My Datamask review

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saltfly

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Over the last month or so some members have asked for my review, but my trips kept getting cancelled. Last week I finally was able to do Cozumel and use the mask for the first time.

The week before that I thought it wise to try it in a pool session, and figure out the buttons and such. That went well, but every 10 minutes or so I would lose the transmitter signal. If I rolled over or changed position, it would come back. I was concerned enough that I brought my old computer with me as a backup. It must have been interference within the pool, because over 10 dives in Coz, as deep as 130 feet, I never lost the linkage once. The hardware and software worked perfectly.

Other miscellaneous observations:

1) When you hold it in your hand, or put it on for the first time, it is heavier and larger than a regular mask. You get over that after the first dive. Haven't given it any thought since then.

2) The fit isn't as good as my usual mask, and I had some leakage from time to time, following a stride entry. At 12 feet I'd notice the seal wasn't right. Could be my face, or the fact that I didn't shave all week.

3) They say interior volume is more, but I had no problem flooding and clearing.

4) Range of vision is fine. I put a magnifier on the right side for camera work.

5) Video work is where it shines. Never a distraction when you are filming. The heads-up display is a natural for this kind of thing. Safety stops too.

6)Only complaint - when you switch tanks, for example, you have to put on the mask to check your PSI (and bend over towards the transmitter). I'm going to add a small button gauge right on the first stage for convenience.

7) Did a great night dive. The brightness of the heads up is easy to adjust downward so you are not blinded. Great feature.

8) I added a teather, in case it is knocked off - losing both the mask and the computer would immediately end the dive.

9) I get asked alot of questions.

That's it. I'm thrilled with it.
 
Thnx for the info
 
Tether is a good idea. One thing to loose a $100 mask, another entirely for a $1000 mask...
 
I was very, very tempted to buy one, but decided to hold off in case they came down in price. Many thanks for the review - really useful.
 
Rhone, The price actually goes UP after the 31st. They have been on sale since September (I believe) but that sale ends this month. You can pick up a new one for $1195 now, but it jumps to $1495 in 2009.

I am planning on trading mine up to the NEW OC1 (Hoseless wrist w/ built in compass) when they come out this Feb/March. I will sell you mine for $900.
 
How does the tether work? What did you use, where do you attach on both the mask and your body, suit, ?
I love my Datamask so far but could see my klutzy self :dork2: dropping it in mucho deep water!!!

Thanks
 
Just an 18" long piece of light line with snaps at either end. One snap to a snorkel retainer on the mask strap, the other to by BC.
 
I've had my Datamask for just over a year. I like it for vacation/ fun diving, but found it not to be very practical for working with classes. For me any way, it takes 2-3 breaths for me to effectively clear it. I have a low volume mask that I use for classes for this exercise. I also agree with the sizing of the mask. It would be great if they would make a size smaller mask. Other than that, I also love the mask & the info it gives.
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/teric/

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