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I would try them out before buying. I had the same thoughts as you until I tried them. To me they felt very claustrophobic and I’ve never had that feeling than other when I tried one out. The one I tried was the OceanReef. I’ve always wanted to try an OTS but never got the chance so far just to be able to compare them.
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My buddy and I recently began using the Ocean Reef Neptune Space. It takes a little getting used to but works fine. We have the communications unit as we do a lot of solo diving and the ability to communicate with the boat is a nice bonus. The mask has a positive air flow and completely eliminates any fogging, no matter what the water /air temps are. After making the needed adjustments, you simply press the regulator portion lightly against your face to equalize. A few things you need to consider. In a case of regulator failure, out of air situation or switching over to a Deco gas you will need to remove the face mask, switch over to your octopus and don a spare mask. You definitely want to practice this in a pool as it may save your life. Also the mask fits smaller heads better than a big melon. I haven’t used the OTS mask so I can’t offer any feedback for you. Either way, before you invest in either one, make the trip to BTS in March. Both manufacturer’s are there, you can try each on and ask any questions you want. Feel free to contact me with any additional questions. I’ll answer them the best I can.
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I think you would be much better off using the Kirby Morgan mask for about the same money. Scuba manufactures make full face masks as a side line, Kirby Morgan makes them for a living. This mask was designed to meet commercial & military standards and made to be modular so it can be configured any way you like now and will be easy to upgrade in the future. This also allows you to remove the reg if needed and keep the mask in place or to use with a rebreather. Unlike scuba manufactures Kirby Morgan parts are available to anyone who needs them.
kirbymorgan.com/products/full-face-masks/m-48-mod-1
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From TColJeep: In a case of regulator failure, out of air situation or switching over to a Deco gas you will need to remove the face mask, switch over to your octopus and don a spare mask. You definitely want to practice this in a pool as it may save your life. This is a must, I worked as a rescue diver for human powered submarine races, many of the two man crews wore full face mask so they could talk but didn’t carry spares and had never practiced switching :(
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Btrax - 8/31/2014 8:10 AM
Thank you all for your input. I will definitely try them out before i buy, and if i do as i am an ex military pilot - emergency procedure practice is a must for me. I usually try something on the way back on every dive, i.e.: mask removal and swim...
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SafeT - 3/10/2015 5:54 PM
I also recommend the Kirby Morgan.. The Neptune is a good fitting mask for a thin face.
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Btrax - 3/11/2015 3:03 PM
ok..
So i tried on a few different Full Face Masks. Decided on the OTS for several reasons. Comfort, serviceability, all public divers use them. MY local shop services them, easy in easy out. I took a PADI FFM course and now all my winter water dives and cold water dives are FFM. I have 20 or so hours on this mask already and am pleased at my decision. It is quite a bit different and takes a bit to get used to but i am glad i made the choice. It is another good piece of gear in my bag for another kind of diving. Next its ice diving lol.
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SafeT - 4/22/2015 2:49 PM
If you want to see several full face masks in use, watch a TV show called Barien Sea Gold on Friday evening on discovery channel. They show several gold dredge teams working AND using Kirby Morgan OTS AGA and several other brands. Also it shows commercial divers using a couple of different hookah dive rigs. No nome are shown, but the design and colors will narrow it down if your interested. It is just another reality show, but for divers, very informative.
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IMO because of the risks, I’d say this would be a good shallow dive mask, but I’d recommend avoiding it for deeper dives especially dives which require switching gases
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