On our recent trip to Mauritius, I was asked to review the TUSA Tina Mask for Mike’s Dive Store. Designed with women in mind, this mask is one of the latest to come from Freedom Technology and it’s more distinguishing feature is the ability to add accessories for personalisation.
Features
3-D Strap – TUSA’s 3-D strap (patented) is a three-dimensional design that is designed to snugly fit against the head’s natural curvature. It promises ‘unprecedented comfort and fit unlike standard flat mask straps’ and it does deliver. I usually use a neoprene strap cover to avoid hair pulling but this mask didn’t need one, it fit really well and the silicon was smooth against my unruly hair!
Round Edge Skirt – TUSA’s Round Edge Skirt features a proprietary round edge cross-sectional shaped skirt. This rounded edge is supposed to provide a soft fit that suppresses pressure and reduces creasing left on the face. The “planar fit, instead of linear fit” silicone skirt promises a great fit and unprecedented comfort. As mentioned previously, this mask sits well on the surface of the face and you won’t find any tightness from the silicone – the skirt in particular moulds well to the natural curves of your cheekbones. The silicone is much softer than other masks so you might be concerned about leakage like I was- however, this was not the case and actually performed better than expected on that front. I often have water fill the nose through the skirt and this mask didn’t have that issue at all. Thumbs up for this feature!
Quick-Adjust Buckle System – The Quick-Adjust Buckle System incorporates a newly-designed low-profile buckle. The result is a compact, lightweight, technologically advanced mask design that can be easily and quickly adjusted for a perfect fit. I wouldn’t say this stood out as being unique, the buckle working just like other masks on the market. However, it was very easy to use and the strap slipped and gripped effectively into position.
Design – The Tina mask has some very unique design features including crystals that line the left frame and a feminine etched transfer front and centre. There is also the opportunity to accessorise the mask, and to use any compatible earphone jack for mobile accessories. For the younger divers out there this will be a nice feature and a way of personalising your mask. For me, however, I found it a little girly and novelty for my style as I prefer my mask to be simple and functional.
Overall
I am going to give the Tusa Tina Mask 4 Mantas as the features really do make this mask extremely comfortable, I am just not entirely sold on all that bling!
Hear more about this review by clicking on the video below…
blackmantaphotography.com 