| When selecting a scuba mask it is essential that it fits | | | | fact, was black due to the use of neoprene. These |
| your face well to ensure that it is both comfortable | | | | days silicone is used instead for masks, which is more |
| and leak free. Without a good seal against the face | | | | flexible and less susceptible to sun damage. Silicone |
| you may spend much of your time clearing the mask | | | | can be supplied transparent or in a multitude of |
| of water, while an uncomfortable mask detracts | | | | shades due to the use of colouring agents, but many |
| from your diving experience - both lead to enjoying | | | | people still choose black. However, some people claim |
| your dives less but because they distract you from | | | | masks made with transparent silicone give better |
| your environment they are also potentially unsafe. | | | | visibility due to the greater amount of light allowed to |
| Finding a mask that fits your face well is a simple | | | | enter. |
| matter and can be tested with the following | | | | Skirt |
| three-step procedure: | | | | High quality scuba masks feature a silicone skirt that |
| 1. Place the mask on your face but with the strap | | | | thins towards the edge, allowing for a better and |
| placed out of the way. | | | | more comfortable fit against the skin of the face. |
| 2. Inhale slightly through the nose so that the slight | | | | Often you'll see a second skirt inside the upper edge |
| vacuum holds the mask on your face. | | | | of the skirt that allows a better seal. Its absence at |
| 3. Test the fit by gently moving your head and it | | | | the bottom is to allow water to drain more easily |
| should remain in place if you gently try and pull it | | | | from inside the mask. |
| away from your face. | | | | Strap |
| At the end of this test you will have determined | | | | There are many occasions when you'll need to adjust |
| whether a scuba mask fits your face well or not, so | | | | your mask strap and so ensure that you find the |
| now it is time to examine other features. | | | | mask easy to adjust. If you wear gloves when diving |
| Style | | | | then make sure you can adjust it quickly and easily |
| Most masks on the market today have low internal | | | | with gloves on. And while on the subject of mask |
| volume, which means that the mask is more | | | | straps, remember to always carry a spare - it is one |
| comfortable to use since the diver won't experience | | | | of the more common equipment failures and the lack |
| much mask squeeze during the dive. This style of | | | | of a spare may mean you have to remain on the |
| mask is now usual and features a pocket for the | | | | boat when everyone else is enjoying the submarine |
| nose that protrudes forward of the lenses and as | | | | world. |
| well as low volume the large lenses allow for a wider | | | | Those are the most important factors to consider |
| field of view, but models to look for include Cressi | | | | both when buying a new scuba mask or using rental |
| Big-Eyes, although it is not suitable for all face shapes. | | | | equipment from a dive center. By ensuring a good fit |
| Colour | | | | you ensure your own comfort and safety while a |
| This is purely a matter of personal preference and | | | | combination of the other factors will mean you get |
| you may not have any preference at all. The | | | | many happy years of service from your scuba mask. |
| traditional colour for masks, and all dive equipment in | | | | |