HydroOptix mask

Just followed the advertising link from the home page as I am in need of a new mask.

The HydroOptix mask comes with glowing reviews but is it more of a gimmick? Has anyone tried it while taking UW pictures?

http://www.hydrooptix.com/

A good friend of mine tried it on, and found it pretty good, because he's severely short-sighted, which means he can use this mask as-is. On the other hand, if your eyesight is not too bad, you'll need to wear specially made lcontact enses to make you short-sighted, which can be a PIA, especially on a dive boat...

One more thing is the effect can be a bit destabilising, in that while the mask maximises the angle of view, it also correct the perceived distance, i.e. objects appear at their correct distance underwater, not 25% nearer as with normal masks. For experienced divers, this may require some time to get used to...

Cheers,

Mat

Thanks Mat

that pretty much crosses it off my list..

It didn't fit my face, unfortunately, and the corrective contacts are ... not the most convenient things to wear. But it does work as advertised.

Hi,

I tried the mask too and was not pleased. The lenses are lexan (I think) and easy to scratch, unlike a normal glass mask. Mine fogged up very badly, and I couldn't wipe it w/o worrying about scratching it. If the mask leaks at all, because of the domes, the water pools in the bottom, which means when you're looking down, there are water pools in the way.

I am nearsighted enough that I don't have to wear contacts w/ the Hydroptix, which was refreshing. The field of view is truly awesome though.

Cheers

James

Eric .. are you in a swimming pool with a dry suit ?

and about the mask ... i have never used one .. wouldn't mind trying it ... but i kinda think i would find it a pain .. especially as i had eye surgery to not wear contacts ... it seems like another one of those gimmicks that a few divers will get ...

as for us UW Photo guys ... how can it help when looking through a viewfinder ? it doesn't seem practical for photography.

That isn't a dry suit. it's a semi-dry. not all of us live in Grand Cayman/Bahamas!

Hey Guys, FYI just read about the new Optix mask that does not require contact lens for those of us with clearer vison. They have changed the lens material type and the venting located at the lower side of each eye. They have also addresed the foging issue.

Saw this in the most recent Dive training mag.

Coldwaterdude

I tried the HydroOptics Mask, thought that the field of vision was awesome, but it has a ver small nose which when very carefully fitted over my face will seal, but it very difficult to get re-sealed underwater. If it does have any water in it, as previously mentioned, it will pool in the curvature of the lens directly under your eye.

I liked the concept but just too much work for a mask when my Mares X-vision fits great, never leaks and is very confortable. (and I have sooo many other toys I'd rather pay attention to while diving!)

John