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Post by midcenturyfrogman on Oct 27, 2023 15:21:48 GMT -8
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Post by nikeajax on Oct 27, 2023 15:32:58 GMT -8
Yes, that is correct for the mask  I had one of those once, and yes, they are very comfortable, aren't they? And you're aware that it's pre-merger, right? Before they got gobbled up by AMF... Here are some fins that I sold to Ty, but thought you might like seeing them, note the labeling:   They're pre-merger too, well the ones on the right anyway  BTW, I'm really liking all these brass-masks you keep finding--very cool buuuuuuuuuddy  JB |
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Post by SeaRat on Oct 27, 2023 17:18:23 GMT -8
Swimaoster, before they were bought by Voit, also had a mask with a foam neoprene skirt. Here it is:  IMG_2189 by John Ratliff, on Flickr I had to put new neoprene on the skirt, and that sonta worked. It worked enough for me to take it into the pool.  IMG_2190 by John Ratliff, on Flickr Ignore the ugly subject, but the mask was quite comfortable with the neoprene skirt. Also, it was built up just a bit under the nose, and served as a block for easy equalization using the valsalva technique. dan.org/health-medicine/health-resource/smart-guides/beat-the-squeeze-equalize-like-a-pro/6-methods-to-equalize-your-ears/#:~:text=VALSALVA%20MANEUVER%20%7C%20Pinch%20Your%20Nose,air%20up%20your%20Eustachian%20tubes. Now that I have some new neoprene cement, maybe I can get that mask back into working shape. One other aspect of using neoprene for the skirt is that it was nice and warm in cold water. This holped prevent that cold water headache that some divers experienced when a bare forehead was exposed to near-freezing water. John |
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Post by DavidRitchieWilson on Oct 27, 2023 20:42:34 GMT -8
From 1962 Swimaster catalogue. DRW |
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Post by midcenturyfrogman on Oct 28, 2023 16:29:19 GMT -8
Yes, that is correct for the mask I had one of those once, and yes, they are very comfortable, aren't they? And you're aware that it's pre-merger, right? Before they got gobbled up by AMF... Here are some fins that I sold to Ty, but thought you might like seeing them, note the labeling: They're pre-merger too, well the ones on the right anyway BTW, I'm really liking all these brass-masks you keep finding--very cool buuuuuuuuuddy JB Thanks! I have been more than pleased with some of the ones I've found this past year. The trick is to try to think of all the (incorrect or vague) names people might list equipment under on eBay or Facebook Marketplace. For instance I'm pretty sure this was one was just listed as "vintage swim mask," and sometimes I find old masks listed as "goggles." I was aware that AMF acquired both Swimaster and Voit, but I was never clear on which one got bought out first or when. I even have an old chromed dive light that has AMF Mares stamped on it! So I'm assuming at some point they got bought too, or arranged some oversees market deal? |
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Post by midcenturyfrogman on Oct 28, 2023 16:33:06 GMT -8
Swimaoster, before they were bought by Voit, also had a mask with a foam neoprene skirt. Here it is: IMG_2189 by John Ratliff, on Flickr I had to put new neoprene on the skirt, and that sonta worked. It worked enough for me to take it into the pool. IMG_2190 by John Ratliff, on Flickr Ignore the ugly subject, but the mask was quite comfortable with the neoprene skirt. Also, it was built up just a bit under the nose, and served as a block for easy equalization using the valsalva technique. dan.org/health-medicine/health-resource/smart-guides/beat-the-squeeze-equalize-like-a-pro/6-methods-to-equalize-your-ears/#:~:text=VALSALVA%20MANEUVER%20%7C%20Pinch%20Your%20Nose,air%20up%20your%20Eustachian%20tubes. Now that I have some new neoprene cement, maybe I can get that mask back into working shape. One other aspect of using neoprene for the skirt is that it was nice and warm in cold water. This holped prevent that cold water headache that some divers experienced when a bare forehead was exposed to near-freezing water. John Very cool! I think I heard a little about the foam nose blocks in certain masks for equalizing purposes in one of the Alec Pierce videos. Like I said, at first I thought the neoprene seal was a homemade job, until I got to look at it up close. The pieces are accurately molded to fit the rubber skirt tightly, and also it seems like it might be made from two pieces of foam glued onto the rubber from the inside and outside. |
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Post by midcenturyfrogman on Oct 28, 2023 16:41:51 GMT -8
From 1962 Swimaster catalogue. DRW Thanks for posting these scans! This is exactly what I was hoping to find. I haven't been able to find a lot of info on Swimaster before the AMF Voit merger. Edit: I do see now that even in this '62 catalogue it says Swimaster is marketed by Voit. |
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Post by SeaRat on Oct 28, 2023 19:50:20 GMT -8
From what I’ve heard, the “merger” was not a mutual thing, but rather a hostile takeover by AMF Voit of Swimaster. Swimaster destroyed the dyes for their Duckfeet fins, which is why the Voit Duck Feet have a different foot pocket than the original Duck Feet fins. And, you could not turn over the Voit Duck Feet and wear them upside down (which for the original Duck Feet were more comfortable for long swims). I think the same is true of the Wide View mask, and perhaps for the Competition mask as well. I know the Dr. Sam Miller bought six of these masks (Wide View) when Swimaster was taken over by AMF Voit, which he thought would be a lifetime supply. When he wrote about it in 2012 he was on his fifth.
John
PS, I’ll look up the post, and post it here. Okay, here it is:
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I had one of those once, and yes, they are very comfortable, aren't they? And you're aware that it's pre-merger, right? Before they got gobbled up by AMF...
