Your scuba mask provides the air space you need to see clearly underwater. Though it seems simple, the type of diving you’ll be doing will determine which features will be most important to look for in a dive mask. Some features to consider include: number of lenses, low-volume, mask skirt color, lens color, and mask strap style.
Most of today’s scuba and dive masks feature a silicone skirt - the part that rests against your face and creates the seal. Some masks come with a clear skirt while others have a black skirt. Skirt color along with lens color are both considerations when you’re hunting or taking photos and videos underwater. Some masks offer replacement prescription lenses if you need vision correction underwater. Your underwater activity and intended depth may determine whether you want a low-volume mask, but this can also just be a personal preference. Note that with a low volume mask, you don’t have to equalize as often which may be a benefit when you’re diving deep. Mask strap style is largely a personal preference and since they’re easily replaced, shouldn’t keep you from buying the mask you like. The biggest category to break down is number of lenses. While there are benefits and drawbacks to all three categories, sometimes this also boils down to personal preference.
Single Lens Scuba Masks - Has one lens with an uninterrupted, wide field of view.
Two Lens Scuba Masks - Also referred to as dual lens dive masks, this style has two lenses and is typically your lowest volume mask.
Wraparound Lens Scuba Masks - Also referred to as panoramic masks, these have a single front lens and small lenses on the sides. Typically offers the widest field of view and are usually higher volume due to the lenses.
Purge - This type of mask features a purge valve below the nose to make mask clearing easier.
Mask Accessories - Everything you need to take care of and maintain your mask, including cleaners, defog, replacement straps, optical lenses, and more.
Different masks are going to fit differently so it’s important to try on your mask to ensure that you get a good seal. An improperly fitted mask will leak which makes for a terrible dive experience.
Also keep in mind that when you buy a new mask, you want to clean it before your first use so you don’t struggle with fogging the entire dive. All masks ship with a light film on the lens(es) to keep them from getting scratched or damaged in shipping. Once you get the mask home, either use toothpaste or a mask scrub with warm water. It usually takes just a few minutes to scrub the film away and you’re ready to go.
After your dive, make sure to rinse your dive mask thoroughly in freshwater. Allow it to dry completely before storing in a cool, dry place.
The black pigmentation from other gear can transfer to your mask skirt. Because of this, it’s always best to store your mask separately from your other dive gear.
No. Use of these on your dive mask can lead to degradation of the mask skirt and the plastics in the mask. This can lead to your mask failing or falling apart.
As always, we’re here to assist with questions and fittings. Reach out or stop into one of our stores for assistance or more information.