I'm extremely far-sighted, have astigmatism and need bi-focals.
SeaVision suits me well.
I got the low light tint, since most of my dives are on LA oil rigs
below (usually) a surface murk layer.  It gets pretty dark; I can't
say how much the low light tint helps, but it can't hurt. <G>

I like my Oceanmaster Z2. It's low volume, very handy strap that can be adjusted
under water and a nose purge valve that works well.

Adam

"HKN" <mabehemaREMOVE@THIStdcadsl.dk> pounded away at his keyboard
resulting in:

Whatever your local dive shop has that fits and that you like.  The
brand is irrelevent.

Dan Bracuk
If we don't succeed, we run the risk of failure.

I have been using the Big Eyes for the past few hundred dives. I like it a
lot, but you have to be sure it fits. I have found that if I make the strap
(I use a Slap Strap) a little tighter than other masks and wear it a little
lower, it fits better. I would like to try the Horizon out, but haven't come
across it in person yet. YMMV

Whatever fits *your* face the best. Go to your local dive shop and try
a bunch on.

Alan

I like masks with a big field of view; I liked the Big Eyes, but found
the single lens of a Wintech FS-106 gave me even more field of view,
especially looking upward. By the way, the Wintech FS-106 appears to be
_exactly_ the same as the Tusa Visualator. Costs about half as much,
though (I paid $34 at my local dive shop for the Wintech).

As many here say, trying it on for fit is most important, but not a
guarantee of in-water fit.

The Big Eyes has a relatively narrow skirt at the bottom, so I find it
leaks a little, if, for instance, a lobster just clamped down on my
buddy's finger, causing me to laugh in sympathy. If I don't look at
him, I'm fine. It's become my backup mask since I got the Wintech
FS-106. Now, it doesn't matter what happens to my buddy; I can laugh my
a.s off and the Wintech doesn't leak because of its wider bottom skirt.

The Wintech became my favorite because the lateral and upper fields of
view were slightly greater than the Big Eyes. Also, the upper view
through a single lens was definitely nicer, in being able to have both
eyes on an object, because there is less central mask frame. The lower
view is about the same, dispite not having the down-angled design of
the Big Eyes. With the Wintech FS-106, I can see as much of my chest as
with the Big Eyes. The Wintech's volume is probably greater, but I
don't care about that; I'd wear a clear plastic bucket if I could mate
it to my drysuit and regulator!  8^)

Consider getting a black skirt. I prefer a mask with a black skirt,
even if I lose a split second of reaction time when DANGER approaches
from the side, such as a skulling newbie about to sweep my mask right
off my face! If you're claustrophobic, black might not feel right for
you.

The problem with translucent skirts, either clear or light colored, is
that they allow in lots of light which reflects off the lens,
interfering with view when face downward. This I find especially
bothersome, such as when trying to see my camera screen or see into
some dark hole where some lobster has my buddy's finger in mortal
embrace.

Give a black skirt some thought (for scuba masks, silly!), as a wider
mask's skirt will definitely create a lot of reflected light off the
lens, if the skirt's not black.

Here are some links for comparison only; I can't vouch for the sellers.

Cressi-Sub Big Eyes:

http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?product_id=Cressi_Big_Eyes_Mask&refere
r=DG001

Tusa Visualator:

http://shop.diversdirect.com/item/Tusa%20Visualator%20Mask_ID34351

Wintech FS-106:

http://www.wintechdiving.com/divemasks.htm

HTH.

Dave C

Source, supplier of unscented, oil-free PURE TALC, compatible with
drysuit latex seals. If interested, contact
dcalderbankATcheshireDOTnet, or check eBay listings for current contact
info or sales (eBay ID: dave4868). Thanks.

I just replaced my old mask with the Mares X-Vision with a black skirt.
 Very low volume, excellent field of view, and a very nice strap
adjustment system.  You can get Rx lenses for them, too.

 The only "right" mask is the one that fits good.

 Big Eyes have a great view, but are hard to clear.

I have found a great source with good prices at Chesapeake Scuba in
Annapolis, MD  410-280-0648.

The highest user-rated mask in our directory is the Ocean Master Equalizer
Z2 Two Window Mask with Purge.
http://www.thescubaguide.com/d/i1838.aspx

Personally I've been hearing really great reviews of AquaSphere masks, and
the Mares Esa.

Cheers,
Ian
http://www.thescubaguide.com/

I have used a TUSA Liberator for many years, but switched to
Cressi Horizon. (new Big Eyes) Liberator is still in my bag for
a second. Saying that, number one rule, fit your mask to YOUR face.
Four window mask is a mask that has two side windows to allow more
light in. High profile.