This is a fact! Humans have poor eyesight and cannot focus underwater. This is where the diving mask plays a vital role. No matter what we call it, it is always an important part of the diving mask that supports us to see clearly underwater.
How to choose the right diving mask？
Even before you set foot in a dive store, you can take the time to consider the type of diving you will be doing and which features of the mask are most important to you; factors like wide field of vision, minimal glare, or a mask that is easily identifiable among other dive gear, whether you plan to use a mask on your trip, etc. This way you have a variety of dive masks to choose from, such as technical dive masks and masks suitable for light travel. Knowing your intended use allows you to make the right choice right from the start.
- Fit
It is important to wear your diving mask correctly, otherwise your mask may leak, mismatch with your face shape and fog up frequently. Most scuba diving masks on the market have an external and internal seal that touches your face at the same time, ensuring that it can be sealed around your face so that leaks do not occur. So, pick a mask and try to match it with the correct wearing method as much as possible.
- Mask skirt color
The silicone area around the lens that is sealed to your face is called the mask skirt. They usually come in clear, black or white and have different advantages.
A clear mask skirt allows more light to reach the mask, while a black skirt reduces glare and eliminates any interference with surrounding movement or light patterns. White masks are less common but will look great for underwater shots.
A small advantage of black skirts is that they don't reveal dirt, so they look longer lasting than clear or white masks.
- Number of lenses
Diving masks come in single, two and multiple lenses. They are available in framed and frameless masks.
Single-lens masks provide a wide, unsegmented view. They are ideal for divers who want an open field of view and also allow divers to easily pinch their nose for balance. Two options are available: framed and frameless.
Single lens frameless masks are small, which means the lenses are closer to the eyes and less air is needed to clear the mask underwater. They offer a wide field of view and can be folded flat for easy portability.
Two-lens masks are also small in size and are usually designed with tear-shaped lenses. These lenses provide a wide field of view throughout the main lens section and a downward field of view ideal for gear visibility. Because of their small size, less air is required to clean and balance the facemask.
Multiple lens masks have small lenses on the side in addition to the main lens. They have the widest field of view and provide excellent light entry. These masks are perfect for divers who suffer from claustrophobia.
Full face masks are another option, although most of these masks are only used by professional divers.
- Mask volume
As mentioned above, choosing a low volume mask helps to easily remove the mask as well as mask equalization. High volume masks give divers an open feel and can extend their peripheral vision. One disadvantage of high volume masks is that they require more effort to clear when fogged or filled with water. Low volume masks fit closer to your face, allowing less air space in the mask and contributing to a faster clear water process.
- How to ensure a perfect fit
Here are some simple steps to test the fit of your mask：
Place the mask against your face without tying the straps behind your head. Leave the straps hanging loosely out of the way. Make sure all hair is away from the mask.
Inhale through your nose, hold your breath, look down and up, or shake your head to see if the mask stays in place. A well-fitting mask will stay on your face until you exhale.
Try the mask again, but this time fasten the mask strap and see if it is comfortable or tight anywhere on your face. Pay special attention to any pressure or touch on the bridge of your nose. A well-fitting mask should not cause facial discomfort.
If possible, wear the mask for a few minutes to see if it still feels comfortable.
The mask should fit your face underwater without applying pressure, so keep the mask strap loose for maximum comfort. Trying to improve the fit of the mask by tightening the straps will only lead to discomfort during the dive. Water pressure will cause the mask to tighten against the sealing surface.
In conclusion, there is no one best scuba diving mask for everyone, so it is especially important to consider the type of dive you are doing, your experience, and the various features that will make your dive as comfortable as possible. The ultimate goal of any dive is to enjoy and learn something from it, and the right scuba diving goggles make it easier to do just that.