Let's Compare Ocean Reef To OTS 

Great information I have the Ocean Reef Neptune Space Predator and I love it!

Another great video, Thanks guys!

Great video that I have watched at least a half dozen times. I just completed my FFM class and during the check out dives I wore both masks. I found the OTS has a very limited field of view but I liked the placement of the ABV. I found the ABV on the Ocean Reef to be somewhat difficult to manipulate due to its placement. I liked the strap system on the OTS better. You didn't cover the nose blocks but I found the system on the OTS far easier to use than the Ocean Reef. The OTS made my head very buoyant which took some getting used to, I didn't notice this at all on the Ocean Reef. Lastly, the Ocean Reef would free flow when I looked down. Most of my diving involves me needing to look down so the fact the Ocean Reef free-flowed in this posture was a deal breaker. I will say though that the Ocean Reef mask I used didn't have an adjustment on the chin as you described in the video. If the free flow problem can be fixed, I would feel better about it.

Great discussion Brian!

Hi Thanks for the great video. I own a G-Diver Ocean Reef. Mine is the larger of the two sizes; it seems to fit well, but I have problems with continuosly air going out of the top of the mask past the seal. By pulling the straps tighter, the mask becomes uncomfortable but doesn't really stop the air from passing over the top of my head. I bought dry suit with a dry hood; that stopped the air from passing over the top of my head but not pushes some air out through my dry hood's button valve. The mask sometimes fogs or fogs only on the left side. If I am upsidedown, the mask freeflows pretty bad. You mentioned that a diver can get different sizes of skirts, I think. I didn't know that. My wife's smaller Ocean Reef ffm worked fine for her. Also, my wife & I have not been successfull with the Ocean Reef coms unit. We only hear garbled speech. We sent the coms into Ocean Reef under warranty.They changed out the mike cables; their Italian tech, who was visiting, tested the coms and said they worked fine. Still my wife & I are not able to communicate; She says she can hear me, but her speech still comes in garbled. I sent my G-Diver out for overhaul & inspection but haven't got it back yet. I am thinking of dumping it on eBay.

Great video, I'm a ffm instructor and imo both masks are great but I do prefer the ocean reef.

Thank You. Well set out review. Helped me make up my mind on my new puchase. I'm going for the Ocean Reef, just have to decide which model.

I use and love this OTS Guardian mask. I bought a rail system for the right side of the mask that mounts my gopro and flashlight. The problem with the gopro on the left side is that is your exhaust and i find bubbles get in the way of the video.

very helpful .Thank you

Thank you for taking the time to compare the masks. It's really helpful. I have a few questions. How would you rate the two masks to work of breathing at technical diving depths. Does your FFM affect your SAC rate? Are they more or less reliable than traditional seconds? Are they any more difficult to service than traditional second stages?

I have the Interspiro Divator great mask, but your right about the peripheral vision they need to change that.

I wanted to get into full-face mask diving, but didn't want to invest as much as the usual FFMs cost. I went with the OTS Spectrum, which works with my current regulators; in my case, Aqua~Lung Legends. I haven't had any problem with free flowing when I'm on my back or on either side. Unlike the OTS Guardian, the port for the Ambient Breathing Valve on the Spectrum is in the left side of the skirt, in the oronasal pocket; it's right next to the port for the regulator. The Spectrum doesn't have as wide a field of vision as most other FFMs, but the lens is glass so it's very scratch resistant, and you can get it in clear glass or tinted glass. Overall I'm very happy with this mask, and the price point for entry-level FFM divers is very attractive. (I got mine last year for $399, but it didn't come with an ABV, which is an additional $129.) See: www.oceantechnologysystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/SPT-BLK-CLR2.jpg

Thank you so much for this informative video.. I hope you tell us your opinion about the nose plugs for equalization on each

Bryan thanks for the comparison video and detailed points. Prior to this video and did purchase g.divers was and fully decked it out with the space extender kit and accessories. I preface the following question with this, at this time I have not yet dived the mask it was purchased on line as none of my LDS in the Seattle area support this line of mask nor do they have any associated trains classes. I have located a shop in Portland, OR a few hours drive that fully supports the desired skills training for G.Divers mask skills and will take that soon before diving the mask. Now with that all out of the way here's my question as I am curious what your thoughts are along with your years of experience and having rebuilt a few of these IDM regulators. Maybe you have seen some your public service divers mask during rebuild time with a lot of debris ingress to the 2nd stage, maybe not? After having see a few training videos on RU-vid and including Ocean Reefs own skills demonstration video ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-16-dGZ54f64.html they have used a QD at the 2nd stage as you have. I have already installed the XS SCUBA QD w/ screw down locking jam ring. Just the same as the QD on the OTS in your video. Two question to this with # 1 being of most concern. 1. I understand the convince factor of quickly swapping a standard traditional 2nd stage reg with the full face IDM mask when having a QD. I also see the ability in an out of air or equipment emergency situation while under water divers can take the option to use an alternative air supply by having these QD connectors in place as even Ocean Reef has demonstrated in their skills trining videos. Here is my concern and yes as a technician and mechanic for many years I may be over concerned about this but still a good point for discussion. I do realize if a diver is out of air and has the ability to quickly swap to a working air source via the QD that could resolve an other wise unfortunate or more stressful dive scenario. I also know that when disconnecting the QD from the full face mask you open the internals of the 2nd stage regulator to the marine or lake water even though this is likely a very small amount will blow through the 2nd stage rather quickly once in use. We are taught for very good reasons to keep salt water out of the 1st stage so it bears the question is the 2nd stage more forgiving or just as concerning regarding water ingress. Some bits of salt around the 2nd stage poppet valve and inner workings etc... They do this in the chlorinated poole for skills training as we know that clornated water is harsh on the our dive gear seals as well. Of course in a real emergency having and option to switch to a working air supply line rather donated from another diver or a pony tank this could be a real asset mitigating a rather unfortunate or stressful situation. I know I have a lot of detailed concerns on this but taking this a bit further. Say a diver takes this same full face setup on a dive charter and they are all service. You end the dive get on the boat and disconnect the full face mask and as your getting out of your tank they take your full face mask and dunk it a few times aggressively in the fresh water dunk tank for a rinse. Is it better to install a cap over the 2nd stage inlet QD nipple, then again without pressurized air in the 2nd stage likely a QD cap would be nothing more than a splash cover as the 0-ring is not fully compressed as if under pressure. We also know some divers take it so far as not to dunk any standard regulators in a cleaning tank unless they are connected to a tank with air pressure. I'm personally not that concerned over this. I would also not be swapping my full face mask air supply lines in any normal dives either and have no desire to do so, only using the QD as a easy way to swap regs on the surface and in an emergency situatoin. 2. I waned to ask you as you likely have fist hand experience will this question. Is the XS Scuba QD with locking jam ring designed to a standard specification where it would connect to other brand low pressure second stage quick disconnects? I know for a fact the low pressure QD for my dry suit is actually a smaller diameter and will not. I most likely will take my XS QD to a few dive shops and test fit them. My local LDS has very limited QD and most of them are hoses for dry suits. The concern is if diving with other full face divers and they also use QD if we all need to be on the same page brand wise with our QD connectors, of course good to check before diving for sure. I outfitted my 19 CF pony with the same QD so I can ditch my puck regulator off the pony and terminate that to my full face mask if the need ever become a necessity. Of course I will bring the same discussion points into my future g.divers full face mask skills training class. I am sure if I ask ten qualified dive instructors I could get ten different reasonable responses. Just like some very qualified diver instructors absolutely dislike the thought of using a 2nd stage alternative regulator at the end of the BC's low pressure inflator over the more traditional 2nd stage hosed "octopus" configuration. Thanks again for your time and thought. It is fun to bring up productive discussion like this and of course noting beat in person professional training at all levels of the diving discipline.

Great Videos Brother. I personally am leaning towards the IDMs because of the comfort. Because of my work I use ffm’s for surface work in plants and refineries constantly so not sure if its just a sercurity blanket mentality. My question about the communication unit is i heard that the Ocean Reef mic stops working after it gets wet. Ive used the OTS guardian and I’m comfortable with it. But the functions and design seem to have me leaning towards that. Have you had any issues with the Mic getting wet?

Any experience with the Scubapro Galileo HUD being mounted on either of these?

Brian come you do a video on Donning and doffing a G diver with one hand because I've got Cerebral Palsy and getting ready to take my OW course, I plan on doing my FFM after my OW course

Hi. I have seen all of your FFM videos and come to 1 final question: Could you please (sometimes) make a video about Ocean Reef Neptune 2 FFM? Even Ocean Reef didn't have anything about it. Best regards from Germany

I'm in the market for ffm this spring (2019). And I am so torn between this 2 masks...I can't seem ta make up my mind. I have not tried ether 1 as this is not so easy for me ta do given where I live. (Middle a nowhere) Everything I buy is Via online orders. I was convinced that the OTS was the one. (You see it everywhere) special on Discovery Chanel, it's seems to be the mask of choice. But after watching your video's I am once again on the fence..... Couple of question I do have for you. -The nose knobs for equalizing your ears??? On the "ocean" I notice they are 2 separate "rounded" knobs. And on the OTS it's a flat surface wedge looking block. Which of these make a better nostril seal when equalizing? !?! Questions 2: I understand the OTS inside skirt to be comfy. I have a regular make (VENOM) with the gummy bear silicone double seal and it is extremely comfy on the face. Now this being said. Is the Ocean face seal really THAT uncomfortable compared to the OTS.. Or is more of a sudtle diffrence? . -Is it uncomfrerble? -is it leaky?? -etc.....

Will there be a video with the OTS owner sharing what he likes and dislikes about both? If not, I’d love to hear what he has to say :)

sir do you know where it is possible to buy a replacement directional exhaust valve for the space extender?

Does the ffm come with the Communication unit with the mic of do you need to buy them separately for both of the full face mask?

I was enjoying your personal comparison of both FFM - it was a fair personal opinion, Thanks. However, you did not mention both FFM for equalising action underwater, which one is easy? I understand they have a different set-up for this equalising.

I was really hoping to hear a little more on the comms. I'm also a PS Diver. We've always used Interspiro AGA's. I'd love to see you throw those into the comparison (even though the OTS is basically a clone). If you have time to respond, please address if the comms on the Ocean Reef is compatible with the OTS comms system. If so, it could open some options for us, especially in terms of the Ocean Reef Gamma 105.

I've been trying to find out, I have an Oceanreef space extender with GSM buddy coms and a portable boat surface coms unit. I have heard that the GSM and OTS buddy phone can communicate with each other, will the OTS buddy phone communicate with my surface unit? And can I use my Ocean reef GSM buddy coms in an OTS spectrum port? Can either coms unit be used in either port?

My wife and I love our ots guardian

Could you recommend one or the other based on fitment for a longer face vs a rounder face? I dredge gold on a hookah system. 6'4" 240lbs, think Ted Danson.

I believe that DIVATOR/INTERSPIRO is made by AGA and they are completly independant of OTS , while being similar in looks and fonctions they are 2 completly different products

What type of lights are you using on the visor on the oceanreef

Hi Brian, have you done a video on how to change the extender frame? Just mine seems quite tight I’m not 100% sure how to get the frame off.

What would cause the OTS mouth skirt to tear up? A rough 5 day beard? Curious bc I’m about to buy one. Thanks!

How do you install the visor light on the oceanreef full face mask

Hi Can we use the Ocean Reef GSM on the OTS masks?

this are expensive gears and not so popular in our country but anyhow, i was wondering on how do you hold your nose to decompress

I got a New ocean reef neptune III mask. Do you have any experience on their new mask? Like how they perform? ETC

How you know the size if you buy in the street instead at the store? Any size marking in the skirt or somewhere else?

Thank you for this video. How can I get this product please? Thank you.

Hey, what are you using for a first stage? I just took the plunge . I spent a years worth of savings to buy a brand new, yellow ocean reef space extender. I got a hell of a deal though. I have been commercial diving since 1988, and most of my mask diving was with the older stuff, like Kirby, and stuff. Other then that it's been basic old school scuba regulators,... dacors and Sherwood's .. I have dove the MARK 5... and my favorite the superlite 17 B !!! Lol. I'm thinking I might end up taking a full face mask class. I used the fire SCBA and I still have a Interspiro S-6, probably needs a service job. I always joked about useing it for diving one-day. Hehe.

are these like SCBA's, Like once you take a breath, the mask becomes pressurized?

great video. how do i find local padi shops that have FFM training?

I have dived over 300 times with my Ocean Reef for 4 years. However while I agree with the uselessness of the original transceiver plastic mount, I totally disagree that the extender kit is much of an improvement. It takes very little to crack the extender itself especially with a transceiver mounted on it. Mine cracked in multiple places within weeks and I ended up drilling and reinforcing it with aluminum plates and screws and nuts. It is built with plastic that is way too thin for day to day use, and it must be disassembled to transport it because any pressure the wrong way on any of the attachments to it will cause it to crack.

Thank you for an informative video! I have an old AGA FFM which looks to have the same basic size and shape as the OTS. I'm having a bit of a problem that the large volume of the mask is making my neck really tired! So now that I'm looking for a new FFM I'm thinking of getting one with a smaller volume. Would you recommend one or the other based on this "problem"?

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I dove public safety rescue recovery for 14 years and always used an OTS. Because it was the cool new thing that replaced our XO Mantis masks. It was light and comfortable by comparison. For me the OTS has some drawbacks. No side vision, no adjustable second stage (not needed for recreation scuba) and I absolutely hated their nose plug block. On the good side it fit comfortably, never leaked, never malfunctioned and was ease to do ditch drills flood drills and the like. I’ve never dove with a ocean reef but have been able to try them on for fit, comfort, weight etc. When my OTS MASK dies, I will get a Ocean Reef as there is far more features, more add on options better side vision and better fit for me due to big chin. Hope any of this helps

Hola soy buzo comercial y me interesa obtener alguno de estos equipos, mi pregunta es si es compatible con un sistema hookah en lugar de usar el tanque de aire, muchas gracias espero su respuesta

Thank you for the great information. What is the best first stage for an ocean reef is one better than the other

Do you have to do a padi course for a ffm ?

What lights are those?

it's a hard choice.. I'm a bit more into the OTS one .

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Can not take the background noise.