Help me choose a divemask,please.

[jsu]

Hello, I am looking to purchase a divemask soon and was wanting some information and comments on what brands have a good reputations, pro`s and con`s of frameless masks, and anything else anybody can think of to help me out on my purchase.Thank You.jeff

 

[Ocean Oso]

Go to your local dive shop. Put every single one on the wall on your face so you can get a feel for each one. I was going to go clear, but then chose black as it helped me maintain my focus better when I took it out for a dive. The clear had a glare. It cost me $145, but it didn't leak even with my beard, so worth it to me.

 

[Sandman]

Go to your local dive shop. Put every single one on the wall on your face so you can get a feel for each one. I was going to go clear, but then chose black as it helped me maintain my focus better when I took it out for a dive. The clear had a glare. It cost me $145, but it didn't leak even with my beard, so worth it to me.

Because everyones face is different it is impossible to recommend a certain brand of mask. The suggestion to visit a dive shop to try on the masks is a valid one. Don't skimp on the $ spent as quality has a price in years of service and comfort. Some like the full face mask with the air supply or communication feature, but I suspect you only want to cover your eyes and nose. Don't bother with the masks that have the purge valve as they are useless in the real world where the water is colder than your breath. Also get a good Anti Fog bottle. I like one called Gorilla Snot Defog as once applied it lasts a long time, even a couple dives.

Never buy things you wear online as the fit won't be the same. Visit a dive shop, not a discount big box store like Wal-Mart for your gear.

 

[kaptainkosmic]

quick way to check for good seal

while you're trying on mask's don't put the strap around your head. hold it up to your face and inhale thru your nose if it doesn't stick move on to another mask.

hope this helps.

hh steve

 

[jsu]

Thank you everyone for your help.I will visit my local dive shop soon.I made the mistake of getting a divemask from bass pro.It was a piece of crap.Did not fit my face right and leaked the second I went underwater.I guess you get what you pay for.Thanks again and happy hunting.jeff

 

[Ocean Oso]

and there is little else that will end a dive sooner than to have a crappy mask. Water up the nose is the worst feeling. Agree with kaptainkosmic in that the mask should stick to your face just by placing it on correctly. Have the dive shop operator show you how to put the mask on properly. Also, get a slip to fit over the back of the straps so it doesn't get caught in your hair.

The purge valve works well for me. I have both, but usually like using one finger to hold the mask and then the exhale to clear. Then again a standard mask is fine.

 

[Jeffro]

Get a box of those handi wipes, use them all up. When done, you have a great box for storing your mask in. Keeps it from scratching and getting exposed to UV rays which break down the rubber. Spit is the best anti-fogger I've come across. No need to search for the bottle, and always handy. Not knocking Gorilla snot, LOL!
Spit in the mask, wipe it all around, rinse out and slap the mask on.

 

[jsu]

I went to the only two dive shops in Joplin and tried on a few pairs of masks.I think I am going to go with the scubapro spectra.It has a low volume for easy clearing and the fit was great.I really like the softness of the silicon skirt on the scubapro`s seems to seal better on my face.Thanks again for everyone`s help.jeff

 

[JoeSWFla]

I agree with OSO on the black over clear.Have both and like the black better,
for shallow water especially,as any light behind the lens will cause a glare
and make any smear/fogging worse.I've also had less expensive masks
that fit better than some more expensive ones-softer more pliable skirt.
And yes,nothing more irritating than a leaking mask.Also heard some say
to clean your new lense with tooth paste to get off any residue before using.
The dive shop can give you the straight scoop on that. HH Joe

 

[Ocean Oso]

Forgot about that Joe. Get some cheap toothpaste with no additives. I mean, the cheapest, plainest, bland toothpaste you can find and rub it in with your fingers to give it a good cleaning. I used some plain Crest and it turned out to have spearmint in it that wasn't advertised on the box so I smelled spearmint for about two months. Wasn't so bad until my wife wondered why my beard had a different toothpaste in it. Just kidding, she knew.