Oregon Coast Aquarium Courtesy: OCA

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Method to Our Madness

Five masks produced by four different manufacturers were provided by WetDawg and put to the test by the volunteer dive team at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. This is an elite group of some of the most active divers in the Pacific Northwest and represents a diverse cross-section of the diving community from all walks of life. Among this group are men and women of all makes and models. This includes divers of small and large dimensions, some young - some mature, some with beards and mustaches - some not. Some with petite faces, some with...lets just say "prominent" features.

Each diver was asked to conduct a simple two-part test. Test one was a dry-fit test, for which each mask was rated based on fit and comfort out of the water. But because the proof of a mask is in its fit and performance underwater, we did the WetDawg thing and - got them wet! Test two was a wet test that allowed the diver time to wear each mask and evaluate the in-water comfort and performance. Then we went one more step. Testers had an opportunity to poke, prod, grope and otherwise critique and evaluate each mask and provide comments and feedback regarding the features, materials, adjustments, field of vision and design of the mask.

Due to the fact that comfort, fit and performance are intimately linked in a piece of equipment like a mask, and because these are highly subjective elements to rate, trends and comments were the focal point of the tests. The data was considered from several standpoints, including the gender and size of facial features of the evaluator, as well as the number of data points collected. Despite these limitations, several clear trends were observed with each mask.

The masks provided for testing included the Apollo Bio-Metal, the Aqualung Quartz 1, the Aqualung Quartz 2, Omersub's Aries 45, and Tusa's M14 Visualator.

Apollo Bio-Metal

Apollo Bio-Metal

This very low volume mask is a two lens wrap-around with an ultra soft silicone skirt and simple, low profile metal frame. It is billed as the world's first aluminum alloy metal frame, allowing a minimal center pillar that keeps the lens flat and free of distortion.

One of the most positive features of this mask is the incredible soft skirt that provides a high level of comfort for sensitive faces. Sweet! The nose pocket was easy to grasp, even with cold water gloves, and the wide split mask strap assures a secure fit on the head.

In addition to the exceptionally low internal volume of this mask, it also has a very wide field of vision that would fall into the excellent category. Well done, Apollo - a little mask with a big view.

We did notice a potential downside to the soft skirt. Some divers found the skirt was so soft that it was more prone to wrinkle and warp slightly - resulting in a leak for a few folks. But those who liked it, loved it. This mask also has a design feature that made us wonder if the lens would be more prone to scratches and damage. The lenses of most masks are slightly recessed, which means that when they are placed facedown on a surface, the lens does not make contact with the surface. The lenses on the Bio Metal however, are nearly flush, raising the question of durability of the lens. To be fair, we were pretty rough with these test units, and we didn't see much damage in the period of time we had them. This flush mounting of the lens also has the advantage of improving the field of vision slightly. The strap adjustment buckles could be improved for ease of use with gloves.

This would be an ideal mask for those divers with a petite, narrow face. Also great for those hard to fit faces, or anyone with sensitive skin that desires a soft-as-silk feel. Those divers endowed with large noses will need to double check the nose pocket fit, and all should pay close attention to whether the bridge of the nose has ample clearance. This mask would be suitable for both scuba and snorkeling.

My personal vote: This would have been the pick of the litter for me. Alas, they wanted it back. Note to Apollo: its got my cooties all over it. My address is...

Details
The bio-metal comes in the following regular colors: silver frame/clear flange, or black frame/black flange. Limited edition colors include: metallic red frame/clear flange, metallic blue frame/clear flange, metallic blue frame/black flange (tested).

Aqua Lung Quartz 1

Upside: Unique swiveling quick-release buckles
Downside: Those with narrow faces will have trouble getting a good fit
Rating:^^^^ (4 out of 5 peaks)
Ideal User: A nice mask for divers with wider, larger faces or larger noses

Aqua Lung Quartz 1

This composite plastic frame mask features a large single lens, a wrap around silicone skirt and unique swiveling quick-release buckles. It is a relatively low volume with a good field of vision.

This is a good, solid well-built mask with all the features you expect to see on a quality mask. There is one major exception. The quick release buckles were such a surprise, that if we hadn't read the manufacturer information sheet, we might have missed its best feature! The swivel design probably helps with positioning the mask strap, but the quick release is really the thing worth mentioning here. It is easy to use, (just push in on the round button) though cold-water gloves make it a bit trickier. It is also enough of a positive release that accidental releases are probably not an issue. The wide split strap is nice for stable positioning. Another plus for this mask is the single lens design, which provides additional room in the mask over the bridge of the nose and an unobstructed view.

Both of the Aqua Lung masks (Quartz 1 and Quartz 2) tested with solid scores on wet and dry tests.

I'm not a much of a fan of soft silicone mask straps - I prefer something with a bit more rigidity and not such a sticky feel - though to be fair this can be easily changed, or a strap cover added. The buckle on this mask can be a bit tough to manipulate with gloves on, and is made of plastic that seems to be pretty lightweight. Of course appearances can be deceiving, and we did not conduct durability tests here, so the jury is out on this one. As you can see, I'm being pretty picky here trying to find a down side, so there you have it!

This would be a nice mask for divers with wider, larger faces and/or larger noses. Narrow faces will have difficulty achieving good fit. Divers that see advantages to the quick release might wish to check this mask out, too. This mask would be suitable for both scuba and snorkeling.

My personal Vote: Nice mask, but nadda good fit.

Details
The Aqua Lung Quartz 1 is available in the following colors: Black, Transparent Blue, Neon Yellow, Transparent Black Cherry, Transparent Red (tested), all with clear silicone skirts. It also is available in black with a black silicone skirt.

Aqua Lung Quartz 2

Upside: Optional corrective diopters
Downside: Those with narrow faces will have trouble getting a good fit
Rating: ^^^^ (4 out of 5 peaks)
Ideal User: A nice mask for divers with wider, larger faces or larger noses

Aqua Lung Quartz 2

This composite plastic frame mask is a double-lens version of the Quartz 1 with the option of installing optical corrective diopters, and a narrow nose bridge to avoid obstructing the view. Like the Quartz 1, this mask also features the unique swiveling quick-release buckles. It is a relatively low volume with good field of vision.

The upside is the same as for the Quartz 1, with the additional benefit of installing corrective diopters for those divers that desire them.

The downside is also the same as for Qaurtz 1. See comments above.

As with the Quartz 1, this would be a nice mask for divers with wider, larger faces and/or larger noses, though you will need to check the bridge of the nose (as with most double lens masks. Narrow faces will have difficulty achieving good fit. Divers that see advantages to the quick release might wish to check this mask out, too. This mask would be suitable for both scuba and snorkeling.

My personal Vote: Nice mask, but still too wide for my face.

Details
The Aqua Lung Quartz 2 is available in the following colors: silver, black, blue, clear, neon yellow, black cherry, and transparent red (tested), all with clear silicone skirts. It also is available in black with a black silicone skirt.

Editor's Note: The Oregon Coast Aquarium currently utilizes the talents of 85 volunteer divers logging over 9,000 hours annually. Diving is an important part of maintaining the 1.3 million gallon Passages of the Deep exhibit with divers doing everything from cleaning the acrylic to feeding the animals.

The Aquarium is open every day except December 25. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Labor Day up to Memorial Day weekend and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. For ticket prices or more information, go to www.aquarium.org or call call (541) 867-FISH.