Q: What's the difference between the old and the new version?

A: Hektometer 2.0 have a wider field of view, the lenses are 50% bigger. They are also more comfortable at depth thanks to a new folding mechanism of the membrane. Therefore you will feel even less pressure at depth. They are also much more durable than the first version, as the lens and the shell are one piece. No lens can be lost.
Basically all we learned from the first version we have implemented in the new version.

Q: What is the difference between fluid goggles and hektometer goggles?

A: hektometer goggles contain air inside and have flat lenses, while fluid goggles are filled with water and have strong convex lenses. Therefore, visibility with hektometers is much better than with fluid goggles. hektometers have a wide angle of view, while fluid goggles allow only a narrow cone of vision.
Fluid goggles are intended to be used by experienced freedivers, while hektometers are for all freedivers, experienced and beginners.

Q: What is the difference between a freediving mask and hektometer goggles?

A: A freediving mask has a bigger air volume which has to be constantly equalized by exhaling air through the nose. Consequently, a mask always has to cover the nose preventing you from using a noseclip. In order to equalize the ears you will have to pinch your nose from time to time. With a mask, mouthfill equalization is difficult and only partially possible.
In contrast hektometer goggles equalize themselves. They do not cover the nose enabling you to use a noseclip. Mouthfill equalization becomes easy.

Q: How deep can I go with hektometer goggles?

A: Until now hektometers have been used up to 110 meters / 360 feet reporting still good visibility at such depths.
(note: regarding the risk of eye barotrauma we made dry experiments sucking out all of the air through a small hole in the lens in order to simulate unlimited depth. The result was that at a certain point the lens got very close to the eye and visibility started to be reduced. Going on with air extraction at some point the test subjects instinctively closed their eyelids. The membrane and the eyelids filled up all the remaining space behind the lens, a bit like an octopus in a bottle. In case of the test subjects a barotrauma seemed to be impossible. Nevertheless, as every eye cavity is different, we cannot guarantee this. We recommend to proceed carefully at depth as these tests might not be valid for each and every eye cavity, especially skinny and deep ones.)

Q: How good is visibility with hektometer goggles?

A: Visibility is the same or better than with a mask as hektometer goggles have high quality lenses. However it is essential to clean them correctly for good visibility.

Q: How do hektometers feel at depth?

A: Up to around 50 meters / 165 feet you will almost not notice them. Below that you might feel the air space decreasing more and more.

Q: How wide is the angle of vision with hektometer goggles?

A: As the lenses are very close to your eyes the angle of vision is wider than that of a mask, a bit like contact lenses in comparison to glasses. Depending on the depth of your eye cavity the angle of vision might be even unlimited (as in the case of contact lenses).

Q: Is it difficult to switch from a mask to hektometer goggles?

A: You just have to take your time to get used to them and you will benefit of their advantages. Some improved their personal bests on the first trial, some needed half a day to get used to the new sensations.

Q: Are hektometer goggles suitable for spearfishing?

A: Of course, especially for deep spearfishing. Vision is the same or better than with a mask. In addition to the already mentioned advantages, unlike a mask, they never create air bubbles which might disturb the fish.

Q: How resistant are the goggles?

A: Hektometer 2.0 goggles are much more resistant than the first version. However we recommend to treat the with care.

Q: Are the lenses scratch resistant?

A: No. You should keep them always protected from any sharp objects. Best is to keep them in their box when not in use.

please note: hektometer goggles are handmade and therefore have light scratches or signs of abrasion. These light scratches do not have a negative influence on vision, especially underwater. Unfortunately it is not possible to produce them without.

Q: How can I prevent fogging of hektometer goggles?

A: We recommend to spit saliva on the clean and dry (!) lenses and distribute it carefully with a finger trying not to touch the lens. Then rinse the goggles shortly in sea or sweet water.
This “saliva coating” will last for an entire day if not washed out while taking off the goggles or if dried by the sun.

If during a dive session you have accidentally washed the “saliva coating” away, you can simply lick the lens with your tongue, although this method does not work as good as the dry application above.
Fingerprints or grease on the lens are always a problem for adhesion of any anti fog.
Therefore after diving always wash the lens with hot water and a dishwashing soap. This will be beneficial for better vision as well as for adhesion of the “saliva coating”.

As an alternative, commercial anti fog solutions also work well. Follow the instructions of the product.

important: do not try to to burn the inside of the lens with a lighter, as you do with diving masks. The lens is not heat resistant and would be destroyed!

Q: What is mouthfill equalization?

A: Mouthfill equalization is a method to equalize the ears when descending. Basically, you fill your mouth with air and exert a slight pressure on the Eustachian tubes in order to keep them open.

Q: Do I have to be an advanced freediver for mouthfill equalization?

A: Absolutely not. We managed to teach mouthfill in a few minutes to absolute beginners. On the contrary, for experienced freedivers it may be more difficult to learn, as they will have to get used to a different feeling.

Q: When and how was the idea for hektometer goggles born?

A: The idea was born in 2010 during a master class with William Trubridge (CNF world record holder, 102 m). In this discipline (Constant weight No Fins) it is especially annoying having to use your hands in order to equalize your ears. Years with many failing prototypes followed, until in 2016 a relatively simple version started to work.

Q: Are hektometer goggles protected by a patent?

A: Yes, the principle of membrane goggles is protected by several international patents. On the improvements of the new version an additional patent is pending.

Q: What makes the hektometer noseclip special?

A: It is designed to be hydrodynamic, lightweight and comfortable.
According to some freedivers, it is the best noseclip out there.

Shipping, taxes, etc

All shipping is insured and can be followed by a tracking number.

In alternative you can also pass by personally and
visit us in the beautiful historic center of Naples, Italy.
If you want to do so contact us.

Q: How much are taxes?

A: Inside the European Union (EU) VAT is included in the shown price.
Outside the EU, depending on your country, you usually have to pay import taxes when you get the goggles.
In any case hektometer is not responsible for additional taxes in your country.

Q: My country is not on the list. What can I do?

A: Just contact us and we’ll do our best to deliver hektometers anywhere in the world.