1-800-4-DOLPHIN
(1-800-436-5744)
This the definitely the best mask I have ever owned, and is also the best mask I have ever tried on! Great buckle system, high-quality glass, perfect fit, super comfortable, impressively light, great field-of-vision and it comes with the coolest mask case you've ever seen!. This mask is more expensive than most, but before you think it's overpriced, try it out--it really is worth the extra money.
I bought this mask based on good reviews when I researched it on the internet. The price, however, is higher than most.
I prefer purge valves and since I've got a beard, I'm a tough fit for dive masks. I've wanted a low-volume 'big eye' mask but nothing I tried on seemed to fit. Because of the beard, I usually have to trim my mustache and grease up with mustache wax and silicon lube for a tight seal. I did this for my first few dives in Grand Cayman and Little Cayman recently but soon found that I could dispense with all that goop and just use the mask straight--after 10 years of diving, I can stop scrubbing greasy glop off my face between dives. I couldn't decide between black and clear but ended up with the clear because I liked the brighter view. The compact size is also nice for travel.
This mask will change your life if it fits your face. The field of view is incredible compared to conventional frame-masks. My wife has two of these in size small. I am filled with jealousy every time I see her diving in it. However, to accomplish the incredible field of vision the mask skirt is short and the lens is very close to your face. This makes the fit less forgiving than traditional masks. I tried several brands of frameless masks and they all leaked at my temples because they are a little too wide for my face. I can wear any standard frame mask with no problem, so I was very disappointed this mask did not fit. I found I had to wear it too tight to stop the leaks, and this eventually causes discomfort. My advice is to buy this mask and wear it in your bathtub without the mask strap. A properly fitting mask does not require a mask strap. However, if the mask leaks with this test, dry it off with a towel to remove any water spots before returning it. There is an idiotic return policy that will not take back a mask that has been worn in the water. The problem here is that dry-fitting a mask is not always reliable.
I have yet to get in water with this to check out whether it leaks or fogs, but trying it on dry it is a very good fit. The silicone is nice and soft and I can tell that the low profile is going to be very nice for clearing. I have no complaints (of course without actually using it) about the mask. What I do have a problem with is the case that it came with has a broken latch. The case has a latch on each side and one of the front. Yes, the case is still useful even with one broken latch; however, paying this much for a mask I would expect the case to at least come undamaged. Very disappointed in the quality of the case!
This mask is amazing. The silicone is incredibly soft, the field of view is gigantic, and it just feels great. I went with the black - happy with the choice. It's been on a several dives and will go on hundreds more.
I am so glad I decided to check out some masks to replace my 10-year old standby.
I've been diving this mask for several years and it's got the best lens, fit and field-of-view of any mask I've used in thirty years of diving . . . and I've never had a fogging issue during a dive. Of course, I still use defog at the start of my dive day (my home brew of 1/4 Dawn dishwashing liquid and 3/4 water). In fact, I just bought a brand new one because I've been doing a lot of shallow-water hunting lately and wanted to get one with a black skirt to help block out glare. During the manufacturing process of any silicone-skirted mask, a coating of silicone residue dries on the glass. You've got to burn it off before you try to use it! It takes a few seconds and you need to be careful not to burn the skirt. As soon as you begin to let the flame lick the inside of the mask lens you'll see the silicone burn off before your eyes. Do a search on youtube for \"\"Mask De-fog lighter trick\"\" and you'll see this process being demoed. One other thing that's great about this mask for me is that I have a prominent nose and most low-profile masks don't offer enough clearance at the top of my nose which can be very uncomfortable at-depth. This mask has a good-size nose pocket with a high arch at the top making it plenty roomy for my nose. I also love the fact that the temples of the skirt fold in to make the mask flat and it comes in a very low-profile, sturdy case that stays shut. It protects the mask and takes up minimal space in my dive bag or dive luggage.
Fantastic views while in the water. Being clean-shaven helps keep water out of the mask, so rocking stubble when you swim might not give you the optimal experience.
