OTS Guardian Full Face Mask Blue/Black

2021-03-02T13:17:30

I love it. My wife is not certified yet, but she does have a problem with the regular diving mask. Put with the full face, she if fine.

Cliff B.

2020-07-02T07:55:13

Love this mask! A diver’s dream. Paired with my dry suit, it’s the best.

TIMOTHY W.

2020-03-11T10:15:59

Diving a FFM can spoil you for a traditional mask/reg setup. Positives: never fog, virtually never leak, easy breathing, reduced dryness in the throat, much easier equalization (YMMV on that one), warm face in cold water, face protection in dirty water, excellent visibility, never get your mask kicked off by your buddy, optional ability to communicate with companions (I've not tried the hydrophone setup so I can't comment on it). Negatives: need to learn how to bail out (not difficult), should carry a spare mask just in case, some find slightly increased air usage (YMMV), a little tricky if you wear a hood. The Guardian includes a surface air valve, which is another nice feature. I don't have the funds to try all of the various FFM models for comparison, sadly.

Edward S.

2020-01-31T07:34:20

Once you go full face, you never want to go back to regular scuba!! I love being able to breathe through my nose. Never fogging and a dry face are the best!! Also great in cold water because you can pretty much protect all your skin.

JOE L.

2020-01-15T15:17:28

Have been diving AGA and OTS for years and a rescue and recreational diver. Fits my face perfectly. Comfortable enough to dive for hours on shallow surface support dives.

T G.

2019-10-01T04:41:41

Love the feel, double seal and fit of this mask along with the thick spider strap and the fact that it does not fog up. Fun recreational mask if no or very leisurely workload, but....if any substantial workload at all or even swimming against a medium current, the 2nd stage grossly under-performs to the point of stress inducement due to strained airflow which a diver cannot adjust underwater. I've tried 3 Guardians and they all breathed the same so I think it's just the way they make them. By comparison, I have dove several FFMs by Ocean Reef which I did feel were beautiful, but of a lesser quality build, however under workload were diver adjustable and performed well. I've also dove the demand pressure version of the Aga / Divator which is not diver adjustable but seems to breathe like a dream under any circumstance. All the FFMs with integrated 2nd stages will not fog which is a great benefit. But due to the under-performance of the Guardian's 2nd stage regulator, I'd recommend passing on it and getting a Spectrum instead which leaves you free to use the 2nd stage of your choice. You'll have to deal with the standard fogging issues of a regular mask with the Spectrum but that's no big deal. The bottom line is that underwater, you always want to be able to breathe comfortably. I do believe the Guardian Mask had one of the best quality builds out there....but OTS really dropped the ball with its proprietary under-performing 2nd Stage.

BRYANT T.

2019-01-20T19:00:00

The Guardian is absolutely the best full face mask (FFM) that I have ever used. I work in a FFM (using a Mantis, which is a nice mask), often of questionable water quality. Initially what attracted me to this FFM, is that the ambient breathing valve (ABV) is located high enough to be out of the water. Other FFMs place the ABV in a lower location on the mask, this ok for use on land... but at the end of the dive, when you are low on air, floating around in the middle of the night, kicking your way back to the boat on the ocean, you are going to suck water, unless it is flat calm and you like angling your head to the side to get the ABV out of the water...trust me on that one. The Guardian ABV is not only located in the correct place, the valve itself is a one way design. The double seal is very comfortable and does an effective job sealing against your face, just make sure that you are sealing against your skin and not on top of the hood (unless the hood is designed for that). An effective seal is very important in minimizing air consumption. The field of vision is excellant. The airflow in the mask is very effective in maintaining a truly fog free lense. This mask breathes very easily. I also like the fact that the second stage clips in and out of this mask in a solid manner and does not require any tools. The mask comes with a set of nose pieces to customize the fit and to enable easy equalization at depth. The only accessory that I am using at this time is an Omniswivel to streamline the hose configuration. I have also ordered a specially built second stage for use with a hookah, when I am working using hookah. OTS does offer a lot of different accessories, eg communication systems, eyeglass mounts, rail mounts for lights, camera, etc.,. A word about FFMs. Especially if you are new to diving, absolutely get some specialized training in using a FFM. The 5 strap mask strap is very secure, but you are not going to quickly slide it off your face to have a word with your buddy or gasp for air, especially if you are wearing 5-7mm cold water gloves. There are quircks to be aware of, and procedures to learn. How do you share air with your buddy? Are you diving with a bail out system or pony tank?, are you using a gas switching valve (GSV)? Can you R&R this thing underwater if you had to?, etc.. If you are willing to deal with the unique issues of the FFM, you will find that it is truly a great way to dive...in my opinion, it is the best way to dive.

WilliamH

2017-09-12T06:11:34

This as a great mask with tons of pros and only one problem that I found. Pros: This mask has changed diving for me. The ability to breathe through my nose coupled with zero jaw fatigue is a literal breath of fresh air when diving. I tried another brand of FFM before I bought the guardian and there was no comparison. The OTS Guardian is a way nicer mask in my opinion. The skirt/seal material is thicker and softer than other masks making it much more comfortable on my skin. The nose blocks for equalizing are a better shape and feel better when pressed against my nostrils. The SAV works great and just as advertised does a good job of keeping water out even if you forget to close it right away when descending. The ability to remove the reg from the mask makes cleaning and storing a breeze. Con: The only con to this mask is that the second stage is not the highest quality. It is easy to over breathe the second stage and get a vibration. Slow and steady breathes are an easy correction to this but I also believe OTS is aware of the problem and the fix is to spend $400 on the new stealth second stage. I dont consider it to be a $400 problem. Proper breathing techniques alleviate the problem and really should be practiced anyways.

Joseph A.

2017-08-15T08:34:06

This is the best diving purchase I have ever made. This makes diving and working in bad conditions almost fun!

Ben S.

2016-08-04T20:22:28

I'm a commercial diver, and I use this mask every day for work. There are a number of good features to the mask such as the double skirt, the strap design, the anti-fogging airflow path, and the ABV (ambient breathing valve). With that said, there is one unforgivable and overwhelming flaw: the regulator is, without any exaggeration, the worst regulator I have ever breathed from. This isn't just my opinion, but also an opinion unanimously shared by all my coworkers. The problem is that the work of breathing is exceptionally high, which quickly leads to hypercapnia (symptoms start with headaches, and eventually progress to nausea). It isn't an issue of adjustment or input pressure either, as I have very thoroughly experimented with a wide range of settings. The design of the regulator simply works against itself to prevent you from being able to get it to breathe easier, and several of the critical internal parts are made from crappy plastic. I'm not sure how a company can get away with this kind of thing in today's day and age. Avoid this product until they finally manage to get the kinks worked out with their new SRG-1 regulator that they've been trying to release for over a year now. By comparison, AGAs breathe like a dream, and they don't screech over comms like the guardians do. Too bad an AGA costs 2.5 times as much and isn't as nice in all the smaller mask details that I mentioned above.

Evan R.

2015-12-30T04:37:29

I purchased this when the National Aquarium where I volunteer started doing underwater talks and selected the GFFM as its mask for the underwater talks. I really like this mask, especially for cold water dives, but also enjoy it on warm water dives - no lens fogging; great fit (very comfortable; and I can breath through my nose. My SAC is a little higher but the trade-off is worth it.

KEVIN F.

2015-08-24T20:00:00

Use for recreational diving and it works great

Carl

2015-07-31T20:00:00

took it for the maiden dive today. i dont think i can go back to a normal regulator now. pros, doesnt fog, at all, good fit, no jaw fatigue. a con would be having to take a backup mask and clearing the water out of it takes a lot of air. however, the only time you should have to do that is when practicing mask/reg swaps.

The M.

2015-02-21T19:00:00

The OTS Guardian ffm is the greatest innovation in diving since the introduction of the BCD. All my dives are now undertaken using this fantastic mask. The vision is superb, the fit is excellent and the performance is great. What more could a diver want. As a UK diver, I wish OTS would promote this brilliant piece of kit more in England and Europe for the average sports diver and not let it drift into the province of "Techinical Divers" only. Com's aside, such a great piece of equipment should be common knowledge to the whole diving world. There's an old saying about knowing when something is "right" and this can be no truer than when it's revered to the OTS GUardian full face mask.

oldned

2014-09-11T20:00:00

I ordered one of these masks after wearing one in a PADI Full Face Mask (FFM) course that I completed. I absolutely love the mask! I am a Master Diver and have been diving since 2007. In all that time, this is the first item that I have purchased to make a significant change in my diving experience. I now solely dive with my OTS Guardian. I am Deep, Wreck and Cavern diver and I this mask is a must have for anyone that is an Adventure Diver. The OTS Guardian FFM is a one size fits all so there is no worrying about getting the right size. It is extremely comfortable to wear! It maintains a positive pressure which eliminates squeezing, fogging, flooding and you will never again experience jaw fatigue or salt water in your mouth. The field of view is incredible and crystal clear throughout the entire dive. I have read some reviews where people claim that they use up their air a little faster but this has not been the case for me. I still have 40-50 minutes of air on shallow dives and finished three Deep dives last weekend with more air than any of my dive group (and I was the first in the water and last one to surface). I dove with a guy that also owns an OTS Guardian with the Buddy Phone. The underwater communication adds a very unique aspect to the dive eliminating the need to tap a tank to get the attention of your buddy and consequently, every diver within audible range of the tapping. It takes a little practice to get clear communication through the buddy Phone. You have to speak very clearly with a slight pause between words. My buddy says he can hear me crystal clear but he speaks with a bit of an accent and I have trouble understanding him. Another benefit to the mask is that the included regulator for it snaps into place. It can only be detached by removing the mask and pressing a release clip from the inside. For this reason, you will never have an issue will accidentally losing your regulator nor having it pulled out by a panic diver. The mask comes with everything that you need to make the mask operational. The bag is very nice. It includes a wrench, several adjustable nose plates for customization, the custom regulator for the mask with the pressure hose to attach to the first stage. The mask is EANx compatible. I highly recommend that you only O2 Lube when you swap out your regulators. The kit included a DVD for use of the mask and separate instruction booklets for the Mask and the Buddy Phone. Caution: If you are a diver that has to plug your nose to equalize, this mask will pose a challenge for you. You will not be able to do this. The mask has an integrated nose plate that you blow against to equalize. I recommend learning to equalize using a jaw wiggle and partial yawn. It makes the descent a lot easier and more pleasant. You will have to carry a standard mask when you dive. I purchased a Glue-on Thigh Pocket from Leisure Pro for this purpose and carry it comfortably in that pocket. If you ever have a diver emergency, you have to remove the FFM to switch to your buddies Share Regulator and you will want your mask. The PADI FFM specialty course will cover this if you can find a Divemaster that put together a PADI approved course. If you still dive with a snorkel, those days will also be over. The mask has a valve that you will open up at the right temple that allows air to enter mask at the surface as apposed to drawing from the demand valve activated regulator. You just want to close it before you go down. I forgot once and didn't realize it until I was at about 70-80 feet. I got just a little bit of water in the mask but there was not any flooding! The mask is remarkable! I closed the valve and the tiny bit that made its way in was quickly blown out. This is not a cheap mask but it is very worth it if you can afford it. I do not regret the purchase in the slightest. I love it!

Jason76

2011-12-12T19:00:00

Nice

MODiver

2011-10-27T20:00:00

I bought 2 of these masks - as well as the surface communication box. At first it took me a fe wpool and quarry dive sot get used to how to clear my ears. NOW - about 80 dives later - I dont dive without it!!!! Stays on, doesnt fog, communications add an INVALUABLE level of safety for us in open water, NJ diving. Breathing is easy. I can now breath through my nose while underwater. At first, SAC rate will be a little higher - but - at this point I am not using any more air than I did before I went to a FFM. I cant say enough good things about this mask. The fact that IF you were to become unconscience somehow - you will not "spit the reg" and drown is just one of them. I think FFM will become more and more popular over the next few years

LOBSTER G.

2010-03-12T19:00:00

I've got 50 dives on the Guardian, and it's performed great. The double seal is great, and works well with people with narrow faces. My air consumption was initially a little higher using the FFM, but over time is back where it used to be. No worries about mask squeeze, dry mouth, or jaw fatigue anymore.

JASON C.

2010-01-02T19:00:00

Excellent mask, great performance under all types of environments. OTS communication system is a must with this mask. Easy communication to your buddy underwater or back to the boat is excellent safety measure as well as adding enjoyment to pleasure dive. You will increase your air consumption with this mask! Especially when you talk alot with the communication set up. Plan accordingly. Plan your dive, dive your plan!!! Be safe!!!

Chad D.