tilos frameless mask

[squee!]

Can anyone offer a review or experience regarding this mask? It has a very attractive price and I just want to make sure that it isn't a total pile.

[thor]

I had a Tilos mask for awhile. They seem to make decent masks. Not sure how they stand up long term. Can't usually beat the price. I think that they are made by someone else, like a lot of masks. Fit is most important. Doesn't really matter who makes it.

[kancho]

It says you can fold the mask? Is the lens of the mask flexible plastic or it is just talking about the skirt. How would it stand up to the water pressure?

[dallasdivergirl]

I was checking them out the other day & you can fold them. They are pretty cool. I am thinking of getting one to replace my current pocket mask.

They have two lenses and it folds at the nose piece.

[mm2002]

According to a review in the recent issue of Scuba Diving, they had a problem with the two lenses not staying on plane with one another, causing a distorted view. It was due to the flexibility between the lenses.

They also reviewed one Tilos calls the Excel, and it looks very cool! Only $3.00 more than the flex too, and one of the best field of vision rating of any mask reviewed.

[PoseidonDiver]

The Tilos Excel is well worth the money. I have this mask and the Atomic Frameless and of the two the Tilos has a better fit. That, of course, is due to the shape of my face. Furthermore, the nose pocket of the Tilos has soft points making it easier to squeeze without distorting the lower part of the skirt.

The strap of the Atomic mask is easier to adjust with its push button release. That of the Tilos requires an outward pull on the finger tabs located on either side and underwater with thick gloves this can be quite a chore. However, if you adjust the fit of your mask prior to entering the water, this becomes a non-issue.

As for the price, the Atomic Frameless retails for $89.95, the Tilos can be had for less than half, $42.33 with shipping to CA included(ScubaToys matched a lower authorized price I found online).

[WAHMof2]

Yep, a lot of mask for a little dough. See my other post.
I honestly don't see why anyone would pay the extra for the Atomic, or any other for that matter.

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by WAHMof2

Yep, a lot of mask for a little dough. See my other post.
I honestly don't see why anyone would pay the extra for the Atomic, or any other for that matter.

I agree. That said, I'll pay whatever it takes for a mask that fits. But "super clear glass" does not justify doubling the cost of an otherwise normal mask that ordinarily would cost under $80. They seem nice, mind you, but I still don't get the hoopla over glass. I can understand a *small* premium for the Mares LiquidSkin (composite silicone being a tricky thing to manufacture), but for clear glass? Please.

Tilos' mask are just as good as any other out there, as long as a) you don't need super clear glass or liquidskin silicon, and b) they fit your face well. And they're 1/3 to half the price of most others.

[PoseidonDiver]

The Atomic Frameless is a very expensive mask and I don't really see any difference between the clarity of the Tilos and Atomic lenses. CD raised a very important point though, i.e. fit. Irregardless of a mask's price its fit should be the paramount concern. I have put masks on people's faces to try and get the best fit and for some very narrow faces I had to rip open children's mask/snorkel packs just to get a mask that will seat its skirt.

That said there are ways of getting around steep dive shop prices, e.g. you can intern at a dive shop and get most everything they offer at a little above cost. On high ticket items the loss of a few hours every month is well worth it. It also gives you the added bonus of networking with other divers from whom you may get dive tips and ideas it would have otherwise taken you some time to formulate.