Vintage Scuba: Super Masks - S08E02

Stone age divers remember the must-have wide-view masks that were sold and copied. Alec shows several super-wide screen masks popular in the 1960's to 1980's that needed a big head and big lungs to clear.
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[@joshuawade8319]

Great video, Alec. You inadvertently mentioned a great idea for a new playlist. I want to hear your barracuda story, and I'm sure you have a million more dive stories. You could start a playlist called Diving Memories or A Dive Memoir in which you just tell a story or two of memorable diving experiences per video. It would give you an excuse to peruse your old dive logs for material and allow you to relive some old adventures as you strike out on new ones. Just a thought. Appreciate all your information and advice. Best, Josh.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That's a neat idea Josh and I've actually considered it before. Some of my stories from the very early days have been written and published. I'll talk to Kevin to see how we can best present some of them. Alec

[@rippleguys]

That Dacor wrap around was the exact one Nick Nolte used in the Deep (1977)

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Good eye! It sure was.

[@sammoyers905]

My first mask was the Aqua-lung wrap around mask. I absolutely loved it. It bounced on my nose when I exhaled, but I knew no better. Then I got a Farallon Fara-mask with the blue frame. OMG low volume, no bounce. Loved it. Wish I could still get one.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for sharing Sam. Scuba masks are getting more comfortable all the time. Would have loved todays back in the 1960's. A

[@markstengel7680]

Hi Alec, Boy did you bring back fond memories with you showing those antique SCUBA masks. Everyone had at least one of those models so many decades ago. Great Episode, Bravo 👍

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks again for your support Mark. Alec

[@warrensalerno5484]

I loved my wraparound mask! I had it for more than 20yrs until all the rubber dried out and I could no longer patch it. I did get some strange looks from dive guides and newbies on dive boats. Never had any difficulty clearing it. I did have difficulty adjusting to the new style masks after having all that room with the wrap around. I'm glad to see that some manufacturers are reintroducing the bigger/wider masks using the new materials.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I think you'll get to love the new masks. They travel better, are super light on your head, easier to clear and to equalize and ...... they last forever! Good luck. Alec

[@deweymcnab4035]

I’m a divemaster in Roatan, Honduras. I remember not too long ago seeing one of my Divers show up with one of those masks, the last one on the left. It amazed me how heavy it was !

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Crazy huh? That mask is over 40 years old. Alec

[@TheVinny360]

I used one of Thoose masks and man I loved it compared to some of the ones I’ve used an I love that old school feel to them great viz👌

[@jacquespoirier9071]

so much memories, today, I use almost always use very small masks intented for freediving, I feel that they so much easier to wear and compensate as my actual practice is mostly oriented toward freediving

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

The benefits of a small mask in free-diving also apply to scuba. Alec

[@ryanhogge8]

I just got my Aqua Lung wrap-around mask today. Tried it in the pool versus my off-brand oval mask, and also versus my Cressi Pinnochio. It performed very well. Kept a better seal than the Cressi on my face, even! But I did notice that the side windows will take some getting used to. They're almost distracting.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Like the old Max-Vue masks, it was a marketing idea that did not last many years as who has eyes to see out the sides? Have you tried removing and replacing it yet? See how many full breaths it takes to empty the mask. Enjoy Ryan.

[@ryanhogge8]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Thanks for the reply Alec. The mask is huge, probably to the extent that there is an echo inside of it. Those side windows, though you can't look directly through them, do add some peripheral awareness to an extent. I'm aware they're obsolete for a reason. But I drive a 54 year old truck, still use a fixed shade welding hood, and the list goes on. Maybe I belong with those old Navy diver-saurs who were stuck in yesterday's mindset, but the "cool" factor always outweighs the "practical" factor for me. Don't worry, I know it'll be my downfall.

[@JT-gq8wv]

Barracudas? Wide View goggles? Glad you asked. 'Bout 20 yrs ago driving along the Keys, saw some guys on the beach with their gear - I pull up, pulled my fins n mask outta the trunk n joined them. Shallow clear water, 'bout 12 ft. - free diving - enjoying a moment of rapport between Man n Nature, when outtta the side left side window of my Wide-View I see a shadow from something overhead. Wuz _Daddy-Cuda_ , 'bout 6 ft. long and as big around as my Dxxx- At least it looked that big while I was teaching myself how to scream underwater. Mad dash to get to land ! Witness on the beach said it was the first time in 2000 years anyone was seen walking on water !

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I know the feeling!! That is so much like my story. Barracudas are notoriously curious and will often get close just for a good look. But they can be scary, particularly if a big one. Take care. Alec

[@williamgauthier9294]

I have a big head too! I guess we have more brains than most!!!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I'm with you on that William. Alec

[@17srelevant24]

Hey Alec. First thing, thanks for all of the excellent content you provide! I recently submitted Closed Captions for this video. I hope you have time to review them at some point in the near future. If you think I did a good job and would like help captioning more of your videos, I would love to talk with you about making that happen. If not, I understand but it would be nice to hear from you either way!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching Austin. I'll send this to Kevin, the producer, cameraman, editor and KZbin guru. He'll know what to do. Alec

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Hi Austin. Kevin tells me your captions are approved and hope others enjoy the videos. He says KZbin changed their policy so all CC are held for review before being published. Kevin will monitor for future CC's. Thanks for doing this and sharing with others. Alec

[@gee4526]

Hey Alex, maybe you've mentioned it in another video, but I don't recall. So I will ask you. How did you equalize with the older masks?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It wasn't as easy as today. As Dave suggests, we swallowed, moved our jaw around, tried to close our nose and blow and all kinds of other things. Each diver found the best method for himself. I had to swallow to clear one ear and blow for the other. Alec

[@rickkinney2544]

I really like watching your videos like this one. It brings back memories that I haven't thought of in years. You must have a warehouse full of dive gear that you've collected and kept over the years. You ever think about opening a dive museum? I'd visit it that's for sure. Great job with the product overlays Kevin; how on earth do you guys find this stuff?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Kevin is really into the old scuba gear and he spends a lot of time combing the internet and looking through my old catalogs and magazines. I'd love to open a museum. All I need is some financing Rick. Rick? Rick??? Where'd he go? Alec

[@rickkinney2544]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Lol. It would be a pretty small museum if I were the backer. :-)

[@aeriumsoft]

hello alec!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Hello Awsom. Alec

[@bostonmckibben1840]

What are your thoughts on twinsets vs side mount

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Each has its own, very specific applications. Twin tanks are easier to handle a s they are really juts big tanks on your back. Sidemount takes some practice but they too can become quite comfortable. In practical terms, there's not much difference. They both provider redundant air. In application, there's quite a difference and hence the difference in their application. Both are good for their intended use. Alec

[@bostonmckibben1840]

Thanks for your insight

[@otsoni03]

I once bought must like that but I had to return it to the shop. A super mask will distort your view especially in the swimming pool with the lines of tiles. It made your view very unnatural!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That's another reason why the compact, glass-close-to-the-face models are better. Alec