Diving mask
A diving mask is an integral part of your diving gear. Everyone’s face and head sizes are different, so this can be difficult to perfect. However, your diving experience is directly affected by the comfort of your diving mask.
Diving can be dangerous if you cannot see, so you need to choose a mask that fits you well and doesn’t fog up or slip off easily. The snorkel can also be attached to the mask strap, so we recommend buying both pieces of gear at the same time.
No matter how good the mask on display at the dive shop looks, If it does not fit your face, it is not the right mask for you. If it is uncomfortable, imagine how you will feel when you are actually in the water. You will need to select a mask that completely seals the length of the entire skirt and does not rub or pinch the nose pocket, frame, or lenses. Experiment with masks until you find one that works for you.
A scuba mask should fit snugly on your face when worn and breathing gently. There should be no discomfort in the nose, and it should not be too tight.
Use these simple steps to check for mask fit while in the scuba center.
- Look up and place the mask on your face without the straps attached. Inhale through your nose and look forward, if it falls off it is too big for you.
- If it is touching any part of your face like the nose or cheekbones it may be too small.
- Can you easily reach your nose while the mask is on to equalize? If the nose pocket is too big, imagine how frustrating that could be.
- Place a snorkel or regulator in your mouth. Does it create any gaps in the seal of the mask?
If you wear glasses or contacts like me, you can have your prescription added to the lens of your mask. I would recommend updating your prescription before sending out your mask.
items to consider when purchasing your mask.
- Mask Skirt
- All mask skirts are made of silicone, and the marketing jargon of these diving gear manufacturers is meant to advertise the comfort of their particular masks. The thickness and suppleness of the silicone vary from mask to mask and is the only way to know if the mask skirt fits comfortably against your facial skin. Some skirts wrap your face like a second skin for a comfortable waterproof finish. Others scratch the face with hard edges that dig into the skin. Some manufacturers add a different surface texture to the forehead and cheek areas to further increase comfort and seal. Moldable silicone molded ribs offer a beautiful balance of softness and shape, resulting in a flexible skirt that conforms to the face and creates an excellent seal. Avoid plastic-skirted masks like those found in big stores. You might think the price is right, but comfort is compromised.
- SKIRT COLORS
- A transparent skirt lets in a lot of light, creating an open, airy, and depth effect, while a black skirt blocks all reflected light. Which one is right for you? The transparent apron is a real plus for divers who are feeling claustrophobic or when diving in murky or green water. However, when diving into bright tropical waters with white sandy seabeds, the colored skirts are a real plus. All of the reflected light streaming can blind you if using a transparent skirt. The black skirt is a little claustrophobic, but it does a great job of blocking reflected light. This is why underwater photographers prefer colored skirts.
- FIELD OF VIEW
- Optimizing the field of view both horizontally and vertically is the main goal of a good mask. If you try various masks, you will find that the left and right and top and bottom look are different when looking straight ahead. A good downward view is important to scan your computer and find your weight pocket handles, D-rings, etc.
- LOW VOLUME VS HIGH VOLUME
- Mask volume refers to the amount of space within the mask. Like the clear skirt and wide field of view, the high-capacity mask makes it look like you’re looking at the underwater world through a huge window, such as a bay window or porthole. The downside is that it’s a bit more work to clean, but if you’re diving primarily in situations where you can spend time descending and leveling, you might prefer a high-volume mask. A low-volume mask sits closer to the face and can quickly drain water when clearing. They also tend to offer less drag when cruising through the water column and a wider field of view due to the front lens being closer to the eyes. Masks designed for freedivers have a very low volume, simplified and streamlined design that is easy to clean and balance but may not be suitable for new or claustrophobic divers.
- SINGLE, DUAL, AND MULTI LENSES
- Masks come in 1, 2, 3, or 4 window versions. Masks with a single window will have one piece of tempered glass. A mask with two windows has two lenses on the front of the mask, connected by a nose bridge. A three-window mask consists of one front pane (similar to the single-window mask) and two side lenses. The 4-window mask consists of two lenses on the front and two on the sides. Choosing between these types is partly a matter of personal preference and partly a consideration of the type of diving you do. Single-lens masks offer the widest unobstructed field of vision without any nasal bridge obstructions. The volume of the single-lens mask is usually slightly larger. Multi-lens masks, especially dual-lens models, typically have smaller internal volumes than single-lens models. This small size allows it to be molded closer to the diver’s face. As mentioned earlier, smaller volumes are easier to clear. However, you may wear corrective glasses or contacts as I mentioned earlier. If you need this, limit your search to models with two lenses. Side windows improve peripheral vision and let in more light. This is good for divers who are prone to claustrophobia. However, the intersection of the front and side lenses can introduce blind spots and depth distortion.
- BUCKLE/STRAP SYSTEMS
- The buckle system on most modern masks is attached to the skirt rather than the frame. This offers many benefits such as an improved range of motion when adjusting the strap position and the ability to fold the buckle flat against the lens for storage and packaging.
If you have long hair the type of strap can directly affect the comfort of your dive. The typical silicone straps tend to stick to your hair and can be annoying. I suggest wearing a neoprene mask strap that slips better on your hair and adjusts to the back of your head, holding your mask in place better.
The mask I use is the APEX VX1 which is a frameless, lightweight, low volume that makes it easy to travel with, clear, and equalize. It offers a black skirt and surgical-grade silicone which is designed to minimize facial pressure points during longer dives. It works great with my facial hair and does not cause me any grief
My wife prefers the Hollis M1 which is also frameless, lightweight has wide vision and low volume. It has an ultra-clear lens with a pure silicone skirt making it very comfortable.
Whichever mask you decide to dive with, if you follow the above suggestions, we are sure that you will have a much more enjoyable dive.
Deciding on a Snorkel
A snorkel is a highly personal piece of gear. It lives with your mask, spends time in your mouth, and allows you to breathe while looking down until you are ready to ascend on Scuba.
There are several types of snorkels both for divers and snorkelers.
- Straight tubes- these are the cheapest of the bunch and preferred by free divers.
- Snorkels with tubes with purge valves on the bottom.
- Snorkels with covers at the end that keep the tube dry while diving. (Dry snorkel)
- Snorkels that contain flexible sections near the mouthpieces when not in use will fall to the side perfect for scuba divers.
- Snorkels with simple-to-replace pieces such as the tuba and mouthpiece.
There is a difference between the best snorkel for snorkeling and the best snorkel for diving. The first myth is that you don’t need a snorkel when using scuba. Nothing is farther from the truth. If you run out of air before you get to the dive boat, it can be a fight to swim back to the boat. A snorkel also helps conserve air in your tank while you’re on the surface, allowing you to dive longer!
When choosing a scuba snorkel, make sure it has the features you need for a successful scuba diving adventure. It’s comfortable when not in use and falls on the side of your face. You shouldn’t be conscious of it until you need it. You can’t go wrong with a simple, lightweight scuba snorkel with a few “bonuses.”
One of the most popular snorkels on the market is the dry snorkel. This means that the snorkel will not get water in the tube if you are submerged, or the waves are crashing overhead. These snorkels can be heavier than others and can cause some drag which can increase water entering your mask. Be careful of snorkels with many extra features that can cause another failure point.
My wife and I both use the Oceanic ARID Semi Dry with a flexible hose, oversized purge valve, and a replaceable mouthpiece.
Diving mask
A diving mask is an integral part of your diving gear. Everyone’s face and head sizes are different, so this can be difficult to perfect. However, your diving experience is directly affected by the comfort of your diving mask.
Diving can be dangerous if you cannot see, so you need to choose a mask that fits you well and doesn’t fog up or slip off easily. The snorkel can also be attached to the mask strap, so we recommend buying both pieces of gear at the same time.
No matter how good the mask on display at the dive shop looks, If it does not fit your face then it is not the right mask for you. If it is uncomfortable, imagine how you will feel when you are actually in the water. You will need to select a mask that completely seals the length of the entire skirt and does not rub or pinch the nose pocket, frame, or lenses. Experiment with masks until you find one that works for you.
A scuba mask should fit snugly on your face when worn and breathing gently. There should be no discomfort in the nose, and it should not be too tight.
Use these simple steps to check for mask fit while in the scuba center.
- Look up and place the mask on your face without the straps attached. Inhale through your nose and look forward, if it falls off it is too big for you.
- If it is touching any part of your face like the nose or cheekbones it may be too small.
- Can you easily reach your nose while the mask is on to equalize? If the nose pocket is too big, imagine how frustrating that could be.
- Place a snorkel or regulator in your mouth. Does it create any gaps in the seal of the mask?
If you wear glasses or contacts like me, you can have your prescription added to the lens of your mask. I would recommend updating your prescription before sending out your mask.
items to consider when purchasing your mask.
- Mask Skirt
- All mask skirts are made of silicone, and the marketing jargon of these diving gear manufacturers is meant to advertise the comfort of their particular masks. The thickness and suppleness of the silicone vary from mask to mask and is the only way to know if the mask skirt fits comfortably against your facial skin. Some skirts wrap your face like a second skin for a comfortable waterproof finish. Others scratch the face with hard edges that dig into the skin. Some manufacturers add a different surface texture to the forehead and cheek areas to further increase comfort and seal. Moldable silicone molded ribs offer a beautiful balance of softness and shape, resulting in a flexible skirt that conforms to the face and creates an excellent seal. Avoid plastic-skirted masks like those found in big stores. You might think the price is right, but comfort is compromised.
- SKIRT COLORS
- A transparent skirt lets in a lot of light, creating an open, airy, and depth effect, while a black skirt blocks all reflected light. Which one is right for you? The transparent apron is a real plus for divers who are feeling claustrophobic or when diving in murky or green water. However, when diving into bright tropical waters with white sandy seabeds, the colored skirts are a real plus. All of the reflected light streaming from can blind you if using a transparent skirt. The black skirt is a little claustrophobic, but it does a great job of blocking reflected light. This is why underwater photographers prefer colored skirts.
- FIELD OF VIEW
- Optimizing the field of view both horizontally and vertically is the main goal of a good mask. If you try various masks, you will find that the left and right and top and bottom look are different when looking straight ahead. A good downward view is important to scan your computer and find your weight pocket handles, D-rings, etc.
- LOW VOLUME VS HIGH VOLUME
- Mask volume refers to the amount of space within the mask. Like the clear skirt and wide field of view, the high-capacity mask makes it look like you’re looking at the underwater world through a huge window, such as a bay window or porthole. The downside is that it’s a bit more work to clean, but if you’re diving primarily in situations where you can spend time descending and leveling, you might prefer a high-volume mask. A low-volume mask sits closer to the face and can quickly drain water when clearing. They also tend to offer less drag when cruising through the water column and a wider field of view due to the front lens being closer to the eyes. Masks designed for freedivers have a very low volume, simplified and streamlined design that is easy to clean and balance but may not be suitable for new or claustrophobic divers.
- SINGLE, DUAL, AND MULTI LENSES
- Masks come in 1, 2, 3, or 4 window versions. Masks with a single window will have one piece of tempered glass. A mask with two windows has two lenses on the front of the mask, connected by a nose bridge. A three-window mask consists of one front pane (similar to the single-window mask) and two side lenses. The 4-window mask consists of two lenses on the front and two on the sides. Choosing between these types is partly a matter of personal preference and partly a consideration of the type of diving you do. Single-lens masks offer the widest unobstructed field of vision without any nasal bridge obstructions. The volume of the single-lens mask is usually slightly larger. Multi-lens masks, especially dual-lens models, typically have smaller internal volumes than single-lens models. This small size allows it to be molded closer to the diver’s face. As mentioned earlier, smaller volumes are easier to clear. However, you may wear corrective glasses or contacts as I mentioned earlier. If you need this, limit your search to models with two lenses. Side windows improve peripheral vision and let in more light. This is good for divers who are prone to claustrophobia. However, the intersection of the front and side lenses can introduce blind spots and depth distortion.
- BUCKLE/STRAP SYSTEMS
- The buckle system on most modern masks is attached to the skirt rather than the frame. This offers many benefits such as improved range of motion when adjusting the strap position and the ability to fold the buckle flat against the lens for storage and packaging.
If you have long hair the type of strap can directly affect the comfort of your dive. The typical silicone straps tend to stick to your hair and can be annoying. I suggest wearing a neoprene mask strap that slips better on your hair and adjusts to the back of your head, holding your mask in place better.
The mask I use is the APEX VX1 which is a frameless, lightweight and low volume that makes it easy to travel with, clear, and equalize. It offers a black skirt and surgical-grade silicone which is designed to minimize facial pressure points during longer dives. It works great with my facial hair and does not cause me any grief
My wife prefers the Hollis M1 which is also frameless, lightweight has wide vision, and low volume. It has an ultra-clear lens with a pure silicone skirt making it very comfortable.
Whichever mask you decide to dive with, if you follow the above suggestions, we are sure that you will have a much more enjoyable dive.
Deciding on a Snorkel
A snorkel is a highly personal piece of gear. It lives with your mask, spends time in your mouth, and allows you to breathe while looking down until you are ready to ascend on Scuba.
There are several types of snorkels both for divers and snorkelers.
- Straight tubes- these are the cheapest of the bunch and preferred by free divers.
- Snorkels with tubes with purge valves on the bottom.
- Snorkels with covers at the end that keep the tube dry while diving. (Dry snorkel)
- Snorkels that contain flexible sections near the mouthpieces when not in use will fall to the side perfect for scuba divers.
- Snorkels with simple to replace pieces such as the tuba and mouthpiece.
There is a difference between the best snorkel for snorkeling and the best snorkel for diving. The first myth is that you don’t need a snorkel when using scuba. Nothing is farther from the truth. If you run out of air before you get to the dive boat, it can be a fight to swim back to the boat. A snorkel also helps conserve air in your tank while you’re on the surface, allowing you to dive longer!
When choosing a scuba snorkel, make sure it has the features you need for a successful scuba diving adventure. It’s comfortable when not in use and falls on the side of your face. You shouldn’t be conscious of it until you need it. You can’t go wrong with a simple, lightweight scuba snorkel with a few “bonuses.”
One of the most popular snorkels on the market is the dry snorkel. This means that the snorkel will not get water in the tube if you are submerged, or the waves are crashing overhead. These snorkels can be heavier than others and can cause some drag which can increase water entering your mask. Be careful of snorkels that have a lot of extra features which can cause another failure point.
My wife and I both use the Oceanic ARID Semi Dry with a flexible hose, oversized purge valve and replaceable mouthpiece.