4 Things Right With The Seaview 180 V2 Full Face Snorkel Mask At Hideaway Island Resort, Vanuatu

I have been very critical of masks like this in the past, legitimately so I think, and I guess I still have some reservations. But I like this review.

I think it's completely crucial that the Co2 issue has been adressed. Adequately so I hope, all design theory aside.

I also really like that this is CLEARLY advertized as a surface only device. That is so much more reasonable and responsible. The only thing I would add is that people who cannot cope with water in their face, eyes or nose probably should not swim in water too deep to stand in without some kind of flotation device or a trained buddy or professional. But that goes for all masks.

It seems like a good idea that the glass is flat out and not rounded so you don't get any distortions in the visual field. I don't know what material the glass is made of. I would probably always lean towards tempered glass for a number of reasons. I also like that they are using proper silicone and not some kind of elastomer. Maybe it can be done well, but personally I have bad experiences with the durability of it.

The whole beard thing seems to me to be a very individual thing. Hard to say how much is down to fit of the mask, over-tightening of the straps, excessive facial movement etc. I have a full beard an never experience any problems with the skirt of a regular mask. I don't suspect I would have issues with this kind of mask either.

So that kind of reduces my objections to comparatively minor things:

– The proposed improved vision. I would have to try one to make a fair judgment call, but I am not entirely convinced that this is essentially so different from a regular mask in terms of what you can or cannot see, in practice.

Personally I find a glass edge in the f.o.v. disctracting and annoying (a fair amount of regular masks have some version of this issue), but mainly my objection is that a common low volume mask, especially free-diving or spear fishing versions, where the glass is very close to your eyes, actually offer a very wide f.o.v and that the barely perceived edges of a common mask actually improve concentration and focus in a sometimes diffuse environment with a lot of light and reflections.

What you actually see or do not see under water mostly depends on experience, a relaxed attitude (that usually comes with technique and experience), the ability to focus and concentrate and knowing where to look when. No amount of "free space" around your head will overcome the need for these things. As an instructor and guide I can tell you it's quite astounding what some people manage to overlook underwater because they are anxious, preoccupied or dealing with some kind of confusion or disorientation or lack of focus and concentration. The fix for that is practice and experience and developing a calm attitude and situational awareness. I suspect that what you get from a mask with a big space is probably more psychological – you get a sense of an open space as opposed to a confined one but it's probably largely a response to how space feels inside the mask and not about degrees of vision. If you are at the surface as required – there is not much to see, to your sides anyway except bubbles and moving water with some surface silt in it. So if choosing this mask is only about "seeing more" then I honestly doubt that it's worth the added encumbrance. There is a reason why those of us who are ACUTELY dependent on spotting things, as underwater hunters or nature guides with a safety responsibility do NOT use masks such as these to "improve our vision" and our spotting capacity. I am not saying it can't solve other issues, or facilitate a good experience, but common masks never prevented me from experiencing the full majestic size of underwater spaces and formations or from keeping detailed track of my surroundings. In fact I think they facilitate it. My spearfishing mask certainly allows me to look almos as much to the sides as my own eyes, the slight loss of peripheral vision, just helps me make the most of what I see and if I want more – I turn my head. All spotters tend to do search patterns.

– Still can't efficiently cry for help at the surface
– Finicky to remove in case of some issue.
– Heating of the face under exertion may cause the feeling of confinement that the big space was supposed to eliminate and lead to claustrophobia.
– Promotes the idea that basic water skills or equipment maintenance can be replaced by some technology leaving the inexperienced individual more vulnerable when technology fails.

Other than that I think it's good they improved key functionality in this version. I think calling it an innovation is pushing it – although I will grant them that they made a different snorkel design. Personally I do not like safety mechanisms to be overly elaborate, especially if it replaces some basic skill.

I still find it a little hard to see what it is that this kind of mask adds that a common mask and snorkle does not achieve, except maybe it's slightly less prone to letting in water, and you don't have to learn to empty your mask. Then again – my regular mask does not flood unless I want it to. Fogging which is often talked about is not an issue if you treat a normal mask right. I am sure you can make one of these fog up if you treat it wrong too.

You get the camera option – but I am not sure I would want a camera to always point where I look. I'd want it to point where I point, so I can also orientate myself, same reason I don't want a head light for night dives.

Where can I buy these at the Philippines

cigarette lighter can only be used in glass, not plastic

you are hilarious 🙂

Thank you for the honest and unbiased demonstration.

these things are dangerous for diving. don't buy them. lol j/k

Besides the kick starter thing just wondering if you know when these masks will be selling at websites and shops cause i really wanna get one of these masks around christmas

So until V2 is actually in production, has anyone else caught up with a similar redesign that you'd recommend?

hey come to mauritius there are beautiful beaches here

I just discovered your youtube channel and am loving it! I found your channel by searching reviews of various snorkel masks I was looking at purchasing for our first cruise. On a budget, since we just splurged for the cruise, I was searching for the best snorkel mask (and maybe fins? I would like to hear your thoughts on fins) that I could get for about 50 USD. I wouldnt use a more expensive mask enough to make sense as Im located in land locked central Illinois, but want a decent enough mask to have a great experience snorkeling for the first time in the Caribbean. Thanks for your amazing content. –Chris

Where is the link to the new V2 full face mask please?

12:40 ROASTED!

Great review, and great knowing about Vanuatu and the resort

Do you think this mask would also be suitable for children? I bought my son a full face mask when we went snorkeling for the first time, and I'm not sure he'll like to switch to a classic snorkel.

Hello, in compared to RKD 2nd gen. Mask, what do you think about the masks? Did this mask let any water in? Great video by the way, very entertaining. Have you ever visited Barbados?

Hi.i enjoy these videos,but maybe you can try some cheap chinese masks,and say what the difference? 🙂 I buy one today for about 20 euros,but i am little afraid to go in water 🙂

Hey! Thanks for the review. We appreciate the feedback! We have really tried to listen to our customers while developing this mask. Let us know if you have any questions. 🙂 An important note…the diameter of the tube opening is actually 70% larger rather than the 20% stated in the video.

What if they replace the plastic nose piece to a silicone or rubber nose that’s it just the nose

Wow so sleek will love trying one out And my go pro will work for this awesome river mask for metal detecting

I love the savage comments about the haters 🙂

Dude people were staring at you on the boat. I would be so embarrassed.

I like that intro music for some reason

From 1st Impressions I think this Vlog is going to go BIG. Well done Sir. Talk about some radical improvements to the product.