Cressi-Sub
Focus Mask (black Skirt)I went looking for a low volume mask with a black skirt for the benefits of greater vision in low-light situations. A mask with a black skirt and dark frame, I was told, would allow me better sight in dark shadows of the kelp forest. Such masks are often the preferred choice of free-diving spearfishers stalking the elusive white sea bass between tall kelp stalks. I wanted it for that, but I was also looking for a dark mask for similar photography situations.
Now I must say it's not hard to find a mask with a dark silicone skirt. But I was going to be picky. This was going to be my first dark skirt mask since my last black neoprene mask circa late '70s. Part of me felt as if I was going retro - backwards for a cause of which I was not sure. Again, I was going to be picky. In the end, I chose the Focus from Cressi-Sub.
The Focus is an ultra-low volume dual lens mask. The low volume refers to the air space in the mask or, in short, the space between the lens and eyes. The less the space, the wider the vision. This mask does the job well. That was one of the things I wanted. These dual lenses are also easy to replace with corrective lenses. This is not something I need but nice to know that as I age, and my eyesight goes, my mask can age with me. A dual lens mask also has the added benefit of being more impact resistant. Considering that while lobster hunting heavy surge has slammed my face into rocks more than once this might be a feature I'd need and appreciate.
The black silicone skirt is identical to the Focus masks with clear skirts. The only difference is an opaque element added to the black skirts. They are all well constructed with firm but soft anatomical seals. The seals are dual feathered edge for maximum sealing. The black silicone blocks all light as does the frame.
My very next dive I found myself in a situation that the black skirt and frame came in handy. In a heavy kelp forest the current had come up laying the kelp down. Mid-day, the sun was directly overhead. I was trying to photograph calico bass under the kelp stalks. The calicos were lounging in the shade while the sun beat down on my head. But with the light blocking skirt, I was able to focus in on my subjects hiding in the shadows.
Neither was I detracted by a leaky or uncomfortable mask. Swivel buckles that move 30° allowed the mask to sit on my head just the way I wanted it. One-touch buckles adjust with just one hand. A deep nose pocket provides plenty of room for my beak and makes for easy one-hand nose-pinching to clear my ears. The strap is firm and designed in such a way as to not fold or collapse in the back. This a well designed mask with much attention to detail; you know, the little things that make the mask so easy to use you hardly know it's there.
The Focus mask is available in many color combinations, both with clear silicone skirts or black skirts. Cressi-Sub makes a full line of dive gear and has been in operation for 50 years. For more information or a dealer near you, call (800) 338-9143. Their website address is www.cressi-sub.it.
