In freediving, equipment evolution often focuses on incremental improvements. Smaller mask internal volumes, and we are the only ones at an international level, as Apnea Passion Magazine, to be able to certify the value, softer skirts, better hydrodynamics and lighter materials have characterized product in the last two decades. The Hektometer 2.0 takes a completely different path with its revolutionary self equalizing solution.
Instead of trying to further reduce internal volume, the Hektometer project was born around a simple question: what if freedivers could eliminate mask equalization altogether?
Breaking away from traditional masks and goggles
Every freediver knows that even the best low-volume masks require constant equalization during descent. While the amount of air needed is relatively small, it still represents a continuous expenditure of valuable oxygen reserves. The use of goggles in deep dives and competitions has been a solution, but only possible by flooding the goggles with a saline solution, as liquids are incompressible and there is no need to equalize them while the external pressure increases. In fact, as goggles have air chambers not connected with the nose, the diver would have no possibility to equalize them by blowing in more air.
But the Hektometer 2.0 introduce an alternative approach. Rather than relying on a rigid air chamber, these goggles use a pressure-adaptive system with special membranes that follow the changes occurring during the dive.
How they work
Every Hektometer 2.0 goggle has two internal membranes, one on each side. The external one is larger, while the internal one is more reduced. When the freediver descends, the external pressure of the water increases by 1 atm every 10 meters, starting from 1 atm at the surface. So, during the descent water enters from outside through small passages on the goggles connected to the membranes. These consequently swell occupying the internal volume of the goggles, which equilize automatically. In fact the air in the goggles will be compressed and will increase its pressure to equalize the external one. When ascending the external pressure will reduce and the water in the membranes will come out pushed by the pressure of the air which will expand back to its initial volume. The field of view is untouched as the membranes never enter the cone of view.
Designed around modern Freediving
The Hektometer 2.0 appears particularly oriented toward disciplines where every detail matters.
Deep Constant Weight, Free Immersion and advanced training sessions often involve divers using nose clips and sophisticated equalization techniques. Traditional masks can become a limitation in these situations because they still require occasional air transfer to maintain comfort and visibility.
New size, larger vision, more natural feeling
One of the most noticeable developments of the Hektometer 2.0 compared to the first generation is the visual experience.
The Hektometer 2.0 measure 6.6 cm as maximum width per goggle and 5 cm as maximum height. The max width of the flat useful part of the lens is 3.6 cm and the height 1.2 cm
The latest version offers a significantly more open perception underwater, reducing the tunnel effect that can sometimes be associated with compact diving goggles. The sensation is closer to having the eyes directly exposed to the underwater environment while still maintaining full protection and clear vision.
For athletes spending long periods training in depth disciplines, this can contribute to a more relaxed and natural diving experience.
Evolution through refinement
Rather than introducing a radical redesign, the second generation focuses on improving practical aspects identified through real-world use.
The overall construction feels more mature, with particular attention dedicated to durability, comfort and pressure management. These improvements demonstrate a product that has evolved beyond the prototype stage and is increasingly aimed at everyday use by demanding freedivers.
Potential benefits also for spearfishing
Although clearly developed with freediving in mind, some interesting applications emerge for deep spearfishing with the Hektometer 2.0 version.
Eliminating mask equalization means less air waste, smoother and more relaxed dives and also avoiding the small bubble releases often produced during descent and bottom phases.
The unrestricted use of a nose clip may also appeal to experienced deep spearfishers who regularly operate beyond recreational depths.
Adoption within spearfishing will likely depend on individual preferences, but the concept undoubtedly opens new possibilities. We will test the Hektometer 2.0 also in spearfishing actions.
X-Rays analysis
The Hektometer 2.0 is not simply another mask alternative. It represents one of the rare examples of genuine innovation in a sector where most products evolve through refinement rather than reinvention.
Like any unconventional product, adaptation is required. Divers with years of experience using traditional masks may need time before feeling completely comfortable. Once this transition is completed, however, the advantages become increasingly evident, especially as depth increases.
For athletes seeking every possible efficiency gain, the Hektometer 2.0 offers a solution unlike anything else currently available on the market.
Pros
- No mask equalization management
- Ideal integration with nose clips
- Increased field of view thanks to the lenses close to the eyes
- Particularly interesting for deep diving
- Highly innovative design
Cons
- Requires adaptation for traditional mask users
- Quite expensive, even though totally worth the money
Verdict
The Hektometer 2.0 is one of the most disruptive products introduced to freediving equipment in recent years. While not intended to replace every mask for every diver, it successfully offers a credible alternative for those focused on depth, efficiency and advanced freediving techniques. It is the original self equalizing goggles solution and well beyond some cheaper and definetely less effective copies you might find on the market.
