PADI Full Face Mask Diver Course

My Experience with the OTS Guardian Full Face Mask

While taking my PADI Open Water course, I met a diver named Teo who was using an OTS Guardian full-face mask. He was already certified and diving with his daughter, who was completing her Open Water class. Teo told me all about the benefits — no fogging, the ability to breathe through your nose, and overall comfort. It sounded great to me.

Around the dive shop, several people also had the Guardian and spoke highly of it. The one recurring comment I heard, though, was that it can be harder to breathe below 60 feet. Still, curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to take the course to see for myself.

I first tried the mask at Lake Denton, staying around 25 feet deep. It felt surprisingly comfortable — breathing felt natural, and being able to breathe through my nose was a definite plus. That experience convinced me to sign up for the PADI Full Face Mask Specialty Course to get properly certified.

We started training in the pool, and after some practice, I was able to complete all the required skills. I later took the Guardian on my Advanced Open Water dives in Pompano, which gave me more real-world experience using it in open water.

What Makes the OTS Guardian Mask Stand Out

More Comfortable, Natural Breathing- Because it covers your entire face, you can breathe through both your nose and mouth. I’ve noticed this helps reduce jaw fatigue and makes for a more relaxed dive.

Excellent Seal and Fit - The double-skirt design — featuring a soft, flexible silicone seal — adapts well to a wide range of face shapes and sizes. It’s comfortable, helps prevent leaks, and even reduces outside noise.

Strong Field of View - The Guardian’s polycarbonate visor provides a wide, unobstructed field of vision, and you can easily add accessories like a GoPro or light rail system for filming or exploration.

Anti-Fogging and CO₂ Management - The mask’s one-way valves and airflow system help prevent fogging and reduce CO₂ buildup. This makes longer dives more comfortable and safer, provided you manage your air consumption properly.

Ambient Breathing Valve (ABV) - A useful surface feature — the ABV allows you to breathe ambient air before the dive, conserving tank gas. Just remember to close it before descending!

Easy Maintenance and Modularity - The removable second stage makes cleaning and storage easier, especially after saltwater dives.

Communication Ready - The mask includes a port for communication systems, like the Buddy Phone. This is great for divers who want to chat underwater, especially for training, public safety, or commercial work — though the clarity can vary.

Added Warmth and Protection - A full-face seal helps keep cold water off your face and prevents water from entering your nose or eyes. It also keeps your mouth from drying out — a small but welcome comfort.

Things to Consider

Cost - This setup isn’t cheap. The OTS Guardian runs around $900 before adding accessories or taking the specialty course. It’s definitely an investment.

Training & Familiarization - It takes time to get comfortable with the mask — clearing, equalizing, and handling emergencies all feel different. Proper instruction is essential.

Air Consumption - This was the biggest drawback for me. I noticed my gas use nearly doubled compared to a standard setup. Results will vary, but if maximizing bottom time is your goal, this is worth serious consideration.

Bulk and Weight - The mask adds bulk and buoyancy, which can make travel and gear management a bit more cumbersome.

Equalization - Since your nose is covered, you have to use the built-in nose block system to equalize. It works fine once you get used to it, but it takes some adjustment.

Final Thoughts

While I genuinely enjoy diving with my OTS Guardian, I’m still on the fence about whether the investment is worth it at my current skill level. For now, I plan to use it on future dives — especially on my upcoming trip to Venice, Florida, to hunt for Megalodon and shark teeth — and see where it truly shines.

At this stage in my diving journey, where I’m still focused on improving my SAC rate and extending my bottom time, the Guardian might not be the perfect fit yet. But as I gain more experience, I can definitely see the appeal — and I’m excited to keep experimenting with it.