When is Low Volume Mask low enough?

[Desert Diver]

I have been scuba diving for years and have had a variety of 'scuba' masks. Nearly ten years ago, when I first became interested in freediving, I bought the lowest volume mask that I could find that fit and was carried by the LDS'; an Apollo Prestige. While it isn't a 'freediving mask' it is certainly lower volume than some of the older view ports I stuck on my face.

During trips to the coast, (700 miles away) I would stop by some of the shops and see if I could find anything better. No luck. Usually same trouble as my LDS', they stock for the scuba divers and don't have much freediving selection. The one time I made it to a freediving specialty store, I caught them low on inventory and what they did have, didn't fit. (I was pretty pissed about that)

Over the years, I've become very accustomed to diving with the smaller mask for both scuba and my limited amount of open water freediving. For the pool, it works fine. Anything bigger feels HUGE.

I've been really tempted to order some of the masks online, but..... I don't believe in mail order brides either. Pretty tough to get a comfortable fit online.

It has come time to replace the Apollo Prestige, but with what? Anybody out there found an online retailer willing to RA masks until I find something that fits? Or is the Low Volume thing overrated and I should just get another Apollo Prestige that I know fits?

I thought I would throw this out to the freshwater spearo's out there, since you might have had the same problems as I do. Too far away from any Freediving specialty store to make a live visit. Suggestions appreciated ......

[kjflyfish]

Of all the freediving masks, the one I see most often is the Omer Abyss/Cressi Superocchio/Sporasub Samurai. They are all basically the same and have very low volume. I would imagine that the popularity of these masks is partly due to the fact that they can fit a wide range of faces. I dive an Omer Bandit, which is essentially an Abyss with an updated, lighter frame, and I love it.

The worst case scenario is that you would have to send back a mask that didn't fit. Any reputable dealer should allow a return.

I definitely don't think low volume masks are overrated.

Edit: throw in Mares Target too.

[scubadown16]

Yes, I have found that not having stores close by that carry low vol mask makes it tuff to figure out what to buy... So what I ended up doing was trying guys/gals masks on when I was at a tournament or diving with someone new that had a low vol mask for me to try. Most of the time you don't need to worrie to much about low vol for freshwater hunting because your not going to be diving deep enough to wear it matters. So I would say for now look at getting a mask you know fits. Then try other people masks on untill you figure it out.

[Desert Diver]

kjflyfish, thanks for the reply. I did try a samurai at the local Sport Chalet (new store) and it was too narrow. They carry Riffe spearfishing equipment, but only 1 of their many masks. It is a frustrating.

I've been tempted to order 3 or 4 different masks online, find one that fits (hopefully) and return the rest. But I'm not sure how that would go over with the online retailer.

Has anybody out there tried this before?

Scubadown16, If I can't do that, I may be stuck waiting until you and your posse roll into Deer Creek in June.

[seahunter49]

I'm on my second omer abyss exclusive, I wish I knew about the bandit, same just lighter frame like Kolt said. Before that I had sporasub samurai elite (I like mirrored masks). All good low volume masks.

leisurepro.com will take everything back. You will lose out on shipping though.

[greekdiver]

Unless you spearfishing in deep waters, buying super low volume isnt necessary. Just try to find a mask thats not bulky and fits good so you are comfortable when you freedive. Some scuba masks are huge.

[Desert Diver]

Originally Posted by scubadown16

Yes, I have found that not having stores close by that carry low vol mask makes it tuff to figure out what to buy... So what I ended up doing was trying guys/gals masks on when I was at a tournament or diving with someone new that had a low vol mask for me to try. Most of the time you don't need to worrie to much about low vol for freshwater hunting because your not going to be diving deep enough to wear it matters. So I would say for now look at getting a mask you know fits. Then try other people masks on untill you figure it out.

I saw on another thread that you cleaned the closet of some masks you're no longer using. What are you diving with now?

[Desert Diver]

Originally Posted by greekdiver

Unless you spearfishing in deep waters, buying super low volume isnt necessary. Just try to find a mask thats not bulky and fits good so you are comfortable when you freedive. Some scuba masks are huge.

Nice Video by the way. thanks for the link.

[Grunt]

I started with a Samurai and it was tight and always left me with a red mark on my forehead. Now I'm using a Seavision Shadow w/ yellow lenses and I think it's perfect. Still pretty low profile and a lot more comfortable than the Samurai was on my face.

[BigMako]

Take a look at the new Micromask out this year from Aqualung/Technisub. Very, very low volume

[jmik90]

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/Categ...MBS.html?Hit=1
not technically a low volume mask but it does have really low volume and comes intwo sizes.I really like it.

[Desert Diver]

Originally Posted by BigMako

Take a look at the new Micromask out this year from Aqualung/Technisub. Very, very low volume

I went mask shopping today and hit gold first try. On your tip, I stopped by one of the LDS' in town that carries Aqualung products to see if they had any of the Micromasks in stock. Bingo. They had just come in. And.... all black as well.

The Micromask is MUCH smaller volume wise than my Apollo Prestige and fits better as well. I can probably take another lb off my weight belt.

http://www.aqualung.com/us/content/view/218/108/

I appreciate everybodies input.

Thanks for the tip BigMako!

[kjflyfish]

Originally Posted by Grunt

I started with a Samurai and it was tight and always left me with a red mark on my forehead. Now I'm using a Seavision Shadow w/ yellow lenses and I think it's perfect. Still pretty low profile and a lot more comfortable than the Samurai was on my face.

Come to think of it, the Abyss put pressure on my forehead, but the Bandit is great. I think the new frame is a big improvement.