Vintage Scuba: Evolution Of Masks - S01E01

[@MichaelAngeloTech]

The information is only part of it, and you have a wealth of knowledge. But what really impresses me, and why I think so many people have enjoyed your videos, is your personality. Mr. Peirce you have a fantastic stage presence and I can't thank you enough for spending the time to document this information so you can share it with the Scuba community. I cannot believe you make the majority of your videos in one single take. That is incredibly difficult to do and very rare when conveying as much information as you do. Your passion is truly evident. I have a lot of fun watching and learning what you share with us and thanks to Kevin for the work he puts in as part of your team to get us videos. I have watched every single one. You are alone in providing the best Scuba related content for entry level divers and enthusiasts on KZbin. I wish scuba was like other industries that have review videos on every single manufacturer of every single product that hits the market. Maybe one day.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Wow! What can I say ... other than thanks very much for the vote of confidence. Perhaps one day we will meet and you will find that what you see is what you get. That is, as my wife and friends say, I am on the videos exactly what I am in person. I love to talk to people, I love to talk about scuba and I do have a long history to share. Some may say that I run on; some may say that I'm opinionated; some may say that I'm a show-off, but, I'm having fun, many viewers seem to be enjoying the videos and learning from them and replies like yours make it very worthwhile. Where are you? Thanks for watching. Alec

[@MichaelAngeloTech]

+Scuba 2000 Thanks for the reply Alec. I think a lot of viewers feel the same way I do. I'm on the east coast of Central Florida. Just getting back into the sport after taking classes with NAUI 3 years ago. Looking to acquire gear again and interested in kitting up for scuba and investigating options for Hookah diving with a backup pony bottle. I have worked in other industries where there is so much content available regarding product reviews. Very little of that has trickled into the scuba industry. Most of it comes from the vendors and manufacturers instead of the end users using the products. Either way, keep doing what you're doing. It is rare and absolutely enjoyable. If you are ever down south it would be awesome to meet you and learn more from your experiences in this industry. Thanks again! -Michael

[@jacquespoirier9071]

in the very early sixties, my father have bought me a double snorkel mask exactly as the one you show us, the only difference was that the mask rubber was white instead of green, sweet remembrance.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I had the same one Jacques. Boy the adventures I went on with that mask!!!! I was going to be a frogman just like Mike Nelson you know. Take care. Alec

[@Dumptruck70]

But who cared? We were scuba diving! Love it!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

So true. Divers today look at my Vintage Scuba and go "how primitive". Think of 20 to 30 years from now when all diving is CCR, with a HUD using liquid oxygen for 5-8 hours a dive. Lets just enjoy what we have today, right?

[@Francesco9063]

Alec, I mean, this is something that even an institution were not able to produce and share. Thanks. highly informative, and in depth. Great presentation really.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@moclepocle]

Great "Sea Hunt" series. Thanks Alec.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching. Alec

[@KevinSmith-hc4pc]

Wow, you have a lot of really strange masks. The last one with the full face plate that moves in and out is hilarious. Keep them coming sir.

[@markstengel7680]

Hi Alec, Some great examples of early diving. The one mask lite blue with white purge. That color blue was everywhere in late 60s in water related products. Fun stuff. 👍

[@neal3800]

Love this new vintage series and can only imagine where it will go. Thank you very much for sharing your wealth of information and memories.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching. Alec

[@kierancasey5814]

He’s an Encyclopaedia of Knowledge, I enjoyed that

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Absolutely, the encyclopedia Peirce is free, and full of stories from the stone age of diving. Thanks for watching Kieran.

[@nachtloa2093]

Great series can't wait for you start talking about Sea Hunt. I was just a boy but Mike Nelson is still locked happily in my mind. I still remember those shows when I get ready to dive and they make smile. I look forward to hearing your true knowledge of the way things were and the gear that was used.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Coming soon! Thanks for watching. Alec

[@richardmorholt1175]

Interesting Alec, I saw some models I still have in my bag. Wow. I got to get back into it.

[@Dive_Me_Crazy]

I've been waiting for this! Thanks soooooooooooo much.

[@TheLastRoman0000]

Man, we're spoiled to-day. Great, fun video. Thanks for sharing.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@shannonbriggs100]

This was awesome. I can’t wait to binge watch all the series. As a newbie diver, it’s so interesting seeing the old school diving equipment and how much it’s changed.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you like these. Lots of Vintage Scuba and don't forget Sea Hunt Remembered videos. Mike Nelson started the scuba sport with his 1959 Sea Hunt TV show. Many famous actors started there. Enjoy Shannon. A.

[@allenchason2473]

Another great video, thank you for sharing!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching! A

[@JURASSICDIVERUK]

Fantastic and very informative!

[@fmjmanarroyo1342]

I have no clue about SCUBA or underwater work, and yet your videos are fascinating to me for some reason. Your speech pattern and knowledge entrapped me. Started off with your knife videos, then the Seahunt videos, now even masks. Keep up this great body of work.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Much appreciated Arroyo. Lots to learn and laugh at. A.

[@quailypoes]

Really enjoyed your video, thank you for making it!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks captain. That's why I do them - fun for me and enjoyment for you. Alec

[@rothschleck2315]

This episode brings back some memories. I grew up in Milwaukee, WI in the 1960s. Beginning in about 1960 I got very interested in diving. I read every book the library had on the subject. I was a huge fan of Sea Hunt and also another show called “The Aquanauts”. By then diving gear was readily available - I owned several of the masks you discussed in this video. I haven’t been a diver for many years, but it’s been fun to catch up on the current level of diving technology via your videos. I am struck by the fact that while far advanced technologically the gear used in the 1960s - with the exception of BCs and dive computers - is basically still the same. Single hose regulators even existed back then. Love the passion and encyclopedic knowledge you bring to your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks Roth. Nice to hear from another 'stone age' diver!

[@njlooksee]

Thank you for this. Very informative, I really enjoyed it.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chikjennyih3620]

very informative, thanks!

[@sigmazero]

what a history informative lesson :D .. please keep it up :D

[@OmarRoushdy]

I am so glad I found your channel!! Your tips are invaluable! Your immense passion for scuba diving shows in each and every video you make. Thank you for sharing your experience with us! I'm still a beginner (1 star CMAS diver), and I greatly appreciate your tips. Keep the awesome videos coming!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I'm always envious of new divers like you Omar. Some ask me, "How can you say that when you've been diving for almost 60 years?" The answer is simple. I know the excitement you will be experiencing - seeing your first big shark, swimming with a giant Manta Ray, finding your first Sea Horse, exploring a big ship wreck and so much more. For me that excitement is over. I still love scuba diving but you have so much ahead of you to enjoy. Of course I'm envious. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@OmarRoushdy]

I cannot wait for my next dive. I'm planning a few dives in Marsa Alam in the red sea, once of them will be a wreck dive! Thanks again for the great tips and videos. I'll make sure to swing by scuba 2000 and say hi, once I'm back home. Cheers, Omar

[@joethomas4604]

Great lesson, the enthusiasm makes it much more enjoyable.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks Joe. Alec

[@jeffgarrett4533]

Jeff Garrett in Bid-a-wee Beach, Panama City Beach, Florida. 2 mins · KZbin · I really have enjoyed watching Alecs' you tube channel he's has a lot of great insight and info as well as some really good info about new gear as well as history and vintage diving gear and an unbelievable Sea Hunt Memorabilia collection. Way to be Alec great stuff! If you ever find yourself in PCB drop by Dive Locker and lets go diving! Thanks Alec great show

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I'll do that. We're in Florida pretty regularly and were in Panama City just a year ago. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@zakthewarcat3172]

this is amazing

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Pretty cool to see the history of masks all at once, right? Thanks for watching. Alec

[@zakthewarcat3172]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter that was my dream when I was little to be a scuba diver I grew up on a farm in Alberta in the 60s and there was no gear to even try and I loved Jacques Cousteau and voyage to the bottom of the sea

[@willsmooth45]

If Jim lahey was a scuba diver 😅😅love the videos!❤️❤️

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks. The Trailer Part Boys was funny.

[@normanwitzler9665]

Great video! This sport has come a long way since the Sea Hunt days.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Boy, oh boy! Has it ever Norman. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@tomhyde9293]

Half the time you see Mike Nelson, on Sea Hunt, he has a mask half full of water. Water in the mask does not bother me, but some people I dive with can't stand it.

[@normanwitzler9665]

The advantage to having a semi-flooded mask is you can de-fog with a simple head shake.

[@vancecarriere]

Charlie Sturgill was a Los Angeles Neptune (later a Long Beach Neptune). He was an LA diver who lived in Lomita CA. I was also a Neptune and used to buy speargun parts from Charlie at his shop in his garage. He was a great guy. I owned the Sturgill mask he made for Fred Kettels. The Bottom Scratchers were a San Diego club, two hours South of Long Beach. I also used to buy parts from Jack Prodonovich and Wally Potts, both Bottom Scratchers. They were still around when I co-founded the Museum of Skindiving History.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks very much for sharing your experiences. I miss my dear friend Dr. Sam Miller who was an encyclopedia of early diving knowledge. That's why I started the Vintage Scuba series to share and keep the knowledge from our 'stone age' of diving. Tell a new diver that masks used to be custom cut from a fire hose and watch their eyes glaze over!!! A

[@OverlandTT]

What's interesting my Tusa mask I've had since late '09 has a purge valve and I remember store saying how new it was. It's about the only way I could mask clear as all the traditional ones my nose bridge was too wide. Love your videos!

[@tymarvin9557]

I know Im randomly asking but does anyone know a trick to log back into an instagram account..? I was dumb forgot my password. I love any help you can give me!

[@marcelobodhi1692]

@Ty Marvin Instablaster ;)

[@tymarvin9557]

@Marcelo Bodhi thanks so much for your reply. I found the site on google and Im in the hacking process now. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@tymarvin9557]

@Marcelo Bodhi it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thanks so much, you really help me out :D

[@marcelobodhi1692]

@Ty Marvin Happy to help =)

[@jacoboshoff8608]

Please write a book or catalogue of your collection, It is awesome!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Working on a web site listing with pictures. Alec

[@aevans692]

great vid ....

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you like it.

[@Neptune730]

I really liked the full face masks.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

They can be very nice to use in the right circumstances. Alec

[@5kouji7]

Great video sir. I recognize some mask are in certain movies, one them is the 3 window mask with purge was used by Matt Hooper in the movie JAWS during the shark cage scene.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I didn't know that but once you mentioned it, I think you're quite right. Thanks. Alec

[@StaunchIndustries]

AMAZING!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you liked that. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@Spooniferus]

Brilliant! So interesting.

[@hearsejr]

I'm diving with my old mask like the one you held up with three lens and a purge on the bottom of the nose. Mine has black with a yellow trim looks like your buick mask. Lol. I want to get a picture of it to y'all somehow, because I want another one for friend that's getting her dive card. Lol.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That is a Nemrod Max-Vue (made from 1962-1973). Mask held more water than a car radiator!

[@OverlandTT]

Alec, I was wondering if at some point you would also do a video in full face masks, pros, cons brands etc. Thanks again, Peter UK.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I actually teach a PADI Full Face Scuba course. Full face was very popular many years ago. I think the bloom is off though. The very few advantages of Full Face are offset by many problems, certainly for recreational divers just out there having fun underwater. Today there are only a couple of Full Face masks available. There are sold based on the ability to talk to your buddy. Personally I like the fact I don't hear human voices underwater. They are also terribly expensive for that single benefit. I have several vintage Full Face masks and will dig them out.

[@TatraT2681]

Alec, please, dig them out now! We are impatiently wainting to see next small fraction of your gigantic collection :-)Today the old masks seem to be terribly hard to find.Thanks Boris

[@seikibrian8641]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter "Today there are only a couple of Full Face masks available. There are sold based on the ability to talk to your buddy. ...They are also terribly expensive for that single benefit." I bought mine (OTS Spectrum) mainly to keep my face warm in Puget Sound. I don't (yet) have a comm unit for it, but I love diving with it, and I also find that my throat doesn't get so dry during a long dive.

[@aminnekoubin]

you are great.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Please tell my wife, she has a slight different view.

[@sammy.scubaaddicts7846]

Very cool alec

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

From 'fire hose' masks to todays low volume super comfortable masks was a lot of changes. Fun times for me. Alec

[@olivernagy3609]

nice video thanks so much inteligent people

[@bricago2302]

I"m guessing that equalizing with one of the masks with the nose pockets built in would require removing your regulator first so you can get your fingers up through the bottom of the mask. Maybe that's why they added the external "handles" later.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It was hard to pinch to equalize before they pulled the glass close and let the nose stick out. At the time, it was super cool. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@byAriengg]

awesome

[@johnwilliamsscuba6487]

Can you do evolution of the BCD?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Answered this question earlier but just in case, watch my Vintage Scuba video S06E02, "BCD Evolution, From Lifevest to Fenzy".

[@cobia40]

Just found your videos today and are very informative. I had a question for the vintage mask you have. What do you use on the rubber to keep them looking good and from deteriorating. I have service old new stock mask in there original boxes and want to keep them for form deteriorating.

[@bradleykmdean]

Love the video just bought a swimmaster voit spear gun

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

You will have lots of fun with that. Did you know my nickname for many decades was "SeaHunter"?

[@patggreen77]

Thanks. I think it was in 1962 I also had a circular mask with built in snorkel, up 'till now I didn't realise anyone else had one. For years I kept wanting to breathe thru' my nose even when I had a more modern mask! (This was bought in Italy, don't remember the make.)

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Could have been Pirelli. Yep! The tire company. They made a lot of scuba gear for many years - many years ago. Glad you enjoyed the video. Alec

[@melchorkaamino5115]

nice, Philippines is inviting you to revisit the world class Tubataha Reefs 😁

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I'd like to travel some day for a dive trip so I will keep you on the list. Thanks for the invitation Melchor.

[@karlmarx7450]

cool!!!!

[@juangallegos4222]

Alec: can you do a video comparing (pros and cons) regular half face scuba masks and scuba full face masks?

[@countlippe2533]

I Have a nice US Divers circular lens mask, I have to get another steel retainer band for it because the snap on one that comes with it is too loose so water slowly gets in. Very comfortable, although it only has one seal. I purchased a new production circular mask from Taiwan, but the rubber is not as soft of the old US Divers mask, and its just a tad smaller. it does however have a double seal. Do you know of any manufacturers of quality rubber circular masks? I've heard there are some Russian and French manufacturers. I have an Aqualung Atlantis, and it's nice however no matter what i do it fogs. Can't figure if it's because it's silicone skirted or what. Either way I like the no stick feel of soft rubber, and the sturdiness of it. Great channel.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I had a bunch of new rubber masks in the old round style. They were exactly like the 50s-60s masks except for a double seal. I think my old store still has some. They were Italian or Taiwanese I think. Search the smaller, no-brand companies and you'll spot them. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@wills1110]

Is there any way to get any faceplates nowdays? My dad and grandpa used to use them but they have since not worked any more. My great grandpa used goggles that were very similar to the early masks with the black heavy rubber and metal around the outside.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

The short answer is no. If you can find the same mask for sale on eBay or somewhere else, the glass is probably ok. It's the skirt that gets ruined with age. However, you can get a new faceplate made at any glass store - household not automotive. They can cut a new piece that will fit perfectly and pretty cheap too. You can even get tempered glass for it if you intend to use it regularly but that's not really so necessary. Send me a picture of the mask. I may well have one that you can buy. Alec

[@IreneWY]

I loved the story about your mum

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

She was very patient for someone who know nothing of diving but that sharks would eat me every dive (in fresh water rivers). She helped me get started in this sport and I love her for it. Alec

[@Lenaray818]

If you were my teacher I would love it

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks. Alec

[@ultimatevintagescuba925]

nice masks alec

[@bryanalexander2376]

I wonder if you can recondition the old rubber with a soak in some wintergreen oil and denatured alcohol?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I have lots of very old rubber scuba items all still flexible today. Watch my video under Vintage Scuba, S05E12 Caring for Old Scuba Gear for tips to preserve your items. Thanks for watching Bryan.

[@vikkimcdonough6153]

22:16 - That same sort of mechanism is used today in astronaut helmets - pretty hard to hold your nose in a spacesuit!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

The nose pinchers are used in many rec and commercial full face masks. I'd like to try it in space. Thanks for watching Vikki. A.

[@chanzwera5097]

Was it possible to talk through the full face masks?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Yes of course. You could talk all you want, chew gum, smoke (getting it lit was a challenge). Of course no one could hear you talk unless you had a communicator. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@MichaelGundelfinger]

What happened in the case of regulator failure or out gas with the full face masks? Surly buddy breathing wasn't an option especially with the ScubaPro one

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

You sure have that right Michael. You run out of air and you die! Actually a good philosophy for today. While I'm all in favor of various equipment modifications and skills learned to deal with out-of-air emergencies, anyone who runs out of air while underwater doesn't have his priorities straight!! Thanks for watching. Alec

[@hearsejr]

I got my mask out.... Ok I went diving yesterday, and was cleaning stuff up... And I got a pic of my mask. It's a Lot ng Neptune panoramic. I love it. It's as big as a Cadillac, and does seem to get a bit of water in it at times and it a couple of good breaths to clear, and when you do you have to make sure to look up. Lol. If by chance anyone has one they want to let go on the cheap side... I'm not as financially independent as I wish I was.. please let me know. I'm looking one for my sister who so far has been doing very good with her scuba diving, and wants a nice panoramic view mask.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Those old wide-vue masks could hold an aquarium inside. They are fun and you're lucky if it fits snug enough to keep mostly dry.

[@hearsejr]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I think if I shave it might help.. lol. It stayed fairly dry this time though. Wait till I hit the 30' mark and see how does before I brag. Lol. I only seen one other one like it.. and it was a display at a dive shop. Yesterday I seen three pictures on google.. 1 blue, 1 white, 1 red.. or pink. Mine yellow. Well the rubber is black with yellow between the tempered glass and the black rubber frame.i can put a boot snorkle mask inside of mine. Lol

[@deaddog5344]

Alec, Sea Net was the first US company to make masks back in the '40s, long before any of them. But I'm sure you know this. Just want to keep the history correct.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

They were one of the first all right. There are very few old Sea Net masks or fins in good condition anymore. Thanks. Alec

[@gokhanfilms1238]

Alec, where is the Tabata / Pantoscope ?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Oh and many more. This was from my personal collection of masks. There were a few more but not good enough to fill in the evolution gaps. Glad you like it. A

[@johnrmirez5261]

alec is it possible to get an autographed picture from you with whatever charge

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Funny you ask. Kevin mentioned the other day that I ought to get a promo picture to send out. I feel funny about it because I'm no celebrity in my mind. I have been asked to sign a logbook many times at some of our Sea Hunt and Vintage Dive events, but not a picture until recently. I'll see. Alec

[@SabataFMJ]

Bottom scratching is actually a method used for attracting fish while spearfishing

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Oh yes and it was the name of the first aqua-lung diving club in California. A.

[@GenophefeElisabeth]

If I found one in good condition would it still be safe to use for snorkeling?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Sure. Old gear is just old, not useless. Alec

[@GenophefeElisabeth]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter That's good to know. Thank you for answering so quickly and also for the entertaining videos.

[@chaserobertson]

How do you know when you're supposed to equalize?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Every diver must equalize. Some may not appear to be doing much, but they are. And equalization begins at the surface and continues every few feet as you descend. You must equalize and from the surface; do not wait until you feel pressure or pain. That can make it harder to equalize and can result in a pressure injury. It's not really a matter of knowing when you're supposed to equalize so much as knowing that you have to. Start at the surface and equalize every few feet. The good news is that once you reach 30 or more feet underwater, you won't have to equalize as much and it's easier. Take care. Alec

[@sbcinema]

What I saw is that some people made their masks out of old Gesmasks.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Not a great mask with 1 or 2 big air tubes to block out. The very first were hand made from fire hoses with a lot of fittings that still leaked.

[@vancecarriere]

This is the evolution of the dive mask but you didn't have anything on the Sea Net company. Their Sea-Dive mask was the first commercially made American mask, introduced in 1938, and produced into the 1950s. Arguably the most important early mask it was used in WWII by the UDT divers which greatly affected the outcome of the war. As those soldiers returned, there began a boom of dive clubs and spearfishing competitions like never before. Do you not own a Sea-Dive mask?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I did! There was more I could have added but Kevin said to stay focused on key scuba masks. There are the early goggles, home made masks (we all did it), several nose pinching variations and so on. Still not bad for my first Vintage Scuba ever. I'm now in series 10 with more to come. Thanks for watching. A

[@Blastfence1]

I want to make my own dive mask how big of fire hose do I need?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

If you can find a hard rubber fire hose section, start at 6" to 8" depending on face width. Good luck but you can buy older vintage scuba masks without the work and leaking (no face seal).

[@Blastfence1]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Thank You!

[@russellcampbell9641]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks Russell. Alec

[@Jonhenrysneip]

😊😊😊😊😊

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks. Alec