New Mask choice

rick_hughes@btconnect.com wrote:
> A while back I posted that my current mask has now reached it's 21st
> birthday and I wanted to change out to a 'wide lens' type .... reviews
> seem to favour the Cressi Matrix (or earlier Big Eyes) or Mares
> X-Vision.
>
> I need a wider fitting mask ... I went and tried a Cressi Big Eyes &
> Matrix .. neither would seal at the sides ... even in a simple 'suck
> in' test out of the water
>
> OK... more help needed.

You might try the fit of a Wintech FS-106 (also branded as Tusa
Visualator for about twice the price of the Wintech). The volume will
be slightly more than the Big Eyes, but the fit may be better.

FWIW, although I have an average width face, I use the Wintech OVER a
3mm neoprene "ice cap" hood, and it never leaks.

I have both the Big Eyes and the Wintech FS-106. I just compared the
two masks side by side, and although the skirts are the same distance
apart, the frame of the Wintech is about 1/2" (1.25 cm) wider than the
Big Eyes, which will allow the skirt more room to spread out before
hitting the strap attachment points. Also, the skirt of the Wintech
seems quite able to spread out laterally without deforming or
wrinkling.

A link to the Wintech masks (click on FS-106):

http://www.wintechdiving.com/divemasks.htm

Here's a link to Divers Direct, a seller of Tusa Viualator, just to
show they are the exact same mask, which I've confirmed in person:

http://shop.diversdirect.com/item/Tu...20Mask_ID34351

> I want to keep to a Low Volume mask with new style 'big eyes type.
> Any suggestions as to larger fitting masks to go and try.
> The only one that did fit was a Typhoon ... but don't want to make a
> snap decision.

When I compared the visual field of the Big Eyes and the Wintech
FS-106, I found the Wintech gives a little bit more view laterally and
upward, and about the same amount of view downward.

I like the Wintech's single pane (connected above the nose) which
allows both eyes to simulaneously view much of that upper area.

Another suggestion, although probably not needed by someone who's had a
mask for 21 years, is to try the mask on with it strapped to your head
and with your mouth over a regulator mouthpiece to more closely
simulate real fit; then try the VERY gentle suck test. If it passes
that, I think a better test is to gently blow out. Do this while
simulating typical facial movements you might have under water.

Then see if the shop will allow returns for refund after in-water
testing. 8^)

One more suggestion: a black skirt will eliminate the annoying lens
glare that translucent skirts cause.

HTH.

Dave C

rick_hughes@btconnect.com wrote:
> A while back I posted that my current mask has now reached it's 21st
> birthday and I wanted to change out to a 'wide lens' type .... reviews
> seem to favour the Cressi Matrix (or earlier Big Eyes) or Mares
> X-Vision.
>
> I need a wider fitting mask ... I went and tried a Cressi Big Eyes &
> Matrix .. neither would seal at the sides ... even in a simple 'suck
> in' test out of the water
>
> OK... more help needed.

You might try the fit of a Wintech FS-106 (also branded as Tusa
Visualator for about twice the price of the Wintech). The volume will
be slightly more than the Big Eyes, but the fit may be better.

FWIW, although I have an average width face, I use the Wintech OVER a
3mm neoprene "ice cap" hood, and it never leaks.

I have both the Big Eyes and the Wintech FS-106. I just compared the
two masks side by side, and although the skirts are the same distance
apart, the frame of the Wintech is about 1/2" (1.25 cm) wider than the
Big Eyes, which will allow the skirt more room to spread out before
hitting the strap attachment points. Also, the skirt of the Wintech
seems quite able to spread out laterally without deforming or
wrinkling.

A link to the Wintech masks (click on FS-106):

http://www.wintechdiving.com/divemasks.htm

Here's a link to Divers Direct, a seller of Tusa Viualator, just to
show they are the exact same mask, which I've confirmed in person:

http://shop.diversdirect.com/item/Tu...20Mask_ID34351

> I want to keep to a Low Volume mask with new style 'big eyes type.
> Any suggestions as to larger fitting masks to go and try.
> The only one that did fit was a Typhoon ... but don't want to make a
> snap decision.

When I compared the visual field of the Big Eyes and the Wintech
FS-106, I found the Wintech gives a little bit more view laterally and
upward, and about the same amount of view downward.

I like the Wintech's single pane (connected above the nose) which
allows both eyes to simulaneously view much of that upper area.

Another suggestion, although probably not needed by someone who's had a
mask for 21 years, is to try the mask on with it strapped to your head
and with your mouth over a regulator mouthpiece to more closely
simulate real fit; then try the VERY gentle suck test. If it passes
that, I think a better test is to gently blow out. Do this while
simulating typical facial movements you might have under water.

Then see if the shop will allow returns for refund after in-water
testing. 8^)

One more suggestion: a black skirt will eliminate the annoying lens
glare that translucent skirts cause.

HTH.

Dave C

rick_hughes@btconnect.com wrote:
> A while back I posted that my current mask has now reached it's 21st
> birthday and I wanted to change out to a 'wide lens' type .... reviews
> seem to favour the Cressi Matrix (or earlier Big Eyes) or Mares
> X-Vision.
>
> I need a wider fitting mask ... I went and tried a Cressi Big Eyes &
> Matrix .. neither would seal at the sides ... even in a simple 'suck
> in' test out of the water
>
> OK... more help needed.

You might try the fit of a Wintech FS-106 (also branded as Tusa
Visualator for about twice the price of the Wintech). The volume will
be slightly more than the Big Eyes, but the fit may be better.

FWIW, although I have an average width face, I use the Wintech OVER a
3mm neoprene "ice cap" hood, and it never leaks.

I have both the Big Eyes and the Wintech FS-106. I just compared the
two masks side by side, and although the skirts are the same distance
apart, the frame of the Wintech is about 1/2" (1.25 cm) wider than the
Big Eyes, which will allow the skirt more room to spread out before
hitting the strap attachment points. Also, the skirt of the Wintech
seems quite able to spread out laterally without deforming or
wrinkling.

A link to the Wintech masks (click on FS-106):

http://www.wintechdiving.com/divemasks.htm

Here's a link to Divers Direct, a seller of Tusa Viualator, just to
show they are the exact same mask, which I've confirmed in person:

http://shop.diversdirect.com/item/Tu...20Mask_ID34351

> I want to keep to a Low Volume mask with new style 'big eyes type.
> Any suggestions as to larger fitting masks to go and try.
> The only one that did fit was a Typhoon ... but don't want to make a
> snap decision.

When I compared the visual field of the Big Eyes and the Wintech
FS-106, I found the Wintech gives a little bit more view laterally and
upward, and about the same amount of view downward.

I like the Wintech's single pane (connected above the nose) which
allows both eyes to simulaneously view much of that upper area.

Another suggestion, although probably not needed by someone who's had a
mask for 21 years, is to try the mask on with it strapped to your head
and with your mouth over a regulator mouthpiece to more closely
simulate real fit; then try the VERY gentle suck test. If it passes
that, I think a better test is to gently blow out. Do this while
simulating typical facial movements you might have under water.

Then see if the shop will allow returns for refund after in-water
testing. 8^)

One more suggestion: a black skirt will eliminate the annoying lens
glare that translucent skirts cause.

HTH.

Dave C

rick_hughes@btconnect.com wrote:
> A while back I posted that my current mask has now reached it's 21st
> birthday and I wanted to change out to a 'wide lens' type .... reviews
> seem to favour the Cressi Matrix (or earlier Big Eyes) or Mares
> X-Vision.
>
> I need a wider fitting mask ... I went and tried a Cressi Big Eyes &
> Matrix .. neither would seal at the sides ... even in a simple 'suck
> in' test out of the water
>
> OK... more help needed.

You might try the fit of a Wintech FS-106 (also branded as Tusa
Visualator for about twice the price of the Wintech). The volume will
be slightly more than the Big Eyes, but the fit may be better.

FWIW, although I have an average width face, I use the Wintech OVER a
3mm neoprene "ice cap" hood, and it never leaks.

I have both the Big Eyes and the Wintech FS-106. I just compared the
two masks side by side, and although the skirts are the same distance
apart, the frame of the Wintech is about 1/2" (1.25 cm) wider than the
Big Eyes, which will allow the skirt more room to spread out before
hitting the strap attachment points. Also, the skirt of the Wintech
seems quite able to spread out laterally without deforming or
wrinkling.

A link to the Wintech masks (click on FS-106):

http://www.wintechdiving.com/divemasks.htm

Here's a link to Divers Direct, a seller of Tusa Viualator, just to
show they are the exact same mask, which I've confirmed in person:

http://shop.diversdirect.com/item/Tu...20Mask_ID34351

> I want to keep to a Low Volume mask with new style 'big eyes type.
> Any suggestions as to larger fitting masks to go and try.
> The only one that did fit was a Typhoon ... but don't want to make a
> snap decision.

When I compared the visual field of the Big Eyes and the Wintech
FS-106, I found the Wintech gives a little bit more view laterally and
upward, and about the same amount of view downward.

I like the Wintech's single pane (connected above the nose) which
allows both eyes to simulaneously view much of that upper area.

Another suggestion, although probably not needed by someone who's had a
mask for 21 years, is to try the mask on with it strapped to your head
and with your mouth over a regulator mouthpiece to more closely
simulate real fit; then try the VERY gentle suck test. If it passes
that, I think a better test is to gently blow out. Do this while
simulating typical facial movements you might have under water.

Then see if the shop will allow returns for refund after in-water
testing. 8^)

One more suggestion: a black skirt will eliminate the annoying lens
glare that translucent skirts cause.

HTH.

Dave C

Dave C wrote:
> rick_hughes@btconnect.com wrote:
> > A while back I posted that my current mask has now reached it's 21st
> > birthday and I wanted to change out to a 'wide lens' type .... reviews
> > seem to favour the Cressi Matrix (or earlier Big Eyes) or Mares
> > X-Vision.
> >
> > I need a wider fitting mask ... I went and tried a Cressi Big Eyes &
> > Matrix .. neither would seal at the sides ... even in a simple 'suck
> > in' test out of the water
> >
> > OK... more help needed.
>
> You might try the fit of a Wintech FS-106 (also branded as Tusa
> Visualator for about twice the price of the Wintech). The volume will
> be slightly more than the Big Eyes, but the fit may be better.

Rick, I just noticed an interesting article in Divernet that shows
several models that appear similar, if not identical to the Wintech.
You might find them in the UK.

http://www.divernet.com/equipment/masks2004/index.shtml

And by the way, the Wintech site's link for the FS-106 states it is
sized for "large to extra large" faces.

In the Divernet article you could specifically compare the Beaver
Panoramic, the Coltrisub Vista, the Seaman-sub Viso, and the Tusa
Visualator. They all look just like the Wintech FS-106.

A similar mask is in this link to Leisure Pro which shows an "Ocean
Master" mask.

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/ItemI...404/OMREP.html

Good luck.

Dave C

Dave C wrote:
> rick_hughes@btconnect.com wrote:
> > A while back I posted that my current mask has now reached it's 21st
> > birthday and I wanted to change out to a 'wide lens' type .... reviews
> > seem to favour the Cressi Matrix (or earlier Big Eyes) or Mares
> > X-Vision.
> >
> > I need a wider fitting mask ... I went and tried a Cressi Big Eyes &
> > Matrix .. neither would seal at the sides ... even in a simple 'suck
> > in' test out of the water
> >
> > OK... more help needed.
>
> You might try the fit of a Wintech FS-106 (also branded as Tusa
> Visualator for about twice the price of the Wintech). The volume will
> be slightly more than the Big Eyes, but the fit may be better.

Rick, I just noticed an interesting article in Divernet that shows
several models that appear similar, if not identical to the Wintech.
You might find them in the UK.

http://www.divernet.com/equipment/masks2004/index.shtml

And by the way, the Wintech site's link for the FS-106 states it is
sized for "large to extra large" faces.

In the Divernet article you could specifically compare the Beaver
Panoramic, the Coltrisub Vista, the Seaman-sub Viso, and the Tusa
Visualator. They all look just like the Wintech FS-106.

A similar mask is in this link to Leisure Pro which shows an "Ocean
Master" mask.

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/ItemI...404/OMREP.html

Good luck.

Dave C

Dave C wrote:
> rick_hughes@btconnect.com wrote:
> > A while back I posted that my current mask has now reached it's 21st
> > birthday and I wanted to change out to a 'wide lens' type .... reviews
> > seem to favour the Cressi Matrix (or earlier Big Eyes) or Mares
> > X-Vision.
> >
> > I need a wider fitting mask ... I went and tried a Cressi Big Eyes &
> > Matrix .. neither would seal at the sides ... even in a simple 'suck
> > in' test out of the water
> >
> > OK... more help needed.
>
> You might try the fit of a Wintech FS-106 (also branded as Tusa
> Visualator for about twice the price of the Wintech). The volume will
> be slightly more than the Big Eyes, but the fit may be better.

Rick, I just noticed an interesting article in Divernet that shows
several models that appear similar, if not identical to the Wintech.
You might find them in the UK.

http://www.divernet.com/equipment/masks2004/index.shtml

And by the way, the Wintech site's link for the FS-106 states it is
sized for "large to extra large" faces.

In the Divernet article you could specifically compare the Beaver
Panoramic, the Coltrisub Vista, the Seaman-sub Viso, and the Tusa
Visualator. They all look just like the Wintech FS-106.

A similar mask is in this link to Leisure Pro which shows an "Ocean
Master" mask.

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/ItemI...404/OMREP.html

Good luck.

Dave C

Dave C wrote:
> rick_hughes@btconnect.com wrote:
> > A while back I posted that my current mask has now reached it's 21st
> > birthday and I wanted to change out to a 'wide lens' type .... reviews
> > seem to favour the Cressi Matrix (or earlier Big Eyes) or Mares
> > X-Vision.
> >
> > I need a wider fitting mask ... I went and tried a Cressi Big Eyes &
> > Matrix .. neither would seal at the sides ... even in a simple 'suck
> > in' test out of the water
> >
> > OK... more help needed.
>
> You might try the fit of a Wintech FS-106 (also branded as Tusa
> Visualator for about twice the price of the Wintech). The volume will
> be slightly more than the Big Eyes, but the fit may be better.

Rick, I just noticed an interesting article in Divernet that shows
several models that appear similar, if not identical to the Wintech.
You might find them in the UK.

http://www.divernet.com/equipment/masks2004/index.shtml

And by the way, the Wintech site's link for the FS-106 states it is
sized for "large to extra large" faces.

In the Divernet article you could specifically compare the Beaver
Panoramic, the Coltrisub Vista, the Seaman-sub Viso, and the Tusa
Visualator. They all look just like the Wintech FS-106.

A similar mask is in this link to Leisure Pro which shows an "Ocean
Master" mask.

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/ItemI...404/OMREP.html

Good luck.

Dave C

Dave C wrote:
> rick_hughes@btconnect.com wrote:
> > A while back I posted that my current mask has now reached it's 21st
> > birthday and I wanted to change out to a 'wide lens' type .... reviews
> > seem to favour the Cressi Matrix (or earlier Big Eyes) or Mares
> > X-Vision.
> >
> > I need a wider fitting mask ... I went and tried a Cressi Big Eyes &
> > Matrix .. neither would seal at the sides ... even in a simple 'suck
> > in' test out of the water
> >
> > OK... more help needed.
>
> You might try the fit of a Wintech FS-106 (also branded as Tusa
> Visualator for about twice the price of the Wintech). The volume will
> be slightly more than the Big Eyes, but the fit may be better.

Rick, I just noticed an interesting article in Divernet that shows
several models that appear similar, if not identical to the Wintech.
You might find them in the UK.

http://www.divernet.com/equipment/masks2004/index.shtml

And by the way, the Wintech site's link for the FS-106 states it is
sized for "large to extra large" faces.

In the Divernet article you could specifically compare the Beaver
Panoramic, the Coltrisub Vista, the Seaman-sub Viso, and the Tusa
Visualator. They all look just like the Wintech FS-106.

A similar mask is in this link to Leisure Pro which shows an "Ocean
Master" mask.

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/ItemI...404/OMREP.html

Good luck.

Dave C

Dave C wrote:
> rick_hughes@btconnect.com wrote:
> > A while back I posted that my current mask has now reached it's 21st
> > birthday and I wanted to change out to a 'wide lens' type .... reviews
> > seem to favour the Cressi Matrix (or earlier Big Eyes) or Mares
> > X-Vision.
> >
> > I need a wider fitting mask ... I went and tried a Cressi Big Eyes &
> > Matrix .. neither would seal at the sides ... even in a simple 'suck
> > in' test out of the water
> >
> > OK... more help needed.
>
> You might try the fit of a Wintech FS-106 (also branded as Tusa
> Visualator for about twice the price of the Wintech). The volume will
> be slightly more than the Big Eyes, but the fit may be better.

Rick, I just noticed an interesting article in Divernet that shows
several models that appear similar, if not identical to the Wintech.
You might find them in the UK.

http://www.divernet.com/equipment/masks2004/index.shtml

And by the way, the Wintech site's link for the FS-106 states it is
sized for "large to extra large" faces.

In the Divernet article you could specifically compare the Beaver
Panoramic, the Coltrisub Vista, the Seaman-sub Viso, and the Tusa
Visualator. They all look just like the Wintech FS-106.

A similar mask is in this link to Leisure Pro which shows an "Ocean
Master" mask.

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/ItemI...404/OMREP.html

Good luck.

Dave C