Choosing a Mask for Scuba Diving

At first glance, the mask for scuba diving seems a very simple device, and the majority of holidaymakers expect to buy it directly on the beach. Such an approach is justified, if you are more interested in the diversity of the contents of local bars than the beauty of the underwater world. However, if you intend to spend the most part of your vacation among the coral reefs, exploring the intimate details of the relationship clown fish and anemones than you should think of buying a high-quality mask in advance.

Those cheap crafts from PVC, which can also be found on the shelves of Aborigines, have little resemblance to the modern diving masks, as is the grandfather inherited rubber monster with a thick window glass. Trying to replace the same mask with goggles for swimming, in any case, is not worth it. They certainly save a lot of space in a suitcase, but once you submerge a couple of feet they will cause your eyes more harm than the “Oscar” awards night show in a live broadcast.

Single and double glass masks are the most widely used ones at present days. Single masks are almost familiar to everyone from childhood, they offer a large viewing angle; however, have a great under mass space (the space bounded by a mask with one hand and the face of a submariner with the other). The deeper you dive with the greater force the air in this space will pull your head up.

The double glass masks differ with the reduced volume of under mass space which also facilitates greatly the equalization of pressure and removal of water trapped in the mask. The double glass masks will fit those who do not go into the street without glasses. Some designs include the replacement of glass for spectacles lenses, chosen directly under your vision, though such underwater spectacles will not cost cheap. There are also masks with additional side scuttles – three and more glass masks. They are mainly used for photo and video shooting. Such designs have the greatest volume of under mass space.

When choosing a mask, make sure that there is an inscription on glass TEMPERED or SAFETY. This means that the porthole is made of tempered safety glass or plastic. Such materials are resistant to mechanical damages, when broken do not cause major traumatic fragments.

The building of a modern high-quality mask is made primarily of silicone. Rubber as a material for masks is a thing of the past century, and now it can be found only on the cheapest models. Of course, the silicone is a more expensive material, but compared with the rubber it has only advantages, it does not cause allergies, is more durable and not susceptible to the harmful UV rays. And most importantly – silicone masks are just much more convenient and comfortable than rubber. Note that the masks are made of two types – clear and dark. Clear masks are focused on divers and swimmers; they transmit more light and give a better view. Blacked-out silicone masks optimally suite for underwater photography and hunting, because do not let the sun’s rays and prevent glare.

Qualitative mask must have protrusion for the nose. Why do you need it, you’ll learn at a depth of several meters, feeling discomfort in the ears. This occurs because of pressure differences on the eardrum caused by water on one side and air on the other. To balance these pressures “equalizing”, is needed, i.e. to squeeze your nose with your fingers through this very salient and exhale through the nose.

Flow valve will not be an excess installed in some wearing masks at the bottom of the hull or shaped protrusion for the nose. Water is removed from the mask through the valve at simple exhalation with nose.

Pay attention to both the knot fastener and the belts adjustment. Mechanisms of good masks allow for a final fitting of already worn mask by clicking on the belt latches and its movement in the right direction. It is desirable; the latch could allow adjusting the position of the belt at the back in the vertical plane.

And, most importantly, be sure to try on a mask before you buy. You will not have to meddle with the adjusting of straps. Simply attach the mask to the face and make a shallow breath nose. If the mask fits you, then it will “absorb” to the skin and will remain on the face without any straps.