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