Full Face Mask Showdown Ocean Reef Versus OTS

[@jasonmoretz5885]

We had an awesome time trying out both masks. As Michael and I talked about it in the way home, there are smaller things about each we liked and would love to have the best of both. However, we both agreed the Ocean Reef was best for us, but it’s all personal preference!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

In our next video Jason, I plan on discussing all the Pro's and Con's to each mask. We want to thank both you and Michael for helping us our with the video.

[@toms4022]

A full face mask I found to be the most comfortable but slightly more expensive was the Apollo bio-pro, It fit my face better than both OTS and guardian with better field of vision. If it's in budget I would highly recommend trying the Apollo

[@DonovanCYoung]

It's so hard to find any information comparing FFMs, so THANK YOU for doing this! Looking forward to the next video comparing features. Keep it up guys!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome Donovan, we plan on doing more of these in the future.

[@phillipborbon6598]

I took a full face mask course my self, pretty much like the reef also, but I have not tried the ots as of yet to distinguish the both.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Phillip, if you have an OTS dealer local to you, ask them if you can try it, to see what you think. Most of our divers here in our area prefer the Ocean Reef over the OTS, but occasionally we will have one that likes OTS better.

[@mague76]

I had one of the first gen of the OTS full face mask the one with the regulator reversed off the left side. It was a good mask, I really liked it but it was uncomfortable to wear for long periods and always seemed lopsided due to regulator sticking out the side. This is from 14 years as a law enforcement rescue recovery diver.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Charles Lair, thank you for you services as a Rescue Recovery Diver. We like both OTS and Ocean Reef.

[@bikeon143]

Couple of questions; What if you wear glasses for reading, my current scuba mask has bifocal inserts so I can read my dive computer and SPG. If I went with a FF mask, I wonder if I could put in those (cheap) bifocal stick on devices and make sure before and after each dive, that the readers are still there. Second, can you unplug the regulator hose easily and switch to a different tank, like if using side mount...I don't do any cave dives but I like side mount for my back.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello bikeon143, great question. In regards to the bifocals, Ocean Reef has an insert that allows you to use any prescription you may need (diving.oceanreefgroup.com/product/optical_lens_support/). As for switching cylinders, Ocean Reef has a gas switch block as well. Here is a video showing you how it works. (kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2Pam3hrnZWmjqc) Hope this helps.

[@Neptune730]

I have never dove the Ocean Reef or the OTS. But I do dive the Interspiro Divator MKII Posative Pressure. I love it. I wouldn't mind comparing the Divator to the OTS. I know they are vary similar.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Neptune's Creations, glad to hear the Divator MKII works for you. Its definitely a well built mask.

[@Will-ol9lp]

You do a great job and I know it takes a lot of time away from y’all family when all is said and done. Thank y’all for doing them When I was watching the jr master diver take off his regular dive mask to put and clear the full face mask I saw him just put his regular diving mask on the pool floor and went to the full face mask to do the procedures. I have always been trained that you put or clip your mask back so it doesn’t float away by the currents so if something does go wrong you can put back on your regular face mask and can see, and your eyes ect are safe again so you can make it back to the land or boat is. Thanks

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You are correct, clipping off or putting your mask in your pocket is the ideal thing to do. Michael is still learning.

[@mannymilles]

Hello Lake Hickory Scuba Center, a long period of time has passed since you guys published this video but based on your current experience witch of these two full masks blurred/ fogs up the most, during the dive??? Regards

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Manny Milles, in our experience, fogging issues are caused by the mask not being properly seated against a diver's face. As far as brand, they all can fog for the same reason.

[@JohnJones-iq7uj]

Finally, Finally someone addresses the issue with extra buoyancy when diving FFM. No other reviews or videos talk about it, but I love my ocean reef gdiver mask, and yes, every time I have to make sure I add an additional two pounds, otherwise I'm too floaty at the end of the dive to make a proper safety stop. Thanks for the video.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome John Jones, and thank you for watching our video. Personally I have never had an issue with the buoyancy, as Jason mentioned in the video. However, it is understandable considering the mask creates a large air space, thus causing more positive buoyancy for the diver.

[@timothyberlinski2299]

Is there anyway to keep from free flowing when looking down? My neptune 2 does that

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Timothy Berlinski, there sure is. With the Ocean Reef line of mask, there are several ways you can prevent a free flow. If you have the G-Divers series, you can simply adjust the cracking pressure while in the inverted position, and this will stop the free flow. If you have any of the professional series of mask (Space, Predator, or Iron Mask), they all come with an adjustable exhaust port. This prevents a free flow while inverted. A cool little fun fact, the new Neptune 3 has an updated design, that completely eliminates free flows while inverted. Feel free to check out our review of it here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5SoZaqmgt9nftU. Hope this helps.

[@timothyberlinski2299]

@@LakeHickoryScuba just bought a neptune 3 excited to try it

[@martinlewis1015]

I mainly dive below 9M and in a river, ive not dived for sometime as weather and or tank needed testing. Now though I want to get back into river but held back by 1% chance of epilepsy seizure, hence why I want to use a ffm and being able to talk to dive buddy. I have read though that ffm you use up more air. Using normal mask I slow breathing down without holding breath and can make a 94cl tank last for 2h. But will it work on ffm if you have to put more pressure to breath?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Martin Lewis, each diver will have a different outcome. Some divers have an increased SAC rate while other lower theirs. It all depends on how comfortable you feel underwater.

[@DanaCrosby]

Will the reef defog in use ?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello DanaCrosby that is a great question. Both the Ocean Reef and the OTS will stay fog free, as each mask is constantly taking on fresh air with each breath.

[@NotGreig]

Hello, fantastic demo. I have a question. I am finding the buoyancy in the full face masks very hard to deal with. It is almost like the mask is going to lift off my face. Do you know what i mean?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Greig King, sorry to hear that you are having trouble with this. We have never really had that issue, I would suggest though to make sure that the mask is adjusted properly. One mistake a lot of divers make is, they over tighten the top straps. This can cause some divers to not feel comfortable underwater, thus leading them to not fully exhale. This of course can lead to bad buoyancy control.

[@NotGreig]

@@LakeHickoryScuba i will try this out tomorrow when im at the pool, thanks

[@hunterharrison4534]

Great video! After much research and hours talking to people I have decided the Ocean Reef as well. I do have a question for you, what Lights & mounts are you using on your mask extender kit?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

I am currently using the Lil Powerhouse from Comfort Zone Scuba.

[@pinnacledivingco]

Why didn’t you do a comparison using the OTS Spectrum? That way the regulator setup would be the same. It would have been a more comparable comparison.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Pinnacle Diving Company PDC. The OTS Spectrum is not a model that we carry nor have in stock. We would be happy to do a comparison test between the OTS Spectrum and the Ocean Reef complete line if you have one to send us. Thanks.

[@rambojohn-j2847]

One is bubbles in the face the other blows it out the side. I would get ots for home pool hookah tank line etc.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

It seems to be a pretty 50/50 split.

[@miggyenjambre8735]

full face mask or ots, how do you decompress when you cannot press and hold your nose... does it consume more air than the conventional?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Miggy Enjambre, both mask are equipped with a small block that seals to you nose and allows you to equalize your ears while diving.

[@eddypoon007]

great video ! its difficult to find info about full face mask. thx!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Thanks EDDY POON, glad you liked the video.

[@lalalamomomo]

how easy is it to take them off in case of an emergancy ?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Pretty easy, all this comes with proper training Jungle Juno.

[@tdphoto81]

What type of weight pockets did you have installed on the XR Wings?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

The one you see in the video, are the SLS pockets from Mares. But you can add any manufacturers. My personal XR system has two small Mares trim pouches attached to my lower tank cam band.

[@tdphoto81]

Thanks for your answer, i have never seen a SLS pocket for the XR Wing? Is this an special version? Don't find something like this on the web. I use at the moment 4 Mares trim pouches and two XR weight pockets on the side of my red Devil, but thats not the best option, because there are no separat pockets for the weight. Greetings from Switzerland, Tino @@LakeHickoryScuba

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Tino, the SSI Pro version of the Red Devil comes with the SLS weight system pre-attached. Unfortunately this model is only available to SSI Professionals. I have a set of the XR weight pouches as well, but I never use them. I primarily use a steel plate, so the addition of extra weight is not necessary for me. If you decide to purchase a set of the SLS pockets, you will have to order both the pouches and the pockets separate, as they do not come together. Also, you will need two plastic TriGlides to hold them in place. If you try to use standard metal TriGlides, the pockets will simply slip over them, and your pockets will slide around.

[@ralphgarcia3544]

Where's the M48 Mod 1 from Kirby Morgan?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Wished I had one Ralph Garcia.

[@tonysmith172]

Definitely the OTS. I LOVE mine

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Tony Smith, OTS makes a great product. We still have several of our Pro's that prefer them over the Ocean Reef.

[@itsyaboimat2393]

Brian would it be possible for you to do a video on the Kirby Morgan m48 mod 1 vs the ocean reef FFM because I'm getting ready to do my open water course this spring and I can't choose between the two

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello GimpGunfighter, I would love to do a video on those two mask, unfortunately, I don't have a Kirby Morgan m48.

[@diversdown2116]

my first mask was a kirby exo = over kill and have used both ots & ocean reef and i purchased the ocean reef. Do tell where did u get the lite mounts? and one other thing can a ocean reef communicate with a ots ?????????

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello b st john, here is a link to the lights you see mounted on my mask (kzbin.info/www/bejne/opuXY6ieod6kd5o), we sell them here at the shop. As far as communications being compatible with OTS, yes they are. We will be talking about that in the next video.

[@diversdown2116]

@@LakeHickoryScuba thank you

[@mattg3191]

My first (and current) is Hollis MOD-1. I absolutely love it EXCEPT for the fact that the lower field of vision is not so great. I'm unable to see my chest, harness, etc. Due to the rigid frame, you can only physically bow your head so far. Other than that I love it and bought it mostly due to the Modular build. You can do gas switches/bailouts without removing your mask. Also, there's always a mouthpiece so the POD can be flooded but you push the reg in your mouth and you're good; take all the time you want to clear the pod.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome b st john

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

I've never used the Hollis MOD-1, but have always heard good things about it.

[@Will-ol9lp]

If he was my son I would be very proud of what he has accomplished in SCUBA diving community. Just looking for a fellow SCUBA dive and one that I would dive with any time.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Not sure where you are located Will, but we have an organization here called the Piedmont Diving & Rescue Association (NCPDRA), and we currently have over 1000 members. It owns 3 quarries throughout our state, and as a member you have 24/7 access. There is always people to dive with. Here is the link if you would like to check it out. ncpdra.org/

[@twospoileddivers7036]

In an inverted /severe head down position the exhale valve is higher than the inhale valve causing the ocean reef to free flow.The manufactures solution is to adjust the regulator not fix the faulty design .The comms between both units are both much different in clarity. Ford vs Chevy debate Both have pluses and minuses We had 9 predator masks the Gdiver mask is much better than their top of the line mask. Had a multitude of other problems. Appreciate your videos and continuing commitment to educate divers.

[@Ranger_k16]

check out the Kirby morgan supermask and the M48 mod1. I just ordered mine and can't wait to try it out!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

TwoSpoildDivers, I agree with you 100% in regards to the faulty design issues. No matter the reason, each time I go inverted, my Full Face Mask begins to Free Flow. The Space Model and higher comes with an adjustable exhaust which helps out a lot, and it can be added to the G-Divers as well. Unfortunately, you have to remember to rotate it back into position once your body is no longer inverted. Between all of the Ocean Reef series, I have used the G-Divers, the Space, and the Iron Mask the most, and like you, I prefer G-Divers, after customization of course.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

I am a huge fan of any Kirby Morgan. Unfortunately, it difficult for your typical dive shop to sell them to the recreational market.

[@scubasteveandunderwaterroc3547]

I was talking to a fellow diver about a ffm and he said your air consumption would be higher with one vs with a traditional make and reg. Is this true? Also of it is why is it like that? Thanks

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Scuba Steve, for me personally, my Air Consumption goes way up with a Full Face Mask. For others it comes down. Air consumption is controlled by many factors, primarily how comfortable is a diver when they are underwater. I wear a Full Face Mask at least 3 days a week, and for the primary purpose of doing Salvage and Public Safety work. This being said, my mind set is focused more so on the task at hand, and not so much at controlling my breathing. So my air consumption goes way up. Several of our professionals here at the shop have the opposite effect, and their air consumption goes down.

[@PlaneDrvr99]

I have been diving the Ocean Reef for about a year now. I can say that my air consumption has gone up while using the FFM. My normal regulator is a Atomic B2 which breaths almost effortlessly. I always seem to use very little air when on my Atomic. I did have my Ocean Reef FFM bench checked and put on the flow meter to make sure it was tuned properly. I think it takes lots of practice to really get the breathing control down with a FFM. That's just my opinion. I love my Ocean Reef and do not regret buying it at all. I try to use it as much as possible as practice makes perfect.

[@LarsSveen]

I have an older Ocean Reef FFM. The purge button fell off and there is no way to purge it now (purge button on the older model is a small hard plastic insert). I tried getting Ocean Reef to replace it, but they say they will no longer support it and want me to buy a new model. Do you have any experience with that issue? Any suggestions as to who I might contact to service it?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Lars, I've not heard of that happening before. Typically with most manufactures, once new models come out, they only allow a brief period (this could be 1 year to 10 years) that they will support older models. This could be for a number of reasons. Depending on what model you have, there are several Ocean Reef Dealers that are also repair centers, and they may have extra older parts laying around. I tend to update my Full Face Mask about every 5 years. Technology in the Scuba Industry grows so rapidly, and it can get expensive trying to keep up with it. But on the upside, compared to buying a new car every 5 years, or in some cases a new car once a year, upgrading dive gear is not that expensive. You may be able to find replacement parts for purge buttons on EBAY. Also write a post on ScubaBoard, as it is a great place as well to connect with divers from all over the world that may have parts laying around.

[@samuelmarcano6052]

Great video! are the communications systems compatable?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Yes Samuel, they are. You simple match the channels up if you are using a dual channel system, and you can communicate with each other.

[@samuelmarcano6052]

Thank you very much.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome.

[@Apriliars]

11:00 for the actual review

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Thanks for pointing that out Aprilia rs.

[@DanTheMan0101]

How to you equalize in those masks?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

One of the things you will learn during your Full Face Mask Course is how to equalize. In short, there are small little rubber pieces that close off your nostrils, which will allow you to still use the valsalva method to equalize. You can also still wiggle your jaw and swallow to equalize as well.

[@toms4022]

I removed the nose blocks all together, although I have never needed to pinch my nose to equalise. I spend about 5-6 hours underwater during a dive and I don't think I could ever go back to a mouth piece regulator. These things are so great for jaw fatigue... And no fog ever is amazing

[@GinEric84]

@@toms4022 what kind of diving are you doing?

[@toms4022]

@@GinEric84 commercial fishing for sea urchin. You want a job? ;) It's pretty easy going

[@GinEric84]

@@toms4022 sounds like a sweet gig

[@Will-ol9lp]

Thank you. I’m located on the West Cost of Florida. If I ever get up y’all way I’ll look y’all up and we go for a dive

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome, Sounds good.

[@philbess5799]

Great comparison of the features Brian.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Thanks Phil, glad you liked our video.

[@PedroPolidano1]

Very interesting video, lots of info but the guy with camera was moving allot, other than that everything was pretty clear, now is ider of this full face masks manufactured by Mares, because I saw lots of Mares brand items in the video and I am not a fun of that particular brand, but other than that I really think this video was excellent, thanks

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello PedroPolidano1, the two mask featured in this video was the Ocean Reef G- Divers and the OTS Guardian. Unfortunately, Mares does not manufacture Full Face Mask.

[@deyaralabdulbaqi2432]

Thank you so so much for this video.. Now I'll be more comfortable choosing my full face mask 👌🏼 I am excited to see the next video ..the pros and cons of each Thank you again 😊

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome. And stay tuned, hopefully we will have it up by tomorrow.

[@SeattleRingHunter]

Excellent hard to find content once again thank you!!!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome Jeff.

[@AQUADOMIA1]

Hello thank you for your video, a very good one concerning Full Face Mask. I am a french scuba instructor and I also would like to teach with OTS :-) :-)

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello AQUADOMIA Formation plongee sous-marine, glad you liked the video. Full Face Mask are very popular in our area.

[@Will-ol9lp]

Yes I did see all of that as well

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

By the end of the night, he was very proficient using the Full Face Mask.

[@MDRPerformance]

thanks for doing this test. I have been trying to decide for the last 6 months on which one to get. I ended up getting the guardian simply because a few of the divers use OTS stuff and while they are said to be able to communicate between brands I just wanted to make sure there weren't any hiccups. I plan on looking out for a space extender mask used or on sale and might just get both. thanks again for the video, I have watched most of your content and value your opinions and thoughts. Keep up the good work!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Mike, thank you for being a Subsciber. You will not be disappointed with the Guardian, it is a great mask. Its always good to have gear that matches you local dive buddies, as it makes servicing easier. Plus you guys will be comfortable working with each other as well. We should have another comparison video up sometime after lunch today, so stay tuned for it as well.

[@andrebakkers6619]

The best FFM for me is the scubapro.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Andre Bakkers, glad to know the ScubaPro is working for you.

[@BlueHorizonDiving]

Great informative video as always. Thank you.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome, glad you liked it.

[@Will-ol9lp]

I do understand that and that he is still new to the sport. But at the same time and given his dive level that should of been programmed into him way before he got his jr dive master

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

I agree with you Will, however, we call it progression of training. Unfortunately, most of the training session was not recorded, as focusing on my students trumps filming a KZbin video. We believe in a stair step approach to teaching. We start by teaching the basics, then work them up to the higher levels. And example is for the new student who is learning mask removal and replace. They start by kneeling in the shallow end and they learn how to remove and replace their mask. Then we have them do it in a horizontal swimming position. Then we make them hover in place and do it again. Finally, once we have worked our way down to the deep end, we have them do it mid skill, while attempting another skill such as a cramp removal. This training progression allows them to fine tune their skills gradually, before we advance them on to the Open Water Check Outs. What you saw in the video, was Michael's first attempt at performing the skill. If you look closely enough, you will even see him switch back to his alternate second stage, as he had a little trouble seating the Full Face Mask on his first attempt.

[@jasonmoretz5885]

Hey Will!! You picked up on some great fine points. I’m Michael’s dad, the other “student” (and AI) in the video. You are most certainly correct that clipping the mask back is the way to go. When we were discussing the skill on the surface, the instructor said clip it, however since it was the first time, just lay the mask down to figure out the skill. We did the same thing a second time with the other mask and did ensure he clipped it. Like Bryan mentioned it’s all about progression. I can’t remember if I did it the first time or not. Even though I’m his dad, and bias, he’s a great diver. I’m always impressed how when something doesn’t go ultra smooth he never panics or gets anxious, like I. The video. Like in the video the mask wasn’t completely sealed, so he went back to his alternate to reseat the mask.

[@GlamazonBarbie]

I Love You! I Love You! I Love You! Thank you so much for this video! I've been wanting a FFM and I've been leaning towards Ocean Reef, but I kept going back to OTS as well. My mind is made up. I'm getting the Ocean Reef G.divers Pink FFM.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome. Glad our video helped make your decision easier.

[@KG4JYS]

Holy volume problem, batman! Like the concept but the talking is so quiet that you have to turn it way up. Then the little music sequence kicks in and blows your ears out! It happens several times. You guys should edit this thing and normalize the volume some, or just mute the music portion if you don't know how to do that. Anyway, I've got a couple of the ocean reef masks. Dove them for about a year (about 50 dives) and went back to regular mask/regulator. They "burp" gas a lot, and it gas limits every dive long before I can hit an NDL. I've always been curious if the guardian would be better, but don't want to sink thousands into them to find out. Unfortunately you guys are way too far away for me to visit and local shops (that have pools and rental or trial gear) all sell ocean reef or nothing when it comes to FFM.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Aaron Kelly, sorry to hear that you had trouble while diving a Full Face Mask.

[@solvenprepper6906]

OTS Guardian for me.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello @solvenprepper6906, glad the OTS Guardian is working for you.

[@kiwikrew8036]

There are twins in my school called Jason and Mikcle

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

That’s pretty cool.

[@michaeladams9786]

Lucky for me my eyes don’t really get effected by chlorine 🙂😂🤣😂

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

That is awesome Michael Adams, I wished mine didn't.

[@Ranger_k16]

HUGE thumbs down Brian! it clearly says "NO DIVING" and what are you all doing?! diving! you give us law abiding(weren't you a cop and a Sheriff?) divers a bad name. haha

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

LOL, you should see the sign that says "No Peeing in the Pool." By that standards I should be on death row. I feel pretty confident, the no diving sign is meant for people not to dive into the pool, in the shallow end.

[@user-ek1ws6og2h]

DIVING AS IN JUMPING

[@revtechmarine]

Okay funny enough I think what you've proven here is what everybody already knows LOL not to say your students average but generally speaking anyone in the recreational setting will always seem to be more in tune with the Ocean Reef series they are just simply better design and come from a place of the Open Water diver in mine they were created to fill a gap in the market originally and have done very well over the years executing it however OTs came from the commercial World down to the recreational world Ergo we have something that's built on liability and performance and integrity so I say six of one and half dozen of the other I'd suggest to any diver to fit the equipment to the purpose of their diving but just a mutt it all up with my $0.02 hands down Ocean Reef everyday except on the days people are paying me LOL

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

This will be addressed in the next video as well. Ocean Reef has grown rapidly in the recreational market, to where OTS came from the Commercial side. When we look at the industry as a whole, there are way more recreational fun divers swimming around, than there are working divers. The good news is, both companies continue to have new innovations that will help keep divers safe, and feel comfortable underwater. One thing that I didn't mention in the video is, ironically even though I use my Full Face Mask several times a week, I am old school and would much rather have just a plain old mask and second stage.