TESTCENTRE
Immunity to fog?
Clear Mask
COMPANY: SEAC PRICE: £ 5O WEB: SEACSUB. COM
Test Centre gets to try a lot of masks over the course of time and fogging, caused by the residue of the manufacturing process, can be problematic. Some require extensive cleaning to remove this substance prior to use and others can get by with the absolute minimum.
I’ ve had masks that go for months where a quick rub of spit prior to use is enough to keep my vision fog-free. Others that no matter what I use, be that toothpaste or the many specific anti-fog products available just never seem to stay clear.
As an underwater photographer that can be very frustrating. So, when SEAC launch a range of masks with the advertising banner‘ SEE EVERYTHING ALWAYS – no more
50 fogging’ I just had to take a closer look.
SEAC’ S anti-fog masks are treated with an advanced Double Plasma treatment which is applied directly to the mask lenses, claimed to create a long-lasting hydrophilic [ substances with a strong chemical affinity to water ] surface that prevents fog droplets from forming. This treatment, say SEAC forces the moisture to spread into a thin transparent film, rather than form water droplets or fog. Such claims have been made before without success but I let my inner optimist rise to the surface and gave it a try. SEAC’ s Clear mask( in all-black version as most photographers prefer) is a compact, small volume, twin-lens mask. The supple, but strong silicone skirt proved a good fit for my bog-standard, average-features face. The strap is secured to the frame by a simple push-button arrangement which adjusts to fit in a jiffy. All good so far. Now for the moment
of truth. Resisting the temptation to spit, rub or apply any form of topical solution, I followed the simple instruction to“ immerse the mask in fresh water for a couple of minutes.’ Done.
‘ While the mask is submerged, use your fingertips to lightly rub the inner side of the lenses.’ Done.‘ Rinse with clean water.’ Done.
My pessimism began to rear its ugly head with each metre of descent, but despite the expectation my dive would be marred by another foggy experience, I was pleasantly surprised to find that was actually not the case.
I could have left it there while I was ahead, but past experience tells me that first experiences are not always an indication of how things really are. So, I put the mask through the wringer: salt water, fresh water, not cleaning between dives and all the usual abuse a mask would be likely to receive over a period of use.
The one thing I didn’ t do was to make the mistake of rubbing anything on that treated inner surface. As it stands so far, the Clear Mask has lived up to its name. NH
SCUBA SAYS
SEACS Clear mask features an anti-fog mask treatment which works straight from the box and just keeps on going.