The use of these two combined tools represents the pinnacle of the quest for maximum performance. By removing the mask from our setup, we finally free ourselves from an external airspace that, by reducing the volume of air available for ear equalization, makes it more difficult to reach significant depths. Moreover, in specific disciplines like free immersion or underwater breaststroke, where the arms are constantly engaged in propulsion, we gain the benefit of being able to equalize "on the fly" without having to pinch the nose with a hand, thereby achieving greater propulsion efficiency and smoother movements... a great advantage indeed!

Naturally, every advantage has its downside. Removing the mask introduces some challenges. Let's explore them. First of all, without the mask, we lose the air barrier between the water and our upper airways; water can freely enter through our nostrils, causing obvious discomfort and problems. This is where the usefulness of the nose clip becomes apparent.

The market now offers a wide variety of options, and in my opinion, there is no one-size-fits-all model as their functionality primarily depends on personal physical characteristics. However, I recommend trying out various models carefully before choosing the right one; the "perfect" nose clip should stay securely on the nose without causing too much discomfort and, most importantly, should remain in position even during the compression phase of equalization. This is why I suggest testing it by simulating the usual equalization maneuvers while dry, rather than just trying to pull it off with your hand.

The second issue with removing the mask is, of course, the loss of clarity in underwater vision. If this is also a concern for you, you'll need to add goggles to your setup. A good freediving goggle model should provide clear vision and, naturally, should not suction your eyeballs out of their sockets during dives. There are basically two solutions to this problem: fluid goggles or self-equalizing models.

- Fluid goggles overcome the problem of eye squeezing by exploiting the incompressibility of liquids. These goggles should be fully flooded before your descent, preventing any volumetric changes and avoiding serious issues with the eyeballs. Clear vision in these models is ensured by the presence of special lenses that are specifically designed and calibrated to function despite the liquid between the eye and the lens. Generally, the field of vision is very narrow, but you can still see clearly.

- Self-equalizing models contain air inside and solve the squeezing problem thanks to a soft, deformable membrane that allows for normal volumetric loss without sucking in the eyeballs. Clear vision is ensured by the air inside, just like with a regular mask.

Regardless of the model you choose, I recommend investing some time in their "tuning." You should know that the pupillary distance (between your pupils) must exactly match the distance between the lenses in the goggles to avoid the phenomenon of double vision (which is incredibly annoying). For this reason, almost all models come with replaceable nose bridges of different lengths to fit individual needs.

I always ask my students to conduct several shallow-depth sessions to familiarize themselves with these new tools before venturing into the deep. Feeling comfortable with your equipment is crucial to achieving the desired results. Indeed, if we don't feel in control of the situation, we won't be able to fully express our true abilities.