Switched from a Kirby Morgan to an Ocean Reef full face mask for shallow harbor work and I'm not going back

Been diving for 5 years, always used a KM-37 on the bigger jobs. Last week I had a contract inspecting some pilings in San Diego harbor, only about 20 feet down. Buddy lent me his Ocean Reef Neptune mask. No umbilical, no stupid exhaust valve sticking. I could just talk to the surface crew through the integrated comms without any feedback screaming. Spent the whole day in it, came up with zero headache. The KM is still king for deep work or currents, sure. But for these quick shallow gigs? I felt like an idiot for dragging that heavy helmet around for years. Has anyone else found a specific setup that just clicks for certain conditions but gets looked down on by the old heads?

2 comments

2 Comments

dakota_taylor3929d ago

Made the switch to a full face for harbor work a few years back and felt like a fool carrying around my old AGA until my neck reminded me why the old guys judge us. Their steel pots built up real character, mine just built up back pain.

ivanjones29d ago

Read in a diving magazine that even Navy SEALs use full face masks for harbor security now.