Apneapassion is able to present to you in World Première one of the most interesting and anticipated diving products of 2024, the C4 Condor mask. Definitely excellent for the spearfishing action, thanks to the excellent field of view on which C4 Carbon has worked on, but also a very well reduced internal volume, the new mask by C4 actually can be an amazing option also for freediving and scuba diving. We will certify soon in a super test both the internal volume and the field of view of the C4 Condor mask. You will so be able to compare such values with the ones of other high quality masks already measured by Apneapassion’s certification team. Let us first though analyze the details of the C4 Condor, designed by Enrico Sala for C4 Carbon, a mask which has really all the possible elements to be a top quality and performance product.
Frameless
The C4 Condor mask is a frameless solution, which means it has the chassis co-printed with the facial, and no frame to keep the two together. This design is utilized on certain masks to generate a more compact structure and be able to bring the lenses closer to the eyes. Such solution determines a reduction in the internal volume, and even more an increase of the field of view.
The facial is cleverly connected to the chassis with the silicone covering part of the latter in the area around the lenses, but only in some parts of the outer surface. Correctly, the silicone never covers any internal areas of the frame around the lenses. This is a key aspect, as in such way there is no reduction of the field of view.
Chassis
There are two schools of thought in the design of diving masks. The first one wants the chassis to be almost completely stiff, so it does not bend in the area between the lenses. In such a way the lenses maintain a perfectly flat position relative to the eyes. The second one wants the chassis to bend slightly between the lenses so the facial adapts better to the face in most cases (but it is not a general situation). The C4 Condor follows the second school, but C4 Carbon will have more news on this matter, so stay tuned!
Another very high level finish is the chassis reduced in dimensions and thickness as much as possible to be able to bring the lenses even closer to the eyes, additionally improving the field of view.
Facial
The facial is really rich of great technical solutions which need some words to be well explained and demonstrate the great work done by C4 Carbon in designing this mask.
Material, surfaces and dimensions
The facial is made of a soft silicone with matt internal and external surfaces to avoid light reflexes, both towards the fish, which would signal the spearo’s position, and towards the diver’s eyes. This is the top level solution for the surfaces of the silicone. Some glossy areas on the external surface have a specific aesthetical function.
The dimensions of the mask, measured by Apneapassion, are 100 mm of the facial in the vertical direction, and 145 mm of the chassis horizontally. If we include the buckles, the total width goes to almost 160 mm.
Water seal
Double border
The facial of the C4 Condor goes well beyond the described solutions. The first thing to notice is the amazingly well finished internal profile of the mask, which is the one that comes to contact with the diver’s fave. Such area is the one that guarantees great water seal. First of all the C4 Condor has, on the upper and lateral areas, a double convex profile that comes to contact with the face. The external one has a glossy surface to improve adherence between the silicone and the skin, and so optimize water seal. In the inferior part of the facial only one profile, the external glossy surface one, is present.
Wide and perfectly inclined band
Another key aspect to optimize the water seal effect is the width and inclination of the internal upper and lateral band which runs around the facial. Such band is in fact wider that most of the solutions on other masks. Also, the angle of the band is extremely “flat”, meaning it is almost parallel to the profile of the face of the diver. Moreover, the profile of the band is concave to additionally adhere to the face of the diver. These aspects really improve the water seal effect, and this is something we have already felt in the first attempt to wear the C4 Condor out of the water, utilizing the classic test one tries when at a shop understanding how well a mask fits on his or her face.
Internal and external nerves
As present on other masks on the market, another important finish are the nerves positioned laterally on the facial. Externally one wide single nerve per side is positioned on the facial under the attachment for the rear band. Internally, four thinner nerves per side are also present. All this is designed on a facial that is designed to permit to the face of the diver to enter the mask properly without the silicone deforming too much. This permits to reduce the internal volume and improve the field of view.
Additional clever details
The C4 Condor facial goes even beyond what we have just described. The nose area, in fact, has a special profile and inclination to host even big noses. The inferior part of the pocket sees a V profile which avoids possible pressure on the lower part of the nose. Two small concave areas present internally on both sides of the nose prevent a possible suction effect that would be annoying and make equalization more difficult. Externally, two glossy areas on the sides of the nose pocket generate a better grip to the fingers and the thinner surface helps equalization.
Morphological Pivoting System
Another detail which has been carefully designed by C4 and Enrico Sala are the lateral connections of the rear strap, which are integrated with the facial. Indicated as MPS, Morphological Pivoting System, the connections have a downward inclination to help position at best the rear strap. The structure is made of the same silicone of the rest of the mask, so quite soft. The design is though strong and resistant, a guarantee of long life. The triangular shape of the connection is complete with two hollows which regulate the tension between the upper and lower part of the facial for best fit.
Lenses
A key element of the mask are of course the lenses. Made in tempered glass, and 3.2 mm thick (AP measured), they are extremely large in all directions, showing immediately the intention by C4 to have a mask with an amazing field of view. The shape of the profile of the lenses is though not casual. A specific study has been brought forward by C4 starting from the evaluation of the average interpupillary distance. The field of view has been analyzed and the lenses profiles have been defined to obtain the best possible amplitude of sight. Soon, as Apneapassion we will certify the field of view of the C4 Condor mask and insert it in the list of the best masks certified.
Rear strap and buckles
The rear strap of the C4 Condor is extremely wide for best fit on the head. It has a design with 6 passages. The snorkel can so be easily passed through the strap to keep it better in place compared to the lateral position.
The buckles have the traditional micrometrical adjustment system. The drive is obtained pushing to opposed buttons, one positioned above and one below the buckle. This solution is the easiest to use and activate even with thick gloves.
