vintage scuba classes, I’ve been in contact with the French company who still makes vintage style oval masks outside of the coastal city of Marseille. They offer five styles, of which I will likely only carry three. One model has pockets for equalization and screws for the ring clamp.  One model has pockets for equalization but no screws for the ring clamp.  The third has no equalization pockets but has screws for the ring clamp.  Are any of these three mask of interest to anyone here? I’ve used two of their masks for 5 years now, and the quality is exceptional. If any of you are interested please let me know, as I’ll make sure that my first order accommodates. The price will be between $20-$30 depending on how freight runs from France to the US on that initial order. |
|
|
|
Post by vance on Jul 4, 2022 15:44:25 GMT -8
Kew! Are these neoprene or silicone? I'd be interested in a silicone mask with equalization pockets. Either with or without screws. Is there an advantage to a screw?
|
|
|
|
Post by DavidRitchieWilson on Jul 5, 2022 1:04:52 GMT -8
Kew! Are these neoprene or silicone? I'd be interested in a silicone mask with equalization pockets. Either with or without screws. Is there an advantage to a screw? At least theoretically, the top screw on a traditional oval mask enables its stainless-steel rim to be disassembled for cleaning (e.g. sand grain removal) or for replacement with new parts. In the early days (see above), spare parts such as mask rims, lenses, straps and buckles were sold alongside the complete article. As for the mask skirt material, see page 15 of the French company catalogue, which identifies it as "caoutchouc/rubber" in the case of its "traditional" mask models. The manufacturer does produce one oval mask with a silicone skirt, coded 1430 Flash SL (see page 13). DRW |
|
|
|
Post by Aquala1 on Jul 5, 2022 12:15:35 GMT -8
Kew! Are these neoprene or silicone? I'd be interested in a silicone mask with equalization pockets. Either with or without screws. Is there an advantage to a screw? I don’t know if they’re neoprene based (synthetic) or latex based (natural) but they’re just old school black rubber. I love mine. |
|
|
|
Post by tomcatpc on Jul 5, 2022 14:13:59 GMT -8
I could see myself getting one of these down the road...
Mark
|
|
|
|
Post by SeaRat on Jul 5, 2022 18:41:23 GMT -8
I have a U.S. Divers Company Champion Deluxe neoprene mask (black) that is still good and diveable. It was manufactured in France, probably in the 1960s. It has no equalization pockets, but equalization is easily accomplished by blocking the nose with the thumb and first knuckle of the first finger pushed up on the skirt from underneath. I would recommend any vintage diver get the one without the nose pockets just to experience how the Cousteau, Dumas, and other early divers dove their masks. And yes, I’d also be interested in one.  Broxton Dive 8-10-2015-2 by John Ratliff, on Flickr Here I’m diving that mask in the Clackamas River, and also my Broxton Aqualung regulator. You will find that this mask without nose pockets has really great down visibility, even though the side vision is restricted by the oval shape. John  Underwater Swimmers Sch003 by John Ratliff, on Flickr As you can see, sometimes the nose pockets get in the way of visibility.  John Photos003 by John Ratliff, on Flickr This is me in 1970, diving our Pararescue jump tanks, Mistral regulator, and a blue Champion Deluxe mask in Alexander Springs State Park, Florida. Note again that there are no nose pockets. |
|
|
|
Post by vance on Jul 11, 2022 8:24:53 GMT -8
Having difficulty with ear clearing under the best circumstances, I would need the finger pockets. I suppose having the ability to remove the bezel and clean sand out of the mask would be useful. Cool masks!
|
|
bdiver1351
New Member
I used the Navy Dive Tables since 1974 when I was certified. Still using then 45 years later. I neve
Posts: 4
|
Post by bdiver1351 on Aug 8, 2022 10:10:37 GMT -8
Aqula1,
Are any of these masks still available? I'm interested in one with nose pocket and screw on top. These are all very cool masks! Thanks!
|
|
|
|
Post by Aquala1 on Aug 10, 2022 14:47:10 GMT -8
I have a U.S. Divers Company Champion Deluxe neoprene mask (black) that is still good and diveable. It was manufactured in France, probably in the 1960s. It has no equalization pockets, but equalization is easily accomplished by blocking the nose with the thumb and first knuckle of the first finger pushed up on the skirt from underneath. I would recommend any vintage diver get the one without the nose pockets just to experience how the Cousteau, Dumas, and other early divers dove their masks. And yes, I’d also be interested in one. Broxton Dive 8-10-2015-2 by John Ratliff, on Flickr Here I’m diving that mask in the Clackamas River, and also my Broxton Aqualung regulator. You will find that this mask without nose pockets has really great down visibility, even though the side vision is restricted by the oval shape. John Underwater Swimmers Sch003 by John Ratliff, on Flickr As you can see, sometimes the nose pockets get in the way of visibility. John Photos003 by John Ratliff, on Flickr This is me in 1970, diving our Pararescue jump tanks, Mistral regulator, and a blue Champion Deluxe mask in Alexander Springs State Park, Florida. Note again that there are no nose pockets. John, I agree with you on the masks. I have one of their nose pocketless masks, and it’s fairly easy to clear. I push the skirt up to equalize just like you said. Some people’s nose shape might prevent this, but mine works fine. |
|
|
|
Post by tomcatpc on Aug 10, 2022 17:03:34 GMT -8
I do have one new useable oval mask, but I really don't dive it much. Mainly because I have a difficult time getting a decent seal, and two because I love my Cressy-Sub Pinocchio mask way too much!
But I could see getting one of these in the future. I might even try a new frontier and get one without a nose pocket?!?!
Mark
This post reminded me to stash my oval mask in my kit bag for this weekend's vintage dive event!
|
|
|
|
Post by Aquala1 on Aug 10, 2022 17:33:22 GMT -8
I do have one new useable oval mask, but I really don't dive it much. Mainly because I have a difficult time getting a decent seal, and two because I love my Cressy-Sub Pinocchio mask way too much! But I could see getting one of these in the future. I might even try a new frontier and get one without a nose pocket?!?! Mark This post reminded me to stash my oval mask in my kit bag for this weekend's vintage dive event! Where did you find your Cressi mask? |
|
|
|
Post by Aquala1 on Aug 10, 2022 17:48:12 GMT -8
Aqula1, Are any of these masks still available? I'm interested in one with nose pocket and screw on top. These are all very cool masks! Thanks! I haven’t placed the order yet, but I’ll let you know once I do. |
|
|
|
Post by tomcatpc on Aug 10, 2022 17:49:53 GMT -8
I think off of Amazon a few years back? It was around $30-ish and had to be imported from Europe. All of the Pinocchio masks I have seen have either been sold online from the UK or Continental Europe.
Mark
|
|
