New Mask choice

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

Cheers guys ... great help

Cheers guys ... great help

Cheers guys ... great help

Cheers guys ... great help

Cheers guys ... great help

Cheers guys ... great help

Cheers guys ... great help

<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

You're not alone in this. I have both a big eyes and the Mares equivalent.
Both sealed in the shop. Neither did in the water. In my case, the thin
skirt at the bottom simply would not flex enough to maintain a seal.

> OK... more help needed.
> 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.

If you find something, let the rest of us know. I've yet to find any
extended vision mask that works for me. Stay away from the Mares ESA. It's
a good idea, poorly done. The frame cracks very easily.

I curently use Tusa Liberator masks. One is the standard model, the other
is the plus. I'm not sure there is a difference except in price. I have
three of them, one for snorkeling and a primary and backup for diving. The
one I use for snorkeling has been around for at least 10 years and seems to
be almost as good as it was when I bought it. The silicon has discolored a
bit, but is still as flexible as ever. They fit relatively close to the
face and give me a reasonable field of view in all directions.

Lee

<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

You're not alone in this. I have both a big eyes and the Mares equivalent.
Both sealed in the shop. Neither did in the water. In my case, the thin
skirt at the bottom simply would not flex enough to maintain a seal.

> OK... more help needed.
> 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.

If you find something, let the rest of us know. I've yet to find any
extended vision mask that works for me. Stay away from the Mares ESA. It's
a good idea, poorly done. The frame cracks very easily.

I curently use Tusa Liberator masks. One is the standard model, the other
is the plus. I'm not sure there is a difference except in price. I have
three of them, one for snorkeling and a primary and backup for diving. The
one I use for snorkeling has been around for at least 10 years and seems to
be almost as good as it was when I bought it. The silicon has discolored a
bit, but is still as flexible as ever. They fit relatively close to the
face and give me a reasonable field of view in all directions.

Lee