Mask Me More: Everything You Need to Know When Buying a Scuba Mask
“Suck the mask onto your face” is probably what you will get told the first time your try a new scuba mask. Did you know its actually the completely wrong way to do it?
Although my divers bulging eyes and duck lips do make me smile when they do this, sucking a mask onto your face through breathing in through your nose is going to make any mask fit regardless of if it is the right size!
Realistically you also won’t be able to maintain this for a whole dive. At some point that baby is going to come loose. Why not make life easy for yourself at fit it right in the first place?
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Fitting
1) Place scuba mask gently on face and tilt head back so it stays.
2) Run your fingers around the edges making sure the skirt touches your face at all points. Ask for a mirror or for someone else to double-check if you are unsure. Obvious gaps will usually appear around the cheeks and nose.
3) Place the strap over your head and tighten enough that you are still able to gently pull the mask away from your face. Check again that the skirt seals the whole way around.
Styles
Snorkel and scuba masks may look similar but it is important that if you are going diving you get one suited for this activity.
What makes a mask good for diving is that it needs tempered glass to withstand high water pressure without breaking. It must also have an enclosed nose pocket for equalising.
You can still use a diving mask to snorkel. So if you plan to do both it’s worth while investing in one good diving mask. Or if having one of each is more your style check out this comprehensive snorkel mask guide from Sport advisor.
Here is a list of the main style options. What you end up choosing will come down to personal preference but remember comfort and fit comes above fashion!
Skirts
The skirt is the silicone around the glass which seals the mask to your face. You can get them in various styles from clear to colourful, each with their own pros and cons.
When looking at the skirt it is also worth taking note of how the strap attaches to the mask. An attachment on the frame is a lot stronger than directly to the silicone which sometimes wears through in which case the silicone may have to be replaced or the whole mask changed.
Clear Skirt
- Face more visible for clearer photos
- Lets more light in
- Ages & yellows more over time
- Mould is more visible
Coloured Skirt
- More focused view
- More personalisation/recognisable
- Colours don't fade
- Mould more easily hidden
Most importantly find a mask that fits and sometimes it is possible to change the skirt colour.
Lenses
Single Lense
- Wide Uninterrupted View
- Slightly easier defogging
Two Lense
- Lower volume so easier to clear water
- Customisable to prescription lenses
- Greater downward view (some model)
Multiple Lense
- Allows broader field of view
- Periphery view takes some getting used to (can see fins kicking!)
Full Face
- Talk with others underwater
- Expensive
- Requires training to operate
Full face masks are very uncommon in recreational divers. They are mostly used in commercial or even technical divers where basic hand signals are not enough or you are not in direct line of sight. They have also been used in documentary film making for commentary.
If your have decided which features best suit your needs then it’s time to start looking at options. DiveIn.com does some really detailed reviews on the best masks for every budget. If you still need ideas theadventurejunkies.com have a handy side by side mask comparison table.
Preparation
Last but not least, prepping your scuba mask for diving. This step is incredibly important if you are going to be using a brand new mask.
New masks come with a thin silicone layer on the glass. This helps protect it from scratching however it will also cause your mask to fog up if not removed.
The 2 methods to do this are:
Method 1: Toothpaste
Apply a thin layer of toothpaste (avoid gel kinds) and rub around on the inside of the lense for a few minutes. Personally I also add a little sugar which acts as a bit of a scrubber but if you are worried about scratching the glass then its fine to leave this out. Then leave the mask overnight. In the morning rinse out the toothpaste or use a toothbrush to get all the residue out.
You may have to repeat this method if it doesn’t work the first time.
Method 2: Fire!
Kill it with fire! Now important note I only recommend this as a last-minute option if you desperately can’t dive with any other mask. Hopefully, if you have read this post beforehand you will already be prepared so it will not be necessary. It also only works if you have the tempered glass, NO PLASTIC!
In a protected area away from wind or flammables hold a lighter under the lense and move it around until it blackens( this will be the residue burning away). Be careful with getting too near the silicone edges, not to burn your fingers on the lighter and make sure you don’t focus on one spot for too long. Once finished set aside to cool, Putting it in water or suddenly changing the temperature may cause to the glass to shatter. Once cool wash out with baby shampoo, toothpaste or water until clean.
If you are nervous or unsure about this method then as a dive pro. Most will be more than happy to help.
A scuba mask is the first thing if the only thing you should invest your money in so why not get it right. If you want to know why then check out our ultimate gear guide.
So simple as that, follow the steps and you should find it easy as if you have been diving for years. Do you have any personal tips or advice you think is worthwhile sharing? Drop it in the comments below!
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Like!! Really appreciate you sharing this blog post.Really thank you! Keep writing.
Thank you! Let me know if there is any other topics you are curious about and I will see what we can whip up.