I love it... but I haven't officially taken it on its maiden voyage yet. This mask has yet to get wet. Lemme esplain it to you. Last year my fiancé and I went snorkeling in Maui and in Kona. We believed we purchased above average masks at the time.... because the salesman at Sports Authority said we did. I know, buyer beware, right? Well, I'm super glad they are going out if business now. Two words, Kar Ma! Anywho, those masks leaked more than Edward Snowden on a self righteous embassy binge. No matter the adjustment, they leaked. So, upon returning home, I started looking for their replacement, and every site I looked at had the Atomic Venom Frameless with Gummi Bear Ultra Soft face seal in their top five recommendations. Uh , hello Mr. reviewer, you had me at Gummi Bears.... but the $$$$ at the end of each review didn't excite me, so I never purchased them.... Yes there is a point to this review. You've made it this far so stick with me.
Fast forward to almost a year later.. or last week on 04/03/2016, I pulled out our last years Sports Authority equipment and put the mask on and asked myself, " Do I want to go through the leaky mask aggravation again?" and " How much would you have paid at the time you were diving to not have a mask that is ruining the best day ever with your fiancé?" The answer was simple, no I do not want to go through that again, because this time I will not be snorkeling with my fiancé, I will be snorkeling with my new wife! Who wants to fudge that week up? Not me? So I ordered it and it was delivered in less than 24 hours later... crazy I know. When it arrived, I pulled my old mask back out and tried it on for reference. I then opened the new mask. The AVFM ( That's what we in know affectionately call it) comes in a nice little carrying case. Initially, I wasn't impressed because its folded rather flat and compact, and the first thing that came to mind is," I've been Sport's Authoritied again!" That's me falling to my knees with my hands in the air just like Andy Dufresne sans the sewer, lightening and rain.
However, as I held it I could immediately feel the difference in texture compared to my old mask. The AVFM had a moist feel to it that was comforting to the touch, it was pliable, soft and completely opposite of the unforgiving hard shell of a mask that we have. I pressed the mask against my face without putting the strap around my head, and I was excited, because the mask was gripping my face an contours without any hard surfaces coming into contact with my facial features. The nose felt soft, roomy and unrestricting, while sturdy and well constructed. It felt great, and I completely understood why they used the term Gummi Bear technology, because it describes it best. It is incredibly comfortable and though I do not know it to be certain, it feels as if I can wear it under water without the having continually tighten and adjust. I walked around with it on like the nerd boy I am and it felt natural to do so.
So there you have it. I will follow up with a more detailed review after we return from Maui this year. I am hoping this mask is everything it feels like it can be. On a side note, my fiancé was so impressed with it's comfort and contouring ability, we ordered a red one for her the very next day.
| Item Weight | 8 ounces |
|---|---|
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Frame Material | Silicone |
| Closure Type | Buckle |
| Number of Windows | 1 |
| Strap Type | Adjustable |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 8.23 x 5.04 x 3.94 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.42 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 8 x 5 x 4 inches |
| Brand Name | Atomic |
| Warranty Description | Limited Lifetime |
| Model Name | Venom Frameless Scuba Diving Mask with Rigid Silicone Skirt |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| Manufacturer | Atomic |
| Part Number | 04-0165-00 |
| Style | Venom Frameless Scuba Diving Mask with Rigid Silicone Skirt |
| Included Components | Mask |
| Size | Standard Fit |
