Another (MY) OTS GUardian review

Of course doing this as my job, despite discovering diving later in life, I can say this is the best hobby I’ve ever had. At 38 I’ve tried lots of hobbies (painting, travelling, being good at my actual job, and spent money on different careers that went nowhere) but diving hasn’t come close to my other activities. Not necessarily better but rather in a league of its own. We know that, especially for those that teach diving and promote it, there are some downsides to diving or at least for me some niggles; foggy mask, dry mouth and jaw ache among them (in some cases - bloody cold).

As I make my way through my diving journey I look forward to the next course/stage or equipment which pops up (plus dive locations around the world). Last year I became more aware and trained in the use of full face masks (FFM). If you aren’t familiar with them you are in for a treat. A full seal formed around your face containing all your breathing aparatus and ability to see with a better field of view than a normal mask. A system which combines mask and regulator to bring a way to remove those niggles I mentioned but bringing net positives.

There are other FFM out there but my article focuses on the OTS Guardian (because it’s better IMO).

Everything built is for the rough and tumble of diving with a tough screen and tough build

Construction

It feels solid and reliable. After thousands of uses it stands up to the beating it would likely get as a training device if you’re an instructor or dive school. If you own one I can’t see how this simple but well constructed piece of kit couldn’t last a lifetime. It comes with it’s own bag and some small tools. Everything built is for the rough and tumble of diving with a tough screen and tough build. The rubber seal is very comfortable and soft against the face. If it matters it feels like it has some “weight” to it which my chimp brain says “good”.

Heart racing then you remember not to get caught in the moment!

Use

I still haven’t bored of the rush I get either jumping from a height or rolling backwards with my OTS Guardian. Knowing your face will be completely dry yet you’ll still be able to breathe is not matched. Heart racing and then you remember not to get caught in the moment! I would say it does take some getting used to. In general life we’ve become accustomed to breathing from nose/mouth. Just like using a mouth regulator the OTS Guardian still requires a certain negative pressure to initiate breathing (sucking) but it is something you quickly master. I’ve used ice hoods for very cold water but this device removes that need. You are on the step towards the commercial world with this device.

Fitted properly you will have no jaw fatigue. It’s such a great way to dive and certainly a point to consider when you look at your next dive. Compressed air from cyclinders is delivered and compressed in a dryer state so a dry mouth is still a thing but without the plastic in your mouth you can disregard the issue even with twin cylinders.

The field of view is increased vs your usual mask but also you have slightly more space between your face and the mask. This briefly brings me onto the air deliverly system. As you breathe in the air passes over the screen preventing fogging. This is because compressed diver air is dry (mostly) and as it’s delivered it’s expanding therefore it cools. Even if the mask floods it will clear with no fogging.

Onto flooding. I have read some articles relating to incidents where a full face mask happens to be involved. I would also add that water, divers, cylinders and other dive equipment was also involved i.e. there is not a correlation. With proper training and memory practice you can clear this mask with ease. It’s about training with this, and other masks and every other piece of dive equipment, that you should take up.

With the system you need a way to equalise and the OTS Guardian as a nose block system which is just as quick as holding your nose.

Set up

Very straight forward and as simple as replacing a new regulator to your first stage. The OTS Guardian comes with it’s own dedicated regulator that links into the mask. The other end does the other bit etc. Set up your nasal block system as per the instructions but then you’re good to go. Give it a safety check on the surface and go diving!

If you’re an instructor in adaptive techniques you should have this tool in your pocket for mask clearing. To those that struggle with this skill, and to those instructors I’m talking to, this is for you

Adaptive Techniques

The OTS Guardian has a different system, although essentially following the same way, for clearing your mask. SCUBA diving has been such a great way for finding different techniques to include all but still getting the safest and most effective outcomes. If you’re an instructor in adaptive techniques you should have this tool in your pocket for mask clearing. To those that struggle with this skill, and to those instructors I’m talking to, this is for you.

Why you should buy one

I should say that the OTS Guardian, like any piece of equipment you have as part of your kit, is a tool with a use and purpose. Consider why you would use one and make a plan for the dive you intend to make. Saying that, I’m sure there’ll be more times I’ll choose to use this tool over my mask and regulator. To handle the system is a breeze and very tactile; big buttons, big straps and a great shaped mask which forms part of your face. Training is essential but even so, with maybe 6 months off diving, you’ll likely find that muscle memory will kick in. The positive pressure system covers the mistakes around not closing the surface port and any small leaks around the seal.

If you’re just tired of burning, witchcraft, using potatoes or whatever you think will work on the inside of your scuba mask; you can forget all that now as the OTS Guardian covers you. Surely that’s a good enough reason?

There is a reason why this mask is the choice of the professionals.

You can purchase the OTS Guardian from Northern Diver in the UK. We haven’t been paid by anyone in writing this review or linking to their site. We do it because the OTS Guardian is great and Northern Diver are a great company.

https://www.ndiver.com/guardian-full-face-mask

- Chris :)