Choosing The Right Mask
If you’re looking to build your own dive kit then I would recommend starting with your own dive mask.
If you only ever want to own one piece of equipment then this would be it.
Everybody knows that scuba diving isn’t always as elegant as the pictures make out, especially when you return from a dive and take your mask off… I know you know what I’m talking about!
So it’s a good idea to have your own mask but when searching for the right one, what should you be looking out for?
Why Do We Need To Wear a Mask?
A scuba mask is a very important bit of kit, not only does it provide protection from the elements but it also adds airspace between your eyes and the water. You see, water is 800 x denser than air and although your eyes are able to focus naturally in air, this is not the case when underwater without airspace - your sight becomes blurry. Wearing a mask, restores your sight with the aid of the provided airspace and takes the weight of the dense water environment.
Scuba masks are also necessary in order to equalise properly. When descending during a dive, the ambient pressure rises which can cause the infamous and painful ‘mask squeeze’. The nose needs to be included in the airspace in order to allow air to flow out through the nose to relieve the pressure difference in the mask.
What To Look For
A typical dive mask has 5 parts to it: the lens, the nose pocket, the skirt, the strap and the frame.
When looking for a scuba mask, it’s important to factor in durability, good quality and a good fit. For safety reasons, the lens should be made of tempered glass, not plastic and especially not standard glass. Standard glass has a much higher possibility of breaking and causing serious injury. Next, make sure the nose pocket is easily accessible with your fingers and check the straps for adjustability allowance. It’s always best to go for a diver-friendly mask made with a silicone skirt and lastly, always choose quality over anything else! Buying a low budget mask could be made with cheap materials and more prone to major leakage.
How to Fit a Mask
Once you’ve found a mask design that you like, it’s time to try it on and check the quality of fit. First, without using the strap, position the mask against your face and inhale through your nose. Take your hands away and see if the mask stays put without needing to hold it. Try keeping it there for a while to see if it slips and if it doesn’t then it might just be a good fit for you. Be sure to check the nose pocket is suitable then gently exhale to release the seal and remove the mask. Has it left any marks on your face? If yes, then this isn’t the mask for you. If no and you’re happy with the comfort of the mask, then you’ve found the perfect fit!
Best Place To Buy
It’s best to visit a dive shop in person rather than go online, as the staff will be the best people to ask if you have any questions at all. Many dive shops can even order in your preference if they don’t have it on hand and can offer both great advice and recommendations. It’s also useful to note that if you normally wear prescription glasses and/or contact lenses, then it might be worth investing in a prescription scuba mask.
Hopefully, this quick guide has helped and now you can get searching for the right mask for you!
