Full View vs Split View Masks

[rbraatz]

I'm interested in knowing if there are any advantages or disadvantages between a Full View and a Split View mask?

I understand fit and comfort are the #1 priority, but assuming they fit equally well...
- Does one have a better visibility than the other?
- Are Fully Views more likely to crack or break?
- I assume Split View would be preferred for optic lens inserts (it would look tacky otherwise).

Example Mares comparison:
Mares X Vision Mask $60
Mares Pure Vision Mask $60

Example Tilos:
Panview Mask $35.28
Tilos M580 Full Panoramic Mask $49.95


I'm like the style of Mares Pure Vision and the Tilos Frameless masks the best, but I'm curious if there's an advantage to staying with the split vision masks?


Tilos Frameless Mask $49.95

Randy

[Flatliner]

Unless you plan on getting corrective lenses, I don't think it matters.

Full view - 6
Split view - 1/2 dozen

[Vercingetorix]

The Tilos Frameless Mask got an excellent write-up in Scuba Diving magazine about a year ago. (I know, because after reading the article, I ordered on at ST, which didn't carry them at the time. The mask did not fit my narrow face too well...so no sale).

The frameless, two-lens models tend to have less volume then the full-view. Thus, they are easier to clear. Bringing the lenes closer to the eye also improves field of vision. New frameless technology may lessen that advantage.

Finally, an additional question you must ask yourself: Clear skirt or black skirt? The clear skirt lets lots of light in, so the watery world seems more open. Most advantageous in less-than-prime viz. Clear Springs (in Terrell, Tx, where I dive) is renowned for its murky green viz and light-scattering floating detritus.

On the other hand, if you are a photographer, or aspire to be one, the black skirt removes that extra light which eases focusing greatly, because you don't have a bunch of light shining in your eyes. The disadvantage is that some divers feel like they are looking through a tunnel. For instance, please note that this photographer prefers the black-skirt, low-volume, split-lenses. And a dog biscuit:

[Flatliner]

What's with the dog biscuit...

[PTAaron]

I've used both and truly didn't notice a difference while wearing them in terms of field of view. I did notice that if the lens fogs it is easier to let in a little water and clear it off by swishing it around with a non-split lens - but that is only a minor advantage.

[Vercingetorix]

Originally Posted by Flatliner

What's with the dog biscuit...

In case she encounters this, the Dogfish...duh!!!!


or this:

Originally Posted by PTAaron

I did notice that if the lens fogs it is easier to let in a little water and clear it off by swishing it around with a non-split lens - but that is only a minor advantage.

I do that with my split-lens mask.

[skdvr]

I like the low volume split masks better... I have both and the full lens mask that I have also has the little side windows which really drove me nutty... You can kind of see out of them but because there is a seam where the two pieces of the lense come together as you move your head the things on teh sid eof you seam to move. I put about 40 or 50 dives on that full lens mask before I tried the low volume split lens mask and now the bigger mask just sits there incase someone needs to borrow it...

Phil

[PTAaron]

Originally Posted by Vercingetorix

I do that with my split-lens mask.

I do too with my split mask - but I just meant that it is mildly more difficult to get the water from the right side to the left side of the mask (in a low volume split lens) vs a wide open full lens. Thinking of the times I've had a minor leak just on one side and tried to get that water over to the other side without breaking the seal... don't want to make the well sealed side leaky too!

[rbraatz]

Originally Posted by Vercingetorix

The Tilos Frameless Mask got an excellent write-up in Scuba Diving magazine about a year ago. (I know, because after reading the article, I ordered on at ST, which didn't carry them at the time. The mask did not fit my narrow face too well...so no sale).

The frameless, two-lens models tend to have less volume then the full-view. Thus, they are easier to clear. Bringing the lenes closer to the eye also improves field of vision. New frameless technology may lessen that advantage.

Finally, an additional question you must ask yourself: Clear skirt or black skirt? The clear skirt lets lots of light in, so the watery world seems more open. Most advantageous in less-than-prime viz. Clear Springs (in Terrell, Tx, where I dive) is renowned for its murky green viz and light-scattering floating detritus.

On the other hand, if you are a photographer, or aspire to be one, the black skirt removes that extra light which eases focusing greatly, because you don't have a bunch of light shining in your eyes. The disadvantage is that some divers feel like they are looking through a tunnel. For instance, please note that this photographer prefers the black-skirt, low-volume, split-lenses. And a dog biscuit:

Not only do I think the all black masks just look cool, it will look great now and in the future with any color snorkel and mask... if 'matching' is a consideration.

Speaking of looking good, it looks great with a dog biscuit too! Thanks for the pic Rick, I think I'm sold!

Randy

[skdvr]

Originally Posted by Vercingetorix

Her mask is on Top of her head so she is in OBVIOUS need of rescuing. Any Volunteers???

Phil