Boingo
Contributor
Are the lenses replaceable on the spectrums?
OTS Spectrum reviews ?
- Thread starter emoreira
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Scubapro67
Contributor
OTS will change the lense for $50
Just completed 3 days of diving in Cozumel with my new Spectrum. It was the best diving experience I have ever had. I have always had problems with significant leaking...to the point where I had pretty much given up on diving. With the Spectrum I had zero leaking. Zero. I could get in any position without any concern for water sloshing around in my mask. No more constant clearing of the mask. It was awesome!
I had zero fogging. I took great care to apply 200ft VIZ defog hours before the dive (if not the night before). I let it dry and then buffed it out with a microfiber cloth. ZERO fogging.
I do have the ABS installed and I consider that a must have on the mask.
My air consumption was a little higher than in the past. Could have been the mask. Could be that it has been some years since I had been diving.
Some words of caution for those thinking about buying a Spectrum. Be aware that it does not work with all second stages. You cannot use a second stage that has a double lip barrel. So, take the mouthpiece off of your second stage to check before you buy the mask. If you have a US Diver Conshelf 21, don't bother checking. If has a double lip.
The mask will not work with all regulators. I replaced my Conshelf 2nd stage with a Trident LX second stage. The mask fit on the second stage, but the Conshelf 21 first stage couldn't deliver enough air to keep the mask from shuddering when I inhaled. The good folks at OTS explained that any full fask mask can shudder and they saw that most frequently with low-end regulators (like a 30 year old Conshelf 21).
So, my mask ended up being pretty expensive as I replaced my Conshelf 21 with a Aqua Lung Legend LX. But I couldn't be happier because it works like a dream and the investment has restored my enthusiasm for diving. When my wife saw the credit card statement, she told me I better do a lot of diving. So, it has worked out really well.
Despite the cautions mentioned above, please take this post as a huge endorsement for the mask.
I had zero fogging. I took great care to apply 200ft VIZ defog hours before the dive (if not the night before). I let it dry and then buffed it out with a microfiber cloth. ZERO fogging.
I do have the ABS installed and I consider that a must have on the mask.
My air consumption was a little higher than in the past. Could have been the mask. Could be that it has been some years since I had been diving.
Some words of caution for those thinking about buying a Spectrum. Be aware that it does not work with all second stages. You cannot use a second stage that has a double lip barrel. So, take the mouthpiece off of your second stage to check before you buy the mask. If you have a US Diver Conshelf 21, don't bother checking. If has a double lip.
The mask will not work with all regulators. I replaced my Conshelf 2nd stage with a Trident LX second stage. The mask fit on the second stage, but the Conshelf 21 first stage couldn't deliver enough air to keep the mask from shuddering when I inhaled. The good folks at OTS explained that any full fask mask can shudder and they saw that most frequently with low-end regulators (like a 30 year old Conshelf 21).
So, my mask ended up being pretty expensive as I replaced my Conshelf 21 with a Aqua Lung Legend LX. But I couldn't be happier because it works like a dream and the investment has restored my enthusiasm for diving. When my wife saw the credit card statement, she told me I better do a lot of diving. So, it has worked out really well.
Despite the cautions mentioned above, please take this post as a huge endorsement for the mask.
can someone please post a picture of what a "double lip barrel" looks like?
anelson-OTS
Contributor
I have a spectrum and use a HOG Classic second on it. Fun mask. Plus the price was right. Less than a Hollis M1 from the source I got it.
This is a long time coming, but I wanted to wait until I had the ABV and a good amount of dives with the Spectrum before I gave my impressions on it. Long story short, its an incredible mask, and the minor issues I had with it were a result of user error. I know there aren't a ton of reviews out there, so hopefully mine will help people with the decision. I have completed over 40 dives with the mask and here are my impressions:
The first few times I used it, the lower lip of the mask kept slipping out from under my chin. Once I got used to the fit, I adjusted the straps and stopped having that problem. On a few dives, the mask would also shudder when I breathed or moved suddenly. I tuned the breathing on my regulator, and the issue stopped completely. The mask seals really well, and after following the directions from OTS to break in and treat the mask, I have never had a problem with fogging either. It keeps your face warm during cold water dives, and the ability to equalize without a nose block, while still retaining a full-face mask capability is amazing. The ABV really helps save on gas during long surface swims, and will not take in water into your mask even if you are 1-2 feet underwater.
Only recommendations I have is to get a QD attachment for your regulator, because zip tying it into your mask can be a real pain. Right now I have a single SP G260 attached to it, and I only plan on taking it off for maintenance and an occasional deep clean. I would also highly recommend that you practice donning and doffing the mask, and switching to your secondary/octo if something goes wrong. It also wouldnt hurt to carry a pair of goggles or a secondary mask just in case.
I love my Spectrum, and it will be really hard to ever dive with a normal mask again. Is it necessary for most divers? Nope. Is it a real nice mask to have if you have the funds? Absolutely.
The first few times I used it, the lower lip of the mask kept slipping out from under my chin. Once I got used to the fit, I adjusted the straps and stopped having that problem. On a few dives, the mask would also shudder when I breathed or moved suddenly. I tuned the breathing on my regulator, and the issue stopped completely. The mask seals really well, and after following the directions from OTS to break in and treat the mask, I have never had a problem with fogging either. It keeps your face warm during cold water dives, and the ability to equalize without a nose block, while still retaining a full-face mask capability is amazing. The ABV really helps save on gas during long surface swims, and will not take in water into your mask even if you are 1-2 feet underwater.
Only recommendations I have is to get a QD attachment for your regulator, because zip tying it into your mask can be a real pain. Right now I have a single SP G260 attached to it, and I only plan on taking it off for maintenance and an occasional deep clean. I would also highly recommend that you practice donning and doffing the mask, and switching to your secondary/octo if something goes wrong. It also wouldnt hurt to carry a pair of goggles or a secondary mask just in case.
I love my Spectrum, and it will be really hard to ever dive with a normal mask again. Is it necessary for most divers? Nope. Is it a real nice mask to have if you have the funds? Absolutely.
anelson-OTS
Contributor
Takimbe,
Thanks so much for sharing your review of our Spectrum Full Face Mask! Do you happen to have a photo you'd be OK to share with your review so that we may post on our Social Media pages / monthly newsletter?
Feel free to email me at : anelson@otscomm.com or reply here
Cheers!
Thanks so much for sharing your review of our Spectrum Full Face Mask! Do you happen to have a photo you'd be OK to share with your review so that we may post on our Social Media pages / monthly newsletter?
Feel free to email me at : anelson@otscomm.com or reply here
Cheers!
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