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.
Incredible Mask!
By
Jason76
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 the...re 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!
Designed to meet the demanding needs of today’s Commercial/Professional Diver, it leverages the best features found on other FFMs with unique features designed by OTS.
Features You Can Depend On:
• Removable 2nd stage for easy cleaning and storage (can’t be used w/o mask) • Made of a one-piece, non-rigid silicone skirt combined with injection-molded, high-impact, glass-filled ABS plastic frame and regulator housing • A double face seal and slightly smaller oral nasal cavity to fit most faces • Equalization occurs through a nose block. • Air flow is directed up over the visor to eliminate fogging and through one-way valves in the oral nasal pocket to reduce CO2 retention. • 2nd stage comes off the right shoulder and uses a standard LP hose
Included:
• Includes a communications port for easy installation of a Buddy Phone® or ear/microphone assembly to connect an OTS Diver Communications Unit such as the PowerCom 3000D • Includes OTS’ Ambient Breathing Valve®, Mask Bag, and LP hose
With over 60 years of diving experience and having sold almost every full-face mask (FFM) on the market, it was easy to see there was a need for something better. A common problem with most FFM is the seal. The lack of a good seal causes the diver to use air quicker and can interfere with the diver's ability to hear if using underwater communications. With that in mind, the GFFM was designed around a double seal. This along with many other great features (i.e. semi positive pressure, quick release 2nd stage, easy maintenance, etc.) is why you will find the Guardian is the best choice for your money when looking for a full-face mask.
The double seal 55-60 shore liquid silicone skirt with high strength polycarbonate visor (lens) was specifically designed to allow people with a small face or a slim face, especially in the temple area, to seal better. Everyone has a little different face. As divers you all know how important being able to equalize is. Equalizing is a challenge for all full-face masks. One size does not fit all! in to ensure everyone can equalize, OTS has put together an equalizing kit which comes with every Guardian full-face mask. The kit consists of two bases. One is a standard size without any holes. It can be adjusted up or down to fit as necessary. The other base has two holes which allow for different size pads that can be added. In the event the standard base does not work for you, one of the pads and the other base should fit the bill.
The Guardian offers an easy to adjust buckle system. OTS has made the buckles out of a tough, robust compound which should give you years of use. However, if a buckle does break, it will be easy to replace. There is one thing you won't have to worry about and that is rust. Rust is the number one cause of replacement when using metal buckles. The 5-point spider strap is just the right thickness to allow for a comfortable fit no matter what depth you go to. As you go deeper, the strap will help take up the slack. When you go shallow and everything readjusts, so will the strap keeping you snug in your Guardian FFM.
The ABV-1 Ambient Breathing Valve allows the user to breathe ambient air at the surface, conserving your tank air. It is simple to use, and its low profile keeps it out of the way. To use the device, while on the surface simply rotate the valve counterclockwise. The one-way valve will open and allow air into the FFM. The one-way valve located on the inside of the FFM ensures that your exhaled air does not go back out the valve. Your exhaled air is sent out through the second stage regulator ensuring you do not get a Co2 "building" in the FFM. The valve also is forced closed when diving. The over pressure in the FFM assures that. If you forget to close the valve before diving, the valve disc will help keep water out.
The Guardian full-face mask has a custom designed balanced downstream demand valve 2'nd stage regulator that was specifically designed for a full-face mask. OTS also realized what is involved with the maintenance of a full-face mask and regulator. They designed the 2nd stage with trouble free maintenance in mind - it is easily removed! This is important for cleaning and/or maintaining your full-face mask. The regulator has an injected molded high-impact housing for strength and durability and comes with a 32" (81.3 cm) 3/8" threaded low-pressure hose.
You paid hard earned money for your full-face mask. Why not keep it in a bag designed to store it like it is supposed to be stored. The mask bag was designed to help keep your mask in the right drying position, keeping water from pooling in your 2nd stage regulator. It also has vents to keep good ventilation helping to stop mildew and drain holes to let water drain away from the mask. Lots of storage pockets as well. One is a dry storage compartment! The bag has a carrying handle as well as a shoulder strap. In all, it's a great investment to help keep your valuable GFFM. The Guardian Full-Face Mask is available with multiple color skirts and frames and Owner's Manual.
This product can only be shipped to U.S. addresses.
Ocean Technology Systems (OTS): 60 Years of Diving Experience
Complete Mask with Regulator
Mask Bag: Wet & Dry Storage Pockets Self-Ventilating and Drainage Carry Handle and Shoulder Strap
Owner's Manual
Guardian Full Face Mask (GFFM):
Double Seal Designed Full Face Mask (FFM) Skirt
Skirt Material: 55-60 Shore A Liquid Silicone
Double Seal: Fits Small, Slim Faces, Especially in Temple-Area
Easy Adjust Buckle System
5-Point Spider Head Strap
Low Volume Full-Face Design
High Strength Polycarbonate Visor (Lens)
Skirt Colors: Black, Blue or Yellow
Frame Colors with Black Skirt: Pink, Green, Blue or Red
Equalization Kit: Kit Consists of Two Bases, Standard Size & One w/Holes 4-Pads for Custom Fit
ABV-1 Valve: Breathe Ambient Air at Surface Conserving Tank Air Simple to Use Operation: to Breath, Rotate Valve Counterclockwise, Close Valve: Rotate Fully Clockwise Check Valve: Allows Air-to-Enter Valve Only Air Exhaled-Out the Regulator Check Valve: Prevents Gas from Escaping via ABV if Open Underwater
Second-Stage Regulator:
Balanced Downstream Demand Valve
Custom Designed 2nd-Stage
Specifically Designed for Full Face Mask
Built with Trouble-Free Maintenance in Mind
Easily Removed from FFM
Easy to Clean Regulator
Injected-Molded High-Impact Glass Filled Nylon Housing for Strength & Durability
Bill C
What about care and maintenance for the second stage?
Mario C
Same as other second stages. have it serviced with your mask
Have your Guardian full-face mask and other equipment serviced on
a regular basis. This should be at least annually, possibly more if your
equipment is used extensively or in environments that would require
decontamination. Do not dive any equipment that is not properly
maintained, damaged, or worn.
( page 2 of mask manual)
Tod S
I forgot to mention this: The hose from the 1st stage to this regulator has a different length (I think) and different threading (I'm almost positive) than other regs. Because of this, I bought a White or Silver Sharpie to mark my name and a couple white rings around the Black hose in several places so it won't easily get confused with others' gear during any rush to board a dive boat or while collecting things up at the end of a day or dive trip.
Tod S
To the best of my knowledge this item, at least the model I have, was discontinued in 2014-15 or so but mine still works great. As for the second stage... the one connecting to the mask... it's good to have it checked over by a qualified dealer. I bought mine shortly before (or at the time) it was being discontinued but I haven't had to have anything fixed or replaced yet. Although I don't get to use it TOO often (especially this past year) I live in the Arizona desert so "dry rot" is a big concern. But even that hasn't been an issue so far. Hope that answers you question.
Shopper
How is it with a beard?
Timothy J
I have a beard, wore this mask and other OTS masks with different beard lengths, and had no issue.
Joseph A
This is tough to get a seal with a beard. Grease it definitely needed.
Cliff B
Hello, I have a beard as well, I found that if you put some type of hair grease it help with the seal of the mask.
I hope that it works for you. Take Care
Calvin B
How does the OTS 1st stage regulator work no is it a piston or diaphragm setup ?
EDWARD S
There is no first stage. You'll need to supply your own.
CINDY E
I don't recall this mask coming with a 1st stage. I attached the 'balanced' second stage to a 1st stage that I use frequently. It's a great piece of equipment and when you get used to not having a regulator in your mouth (may take a few dives), you will love the ease of diving with the OTS.
Shopper
does it come with the second stage?
EDWARD S
Comes with the second stage regulator that only works with the mask. The second stage is removable from the mask but it's best to think of it as a mask/regulator combined. Like any regulator, you'll hook it into an open first stage LP port so you'll need a first stage regulator as well if you don't already have one. It's a standard LP connection so you can use any first stage reg. FYI - I added a quick release connector to my second stage and hose which makes it easier to manage on the boat. I also have the same QR connector on my normal second stage regulator which makes it easy to switch between reg and FFM if needed since I don't have to mess with changing hoses on the first stage.
MarktRacing M
No, if you want to be correct u need a second stage with a second air source. You’ll need a second stage and I always had second source w/extra mask in my bc. You’ll never use another mask after using it.
Shopper
Can you use a hookah system with this mask?
TIM J
Honestly I have no idea. I’d ask OTS directly
EDWARD S
From what I've read, standard SCUBA regs cannot be used with most hookah systems because the hookah is delivering gas at a lower pressure than a SCUBA cylinder.
Tyson R
I would think so, as long as you use the correct hose, it's just a plain ole second stage reg!
David J
as long as the fitting works with the regulator, it should work the same a LP Line from your first stage.