Scuba Diving Masks
The purchase of scuba diving masks is sometimes done as an afterthought as many divers may be more concerned about their wetsuit, fins, BCD, and other equipment items. Glossing over the purchase of your scuba diving mask is rarely a good idea since the mask is one of the most critical of all scuba gear items. The reason is simple. Your visibility will only be as strong as the diving mask you are wearing and you do need good visibility under water.
No matter how clear the visibility in the water may be you will need the highest quality mask you can purchase. This is because you assuredly want to have a crystal clear view for as far as water visibility conditions allow. Also, you want to be sure that the mask properly holds your snorkel in place while maintaining a comfortable and snug fit. Additionally, a snug fit enhances your ability to breathe exclusively through the mouth. A loose fit would lead you to ingesting water through the nose as you try to breathe through it. That is not a good thing.
For those new to diving, there are basically three types of diving masks you can purchase:
- The traditional scuba mask
- Special optical diving masks
- Full face scuba diving masks
Optical masks are identical to traditional masks with the one obvious difference – they are designed to integrate corrective lenses into the mask for those who are either far sighted or near sighted. Full face masks are obviously designed to cover the entire face which enhances peripheral vision immensely. Full face masks are less likely to become dislodged or loose as well.
For those seeking standard masks or even optical masks, the ability to find high quality models at very low prices is possible. Decent masks can be purchased for $40+ although most quality masks will be in the $60 - $120 range. Generally, it is best to avoid purchasing economy priced masks unless your budget forces you to. The reason for this is that you a reliable mask that does what is intended of it.
The Main Features to Look for in Scuba Diving Masks
Both traditional and optical scuba diving masks should deliver the following features: Light should be very easy to go through the glass of the mask. While not invulnerable, the glass should also be reasonably resistant to scratching. Obviously, the visibility through the lenses should also be panoramic and without unnecessary blind spots. The buckles on the masks should be easy to adjust allowing the mask to affix to your face tightly but still maintaining a decent level of comfort. Low volume and a reliably molded frame are additional plusses to look for. Based on personal preferences, you can choose between framed and frameless lens designs.
There are quite a number of excellent manufacturers of scuba diving masks. The most popular name brands producing scuba diving masks include Atomic, Ocean Quest, H20, XS, Oceanic, and Hollis brands.
Full Face Scuba Diving Masks
Full face masks will integrate a regulator into the design of the mask allowing for the proper flow of air. The glass will be highly scratch resistant, incredibly clear and capable of receiving the proper amount of light, and provide a significant vista for your vision. Added purge valves will be affixed which can clear out any unwanted water excess. There are quite a number of additional advanced features. A diver communication unit can be affixed to these types of masks which means you can carry on conversations with anyone that shares the same frequency channel. This includes those who are underwater and above water.
The prices of full face masks are significantly more than the standard scuba diving masks available on the market. The masks alone are in the $600 to $700 range. The inclusion of communication units could raise the price well over $1200.
No matter which type of scuba diving masks you purchase, it is definitely recommended you take proper care of them. Acquiring accessories such as cleaning kits and protective carrying cases would be highly recommended. Like all scuba diving gear, preventing any harm from befalling the masks will extend their life and their usefulness tremendously.
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Promate Frameless Scuba Dive Snorkeling Mask Sale Price: $29.85 - $34.26  |
Description
The Promate Raven Frameless Scuba Dive Mask is a continuation of the trend toward the frameless mask designs becoming so popular with scuba divers. The exception with the Raven mask is that you get an absolutely great design at a budget price. The Promate Raven does not have the plastic or metal lens frame found on most masks. Instead, the lenses are molded directly into the soft, silicone skirt in a single molding operation. This mask has the lower tear-drop shape used by many designs to improve the downward visibility. It is narrower at the temples for a good fit, but widens again at the eyebrow to provide improved vision when glancing up. The skirt of the Raven mask is extremely soft and the mask has molded ridges at the top and bottom from an improved grip when doffing and donning. The strap attachment is molded directly to the mask skirt, providing more comfort and a better fit.
Features
- Frameless Design Lowers Internal Volum - Face Seal Size W4 3/4 * H3 1/2
- TearDrop Lens Shape for Increased Downward Vision.
- Narrow at Temples - Wide at Eyebrows for Upward Vision
- Strap Buckles are Molded to the Soft Silicone Skirt for Improved Comfort and good Fit
- Molded Ridges Around Lens for Improved Grip
