The side block for easy switching between primary and back-up gas
The side exhaust vent
There are several options available when purchasing the Odyssey. There’ s the basic mask itself, the mask plus side block( more on that later) and also an optional colour-coded LED Low Air Warning System( LAWS) used in conjunction with a wireless transmitter.
The mask-only weighs in at 1kg, or with the optional side-block at 1.4kg. Heavier than your normal mask, undoubtably, but in the water it’ s barely noticeable after a few dives. The pneumatically-balanced, integrated second stage is certified EN250:2014, tested to provide 62.5l / min at a depth of 50 metres at 4 ° C.
Test Centre was provided with the Odyssey mask fitted with side block. This is an integrated system that allows its user to quickly switch to an alternate air supply in an emergency situation.
Situated on the right side of the mask, it takes a feed from both primary and secondary air sources. A large twist handle( just like those on a cylinder) switches between the two, eliminating the need to bail out to an octopus regulator and standard mask.
Oral-nasal cavity with adjustable equalising block
Donning the mask is a little more involved than simply pulling a single strap to the back of the head. In this instance, press the skirt against the face then tighten the head straps in order: the two lower first, the pair above next, then the single one situated at the top of the skull.
It’ s important that there’ s skirt-to-skin contact all around. If your hood, stray fibres from it or hair get between than the important seal will be broken and water will trickle in. Inside the mask is an adjustable equalising block. It serves the same purpose as pinching your nose with finger and thumb, but handsfree. While this may feel a tad strange at first, it soon becomes second nature.
There’ s an internal low-volume Oral-Nasal Cavity which prevents CO₂ build-up during use and to avoid free-flow at the surface, an easy access pre-dive and dive venturi lever. This is located to the left of the large purge button.
Easy breathing
It’ s nice to dispense with that cold water shock to the face on first descent and while there must be some increase of buoyancy going full-face, I can’ t say I’ ve ever noticed it. Unlike the majority of conventional regulators with twin vents which exhale gas either side, the Odyssey has a single side vent to the left side.
While I had the side block to switch to an alternative air source, I decided to do an oldschool bailout to refresh my skills, removing the Odyssey, reaching for my octopus and donning a spare mask. All good so far.
Reversing the procedure, I made sure I had sufficient air in my lungs, placed the FFM against my skin and pressed the purge button to expel the water from the flooded mask, then inhaled. Then it was just a case of tightening the straps in bottom-to-top order. There was still a little seawater sloshing around afterwards, but a successful operation nevertheless.
Using the side block was by far the easiest option. In an‘ out-of-air, just-exhaled’ scenario, the speed at which I was able to reach up to the block and turn on the alternate source meant my heart barely skipped a beat before I was breathing normally once again.
The mask offers a completely different breathing experience; while I’ d say my consumption increased, it wasn’ t by any great amount. Having recently undergone a procedure on my jaw to attempt to combat the symptoms of TMD, it was great to exit the water free of the discomfort I’ ve become accustomed to.
I had a lot of fun using the Odyssey, doing my best Darth Vader impression and feeling more astronaut than aquanaut, but it’ s a very useful tool for media, archaeological and expedition duties among its obvious military and commercial advantages. Neil Hope
The switching block control knob
SCUBA SAYS
Full face masks aren’ t just for commercial users – Northern Diver’ s Odyssey offers a number of benefits for recreational divers. However, training should be undertaken by those divers unfamiliar to using these techniques. The mask is a serious, but nevertheless simple-to-use piece of kit suitable for a wide range of purposes.
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