Everything You Need to Know About Full Face Mask Diving (Pros and Cons + OTS vs Ocean Reef)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 มิ.ย. 2024
- In this video, Melanie and I try out full-face mask scuba diving for the first time! I'll go over what a full face mask is, how it's different from regular diving, as well as some pros and cons. Stick around to the end of the video and we’ll tell you which mask we liked better, the OTS (Ocean Technology Systems) Guardian or Ocean Reef full face mask. Let me know in the comments below which one you prefer!
EDIT: I am not an expert on these masks or even remotely close to one. This video will be left up because I think it is helpful to those genuinely interested in FFM diving but I will no longer wear one nor will I cover any further topics on the matter due to the high volume of inappropriate attention it receives from the fetish community.
DISCLAIMER: My videos are for general information purposes only. They do not act as or replace formal training or certification with a professional from a recognized agency.
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Check out the FFMs we used!
OTS: www.oceantechnologysystems.com/
Ocean Reef: oceanreefgroup.com/
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
1:15 - What is a full face mask?
1:30 - How is it different?
3:32 - Pros
5:58 - Cons
6:37 - FAQs
8:09 - OTS vs Ocean Reef
10:56 - Outro
11:19 - Bloopers
12:08 - Subscribe
Your list of Pro's mentioned an important safety difference if for any reason a diver becomes unconscious they are safe and can keep breathing with a full face mask. Otherwise if your buddy is not right there you're in trouble.
Thanks for this fantastic review. I like your energy and humor
Excellent video! You explained all of my questions perfectly
OTS is my favorite I have used mine for years for recreational scuba diving, diving at the Seattle Aquarium, And in commercial diving applications such as Salvage Work. I love this mask. I also use mine with Com’s
I dive the Ocean Reef GDivers FFM with Space Extender. Absolutely love it, and never going back. Everyone says they cost too much, but if you spend $150 on a good mask, and another $400-$500 on a good regulator, you've almost spent the same as the full face mask (at least for the Ocean Reef).
I think the problem is that you still need a "normal" regulator for safety as well as a "normal" mask, so you end up spending more
I know this is a year old Vid but thanks for posting this. Getting back into diving after a 30+ year dry spell. Trying to get my wife into diving but she has serious issues with a regulator. This will be a great video for her to watch!
Sorry you won't be doing any more videos on FFMs. Would love to see you in the blue with one and Comms.
Be safe and stay wet!
Great video! Thank you for sharing your insight!
Great video. And the end was pretty funny. Lol
Got the OTS Guardian.....great upgrade to the older AGAs.....great job guys!
Tried ffm for the first tine this weekend and found for me I could equalize much easier. Only issue I found that I didnt like with the OTS was I had to watch how I looked around because of free flow. Know the Ocean Reef Neptune 3 exhaust port fixed that issue from what I've seen in review video's.
Very cool! Thanks for sharing.
I dive the ocean reef space extender and love it. Both the entry level G divers (what you used) and the more expensive models come with spacers to adjust the nose blocks to fit you perfectly. And I've found that I consume WAY less air with FFMs than normal setups. Still a good comparison though
Thanks for the additional information and insight! I'm definitely not the all knowing of scuba gear so I always encourage people to give their 2-cents. It can really help anyone else that stubbles across the video.
L
Aquaventure's my LDS! Great group of people, and a great local store!
Thanks for the Info guys...
Did you feel any nick or head discomfort when wearing them? Ocean reef I felt was too heavy so on land, it would pull my head down, but it was so buoyant that in the water, it would push my head up and I had to use my neck to push it back to trim. I didn't have either of these issues with OTS, so I def like that one more.
Both are great masks. It just depends on what you are looking for.... and how much you can afford. My former line of work I had the opportunity to dive K/M EXO 26, OTS AGA, as well as ScubaPros FFM. I had the Ocean Reef Neptune II NIRA. Good mask... Except for the "Marshmallows" lol. I'm fixing to get a Ocean Reef GDiver soon.
Yes totally depends on what works and is best for you! Thanks for the added insight!
@@FullySubmerged You're quite welcome. Loved the video btw 😁
Awesome, thank you for sharing!
Haven't dived for year... Just stumbled on this and enjoyed you two .. what's the word?? Oh TOTALLY..
Nice video. Easy to watch and lots of learn. Thanks for sharing. Will you do a full face mask with The Communication system?
I got the Ocean Reef. I love it. I have never tried the OTS mask.
Very good video. I am partial to the ocean reef.
I dive the OTS and am a Full Face Mask Instructor. Love the OTS.
My wife and I love our fullface masks.
Quick question for you since you are a FFM instructor and will have dealt with a wide variety of people.
I have been told that the way FFM seals a guy can still have a good size beard. Is this true, how does the FFM seal when you have a beard?
I love my OTS Guardian FFMask :) Very cool video as always! Keep it up!
How are you doing the valsalva maneouver in this one? Pardon my ignorance 😊
I have the Ocean Reef with Comms. Love it when I need it.
Key point in his statement, "when I need it" 🤙
To my mind Ocean Reef is more aesthetic. But the question is, which mask is cheaper and if you can use it from the start when you learn how to dive
IME, the OR mask is a better fit for people with longer thinner faces,and the OTS better fitting for people with rounder face shapes.. Small differences but certainly noticeable, worth trying on both if you are going to buy a FFM!
(also, the surface valve often gets left open accidentally, but unless you turn upside down or swim really face down, the mask won't flood because the exhaust diaphram is at the lower side of the mask, where water pressure is slightly higher than where the SV sits, so, unless you turn upside down as mentioned, the internal air pressure keeps the SV shut! (Best practice is obvs. to shut any SV before you jump in........ ;-)
Thanks for the added insight!
Melanie and I both forgot to shut the surface valve a time or two and can attest that the mask doesn't flood. Just a little bit of water spray on an inhale which is a quick reminder that it was left open. Whoops!
I also learned that the OTS mask can be converted to accept a rebreather mount…..so do with that what you will….I think that’s a big plus
I use an OTS, But have not tried the other.
Another big Con that most my friends deal with is the initial Cost Factor especially with adding comm.
Awesome! Which OTS mask do you use?
Hello, I am writing to you from Argentina. I have OTS, the main problem is that in South America there are no after-sales services. then, it is a very good fullface.
The episode is super cool :)
Great video 👍
I’m new to scuba (just got my open water cert this month with my wife on our honeymoon!).
I had to hold my nose when filling or removing my mask and breathing through my mouth. I had some anxiety about getting water in my nose otherwise.
I’d be interested in learning how to dive with a full face mask for communication with my buddy and to record audio for underwater videography.
I’m concerned about clearing the mask. Did you have any insight into that? Was that a complete non issue?
It's essentially a non issue. It's almost impossible to keep water in these masks. As soon as you exhale it all gets purged out. I will say though that the nose holding thing should start to go away with more time and comfort. But for other purposes these masks are definitely really cool!
@@FullySubmerged thanks for the insight!! Great job on the video!
@@FullySubmerged really cool if you have a proper application for them. Talk to any diver that has extensive run time on these integrated mask and they all keep telling us they prefer a traditional mask and regulator setup over integrated. If your in brackish waters or doing public safety diving or required comms this is the kit you will be diving... Cheers, #SeattleRingHunter
I've got an ocean reef full face didn't like it with the adjustable regulator! Soooo! I also have a 1963 jet air regulator and I adapted the exhaust T to screw into the ocean reef full face....man what a beautiful combo breaths great especially with that jet air reg that really delivers air in a wooooosh ram sound. So I'm using my 1963 Jet Air Twin Hose with my fullface! It's a lot like the Kraken Twin Hose!
Frank upgrade or test dive an Ocean Reef Neptune III and let us know if you agree with Bryan's assessment. He's extremely excited on the breathability and no free flow on the new model: th-cam.com/video/ecE4wpMz4Hs/w-d-xo.html They also ditched the adjustability knob on the new model. Cheers, #SeattleRingHunter
Do you have to be weighted few pounds more when using full face mask and where are the weight placed
Excellent buoyancy control 😁😁
Informative video.
Can you use your own 2nd stage?
When connecting the quick connect underwater like in a out of air situation, does water enter the 2nd stage ?
Can you use your own second stage for what?
And no, water does not enter the second stage when using the quick connect underwater.
If you want to use your own 2nd stage regulator take a look at the OTS SPECTRUM model. It supports exactly what you have asked. th-cam.com/video/AnmEkLsfeF0/w-d-xo.html Cheers, #SeattleRingHunter
Amazing video, well done. 👍
I don't know why, but the OTS one looks bad and I love it. ☺️
I don't know why, but I prefer a bad looking one much more, maybe the looks much less boring then the "nice guy" one. 😉
Hi.
I just bought the ocean reef full face mask. I tried it today for the first time. Did you got any problems when using a hood while scubadiving with the ocean reef? Does it give a special hood for the ocean reef?
My mask was also foggy all the time.
Do you have some tips?😃
Thanks a lot.
I've never worn the ocean reef mask with a hood. There may be cleaning you have to do before it's first use to prevent fogging. Read the manual and/or contact ocean reef directly.
I just dove with mine with a hood for the first time today. I used a 4th Element 7mm hood, turned inside out. It sealed well, but I did experience some fogging as well as some really choppy breathing. Almost a sputter. I wonder if I have something set up wrong.
I believe the sputtering happens when the mask isn't getting a proper seal.
OcenLife check out LakeHickorySCUBA where Bryan goes into depth on hood options for full face mask. th-cam.com/video/K6uY9O_FZf4/w-d-xo.html
Originally I purchased a special dive hood for full face mask and I didn't care for the fit or comfort. I felt there was too much fussing around to get the full face mask to seal properly. So I returned that hood and just purchased a second Waterproof dive hood and trimmed all the way around the outside perimeter of the my G.Divers Ocean Reef face mask seal. Now when donning the Ocean Reef mask its silicon seal lands and connects directly on my skin for optimal seal every time fuss free with optimal comfort. Cheers, #SeattleRingHunter
How much does the ots guardian cost
do they support nitrox ?
and a fullface mask dives warmer in cold conditions. Having made my permit on the ocean reef if really perfer the OTS.
Corollary of this is that in temperate waters like the UK in summer (never mind in winter) the cold shock on doing a ditch of a full face mask is considerable. Practice the skill!
Nice vid with info clearly set out. Thanks for posting. In case it is helpful, here is my experience of FFMs:
I have dived the OTS Guardian at work and the Kirby Morgan M48 (with the detatchable mouth pod). The OTS Guardian was much nicer. However my own work mask (scientific diver) is the OTS Mantis/Gull Mantis with comms and surface air valve. This uncommon mask allows me to use a nose-pinch to clear my ears, it uses my usual regulator (lower servicing costs and lower equipment cost as I am freelance) and the best bit is I can have the same prescriptions fitted to the lenses as my half mask. So I can see to run cameras, see small beasties for identification and accurate recording, and see distance. The Mantis is also extremely comfortable and almost impossible to flood. It also uses the dry air in the mouth/eye space as anti-fogging.
I like the OTS mask best!
Great video! Really interesting to learn about the full face mask in detail with the different segments.
It would be interesting to see how the full face mask holds up over time if you decide to continue diving with it. I would also be interested in a video about air consumption and planning dives with people who have different consumption rates. Thanks!
This video is currently getting me some unexpected inappropriate attention so idk how much I'll be posting about it in the future. I'll probably still continue to try it on my own but if you don't see it mentioned again, that's why. Feel free to comment or message me on instagram if you think of other questions surrounding FFM and I'd be happy to answer them for you that way though. Oh the joys of the internet! 🤦🏼♀️
Love the idea of air consumption. I'll definitely add it to my list! Thank you for all your great input!
Lake hickory scuba YT channel is a wealth of knowledge on FFM. I use the OTS AGA mask for public safety diving. looking to get a ocean reef for personal diving.
@@Sosa-vq7xj Agree. They have some great videos! They're also lucky to be mostly males that don't have to worry about their videos being shared to dirty websites 🥴
@@FullySubmerged Wow! that sucks that has happened. All the best.
Very informative
Great vid, have you got a comms vid like this - that would be way cool too
I don't! Haven't been able to use comms yet.
@@FullySubmerged aaah, yeh its all a bit pricey, hopefully you will soon ☺
If I had to pick I would pick the OTS mask
To assist with the extra air loss that you get from a full face mask, I myself prefer a Steel 102 tank with a DIN valve fitting. These tanks can be filled to 4000 PSI. (275 Bar). As opposed to the aluminum 80 tanks, which will only be filled to around 2900 psi (200 bar).
That’s not how it works 🤦🏻♂️
Very entertaining 😄
Personally, for recreation use and travel, do you prefer a normal mask or a full mask?
Normal for sure!
@@FullySubmerged asking that because I'm considering buying the full mask. Anyway, thanks for the reply :)
I wear prescrition glass and refuse to wear contacts. Is FFM for me ?
As far as I'm concerned you can buy special correction glasses as an addition (to ocean reef at least)
Great job on the vid, you really laid out the info well. And your technique and trim in the water looks on point also
Thanks!
OTS All day long !!!!
Nice video thanks for sharing. Sorry not trying to be a poop but let's get basic descriptions of dive components clearly clarified. It not called "a prong piece" its a quick disconnect and a better description would be the "quick disconnect nipple" nipple is a technical term yes. We are speaking about the termination of the low pressure air line connecting to the full face or integrated dive mask regulator. Hope this helps some new divers to better understand the information being provided because "the prong piece" is not standard dive language.
You girls get a full pass on the "marshmallow" description of the Ocean Reef nose plugs because that is quite descriptive and a cute descriptor.
Don't be discouraged by the Ocean Reef its a very worthy piece of kit and the nose plugs are highly customizable to the divers face. Remember kids when ordering these mask if you shop on line because a lot of local dive shops may not carry them you should do research in advance to see if you can find a qualified instructor to provide instruction directly to the model of integrated mask you eventually purchase. Due to liability insurance reasons dive instructors that offer training for full face mask certification have to have brand and MODEL specific training to the mask you own to even offer the full face integrated dive mask courses. Its all a cost thing for the dive shop they work of so don't be surprised when you can't find a certified dive master to train you on a specific type of full face mask any where close by it happens a lot. These mask are not always high volume sellers so it may be a little sparse finding the training support your looking for local to you. Do your home work you will be better off in the long run.
Cheers, #SeattleRingHunter
How do you equalize your ears with the full mask?
Answered at 6:40 in the video!
ติดต่อชื้อที่ไหนครับ
I would guess that a beard would interfere with a good seal with a full face mask?
What is the reason for a higher air consumption on a full face mask?
You're pulling air into a larger space. Think of it like breathing off a straw vs breathing like normal.
That said, if you're someone who feels more anxious breathing on a reg, you'll probably consume less air in comparison just because this is a more comfortable feeling and you're more relaxed.
Hope that makes sense!
I currently dive with the ocean reef mask. While I did burn through air when I first started using it. I now have air consumption equal to my atomic B2.
How do you prevent pressure in your ears?
As described in the video you still use the same equalization process in clearing your ears. There is plugs and rubber pieces in each mask to press against your nose to equalize. Cheers, #SeattleRingHunter
So how do you clear a full mask if it gets knocked loose underwater? Looks like a lot of area to clear the old fashioned way.
It's pretty difficult to flood these masks so just slightly knocked loose would probably still clear out on its own as you breathe and adjust it. If it gets knocked off completely then you should switch to your alternate air source and always carry a regular dive mask to switch to
Nice job
How do u remove water from inside of the mask ?
It's actually really hard to get water in the mask in the first place! Every time you exhale it all gets forced out the exhaust valve.
Do you prefer in general the full face mask or the traditional scuba diving set?
I personally still like the regular scuba set up
@FullySubmerged Thanks for your reply, any reason why you prefer the regular? I want to get into wreck diving and for me I think would prefer to use full face doing that.
As a diver who has never tried these, they terrify me. I want my occy!
Maybe a dumb question but how would you spit/throw up through it with no mouthpiece? 😅
That's actually a good question and one I don't know the answer to!
@@FullySubmerged thanks all the same
What if you have to vomit? How do you clear it out of the mask?
What a great question!! The masks do a pretty good job of clearing, it's really difficult to flood them but I'd imagine the chunks and smell would be horrible and you'd have to switch to your regular mask and reg and/or end the dive.
I think the Ocean Reef mask looks cooler :)
Ocean Reef has a lot to offer for the recreational diver. The extender bracket is super useful as well. Cheers, #SeattleRingHunter
I disagree with one of your cons... From my own ffm experience and others with ffm, new ffm divers will consume more gas. However once they dive enough in ffm the gas consumption is the same.
I would argue that is because they have become more experienced divers or because a FFM makes them more relaxed than being on a regulator.
@@FullySubmerged point being not to mislead people into thinking if I get a full face mask that I will be consuming more gas on my dives. That alone will discourage some divers from even considering a full face mask as an option. A better point to put on the table is to say for those of us diving with perscrption lenses a full face mask such as Ocean Reef can support a set of glasses inside the mask but not likely will you get glued in lenses to the poly carbinet integrated mask making it kind of an extra bit to work with. If your eyesight is poop without correction its a no go if you can't ready our gauges so that is a bigger topic of discussion that needs to be considered. Ocean Reef sells a pair of eyeglass frames look like regular eye glass frame that can be snapped into their full face mask so they have offered a solution. I need to try this and see how the fit and fell works, may be no big deal but now you have two pieces of material to see though hopefully not a pain to deal with...
Cheers, #SeattleRingHunter
Gas consumption is just mental. Once your ffm is full, you decide your breathing habits - same as you do with a normal regulator.
Love the video. but the contrast on video of the equipment setup. It so gray washed out
If you are doing a shore dive, one usually snorkels out... guess that is out. seems like no snorkel would be a total negative.
Yeah that's a good point. I suppose you could still back swim with the pressure release valve open. That would keep your face and airway protected from splashing while not using up your air. But it's definitely a more tiring and less efficient way to swim!
You have a surface air valve. In ocean situations with waves this has a disadvantage compared to the snorkel, but still completely useable.
I like the looks of the ocean reef but those nose pieces are a no go lol
You guys are so Minnesotian in looks, and speech. Am I right?
Actually neither of us are Minnesota natives! But we try our best to fit in 😄
My wife and her girlfriend diove today with the Kirby Morgan helmet.
I was exposed to an earthquake while r d ing in middle east - sure would have preferred having a full face then, I would not recommend earthquake diving tho lol, even with a FF mask
My son can't dive , because he has ears problem ( cholesteatoma). He is a 10 years old, end I'm looking for a full mask , that can also protect the ears.
So far I have seen nothing...
His dream is to be able to dive.
Ocean Reef all the way Baby, with comms'.
Actually I might want the ocean reef mask on g level.
Hello girls, My name is Peter en iam a PADI Course director in training.
Besides that, we have 2 PADI 5 star IDC diving schools in the Netherlands, 1 in Rotterdam Lucky Divers and in Vlaardingen called 1st2dive. and we are also a PADI tech diving school since December 1, 2023.
I am currently writing 2 distinguest specialties.
1 = metal detector diver
2= Full face mask diver
For the Full face Mask Diver I would like to use your video or parts of it so that divers can see what it is like to dive with these masks and what is involved.
Could I use your video in our instruction manual and in the lesson presentation?
We would love to hear from you.
Thanks in advance
Yours sincerely,
Peter Jansen
Owner and founder
1st2dive
Lucky diverse
Netherlands
Doesn't PADI already have a Full Face Mask Diver certification?
@@FullySubmerged Hi, they give the specialty and they have picks. but there is no e learning or what so ever as dar as i have seen. Not in Dutch anyway..
Ocean reef all day
I have a Kirby zmatten
No entiendo mucho pero excelente video 👌🥽
I have an Ocean Reef!
Which color? They have so many options!
@@FullySubmerged IDM orange With the extended kit
@@FullySubmerged I submitted a post on your fb page with a photo. Hope that helps!
Kirby-Morgan Mk48
Well this 1 year old how much does it cost now.
Links to the products are in the description. They will take you to updated pricing.
I've been watching a lot of videos about "Cave Diving" it's so easy for people to get messed up and they do all the time. Amazing how many suit
up and dive below a hundred feet breathing straight oxygen.😳😳😳
Use High Pressure steel 102’s with DIN fittings, filled to 3900 or 4000 pounds To assist with the extra air loss that happens with a full face mask
Upspeak and vocal fry. All thats needed is T glottalization and youve got the troika.
How about the word comfortability? Despite all of this, they have great energy and presented some useful info :)
Not going to use her mouthpiece because of covid.... you are in a chlorinated pool. LOL
I think ocean reef looks cooler
If your out of air your out of air. Having a full face mask doesn’t magic more air.
Correct. I probably could have worded that better. I just meant that you have extra protection from aspirating water. Usually the gut reaction when out of air with a reg is to spit it out.
Don't have to watch the video
OTS hands down from experience
Cons, cost 500$
I think even more than that actually
If you can breathe out of your nose with a full face that’s not good
That is not correct at all
@@FullySubmerged correct me if I’m wrong but don’t you have a nose block so you can equalize?
@@jonbrollinsface2420 there is a nose piece but it doesn't block your nose until you press the mask into your face to equalize
OTS is suck for Asian face
You should not have to clear your ears AT ALL in a FFM. You probably did not notice this in a pool, but would in an open water dive.
That is very much incorrect.
External ear is not in the FFM. You still need to equalize.
I really like my ocean reef space Extender mask. I got my GoPro on top and two side mounted light, a quick disconnect, and Swivel. All in all its a awesome dive mask once you start adding accessories. Thanks for the review you girls are great. Dive safe 🇺🇲👌🏼
When I can barley afford my next meal but for some unknown reason I need to know the difference but between two high end some scuba 🤿 gear . 😂
I have never related to a comment more
❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉