Comments about HydroOptix HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Mask:

The lenses worked as stated...that's all that works...however!
I'm in my 50's, dived since the 1970's, worn glasses since 2nd grade. USCG/Capn/Instructor/Guide-Great Lakes/Cayman/Bahamas/Keys-1000's of dives x 6.
It will stick to the face during the in-shop, suck-in, test. DEMAND a NO OBLIGATION test dive!
I bought one to take to Hawaii. Leaks like a sieve. There are so many quirks to the care and feeding, of this thing, that it takes on a life of its own. I want to dive not care for a pet.
Lots of ludicrous, in the way, extra equipment to help you see at the surface.
H2O, in mask, pools in the middle of the domes.
Cheap materials, scratches easily, flimsy-skirt.
Inner fog coating lasts for a dive...maybe.
I could go on...but I'm disappointed (to put it mildly).
Maybe they should sell the technology to a mask mfg...who MIGHT do it right.
Never again.
The mask box is so gigantic, I'm surprised the airline didn't charge extra:)
If you like wasting 200bux, go for it, the lenses work...but nothing else does and you'll do a lot of work, managing this thing!
A, totally, positive review, on this thing, has to be from a mfg plant.

Comments about HydroOptix HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Mask:

Best mask I have ever used. Would not think of diving or snokling without it. I am nearsighted and it was like wearing glasses underwater. Also, correction for distortion was remarkable.
OUTSTANDING. Everyone should try these!

Comments about HydroOptix HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Mask:

A great mask, but for me leaks and floods more than any mask I've used. As an instructor, I've stopped using it while teaching, until I (hopefully) find a solution.

Someone mentioned their purge valve leaked..I'll check that...makes sense, the mask feels sealed, or may have to go with crazy glue.

Regardless, great mask..contacts are a little hassle..but think back what early divers had to deal with...rubber suits, horse collar BCs, and big bozo masks that held a gallon of water.

Comments about HydroOptix HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Mask:

I've only been able to use it once so far but I see a lot of advantages and know I am going to love it.

First the bad because, isnt that really what you want to know? I'm not sure if it really is a bad yet but it was a bit leaky in the beginning, though most likely this was due to the course scruff on my face and it not being fully adjusted yet. Visit the web site before purchase and read the directions and specs. I also have the silver seal and it is a little stiffer than the black seal so bear in mind that they do not have the exact same sealing qualities. I will do a clean shave next time and expect to see a change.

As for the pros: Comfortable, Great field of view with full peripheral and with everything being true to life size is where the sweet comes in! I am near sighted (-3.5)and I actually had better vision underwater with my contacts off than I do above water with them in! If you are near sighted this is definitely a better option than the old corrective lens mask... in fact; its even worth getting contacts if your eyes are perfect so you can use this mask.

Give this mask a go!

Comments about HydroOptix HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Mask:

I mainly snorkel/spearfish. Since I am nearsighted I thought the field of view would be an advantage in hunting for fish. Field of view is amazing. The best have ever seen underwater. That said the mask didn't work for me. Any water drops collect in the center of the lenses when looking downward. They roll around and completely distract the eye. I knew it was a large volume mask but the air required to equalize it greatly reduces your breath hold time and quickly leads to it fogging no matter what I did. I still feel the greater field of view is hard to describe unless experienced ! I would say this would be a great mask for a nearsighted bottle diver that does not need to constantly equalize and trims themselves into a more vertical position once down.

Comments about HydroOptix HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Mask:

If you have Miopia (near sitedness) I highly recommend getting this goggle. It has an amazing fit and feel, and most of all, it increases your field of view like you wouldn't belive. Its like having wide angle lenses underwater. The quality is excellent. I absolutely love this goggle.

There are some downsides. Naturally because the lenses are domes, when your looking down, any minute amount of water in the goggle immediately goes to the middle which blurs your direct forward view. Its not as easy to clear as other goggles. The purge valve leaks. I actually plugged the purge valves in mine and have no regrets. And even these minor con's I'd still recommend this goggle. You won't believe it until you see it.

Comments about HydroOptix HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Mask:

Used to use "regular masks" from several top manufactures, over the years but, was looking for something "more". This mask did it for me. Opened up the underwater world to a new level of viewing. Since I'm near sided, this mask is perfect for me. Only con, might be it's large volumn but, for my "normal" face, it fits perfectly. Very satisfied. Key is you must be nearsided to wear this mask, or if not, must wear contacts to make you nearsided to take full advantage of wide angle view provided.

Comments about HydroOptix HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Mask:

totally awesome- clears very easily.. Don't know what your missing until you get this mask!!!!

Comments about HydroOptix HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Mask:

I was going to get a prescription mask when I decided to give this a try. It was about the same price or cheaper than the alternatives I was considering. But since my -4.5 nearsighted prescription is perfect for this I went this route. It is a larger mask and you have to take care of it a bit for for scratches. I had no problems with it. It took me a while to realize that there is NO distortion underwater. It was just like wearing glasses. Everything is the right distance away and I had no problem ready my instruments at all. I didn't find a need for the accessories to help you see with the mask on while out of the water. So if your prescription fits into the range of the mask, get it!

I also found the company was really helpful and responsive with questions.

Comments about HydroOptix HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Mask:

I have had this mask for 3 years and have used it diving several times. I wear glasses on a daily basis and what this mask does for me underwater is just amazing. I am able to see and thing and everything that I want to see with this mask. It is like I still have my glasses that I wear daily on. If you wear glasses or contacts on a daily basis I highly recommend this mask.

Comments about HydroOptix HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Mask:

Visibility is great but the leaking...
Advertised as precoated with antifog but fogs very easily
Would not by this mask for this price

Comments about HydroOptix HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Mask:

If you are not nearsighed do NOT try these! I have good vision but wanted these anyway. I went and had contacts made to make my vision the "naked eye match" and everyting. First i tried them in the pool where they fogged within the first 30 seconds (yes i read the instructions for pre dive prep). They didn't fit very well either...if you have a larger face, have fun with leaks. the clasp on the strap comes loose easy. Not to mention if they do leak on you make sure the water dosent wash your contacts out!

So now im in open water and sure enough..fog...now since im looking down most of the time what little water did leak has collected in the middle of the dome lens which defeats the purpose of wearing goggles...all i see is blury water.

Maybe for a natural eye match with a small face this is the answer. . . but this was the worst dive i've ever had.

Comments about HydroOptix HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Mask:

I always use prescripition masks, range 3.5 to 4.5, this mask corrects perfectly and gives astonishing view. but it takes some time to get used to deal with pooling, fitting and fogging, after a while, like 50 to 100 dives, you will be able to cope to this problems, and the reward is huge.

Don't even try if not nearsighted, but if you are, is your best bet, I will never come back to prescription contacts or prescription masks will continue to buy this masks.

Comments about HydroOptix HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Mask:

Since the day I tried this mask I just could not go back to regular flat masks. True, this mask requires a bit of practice and may not be suitable for every diver (some may not be able to wear contacts). Personally I find that this mask is well worth the the trouble of having to wear contacts and having to pay special attention when out of the water (you can't just leave it unattended on the boat or it will get scratched). After all, the main purpose of diving is enjoying the underwater world. The mask is therefore the most important part of a diver's equipment and with this mask you'll get the most out of your dives. If there is one piece of equipment you must own it's this one.

Comments about HydroOptix HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Mask:

This is the "best fit" mask I have ever tried. The great optics is just a bonus! It truly does give a true-to-life look underwater.
I did find however that it does "over-correct" my near sitedness a bit. but not any where near the poor vision of not having it in the first place.

Comments about HydroOptix HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Mask:

I love to have great visibility and this is the mask for it. Although I have to wear contacts to use it, the range of view it’s worth the problem. The only problem is its volume and that the mask won’t fit everybody. You won’t know until you try it.

Comments about HydroOptix HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Mask:

great vision range specially for photography but it leaks and requires more air to compensate.
needs further redesign.

Comments about HydroOptix HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Mask:

Sorry this mask did not work as advertised.

Comments about HydroOptix HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Mask:

If you have good vision, you must take the time to learn how to wear contact lenses, which may be easier said than done. However, even someone as skittish as myself could manage after trying repeatedly, so that means anyone can do it. And it is worth it. So buy this mask and enjoy the most amazing view of the underwater world you could ever have.

Comments about HydroOptix HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Mask:

I tried this mask in the pool and liked it so much that I started to use it in open water when I divemaster. When I got comfortable with it, It took it to take my instructor exam to use during my dives.

Comments about HydroOptix HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Mask:

Great mask, I have perfect vision and I intentionnaly use -4.5 Contacts to use this mask, but it's worth it. Size is not to good for deep dives and it's very fragile to drops.

Comments about HydroOptix HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Mask:

This mask greatly increases your field of vision. I am naturally nearsighted (-3.5 OU) and this mask gave me perfectly clear vision underwater. The purge valves are also a nice feature. Because of the size of the mask, it gave more than the usual mask squeeze on my first trip down with it. This is easy to overcome, however once you expect it.