Mares X-Vision users

This is one of those posts that will apply to a very small portion of the board, but those that it does, will mightly appreciate it.

I've been using the Mares X-Vision mask, mostly for the huge angle of view.

However, my face is just narrow enough that after a couple days diving, the skirt gets loose at the sides and leaks. You know, the slow trickle of annoyance. I'm not sure if it's skirt stretch or the frame is bending.

To compensate, I crank down on the strap until the mask center frame becomes painful, because it digs into the space between my eyes. It used to get so bad I'd consider not diving (!!!!).

Sound like you? I've just switched to the Atomic SubFrame. All the vision (at least so close I can't tell the difference) with a narrower fit. A fit I used to dream of, and quite comfortable.

All the best, James

I had to switch away from the X-Vision because the large frame wouldn't allow me to get close enough to the viewfinder. I still like it when I'm not shooting and it as never leaked. It tends to get moldy inside the frame so I've taken it apart a few times to clean it, put it back together and still no leaks. I'm trying a Falco for shooting, but if that doesn't work, I'm trying the Atomic's next.

James,

I also use the Mares X-Vision, mostly because it can contain a large schnozz or just a big bridge and a slim face like myself. It is really hard to find a mask that either doesn't hit me between the eyes or leak on the sides. If your new Atomic goes bad on you give the Hydro Optics mask a try. Yes, you may need to wear contact lenses where normally you wouldn't, or vice versa depending on your vision. My wife wears this mask and I have tried it a couple of times. If not for the contact lens thing, I'm 20/20, I'd be wearing one.

PS- I haven't tried the Atomic yet. Don't know who sells it around here?

Peace Scuba Center, LLC

4572 Telephone Rd. #906, Ventura, CA 93003

PHONE: (805) 650-3483

From the Atomic Aquatics web site. If that's not near you check their site here

If you try it let me know how you like it.

jc, thanks for the link. That shop is right down the street from my house, but unfortunately I won't go in there. Personal reasons plus the woman that works the desk is nice to look at, but she is doesn't know what she is talking about and speaks down to her customers. Not good business. I'd like to tell Eric, the owner of the boat, that he made a mistake hiring her. The boat and it's crew are great!

In any case, there are many shops in this area and I'm sure one of them carries Atomic.

Supposedly, the HydroOptics mask brings back 3D vision because it is not through a flat plate, and is supposed to make things seem their correct size because of no refraction through the lens.

One of my dive buddies dives the Hydro mask and he loves it. I just couldn't deal with the putting and taking off of the contacts all the time - I have to do that enough as it is

I've got the atomic mask, and it's great. Good field of vision, comfortable fit, and easy to get close to the viewfinder with. I'd highly recommend it.