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View Full Version : DIR Approved Mask
DomRep Diving March 16th, 2003, 04:13 AM Just out of curiosity... which masks are "approved" by DIR? I'm not into DIR, but I was just curious to know... If you can, please mention specific brands, and the color of silicone (that matters a lot, at least in spearfishing..)... Thanks! LUBOLD8431 March 16th, 2003, 11:11 AM WHY do you care what is "DIR approved"??? What do you think they are going to not let you into their secret little club??? Not tell you what the secret handshake is??? Not let you drink of the Kool Aid??? DON'T worry about what is "DIR approved" . Just get a mask that fits your face and that is comfortable for you. Choose whatever color you want. Its called PERSONAL PREFERENCE... GUE (and "DIR") will teach you that thats not allowed, but dont fall into their trap. Just get a mask that works for you, and in what color you want it. Everything else will work out. AND to all you flamers out there: there's a new gunman in town, and his motto is: "one shot, one kill"... CuriousMe March 16th, 2003, 11:22 AM I'm not DIR, but I'm always interested in hearing the reasons behind why DIR states something is the right way.....it's always good to get more information on a topic....helps me make better decisions. Peace, Cathie LUBOLD8431 March 16th, 2003, 11:28 AM They would say a very low volume mask with split windows, and a black skirt. SOmething very similar to a spearfishing mask. Omersub, Sporasub, and maybe Cressi (i think) make some good masks that the DIR guys like... JeffG March 16th, 2003, 11:31 AM One that fits properly. If you have a choice between masks, the one with the lower volume would be a better choice. Cave Diver March 16th, 2003, 11:53 AM If you are truly concerned about a "DIR" mask, it would be one that fits you properly, and preferably has a low volume. The reason behind a good fit should be self explanatory. Low volume allows for easier clearing in a single breath. I have never seen any mention of color being a consideration for any "DIR Gear," contrary to popular belief. Nor have I ever seen "required" brands. Ex: Scuba Pro Jet Fins are preferred, as they do a variety of kicks well. However, any fin that is capable of adequately performing the kicks would be "acceptable." Getting back to the mask question, I personally prefer black. It's not a "DIR Thing" but I find that clear skirts tend to be distracting as they allow light and shadow into your peripheral vision and I didn't care for that, especially while spearfishing. Cave Diver March 16th, 2003, 11:57 AM CuriousMe once bubbled... I'm not DIR, but I'm always interested in hearing the reasons behind why DIR states something is the right way.....it's always good to get more information on a topic....helps me make better decisions. Peace, Cathie I can't answer for all of the reasons because I'm not a "fanatic" :D but I'll be more than happy to answer the reasonings behind any of the things I do know. My research into the subject was for much the same reason; to make better decisions. From everything I've learned, all of the reasons are solid ones. Cave Diver March 16th, 2003, 12:02 PM LUBOLD8431 once bubbled... Choose whatever color you want. Its called PERSONAL PREFERENCE... GUE (and "DIR") will teach you that thats not allowed, but dont fall into their trap. Just get a mask that works for you, and in what color you want it. Everything else will work out. AND to all you flamers out there: there's a new gunman in town, and his motto is: "one shot, one kill"... Really? Which class did you take that taught you that? Maybe I fell asleep during that portion of the class, because I sure don't remember any discussion on colors... OTOH, I do recall taking an IANTD class that required I have a lift bag and a deco bottle!!! The nerve of them telling me that my safety sausage and spare air wouldnt be allowed as substitutions! So much for personal choice! And I sure hope you aren't just shooting blanks... :D WYDT March 16th, 2003, 12:04 PM There is no "DIR Approved" mask and just about everyone I know has a different one. Some features that would be preferred would be... 1. Good fit (very important to find the mask that fits YOUR face) 2. Low volume (easier to clear) 3. Black skirt (reduces reflections and glare from the side) note: GI doesn't use a black mask but most everyone else in wkpp does. ;) 4. Neoprene slap strap (can be added to any mask) DSAO! Dryglove March 16th, 2003, 12:32 PM LUBOLD8431 once bubbled... WHY do you care what is "DIR approved"??? What do you think they are going to not let you into their secret little club??? Not tell you what the secret handshake is??? Not let you drink of the Kool Aid??? DON'T worry about what is "DIR approved" . Just get a mask that fits your face and that is comfortable for you. Choose whatever color you want. Its called PERSONAL PREFERENCE... GUE (and "DIR") will teach you that thats not allowed, but dont fall into their trap. Just get a mask that works for you, and in what color you want it. Everything else will work out. AND to all you flamers out there: there's a new gunman in town, and his motto is: "one shot, one kill"... It appears some people just like to talk out the side of their neck :D I must admit that was a good response to his question by throwing out insults.Fortunately other members posted some good answers.WYDT pretty well hit the nail on the head concerning the mask.There isnt no particular brand or color that is approved and yes halcyon does sell a low volume mask but i have yet to see any DIR divers or even the WKPP wear one.It does seem that the scubapro frameless mask is really popular. Also read this thread http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=258105#post258105 As far a your motto it appears you havent practiced proper firearm safety and shot yourself in the foot :D roakey March 16th, 2003, 01:14 PM Plus, no purge valve. Also if possible avoid little pivot thingines where the strap attaches to the mask. Though I dive one with pivot thingies (Tusa Platina) because it's the best fitting mask I've ever stumbled upon. I like a black mask skirt too. I think it keeps distractions down. Roak WYDT March 16th, 2003, 01:28 PM roakey once bubbled... Plus, no purge valve. Also if possible avoid little pivot thingines where the strap attaches to the mask. Though I dive one with pivot thingies (Tusa Platina) because it's the best fitting mask I've ever stumbled upon. I like a black mask skirt too. I think it keeps distractions down. Roak Hey Roak, That's the mask I have and it's also the best fitting mask I've ever found! I've got a Tusa Spendive II that I use as a backup that also fits very nicely. LUBOLD8431 March 16th, 2003, 03:55 PM "As far a your motto it appears you havent practiced proper firearm safety and shot yourself in the foot" Never... been classified as an expert marksman in a former life, would never happen... (LOL) pretty funny though... I do like black skirted masks as well, for the reasons CAve Diver pointed out. I also use a low volume mask also... AND i did read something about masks in JJ's book and you're right, it doesnt say anything about a particular brand or that you should have a black skirt, However, all the pics of JJ are with him wearing a (i think) sporasub or omersub mask (or is it the Halcyon mask?) with a black skirt, and then in the mask section, they have a pic of a scubapro frameless mask, with a black skirt.... Just a little innocent gentle marketing. ANyways, i didnt mean to come off as harsh as i did, i need to be more gentle with the DIR fellas... SOrry boys and girls... matt t. March 16th, 2003, 04:02 PM WYDT, How come the neoprene slap strap? Dryglove March 16th, 2003, 04:04 PM matt t. once bubbled... WYDT, How come the neoprene slap strap? They are considered to be more durable and less prone to failure than a standard rubber mask strap. Aquamaniac March 16th, 2003, 09:28 PM I just bought an Oceanic Shadow, frameless, black I am REALLY impressed with it. But thats mainly because it fits me Very well. DomRep Diving March 16th, 2003, 10:08 PM That's what I wanted to know... Not because I want to get into DIR, nor I like their (mostly) one way mind... But, in the other side, they have some good advices on most gear, and I'm looking to try a new mask (have 3 already) just to get a better fitting one... BTW, what is the model of that ScubaPro frameless mask you guys are talking about? Arnaud March 16th, 2003, 10:16 PM How about split windows? Is there a problem with a single lense? I have been considering the frameless SP. I really don't like the clear Acqua Lung that I have. boomx5 March 16th, 2003, 10:34 PM Aquamaniac once bubbled... I just bought an Oceanic Shadow, frameless, black I am REALLY impressed with it. But thats mainly because it fits me Very well. Except I bought the mini because it fits me better. I originally bought it for my backup to keep in my left bellows pocket, but I think I might buy another one because I like it so much. LUBOLD8431 March 16th, 2003, 10:35 PM Thats just what its called... Frameless mask... Thats the model... Cool mask, I have one, the only problem is my nose is too small, and I cant pinch my nose off to clear my ears very well in that mask. It also doesnt fit me that well. I like the Zero 9 from Mares. I also have a Tusa Liberator, very nice mask... The Oceanic X-site is a nice small mask too... Arnaud March 16th, 2003, 10:45 PM Lubold, you said something about split windows not being recommended... LUBOLD8431 March 16th, 2003, 10:59 PM Ummmmm,,,, I dont think I did... all JJ says in his book is that it should be a low volume mask, it doesnt say anything about split windows or single lense, or anything... Just low volume... I have to check my posts, but I dont think I said that... O-ring March 16th, 2003, 11:14 PM I have 2 oceanic mini shadow masks...they are small, low-volume, and one single window. Nobody ever said anything about my mask and I can't remember anyone saying anything about anyone else's either... LUBOLD8431 March 17th, 2003, 12:49 AM All I was saying was what JJ says in his book DIR F of better diving. His "recommendation" was for a small, low volume mask that fits you comfortably. Thats it. Nothing More... Arnaud March 17th, 2003, 01:07 AM LUBOLD8431 once bubbled... They would say a very low volume mask with split windows, and a black skirt. ;) LUBOLD8431 March 17th, 2003, 01:19 AM Arnaud once bubbled... Lubold, you said something about split windows not being recommended... I believe i said originally that they are recommended: They would say a very low volume mask with split windows, and a black skirt. Ok, delete the part about split windows (JJ doesn't). Although, the pic on the front of the book is interesting... Arnaud March 17th, 2003, 03:25 AM I just ordered the book a few days ago. Haven't received it, yet... RichLockyer March 17th, 2003, 03:46 AM LUBOLD8431 once bubbled... of a scubapro frameless mask, with a black skirt.... Just a little innocent gentle marketing. ANyways, i didnt mean to come off as harsh as i did, i need to be more gentle with the DIR fellas... SOrry boys and girls... No marketing to it... though Halcyon DOES make a black mask that is a single-window and similar to the Scubapro... except it's only $48 to Scubapro's $100+. Anyways, I too prefer black, but I'm an OW diver and peripheral lighting and reflections can be distracting. If you can find GI3's account of the dive where they lost Parker, there's an interesting quip that give a little insight to HIS personal choice... The viz was terrible and when Gavin passed him a note he could not read it. He ended up putting the note directly ON his mask and shined his light in through the side. RichLockyer March 17th, 2003, 03:51 AM lal7176 once bubbled... They are considered to be more durable and less prone to failure than a standard rubber mask strap. Also (as I discovered in DIR-F) a LOT easier to replace over a neoprene hood. I looked like a complete goof on the video trying to get the thing back on. Pissed me off too, because it was not even MY mask... my Cressi broke a pin before the 1st dive and I had left my backup at home... who needs a backup mask in 20ft and it's going to dissapear as quickly as the first one :D Anyways, I borrowed one from Mike for the first day and from the shop for the second day (which was the day we taped that particular skill). First thing I did when I got home was order 5 extra pairs of the part that broke. My backup mask now lives in my gear bag as well. If the pin breaks at depth, I can complete the dive w/o the strap, but at least I'd be able to START the dive. :) RichLockyer March 17th, 2003, 03:53 AM Arnaud once bubbled... How about split windows? Is there a problem with a single lense? Single pane is not an issue... they just generally tend to be higher volume. The Halcyon mask is a low-volume single pane. Could be a problem for divers with big noses. RichLockyer March 17th, 2003, 04:01 AM Arnaud once bubbled... I just ordered the book a few days ago. Haven't received it, yet... Here's the Halcyon mask: http://www.halcyon.net/acc/accessories02.shtml#mask Here's GUE's statement: http://www.gue.com/equipment/mask.shtml And here's (at the bottom) Rob dressed out: http://www.halcyon.net/approach/index.shtml boomx5 March 17th, 2003, 11:20 AM RichLockyer once bubbled... Also (as I discovered in DIR-F) a LOT easier to replace over a neoprene hood. I looked like a complete goof on the video trying to get the thing back on. That was me looking like a complete goof on the video. You looked alot more slick.;) Pez de Diablo March 17th, 2003, 12:12 PM Aquamaniac once bubbled... I just bought an Oceanic Shadow, frameless, black I am REALLY impressed with it. But thats mainly because it fits me Very well. I just bought an Oceanic Shadow as well. I wasn't sold on the fit while in the shop, so off to the pool I went. I tried on a Cressi-Sub and the Shadow. A dificult choice, but the Shadow prevailed. Pez Arnaud March 17th, 2003, 12:23 PM Thanks for the explanations. Looks like there's at least one item where Halcyon is cheaper than other brands... I'm not clear on the neoprene strap. Do you use it in lieu of the regular strap or do you add it to it? Both types seem to be available. Has anyone a picture showing their favorite one? boomx5 March 17th, 2003, 12:54 PM I use the Trident velcro strap. It's model #RP49:) http://www.mikesscuba.com/maskstraps.htm RichLockyer March 17th, 2003, 09:29 PM boomx5 once bubbled... That was me looking like a complete goof on the video. You looked alot more slick.;) Nahh... that was just the sexy blue TLS and TX100... rule #6 ya know. BTW: I modded my backup, stage reg, and my buddy's TX40 so they are now all adjustable. Parts cost me about $35+tax at the LDS. RichLockyer March 17th, 2003, 09:31 PM boomx5 once bubbled... I use the Trident velcro strap. It's model #RP49:) http://www.mikesscuba.com/maskstraps.htm I use the 5thD slap strap on my main mask, and an Empire Scuba slap strap on my backup.... similar to the Trident Snap strap, but a different buckle... I can just see kelp grabbing that weight buckle-like fastener and stealing my mask. JeffG March 17th, 2003, 11:17 PM Arnaud once bubbled... <snip> I'm not clear on the neoprene strap. Do you use it in lieu of the regular strap or do you add it to it? Both types seem to be available. Has anyone a picture showing their favorite one? In Lieu of. In GI3 view they are almost indestructible. But I don't have a picture of it. (They look the same as "normal" mask straps) Arnaud March 17th, 2003, 11:41 PM Thanks Jeff. Long time! DIR Tec Diver March 24th, 2003, 03:30 PM I use the Halcyon mask, and yes I must admit I purchased it initially because it was DIR approved and recommended by many excellent divers. Honestly, I love the way it fits, feels and I am extremely happy with it. With most things I am EXTREMELY strict on the standards and that ALL gear is DIR approved and configured, but in the issue of masks, I think if you get: low volume very high quality silicone no pins on the swivels/strap adjustment points you are good to go icediver March 24th, 2003, 10:30 PM I have seen some clones of the scubaPro framless mask. Not sure who is making them but look around. They are cheaper than what I paid for mine. T
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