Full Face Mask: Worth It? My Take After Years With the OTS Guardian
I'll be honest about how I got mine: I was working at a dive shop when I got my dry suit certification, and the shop covered the OTS Guardian as part of the training. So I didn't pay retail for it. But after years of diving with one, I can tell you whether it's worth buying at full price — and for the right diver, it absolutely is.
What the OTS Guardian Actually Is
The OTS Guardian is a full face mask that covers your eyes, nose, and mouth in a single sealed unit. Instead of a separate mask and regulator, it's one piece. You breathe through your nose or mouth naturally, your face stays dry, and your field of vision is wider than a standard mask.
It's not a gimmick. OTS makes commercial diving equipment. This is professional-grade gear that recreational divers can use.
The Audio Communication Argument
Here's the thing most people don't talk about: the built-in audio communication capability is the real reason to consider a full face mask.
If you are nervous underwater — if anxiety is something you fight on dives — being able to speak to your buddy or your guide changes everything. You're not trapped behind glass and rubber trying to signal with hand gestures. You can say something. That psychological difference is significant.
I've watched nervous divers completely transform their experience once they could communicate. The isolation of standard scuba is real. The full face mask removes most of it.
For that reason alone, if you know someone who's nervous about diving or thinking about quitting because of anxiety underwater, this is the first recommendation I make.
The Swivel Hose and Quick Disconnect Setup
This is important and most people skip it: get the swivel hose with quick disconnect.
The reason is flexibility. With a quick disconnect setup, you can swap between:
- • The full face mask
- • A standard regulator
- • An octopus
That means your full face mask doesn't have to be its own isolated system. You can use it when you want the communication and coverage, then disconnect and run a standard reg setup. It also means you have extra redundancy — your octopus is still there if anything goes wrong.
Don't skip this. It makes the full face mask a modular addition to your existing gear rather than a separate commitment.
Always Carry Backup
Even diving with a full face mask, I carry a backup mask and snorkel. Quality ones — not the cheap colorful stuff from the resort gift shop.
If something goes wrong with the FFM, you need to be able to transition. The backup mask and snorkel should be accessible, not buried in a bag. Keep them on your BCD or in an easy-reach pocket.
Don't cheap out on the backup either. If you need it, you need it to actually work.
Maintenance — This Matters
Full face masks require attention to keep working properly. Neglect one and you will regret it.
- • Rinse thoroughly after every dive — salt, chlorine, and sediment will degrade the seals
- • Store properly — away from direct sunlight, not folded or compressed in a way that deforms the silicone
- • Check the seal regularly — the seal around your face is everything. If it degrades, you get water ingress, and that's a problem
- • Clean the lens — use appropriate cleaners, not abrasives
A full face mask that's maintained properly will last years. One that's thrown in a bag wet after every dive will fail you when you don't want it to.
Is It Worth It?
Depends on who you are.
Yes, if:
- • You're nervous underwater and want communication capability
- • You dive in cold, dirty, or contaminated water where a dry face matters
- • You want a wider field of view
- • You're a dive professional or guide who needs to communicate with students
Probably not necessary if:
- • You're fully comfortable on standard gear
- • You dive warm clear water recreationally
- • You're not interested in underwater communication
The OTS Guardian specifically is well-built, proven, and has a strong parts/support ecosystem. If you're going to buy a full face mask, it's the one I'd point you toward.
Get the quick disconnect. Keep it clean. Carry your backup. It'll serve you well.