Dive Essentials - Dive Masks
A dive mask is probably the first piece of equipment that any diver will buy but despite this it is probably the easiest to mess up in terms of getting the right fit and style for you. A well fitted dive mask is a joy to use and one of those items that you will forget that you are wearing during your dive, a poorly fitting dive mask is a nightmare, constantly leaking using up your air supply clearing it and generally making you feel uncomfortable under the water. In this blog post we look at some of the different styles of mask and some tips for ensuring you get the right one for you.
The authors Tisa Freedom Ceos and Scubapro Synergy Twin dive masks
When looking to buy your first dive mask it can be a bit scary to start out with, so many different makes and styles, where do you begin and what type of mask should you buy? It may sound obvious, but when buying mask for scuba diving make sure you get a diving mask, it is tempting to look at snorkelling masks and think that they are the same thing but cheaper, however they won’t be designed for the rigours of the underwater world. Dive masks in contrast will be made using high quality materials to ensure they fit properly such as silicon and tempered glass. If you were to buy a snorkelling mask the likelihood is that it will be made with a plastic lens which may break or crack underwater at depth which is dangerous.
It is worth being prepared to spend a bit more money on a high quality dive mask, getting the right one for you is essential and if well looked after can last for many years which will be cheaper in the long run. The most important thing to get right when buying your mask is to ensure if fits properly, for this reason it is best to go and buy your mask in a dedicated dive shop where you can get good advice and also try on several different ones. When trying on the mask try placing it on your face without using the strap using your hand to hold it in place. Does it feel comfortable or does it press against your nose or forehead in an uncomfortable way? If it press against your nose for forehead when just holding it in place then this will be exacerbated underwater where the pressure is pushing it into your face all the time, this is not the mask for you. When you find one that fits well, while holding it in place breath in through your nose and remove your hand - if it stays in place then it is a good fit and worth taking forward to the next stage. If it falls off then this is not the right mask for you and best to put it back on the shelf for someone else.
Tusa M1002 Tina dive mask - this mask has a clear silicon skirt and also note the neoprene strap at the back
The other choices you will have a more of a cosmetic nature and really around personal preference rather than to do with the mask fitting properly. The next choice most people usually then make is whether or not to go for a clear skirt or a dark one. Both have their merits and drawbacks and it will come down to a matter of personal preference and the type of diving you plan on doing. A clear skirt can help with those who can feel a little claustrophobic as it lets in more light and can feel roomier, they are also useful if diving in green or murky water again as they let in lots more light. On the other hand if you’re diving in clear tropical waters then a dark skirt may be best as it doesn’t allow as much glare, one reason that you will usually find underwater photographers and videographers using them. At the end of the day though, like with most things in diving it is a matter of choice and what you feel most comfortable with.
Scubapro Synergy Twin diving mask with a black skirt and double lens arrangement. A classic scuba diving style.
Other items to consider are whether or not you want to go with a single lens vs a double lens, low or high volume design and whether or not to go for reflective lenses. Firstly, singles vs double lens is an age old debate that will always bring out strong opinions in divers. The single lens design will offer the best unobstructed view due to the lack of a nose bridge, however they are generally a little bit heavier due to having more glass and double lens masks are normally of a lower volume than the singles lens design.
Low or high volume masks refer to the amount of air in-between the mask and your face, generally a lower volume design sits closer to your face and can feel more claustrophobic, but they require less effort to clear and thus you will use up less air doing this. Generally the lower the volume the better but there is no real hard and fast rule on this.
Some manufacturers offer masks with reflective lenses, some people say they are better as the fish can’t your eyes, but my personal opinion is this is a load of old rubbish. From a safety perspective a clear lens is generally better as people can see your eyes and can help a buddy or rescuer recognise signs of hypoxia or other signs of distress. While reflective lenses may look great at the surface or in instagram posts my general advice would be to avoid them purely on safety grounds.
Tusa Freedom Ceos Mask
Once you have found your perfect mask you’ll need to prepare it for use. Masks that come straight out of the factory will have a thin layer of silicon film on them which is you don’t remove will fog up super easy underwater and you’ll find yourself constantly clearing your mask. There are many ways to do this, but my preferred method os to use a bit of toothpaste, leave it to dry and then wipe it off, doing this at least twice. Some people will tell you to use a lighter and burn it off, but if you decide to do this be extremely careful not to damage the silicon skirt!
Quite often you will also see divers with a neoprene strap on the back of the mask, this can be useful if you have long hair that gets caught up in the mask strap easily, however if you have short hair you may find that the mask will come off more easily when entering the water, especially if performing a backroll.
We hope this article has been useful, there is no such thing as the perfect scuba diving mask that fits everyone. Its best to go and try lots of masks on and find the one that is right for you. Once you have it, ensure you look after it well, rinse with fresh water after diving and store away from sunlight in its box. These sim[le things will ensure your mask lasts a long time and you’ll be able to enjoy the underwater world with confidence.
Happy diving!