Let's Compare Ocean Reef To OTS

[@peakbagger7682]

Hi Thanks for the great video. I own a G-Diver Ocean Reef. Mine is the larger of the two sizes; it seems to fit well, but I have problems with continuosly air going out of the top of the mask past the seal. By pulling the straps tighter, the mask becomes uncomfortable but doesn't really stop the air from passing over the top of my head. I bought dry suit with a dry hood; that stopped the air from passing over the top of my head but not pushes some air out through my dry hood's button valve. The mask sometimes fogs or fogs only on the left side. If I am upsidedown, the mask freeflows pretty bad. You mentioned that a diver can get different sizes of skirts, I think. I didn't know that. My wife's smaller Ocean Reef ffm worked fine for her. Also, my wife & I have not been successfull with the Ocean Reef coms unit. We only hear garbled speech. We sent the coms into Ocean Reef under warranty.They changed out the mike cables; their Italian tech, who was visiting, tested the coms and said they worked fine. Still my wife & I are not able to communicate; She says she can hear me, but her speech still comes in garbled. I sent my G-Diver out for overhaul & inspection but haven't got it back yet. I am thinking of dumping it on eBay.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Willis, sorry to hear you are having difficulties with the Ocean Reef System. In regards to the communication units, the key is to speak very slowly and articulated. Each of our students go through an additional pool session to learn how to speak properly through the communications system. Most FFM Instructors can teach the Communication Course in conjunction with the FFM Course. As far as the mask fogging up, this is primarily a fit issue. I always will tighten my side straps first, then my bottom straps, and 90% of the time my top straps are barely tightened. If you tighten them to much, it can cause the mask to not only fog up, but it will also cause it to not seal properly underneath your chin. If you continue to have issues with it, look into the OTS system. Both have served me well over the years.

[@markhammer6971]

I use and love this OTS Guardian mask. I bought a rail system for the right side of the mask that mounts my gopro and flashlight. The problem with the gopro on the left side is that is your exhaust and i find bubbles get in the way of the video.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

We have a diver that uses an OTS Guardian as well, and he has the same complaint.

[@SubmergedAngel]

Great video, I'm a ffm instructor and imo both masks are great but I do prefer the ocean reef.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello SubmergedAngel, we encourage divers to try both to see which one fits them the best.

[@SubmergedAngel]

@@LakeHickoryScuba agree, I would say that more than half of my students have purchased a particular mask prior to attending the course. Hopefully after viewing vids such as this one. Some of the time it's not until they have tried to used them on a commercial boat that have asked them for qualifications. My recommendation to anyone reading this who is about to purchase a ffm is to contact an instructor first and organise a time to try both types prior to deciding. Thanks again for the video.

[@motivationandtravelchannel4575]

Great information I have the Ocean Reef Neptune Space Predator and I love it!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Glad to hear. We prefer them as well.

[@jonramsay5123]

Any experience with the Scubapro Galileo HUD being mounted on either of these?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Jon Ramsay, unfortunately no, I don't have any experience with it.

[@sapperstang]

Great video that I have watched at least a half dozen times. I just completed my FFM class and during the check out dives I wore both masks. I found the OTS has a very limited field of view but I liked the placement of the ABV. I found the ABV on the Ocean Reef to be somewhat difficult to manipulate due to its placement. I liked the strap system on the OTS better. You didn't cover the nose blocks but I found the system on the OTS far easier to use than the Ocean Reef. The OTS made my head very buoyant which took some getting used to, I didn't notice this at all on the Ocean Reef. Lastly, the Ocean Reef would free flow when I looked down. Most of my diving involves me needing to look down so the fact the Ocean Reef free-flowed in this posture was a deal breaker. I will say though that the Ocean Reef mask I used didn't have an adjustment on the chin as you described in the video. If the free flow problem can be fixed, I would feel better about it.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello sapperstang, about the only way to fix the free flow issue in the Ocean Reef, which I have issues with as well, is to replace the exhaust port with an adjustable one. Any Ocean Reef service technician can do this for you.

[@guybeasley2593]

Thank you for taking the time to compare the masks. It's really helpful. I have a few questions. How would you rate the two masks to work of breathing at technical diving depths. Does your FFM affect your SAC rate? Are they more or less reliable than traditional seconds? Are they any more difficult to service than traditional second stages?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Great questions Guy. As far as breath-ability, they are fine, as long as the are properly adjusted. For me, a Full Face Mask increases my SAC rate quite a bit. Since the mask itself is a large air space, it takes more to fill it up. Thus my SAC goes up. For others though, it will go down. It is all determined based off a diver's comfort level. When I wear mine, primarily for Public Safety Diving and Salvage Diving, I am usually in work mode, and my SAC rate goes up anyways. As far as reliability compared to traditional second stages, I trust them. I would have no problem letting my children use them. As far as servicing them, yes they can be a beast sometimes.

[@amoledor]

SAC?

[@bloodwizard9675]

@@amoledor Surface Air Consumption Rate

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

SAC stands for Surface Air Consumption Rate, not to be confused with RMV (Respiratory Minute Volume).

[@seikibrian8641]

I wanted to get into full-face mask diving, but didn't want to invest as much as the usual FFMs cost. I went with the OTS Spectrum, which works with my current regulators; in my case, Aqua~Lung Legends. I haven't had any problem with free flowing when I'm on my back or on either side. Unlike the OTS Guardian, the port for the Ambient Breathing Valve on the Spectrum is in the left side of the skirt, in the oronasal pocket; it's right next to the port for the regulator. The Spectrum doesn't have as wide a field of vision as most other FFMs, but the lens is glass so it's very scratch resistant, and you can get it in clear glass or tinted glass. Overall I'm very happy with this mask, and the price point for entry-level FFM divers is very attractive. (I got mine last year for $399, but it didn't come with an ABV, which is an additional $129.) See: www.oceantechnologysystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/SPT-BLK-CLR2.jpg

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello SeikiBrian, glad to hear you are enjoying your OTS Spectrum

[@DeepTask]

Thank You. Well set out review. Helped me make up my mind on my new puchase. I'm going for the Ocean Reef, just have to decide which model.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Chris Jackson, glad you liked out video and found it helpful.

[@DeepTask]

I bought the Ocean Reef Extender. Just need to get out of Covid-19 lockdown so that I can go diving again and try it out.

[@islaIsla-ju7nk]

Traducción al español

[@salmancheikh7220]

Thank you for this video. How can I get this product please? Thank you.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Salman Cheikh, we are an Ocean Reef Dealer hear at Lake Hickory Scuba Center. Any Ocean Reef or OTS dealer can sell you these mask respectively.

[@salmancheikh7220]

@@LakeHickoryScuba I thank you for hanging around with me. This is my pleasure.?

[@rodneym46]

What type of lights are you using on the visor on the oceanreef

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Rodney Mathis, the lights I am currently using are the Comfort Zone Scuba Lil Powerhouse lights. Here is a link if you are interested. lakehickoryscuba.com/products/czs_little_powerhouse_w_batt_clip_charger

[@jeffyoung1361]

Could you recommend one or the other based on fitment for a longer face vs a rounder face? I dredge gold on a hookah system. 6'4" 240lbs, think Ted Danson.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Jeff Young, great question. In my professional opinion, and coming from someone who's weight changes and fluctuates routinely, I would suggest the Ocean Reef for more slender and smaller faces, and for more rounder faces I would go with the OTS. The OTS skirt fits wider faces better than both of the Ocean Reef skirts. So for a longer face, Ocean Reef, and for a wider face, OTS. Hope this helps.

[@rodneym46]

How do you install the visor light on the oceanreef full face mask

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Rodney Mathis, unfortunately, the Visor Lights from Ocean Reef can only be installed by the factory.

[@arieffirdaus6255]

I was enjoying your personal comparison of both FFM - it was a fair personal opinion, Thanks. However, you did not mention both FFM for equalising action underwater, which one is easy? I understand they have a different set-up for this equalising.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello @arieffirdaus6255, you raise a great question. So the OTS has a adjustable angled block (equalization block) and the Ocean Reef has two small plugs that are adjustable in size. I find that both are realatively easy to use for equalization.

[@scottkriessler7294]

Does the ffm come with the Communication unit with the mic of do you need to buy them separately for both of the full face mask?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Scott Kriessler, both Ocean Reef and OTS has options. You can get just the mask, or the mask and the communication units together.

[@pricediver]

I got a New ocean reef neptune III mask. Do you have any experience on their new mask? Like how they perform? ETC

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Pricediver, I haven't had the pleasure to get my hands on one yet. Hope it works out for you.

[@pricediver]

@@LakeHickoryScuba thank you. Can you do a video on it once you have a chance to use it? So far I really like it

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Absolutely.

[@DonovanCYoung]

Another great video, Thanks guys!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome Donovan, glad you liked it.

[@lance8080]

I have the Interspiro Divator great mask, but your right about the peripheral vision they need to change that.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

In 31 years of diving, I have used some really great gear. But even the great gear is not perfect. Since we all have different likes and dislikes, there will always be flaws in gear that is different than the next. It would be neat if we could combine all the likes of each piece of gear, and then make a hybrid system. But then again, it would purely be based off what we like, and not what everyone else likes. Such is life sometimes.

[@JoeLLacelle]

I'm in the market for ffm this spring (2019). And I am so torn between this 2 masks...I can't seem ta make up my mind. I have not tried ether 1 as this is not so easy for me ta do given where I live. (Middle a nowhere) Everything I buy is Via online orders. I was convinced that the OTS was the one. (You see it everywhere) special on Discovery Chanel, it's seems to be the mask of choice. But after watching your video's I am once again on the fence..... Couple of question I do have for you. -The nose knobs for equalizing your ears??? On the "ocean" I notice they are 2 separate "rounded" knobs. And on the OTS it's a flat surface wedge looking block. Which of these make a better nostril seal when equalizing? !?! Questions 2: I understand the OTS inside skirt to be comfy. I have a regular make (VENOM) with the gummy bear silicone double seal and it is extremely comfy on the face. Now this being said. Is the Ocean face seal really THAT uncomfortable compared to the OTS.. Or is more of a sudtle diffrence? . -Is it uncomfrerble? -is it leaky?? -etc.....

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Joel, I understand the struggle of not being able to try one on before you buy one. 1. In regards to the nose knobs, the Ocean Reef ones are more forgivable while using. You can turn them in any direction, extend them in or out, and you can adjust it up or down. It is truly customizable. With the OTS, it is a block that swivels up or down, and the height can be adjusted as well. Most of our customers, myself included, prefer the Ocean Reef over the OTS. Both will however, effectively seal to your nostrils and allow equalization. 2.In regards to the skirt on each mask. The OTS, in my opinion tends to be slightly more comfortable. The material is more gel like than silicone, thus it feels smoother on your face. The down side to this though is, it is one solid skirt, so if any part malfunctions, you have to replace the entire skirt. With Ocean Reef, there is 2 separate skirts. So on a servicing side, its much easier to deal with. 3. As far the mask leaking, this is a matter of fit, and not so much the manufactures. You will need to find out which mask fits better for you facial features. The only way to do this is to try before you buy, or buy and try, then sell and re-buy. The biggest decision a diver will ever have to make is, do I buy something that I know doesn't fit, simply because I see everyone else wear it, or do I buy what I know will work for me. Over the years, I have purchased, sold, and repurchased gear to to find the right size. Its a necessary evil sometimes.

[@Str8Flossin]

What would cause the OTS mouth skirt to tear up? A rough 5 day beard? Curious bc I’m about to buy one. Thanks!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello judsonholt3905, I wouldn't think that scruff would damage a skirt on a Full Face Mask. Possibly one that has not been taken good care of would definitely cause one to fail.

[@Str8Flossin]

@@LakeHickoryScuba 10-4. Thank you much

[@cwilliams6884]

sir do you know where it is possible to buy a replacement directional exhaust valve for the space extender?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello C Williams, any Ocean Reef dealer that is a service center should be able to get you one and install it as well. If you continue to have trouble finding one, give us a call. We are a service center.

[@itsyaboimat2393]

Brian come you do a video on Donning and doffing a G diver with one hand because I've got Cerebral Palsy and getting ready to take my OW course, I plan on doing my FFM after my OW course

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello GimpGunfighter, let me see if I can get one made for you. To be honest I have never tried to do it with one hand.

[@BerndSchaft]

Hi. I have seen all of your FFM videos and come to 1 final question: Could you please (sometimes) make a video about Ocean Reef Neptune 2 FFM? Even Ocean Reef didn't have anything about it. Best regards from Germany

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Bernd Schaft, a lot of the older models from Ocean Reef are no longer available or servicable. The Neptune 2 and the NIRA fall in to this category.

[@CanadianTrini]

Great Videos Brother. I personally am leaning towards the IDMs because of the comfort. Because of my work I use ffm’s for surface work in plants and refineries constantly so not sure if its just a sercurity blanket mentality. My question about the communication unit is i heard that the Ocean Reef mic stops working after it gets wet. Ive used the OTS guardian and I’m comfortable with it. But the functions and design seem to have me leaning towards that. Have you had any issues with the Mic getting wet?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Thank you CanadianTrini, glad you liked the video. With any type of film system underwater, the protective cover over the D-mic in the Ocean Reef, the key is to keep it pressurized. I personally have never had an issue, even after hundreds of times taking it off underwater for skills demonstration for students.

[@1316king]

Hi Can we use the Ocean Reef GSM on the OTS masks?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Pushpak KVS, great question. Unfortunately, the Ocean Reef GSM will only work on the Ocean Reef series of Integrated Diving Mask. The OTS Buddy Phone is what you will need for the OTS series of mask. Hope this helps.

[@deyaralabdulbaqi2432]

Thank you so much for this informative video.. I hope you tell us your opinion about the nose plugs for equalization on each

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome, and I forgot to mention the equalization of both mask. In short both have adjustable equalizers in the mask that make equalization easy. I believe that the Ocean Reef system is a little bit easier, only because it has more adjustment than the OTS. We have had another view asked for a follow up video as well, with the owner of the OTS opinion in the matter. I am going to see if he would be willing to make a video for us on why he likes OTS better.

[@DonovanCYoung]

@@LakeHickoryScuba You also didn't mention the surface air on the Ocean Reef... but, minor point (I think).

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

I had others tell me I forgot to mention the difference in equalization components as well.

[@SeattleRingHunter]

Bryan thanks for the comparison video and detailed points. Prior to this video and did purchase g.divers was and fully decked it out with the space extender kit and accessories. I preface the following question with this, at this time I have not yet dived the mask it was purchased on line as none of my LDS in the Seattle area support this line of mask nor do they have any associated trains classes. I have located a shop in Portland, OR a few hours drive that fully supports the desired skills training for G.Divers mask skills and will take that soon before diving the mask. Now with that all out of the way here's my question as I am curious what your thoughts are along with your years of experience and having rebuilt a few of these IDM regulators. Maybe you have seen some your public service divers mask during rebuild time with a lot of debris ingress to the 2nd stage, maybe not? After having see a few training videos on KZbin and including Ocean Reefs own skills demonstration video kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2eQlXqQapmZbJY they have used a QD at the 2nd stage as you have. I have already installed the XS SCUBA QD w/ screw down locking jam ring. Just the same as the QD on the OTS in your video. Two question to this with # 1 being of most concern. 1. I understand the convince factor of quickly swapping a standard traditional 2nd stage reg with the full face IDM mask when having a QD. I also see the ability in an out of air or equipment emergency situation while under water divers can take the option to use an alternative air supply by having these QD connectors in place as even Ocean Reef has demonstrated in their skills trining videos. Here is my concern and yes as a technician and mechanic for many years I may be over concerned about this but still a good point for discussion. I do realize if a diver is out of air and has the ability to quickly swap to a working air source via the QD that could resolve an other wise unfortunate or more stressful dive scenario. I also know that when disconnecting the QD from the full face mask you open the internals of the 2nd stage regulator to the marine or lake water even though this is likely a very small amount will blow through the 2nd stage rather quickly once in use. We are taught for very good reasons to keep salt water out of the 1st stage so it bears the question is the 2nd stage more forgiving or just as concerning regarding water ingress. Some bits of salt around the 2nd stage poppet valve and inner workings etc... They do this in the chlorinated poole for skills training as we know that clornated water is harsh on the our dive gear seals as well. Of course in a real emergency having and option to switch to a working air supply line rather donated from another diver or a pony tank this could be a real asset mitigating a rather unfortunate or stressful situation. I know I have a lot of detailed concerns on this but taking this a bit further. Say a diver takes this same full face setup on a dive charter and they are all service. You end the dive get on the boat and disconnect the full face mask and as your getting out of your tank they take your full face mask and dunk it a few times aggressively in the fresh water dunk tank for a rinse. Is it better to install a cap over the 2nd stage inlet QD nipple, then again without pressurized air in the 2nd stage likely a QD cap would be nothing more than a splash cover as the 0-ring is not fully compressed as if under pressure. We also know some divers take it so far as not to dunk any standard regulators in a cleaning tank unless they are connected to a tank with air pressure. I'm personally not that concerned over this. I would also not be swapping my full face mask air supply lines in any normal dives either and have no desire to do so, only using the QD as a easy way to swap regs on the surface and in an emergency situatoin. 2. I waned to ask you as you likely have fist hand experience will this question. Is the XS Scuba QD with locking jam ring designed to a standard specification where it would connect to other brand low pressure second stage quick disconnects? I know for a fact the low pressure QD for my dry suit is actually a smaller diameter and will not. I most likely will take my XS QD to a few dive shops and test fit them. My local LDS has very limited QD and most of them are hoses for dry suits. The concern is if diving with other full face divers and they also use QD if we all need to be on the same page brand wise with our QD connectors, of course good to check before diving for sure. I outfitted my 19 CF pony with the same QD so I can ditch my puck regulator off the pony and terminate that to my full face mask if the need ever become a necessity. Of course I will bring the same discussion points into my future g.divers full face mask skills training class. I am sure if I ask ten qualified dive instructors I could get ten different reasonable responses. Just like some very qualified diver instructors absolutely dislike the thought of using a 2nd stage alternative regulator at the end of the BC's low pressure inflator over the more traditional 2nd stage hosed "octopus" configuration. Thanks again for your time and thought. It is fun to bring up productive discussion like this and of course noting beat in person professional training at all levels of the diving discipline.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Jeff, first of all what a great series of questions and one that may be easier to answer in a video format than here in the comments. However, I will try my best to answer each one of your questions the best I can. Please let me know if I leave anything out. 1. Debris in the mask / second stage is very common. This happens for a multitude of reasons. But as long as it is washed out there shouldn't be any areas of concern. If we look at a standard second stage, our alternate to be exact, it is always having water flush through it since its not secured in our mouth as our primary is. So having water flow through it is normal. 2. The same applies when cleaning the Full Face Mask after a dive. I will usually disconnect the mask from the hose, via the QD, and then rinse it with fresh water either by a water hose, or by dunking in a rinse tank. I will then let the mask air dry before I stow it again. As far as the QD hose, it is no different than your BCD Hose. I routinely will rinse it out without it being connected to my BCD Inflator. In short it has a schrader type valve in it that prevents water from going inside the hose. 3. The law of gravity helps when rinsing a Regulator set. It would take a lot of force for water to travel up the hose and into the second stage. A properly installed dust cap will keep the water out of the first stage as well. The only exception is when dealing with a DIN Valve first stage. These I will leave connected to a cylinder prior to rinsing. 4. The QD from XS Scuba is a different fitting than what is on your BCD / Dry Suit connector. It is a standard Low Pressure QD though. So it will fit any and all second stages on the market. 5. Let me see if I can get you a video produced showing you how I rinse mine after a dive.

[@SeattleRingHunter]

LakeHickoryScuba LakeHickoryScuba thanks great responses, reminders and tips 👍 The reality is that it’s a reasonable configuration to us a QD under water. To remember to properly rinse the full face well after each dive with a little extra love and she should have a long service life with routined scheduled shop maintenance / rebuilds as per typical practice for any regulator. 🤙

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You got it.

[@sadokcahuamo2120]

Hola soy buzo comercial y me interesa obtener alguno de estos equipos, mi pregunta es si es compatible con un sistema hookah en lugar de usar el tanque de aire, muchas gracias espero su respuesta

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello @sadokcahuamo2120, certain models of Full Face Mask can be used with hookah system. The ones from Ocean Reef will work with surface supplied air. 0, ciertos modelos de Full Face Mask se pueden usar con sistema hookah. Los de Ocean Reef funcionarán con aire suministrado desde la superficie.

[@sadokcahuamo2120]

@@LakeHickoryScuba gracias por tomarse el tiempo para responderme

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You are very welcome. Eres muy bienvenido

[@Themilitiacompound]

How you know the size if you buy in the street instead at the store? Any size marking in the skirt or somewhere else?

[@prague5419]

The Ocean Reef masks come in two sizes, S/M and M/L. In my experience so far the S/M is really small. You would likely know if you fit into that category. The price on both sizes are the same.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Fernando Marcano, we definitely would suggest using a local dive center to make sure you get the right fit. Also, Ocean Reef has a sizing tool that helps.

[@davisjosh072]

I've been trying to find out, I have an Oceanreef space extender with GSM buddy coms and a portable boat surface coms unit. I have heard that the GSM and OTS buddy phone can communicate with each other, will the OTS buddy phone communicate with my surface unit? And can I use my Ocean reef GSM buddy coms in an OTS spectrum port? Can either coms unit be used in either port?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Joshua Davis, both Ocean Reef's GSM and OTS's Buddy Phone are compatible. However, you will not be able to put the OTS Buddy Phone on the Ocean Reef Mask and visa versa. The communication though will work mask to mask, and mask to surface.

[@philbess5799]

Great discussion Brian!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Thanks Phil, glad you liked it.

[@jackgrant4795]

are these like SCBA's, Like once you take a breath, the mask becomes pressurized?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Jack Grant, the mask themselves are not positive pressure, but instead a demand valve system. They work based off your breathing. When you inhale, the diaphragm pulls in pressing on the demand lever which in returns opens the demand valve given you air. Just like a standard second stage.

[@jackgrant4795]

@@LakeHickoryScuba ok, cool, thank you so much for clearing that up. :)

[@hearsejr]

Hey, what are you using for a first stage? I just took the plunge . I spent a years worth of savings to buy a brand new, yellow ocean reef space extender. I got a hell of a deal though. I have been commercial diving since 1988, and most of my mask diving was with the older stuff, like Kirby, and stuff. Other then that it's been basic old school scuba regulators,... dacors and Sherwood's .. I have dove the MARK 5... and my favorite the superlite 17 B !!! Lol. I'm thinking I might end up taking a full face mask class. I used the fire SCBA and I still have a Interspiro S-6, probably needs a service job. I always joked about useing it for diving one-day. Hehe.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello hearsejr, I have more regulator setups than I can count. Currently, I am using Ocean Reef's first stage for Full Face Mask Diving.

[@hearsejr]

@@LakeHickoryScuba thanks. Looks like I jumped the gun on asking about the first stage. As it turned out, I was scammed on the Ocean Reef mask. I got my money back but no mask and not enough income that will indicate I will get one in the foreseeable future. Lol. I am still useing my 40 year old 1st stage.. ones a Sherwood, and ones a Dacor, but I did upgrade... Atleast I call it an up grade.. with a set of brand new Chinese 2nd stages, that are plastic, and seem to be working great in shallow water. I have not been any deeper the 25' with them due to that virus crap, and I really want to get to about 35' to see how everything does before I get it tuned up by a pro. lol.

[@miggyenjambre8735]

this are expensive gears and not so popular in our country but anyhow, i was wondering on how do you hold your nose to decompress

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Miggy, each model has an adjustable slider on the inside of the mask, that has foam pieces that seal off your nostrils. This allows a diver to equalize their ears just as you would in a traditional mask. All you have to do is press in on the mask, and it will seal your nose shut, thus allowing you to equalize. Once you have finished, simply take your hand off you mask. Here is a video that explains the process. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e16VfGeef8eZhaM

[@nelly45gsy]

Hi Brian, have you done a video on how to change the extender frame? Just mine seems quite tight I’m not 100% sure how to get the frame off.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Neil Harvey, I haven't. But will be happy to make a video on how to do it.

[@nelly45gsy]

Hi Brian, fantastic if you can 🤙👌

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

I will try to get it done right after Thanksgiving. Stay Tuned.

[@nelly45gsy]

LakeHickoryScuba many thanks 🤙👌

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

@@nelly45gsy You're welcome

[@epoints888]

great video. how do i find local padi shops that have FFM training?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You should be able to do a search on the PADI site for local shops in your area.

[@matthewramos9021]

very helpful .Thank you

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You are very welcome Matthew Ramos.

[@mague76]

I dove public safety rescue recovery for 14 years and always used an OTS. Because it was the cool new thing that replaced our XO Mantis masks. It was light and comfortable by comparison. For me the OTS has some drawbacks. No side vision, no adjustable second stage (not needed for recreation scuba) and I absolutely hated their nose plug block. On the good side it fit comfortably, never leaked, never malfunctioned and was ease to do ditch drills flood drills and the like. I’ve never dove with a ocean reef but have been able to try them on for fit, comfort, weight etc. When my OTS MASK dies, I will get a Ocean Reef as there is far more features, more add on options better side vision and better fit for me due to big chin. Hope any of this helps

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Charles Lair, you would be correct. Ocean Reef has a lot larger range of options over the OTS. At least as far as mounting external objects.

[@gnoahg5456]

Will there be a video with the OTS owner sharing what he likes and dislikes about both? If not, I’d love to hear what he has to say :)

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Noah that is a great idea. I will ask him and see if he will be willing to make a video on why he chooses OTS over Ocean Reef.

[@henrycrick4426]

Do you have to do a padi course for a ffm ?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Henry, we currently tech the Full Face Mask Course through SSI, PADI, PDIC, SEI, and CMAS.

[@seikibrian8641]

If you're diving on your own there's no requirement to do a FFM certification class, although it's always a good idea for safety's sake. If you're diving on a chartered boat or with a tour group, they may require one.

[@henrycrick4426]

SeikiBrian ok thanks for the reply

[@GinEric84]

PADI will try to sell you a course for anything they can convince you to give them money for

[@rjbowen9615]

I was really hoping to hear a little more on the comms. I'm also a PS Diver. We've always used Interspiro AGA's. I'd love to see you throw those into the comparison (even though the OTS is basically a clone). If you have time to respond, please address if the comms on the Ocean Reef is compatible with the OTS comms system. If so, it could open some options for us, especially in terms of the Ocean Reef Gamma 105.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Jason Bowen, both the OTS and the Ocean Reef communication systems are compatible.

[@wrayks188]

I have dived over 300 times with my Ocean Reef for 4 years. However while I agree with the uselessness of the original transceiver plastic mount, I totally disagree that the extender kit is much of an improvement. It takes very little to crack the extender itself especially with a transceiver mounted on it. Mine cracked in multiple places within weeks and I ended up drilling and reinforcing it with aluminum plates and screws and nuts. It is built with plastic that is way too thin for day to day use, and it must be disassembled to transport it because any pressure the wrong way on any of the attachments to it will cause it to crack.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Thankfully Wray Smallwood, we have not had any issues with ours, and we use them 3-4 days a week.

[@Captainwill55]

I believe that DIVATOR/INTERSPIRO is made by AGA and they are completly independant of OTS , while being similar in looks and fonctions they are 2 completly different products

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You are correct @Captainwill55.

[@mrsdjsdj]

What lights are those?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello S Johnson, these are the Comfort Zone Scuba Lil Powerhouse Lights. Here is how we attach them to our mask. kzbin.info/www/bejne/opuXY6ieod6kd5o

[@Schwalar]

Thank you for an informative video! I have an old AGA FFM which looks to have the same basic size and shape as the OTS. I'm having a bit of a problem that the large volume of the mask is making my neck really tired! So now that I'm looking for a new FFM I'm thinking of getting one with a smaller volume. Would you recommend one or the other based on this "problem"?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

The best thing to do is find the right fit. Unfortunately, the only way to do this is to try them on. I personally like both and use both, but I lean more on the Ocean Reef side.

[@mague76]

I’ve found when it comes to ffm it’s very common for people to tighten the straps too tight and in the wrong order which caused neck and jaw discomfort. 5 total straps. Middle straps tighten at same time to get even snug pressure of the mask. Bottom straps tighten at same time just enough to keep the mask in place as overnighting will lead to jaw and neck pain, then top strap tighten enough to form it to head as over tighten will cause head and neck pain. I’m 14 years law enforcement public safety diving in rivers, and swift water conditions that far exceed public safety diving guidelines. With about 2500 dives. Hope this helps

[@toddlarue3975]

My wife and I love our ots guardian

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

The Guardian seems to be a very popular model here in our area as well.

[@mestons]

Thank you for the great information. What is the best first stage for an ocean reef is one better than the other

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Not sure I can answer that question. As long as you can adjust the intermediate pressure of the first stage to balance out the cracking pressure of the second stage, then they are all good.

[@mestons]

@@LakeHickoryScuba not 100% sure what you mean. I have a set of Mares Abyss on my full mask works okay rigs are 20 years old time for new ones just wondering if there was a better brand thanks for the great videos they really help out

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

The intermediate pressure is the what the first stage changes the tank pressure to. Think of it like this, the tank is considered high pressure. If you were to try to breathe from the valve with it fully open, it would be to much pressure. So we use the first stage to slow the pressure down. This is called intermediate pressure. The cracking pressure is the amount of force it takes to trigger the demand lever inside the second stage. This opens the demand valve (the part where the hose connects to the second stage) and allows the diver to breathe. If the intermediate pressure is too high, then the second stage will constantly have a stream of bubbles coming from it, as the low pressure seat in the second stage will not be able to hold the air back. So they must be balanced out. I have used many different brands over the years, and they are all good. I just happen to be a Mares Dealer, so I use Mares.

[@mestons]

@@LakeHickoryScuba I really appreciate the time and the effort you put in to help people thank you and I like my mares rags not many dealers up here in Saskatchewan Canada

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome. We enjoy making these videos. We truly are dive-holics, and we enjoy learning from others as well.

[@caiobarreto1589]

it's a hard choice.. I'm a bit more into the OTS one .

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

OTS definitely makes a great product as well.

[@icemath]

적나라해서 좋아요~!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

그것이 우리가 태어난 방식입니다

[@lilycaradoc]

Can not take the background noise.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello @lilithcaradoc2715, sorry our audio quality wasn't that great on this particular video. Hopefully, our newer videos are better for you.

[@islaIsla-ju7nk]

Traducir al español

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

En este video, veremos los pros y los contras de la mascarilla facial OTS Guardian y la compararemos con la mascarilla facial Ocean Reef Space Extender. Cuéntanos cuál es tu favorito y por qué.