We would say that clear silicone is prone to discoloration after a few years though. There’s really not a huge difference between black and clear silicone in terms of vision, so, for most recreational divers, choosing between black and clear silicone is an aesthetic choice. The exception to this is the spate of brightly colored silicone that has hit the scuba mask market in recent years. Most masks have either a black or clear silicone skirt. Manufacturers of frameless masks say that this design offers a better field of view and that these masks are more lightweight. In a frameless design, the skirt is part of the front of the mask and the window is molded into the silicon. “Frameless” is somewhat of a misnomer because even a frameless mask has a frame of sorts, it’s just not as visible or prominent. But if you’re looking for a “frameless mask” you’ll find that these are one-window designs. The number of windows or lenses you choose is really up to personal preference and there’s no set rule for which is best. We’ve come a long way since the oval fishbowl masks of the 70s-although, we’re pleased that fishbowls are making a fun retro comeback! Today’s masks offer a superior field of vision because of the shape and placement of the windows. Scuba masks either come with one window or two. The primary benefit of low-volume masks is that they offer a wider field of vision because the windows are closer to the diver’s eyes. For some, this is a great thing, but for other divers, it can be uncomfortable. One downside to low-volume masks is that they sit very close to the diver’s face. Because there’s less available air space inside these masks, there’s less available room for water-this should mean the mask is easier to clear. While you’re getting to grips with this essential skill, a low-volume mask may help. Hate clearing your mask? You’re not the only diver who feels that way and you certainly won’t be the last. Ask an instructor or guide for help with mask positioning if you’re not sure. Everyone has a “scuba bump” where the mask strap should sit. Your strap should not be touching your ears. Remember to keep the mask strap at the mid-point on the back of your head. This pressure does a very good job of keeping the mask in place, even after you equalize the mask’s air space. Remember that the mask creates an artificial air space, as you decent, this is subject to pressure. This is not true can actually lead to the opposite happening. Many new divers mistakenly believe that an over-tightened mask won’t leak. Pro Tip: You mask doesn’t need to be too tight. Some people like to cover the mask strap with a soft neoprene cover to make it more comfortable. Most scuba diving masks have two straps which run parallel to each other at the back of the diver’s head. The main mask strap should be sturdy and reliable. Too many moving parts mean that the adjustment feature is more prone to failure. Look for adjustment points which are simple and user-friendly. This is so that divers can quickly and easily tighten or loosen the mask. Scuba diving masks usually feature two adjustment points on either side of the mask. This is to allow divers to easily clear water from the mask when needed. Down the bottom, the mask will have only one seal. Scuba diving masks also feature a double silicone seal around the top of the mask where it sits on your face. All of the masks on our list feature tempered glass windows. Note that these are not suitable for scuba diving and should be avoided. Masks that are designed primarily for snorkeling or swimming may have windows made of plastic. These include windows made from tempered glass and a skirt made from soft silicone. Before you make a purchase, consider the following: Durable MaterialsĪs a general rule, scuba diving masks are crafted from similar materials. Not only that, but one person’s perfectly fitting mask may be another person’s mask disaster. While it’s true that all masks look quite similar, it isn’t true that they’re all created equal. What to Look For When Buying a New Scuba Diving Mask
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