Choosing a Mask for Diving
Choosing a mask for diving is a difficult decision. Many people ask my how do I choose the right mask. Personally I think it’s easy! one that fits and looks cool!! The mask should be one of the first bits of scuba equipment you buy. The mask is an important piece of diving equipment, so choose correctly.
It should fit well, not leak in the water, give you good vision underwater, comfortable and look good. Most importantly it should fit well, no matter how cool it looks. Mask clearing is the most common skill you do underwater. So why increase doing that skill with a mask that leaks all the time. It will not only annoy you, but you will also waste air and therefore time underwater. The correct way to see that as mask properly fits is as so –
- Put the mask on the face, do not put the strap on round the back of the head. Make sure all hair is removed.
- Suck in through your nose gently and hold. Don’t suck hard.
- Tilt you head downwards to look at your feet. The mask should stay on your face.
There are so many ranges, styles, brands and colours to choose from to suit all face types and styles. So here are my easy steps to getting a good mask –
- Fitting – Personally I wouldn’t order on-line unless you are re-ordering a mask you have already tried out. I would take the time and go into a reputable dive shop and speak to an experienced member of staff and see what fits best.
- Style – you can choose from full cae masks, single lens, split lens to all round visibility masks to low volume masks.
- Nose Pocket – if like me, you have a big nose, finding a mask that fits comfortably can sometimes be difficult. But there are masks out there!
- Tempered Glass – a must. I have seen first hand masks shatter. You definitely want tempered glass or have a face resembling Edward Scissorhands. End of.
- Mask Straps – easy to move around, not over your ears, one touch release systems are best and try to get a neoprene strap as it catches less with long hair.
- Skirt – should be silicon and easy to manipulate and fits well to create a perfect seal.
- Mask Volume – how much air volume is there in the mask? the lower the volume the more breath it will take to clear the mask. I like low volume masks.
- Lenses – Single or Split – depending on your preference. Single lenses tend to give you more vision. I prefer split as it concentrates me more on what I’m doing. Again a personal preference. You can also get the lenses mirrored these days. For recreational diving they are ok, but if your teaching, guiding or photographing, being able to see people’s eyes is important. you can tell a lot from someone from their eyes.
- Colour – whatever floats your boat. Most people like to match their masks with their diving gear. White is common at the moment, but remember white gets dirty quicker!
My personal choice is a low volume mask like the black Micromask. Low volume masks were designed for freediving, as they are easier and more effiecent to clear. I also like them because they light, small and easy to pack. Below are some examples of masks.
