7 Factors When Buying A Scuba Mask

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Scuba Masks: Here's everything you need to know! If you're new to diving, looking to upgrade your dive gear or it's been a while since you last shopped for a mask, here are 7 easy deciding factors for buying your next Mask for Scuba Diving!
A well fitting, high quality scuba mask will last you years. Here's how to choose one!
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7 Factors When Buying A Scuba Mask
Though we are based in Florida, Hawaii, California, and Michigan have 100 ft and 300 ft ocean and lake underwater coral reef, shipwreck, cave diving, freediving, scuba diving, and rebreather trips. To learn full face mask, beginner scuba diver, advanced scuba diver, tech scuba diver, cave diver you can reach out to a professional scuba diver. Everyone should get scuba diving insurance with Divers Alert Network.
We support all types of diving products, like a full face mask, fins, BCD, dive computer, regulators, closed circuit rebreather, underwater scooter, from many companies like Simply Scuba, Mares, Dive Rite, Cressi, Zeagle, Huish, Hollis, Scubapro, Shearwater, Garmin.

Пікірлер: 121

@DiversReady 5 жыл бұрын

Let me know below... What was your first Scuba Mask?

@sand_shifter 3 жыл бұрын

US divers ... I still have it .. abused continuously and still all ok ..

@davehenson1955 3 жыл бұрын

Tusa..love it

@Berkcam 3 жыл бұрын

Hienke 'Hans Hass' from the 50s 👍

@schteff4396 3 жыл бұрын

I got my first mask for my 7th birthday. I guess it came just out of a no name sport shop. The mask I've been using nowadays is a Pro Ear Mask. I always have some problems with my ears, so this mask helps the ears to stay dry. And I think it is easier to equalize too. Can really recommend the Pro Ear and I think its a pitty that there are not more of that sort around.

@deltatango2581 2 жыл бұрын

I had a US Diver that was similar to the big greenish black frameless you were showing. I remember seeing some of the ones you referred to as gadgety w the side lens and fancy buckles. I went w one I could afford and the instructor recommended at the time. Keep in mind I haven't been diving in 15 plus yrs. I have been interested in getting back into and wanted to shop new gear. I don't get into frills...if the mask fits and doesn't leak, I'm good.

@charlesloyd1970 4 жыл бұрын

The only other thing that I think about with the mirrored lens is that a new diver shouldn't buy one until they get comfortable underwater. When I started my cave training I had a Scubapro Spectra with the orange lens and my instructor told me to get a clear lens mask because he couldn't see my eyes if I was starting to panic with the overhead environment. A new student really needs to be watched in all aspects of their training. I know I don't have to tell you that but it may help someone just getting into diving.

@DiversReady 4 жыл бұрын

Agreed, Terry. I don't let my students wear mirrored masks either. In the ocean, they can also attract barracuda to strike. Happened to a buddy of mine on a safety stop, almost took his head off! Thanks for watching. James

@lakometa 4 жыл бұрын

Wish u saw your video before I bought my first. Well, I guessed it's time to go get ourselves a new one, boys.

@BigSmella Жыл бұрын

Yeah no shit right. $200 in the garbage

@user-mb7lt4kt2v 4 жыл бұрын

The video is great) One additional note - its convenient to have mask like 9:06 cause it have a little more space at the bottom of the lenses where you can put some water to be able to clean lenses during a dive. Water will be not noticeable but you'll always be able to clean just by shaking your head a little. No any additional actions needed and that is very useful cause you have the option which is easy to use. Thanks for video

@edwardramirez8027 4 жыл бұрын

Great information. As a newly certified diver, I found it full of important information so I can buy my own mask. Thanks!!! Keep up the great videoa.

@nilotubes 4 жыл бұрын

Great video, however I have one remark regarding what you said about the side glass. I have the mares i3 and it has these sides and I love them, don't know exactly how, but they act a little bit like a side mirror in the car, I get quite wide vision there and can usually see my buddy being around still without having to turn my head that much. Really neat feature if you ask me :)

@DiversReady 4 жыл бұрын

It is! I used to have a Tusa Vizeo (sp?!) that had kind of bulbous windows on the side that acted kind of like wing mirrors. It was great for guiding divers! Some people absolutely love that field of view. Thanks for watching Niklas! James

@colingrant321 4 жыл бұрын

Mask and snorkel were my first gear purchases straight after first day in ocean with a leaky rental mask. Then a dive computer upon completing open water. Sunto Viper.

@smokintiresburningtrees3244 10 ай бұрын

Great video & I agree with almost everything except I hate silicone straps & have never had a problem with my nylon/neoprene straps. My first mask was an Oceanic duo (still have as a backup) & I currently dive with a Hollis M-1. I love it!

@suziewells1377 5 жыл бұрын

Absolutely brilliant help and advice

@archerman1 Жыл бұрын

disagree a bit though about side lenses, going back to a mask without side lenses, I now miss this feature. You can’t see clearly through them, but expands your peripheral vision/awareness in a very natural way. I really miss this

@WaterlineShorts 5 жыл бұрын

Great video James. Looking forward to seeing more

@janinacooper4199 4 жыл бұрын

Before my ow certification I went to my local dive shop, they had a great sale to get a few basic items including a mask, snorkel, boots and fins. It was so helpful to try on masks and get some expert advice. I decided to get a tusa mask with a clear double skirt, not sure what the fancy name is. It fits great and I'm very happy with it.

@DiversReady 4 жыл бұрын

Love this! Thanks Janina! James

@keithvallely727 5 жыл бұрын

Love it James. Great seeing you do what you love.

@DiversReady 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Buddy!

@2000SkyView 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent honest overview! Well done! thanks!

@MrCate1999 4 жыл бұрын

Great vid. I picked the Scubapro Trufit and love it. Thanks for the awesome advice

@carlabottazzi 2 жыл бұрын

Your videos are always super helpful, thank you!

@Swenglish.Gaming 4 жыл бұрын

Great video! I will have to disagree with the idea of side windows being useless though, I have them in my mask and I love seeing my buddy in my peripheral vision. But that's just my thought on them. Love the videos.

@frankcoast 3 жыл бұрын

I bought one of these for the same purpose. However, it creates an image distortion and you’re never really sure of your buddies actual position. Kind of like being in a “house of mirrors”.

@johnneal9624 4 жыл бұрын

I could not clear my first mask during my OWA course, so my instructor suggested a mask with a purge valve and I absolutely love it! Super easy to clear.

@jacknelson9800 Жыл бұрын

thank u sooo much for that video! I gonna start next month owd course finally.

@aliaamer6454 4 жыл бұрын

This was helpful. Love discovering your channel!

@DiversReady 4 жыл бұрын

So glad! Thanks for watching, Alia! We're happy to have you with us. James

@commonweakness9060 3 жыл бұрын

Great video...thanks for all the info.

@josephdracula7487 2 жыл бұрын

Yes this was very helpful in my choice of a divie mask.

@janinacooper4199 4 жыл бұрын

This is great! Thank you James. I’ve lost some weight and my mask I’ve had since the open water class doesn’t seal well anymore. Looking for a mask is harder than expected, in the shop they all sort of feel the same to me. After equalizing the mask underwater is when the most noticeable leakage starts. And trying it out, it helps to put the mask on with the regulator, it really makes a difference. I’m fortunate enough to know a DM with access to a pool, so I’ll be testing some masks underwater tomorrow. :/)

@Chogogo717 4 жыл бұрын

Great stuff James. The wife and I need to replace our 12 year old masks before heading back to Bonaire. You’re right, the multiple pieces in the frame are definitely failure points. Ours have cracking throughout there. The lens has some tiny fractures too, and I found it interesting because they originate from where the two different colored pieces of the lens frame mate up. Makes sense from a structural standpoint that two pieces of hm plastic probably are weaker than a monolithic frame.

@MrElvisr27 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video. Thanks!!!

@jamesh5460 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks James!

@blindey 3 жыл бұрын

I saw a lot of your content earlier in the year and I'm just starting to get into diving and trying to do a lot of research on it now that I can actually put some money into it and see if I like it. Thank you for all you do and I'm learning so much! Timestamps! #1: Fit Matters Most (2:29) #2: Single lens vs Dual lens (3:40) #3: Mask Volume (Low or High) (4:52) #4: Frame or Frameless (6:10) #5: Clear or Dark Skirt (6:46) #6: Straps (7:40) #7: Beware Gadgetry! (8:18)

@bigxebo 4 жыл бұрын

Great video! Just found your channel and subscribed :) My first mask was a tusa freedom ceos pro with black silicone. I still love it but am currently looking into other brands which might fit a small face. Might stay true to the tusa though just becaus I’m really happy with it ever since. Love the small volume.

@benheckendorn2696 6 ай бұрын

👌 thank you so much for those tipps, I got a ocianic Shadow, yes nylon not silicon, I fitted them perfectly after I dide some free dives, if you fit them wet nylon isn't that bad, I had personally more issues with silicon staps, mostly on my very first masks about 22 years ago, I guess they get better since then. I was born 1981, so I saw the diffents to masks from 1990 or 2020.

@richadcock70 2 жыл бұрын

Once again James, great video. I use the EDGE Max Vision Ultra HD. I really enjoy the lens coatings and how they make the view more crisp and clear and they enhance the colors when at depth. I use the HOG TECH low profile as my back up and free diving mask.

@hollys2936 Жыл бұрын

Excellent!

@rockym2931 3 жыл бұрын

I may buy a new mask this year to get back into diving, so this video is helpful. One other thing: I miss the smell of a dive shop.

@ericmcginnis6499 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks much these are great things to use to pick a good mask. I've purchased afew mask not thinking of 1/4 of what you suggested. Best one was round faced one that isn't made anymore (got it in the 90s for Guam deployment) I miss it!

@RidersEnglish 5 жыл бұрын

This was so very helpful! Thank you!

@DiversReady 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! And thanks for subscribing! We'll be making more equipment-based videos in the near future. Any requests?

@RidersEnglish 5 жыл бұрын

@@DiversReady that's awesome! I am too new to have a clue what I need, but thank you. Fins will be my next purchase after I figure out a mask. :-)

@DiversReady 5 жыл бұрын

@@RidersEnglish I have a Fin Selection video in pre-production right now! Watch this space!

@RidersEnglish 5 жыл бұрын

@@DiversReady, thank you so much!!!

@UNgineering Жыл бұрын

I have to disagree on the side lenses. Ever since I bought a mask with those, I feel like my view angle is limited in a regular mask. I've been diving with the the mask that has side lenses for the past 8 years without a problem.

@skzion2 4 жыл бұрын

Many masks just didn't fit my face. I ended up getting one that wasn't very cool looking but that FIT! That was time well spent.

@DiversReady 4 жыл бұрын

That's all the matters! I have one of those faces, too. 1 in 20 masks fit me well. Thanks for watching, skzion2. James

@moocowp4970 3 жыл бұрын

Lots of things I hadn't considered before, good vid. I think ultimately the fit is the #1,2,3,4 and #5 thing though. I'd happily spend an extra $50+ just to get a mask with a good fit compared to one with a lesser fit regardless of the other factors.

@wallybrown9509 4 жыл бұрын

Great info

@DiversReady 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching, Wally! James

@janin6764 2 жыл бұрын

I bought just yesterday a new mask.. Old one did serve well for several years.. New one is mares X vision

@eriksenactual 4 жыл бұрын

First mask- Some divers direct child’s size mask I got when I was 13. I will say though I now dive a Scubapro Synergy Twin mask with the comfort strap. That comfort strap Scubapro sells is easily the best mask strap I have used. Ever.

@Ice_Diver_Ed 4 жыл бұрын

You forgot #8 a purge valve. I have a collection of masks from full face to spare ones, one of my favorite has a small purge valve in it and I love it as I don’t have to do anything to clear my mask except lightly exhale thru my nose and any water or other stuff goes right out.

@DiversReady 4 жыл бұрын

Hi E. Mack! Thanks for watching. I'm glad that works for you. I've tried masks with a purge valve in the past and they have always been the failing point of the mask, in my experience. i.e. if the mask is going to leak, it's going to leak through the purge valve, so I tend to steer clear of them. Dive safe, James.

@thorirtryggvason5756 3 жыл бұрын

Great videos James, one thing I would like to add for us.... aging divers...that single glass, doesn't offer readers in the masks as far as I know. My experience with plastic lenses or glued in lenses is that they don't work. So I am on the hunt for masks where I can have readers put in the glass itself which puts me in the frame mask category. Additional failure point or not.

@djkesaiiofficial6486 4 жыл бұрын

I don’t understand why there are 6 dislikes when the video is perfect

@originalkk882 2 жыл бұрын

Nylon mask strap? Surely they are neoprene. Mine has never expanded after over 15 years use. Having said that, I do typically use a silicone strap as my main diving mask, as I believe they are more secure.

@johanengelin7564 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! However I would add shape of the nose pocket and ease of pinching your nose. I’ve found that some masks, low volume ones especially, have a shape which can make it difficult to get a good pinch of your nose, making equalizing a bit of a hassle. For me this can be super annoying when diving

@RK-de5wg 2 жыл бұрын

The last mask would’ve been okay I believe if you took care of it. If you’re just going to throw it around then maybe one of the gadgets would be a fail point. Personally, I have used masks with the side window and haven’t had a problem, that strap style hinge, never. It does give you a little side peripheral, not a clear one, but you can at least know if someone is in a blind spot by the blurry object, lol! * Please note I am only giving an opinion on the mask from what I can see in your video. Great video James!

@richardpleau4456 Жыл бұрын

James, you should include comments pertaining to individuals needing prescription lenses. It is less expensive to fit prescription lenses on a two split frame when compared to the single lenses. Also prepping of your new mask, referring to the manufacturer recommended practices. Rusty…

@maan1001000 4 жыл бұрын

Hey , i absolutely LOVE your videos and it’s really fun to watch. I have a question about masks, so I bought a scubapro mask and it was great and all but recently at the end of the dive it get foggy , let’s say I’m diving for 70 minutes, by the time i hit 55 minutes it starts to get foggy and it really bothers me so how can I prevent this from happening again ?! P.s i wash it with shampoo before Every dive

@397coney7 Жыл бұрын

I wish more of these manufacturers would make masks with readers already installed. Not a lot of options out there. Ive found only three. Of those three, only one fits, but its not the most comfortable mask Ive used. The other option is to buy a mask and have readers installed professionally, but thats at a high cost.

@maxbirsa 3 жыл бұрын

Dear James, congrats for your channel and the very useful videos. I am a recently qualified OWD with about 15 dives and I am still struggling with a constant struggle: mask leaking. Let me explain, I have tried three different masks, two of them are Mares (single and double glass) and both fits perfectly - when I suck it in, it would stay on my face without the strap behind by head, BUT the minute I put the reg in my mouth, my face muscle and cheekbones will be pulled down, and there it is exactly when I get water coming from the lower part of the mask. I have a thin face, with not a lot of flesh on the cheekbones, which seems to be problematic. I have read that there are different mouth piece to be tried, which can help in tackling this issue. Any suggestion from you or other divers is very welcome!

@jasonwalker369 3 жыл бұрын

I have a large head like yourself ,(sorry)but I can't find a mask wide enough to fit me. Was wondering what you use? Also, I'm a Dive master and commercial diver and found your information spot on. I also liked your review of the lightweight backplate bcd. I'm getting one for myself . Great videos , keep up the great work. JW

@DiversReady 3 жыл бұрын

Jason Walker I like the Apeks VX1 and the ScubaPro Frameless Gorilla masks for my gorilla head! Thanks for the kind words!

@joannekwalker 4 жыл бұрын

What defogger do you use ? I got a Tulsa mask - freedom. I love it no leaking. But I have issue with fogging.

@ThriteenEns 5 жыл бұрын

Points 2 & 4 should include Rx lens considerations.

@DiversReady 5 жыл бұрын

ThriteenEns good point! Thanks for watching!

@badweetabix 4 жыл бұрын

Color lens is not strictly just for personal preferences. Certain tint of color does serve a practical purpose. Amber, orange or yellowish tint enhances contrast and depth perception in low light conditions. This is an old trick of the trade in hunting. It's not just because they wear safety glasses that happens to be of those colors.

@geanozz8940 3 жыл бұрын

Hollis every time..........plus it has corrective lenses for old people ; )

@redvargas9068 3 жыл бұрын

I've had several masks for diving. Some are great while others fog up. This is despite washing the lens, rubbing it with toothpaste, leaving it overnight and even using the burning method. Right before dives, I would apply tootpaste or baby shampoo or saliva. But it still fogs up after spending some time underwater. These are masks with multiple dives and the fogging never seem to go away, while my other masks stay clear. I want to ask if you have had any similar situation and if you were able to address it.

@martyberry3247 3 жыл бұрын

I wear glasses. I’ve used contacts while diving, but it is really inconvenient for clearing my mask. What do you advise students concerning prescription lenses in dive masks?

@jeremyroyer 2 жыл бұрын

#1. I recently got open water certified and got a decently high priced Scubapro mask. I'm finding that as I get down close to 10m that the mask REALLY presses on the area under my nose. It really takes the enjoyment out of my dive when I have to hold my mask with one hand away from my face :(. #2 My wife is from the Philippines and her nose is very flat. We went to our local dive shop and she cannot pinch her nose to equalize on any of the over 30 masks they have in stock. The nose portion is just too far from her face. Have you seen any masks that could fix this? Thank you!

@Dave1955ist 4 жыл бұрын

Could you talk about prescription lens and masks. I can't wear contacts.

@lawrence1md 5 жыл бұрын

My first mask was the Sherwood Rona... it’s so so. Seems to leak a lot for the first 10 minutes of diving, then magically seals after that. I need to try something else, my underwater time is to valuable to keep clearing my mask.

@DiversReady 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Matthew, thanks for watching, buddy. I can't quite tell from your avatar, but it looks like you have a moustache/beard, which can be the cause of your mask sealing woes, often not giving the mask a flat surface of skin on which to seal. If so, this would be the case for most masks, but you can solve the problem with a little vaseline on the 'stache to give the mask a sealable contact. Otherwise, you're probably better off fitting yourself for a new mask. Cheers, James

@nwced 4 жыл бұрын

Do they still make masks with a purge? One of my favorites has always been a scuba pro with a nose purge. I know that I bought it in the 80s but even though it's a high volume it's a comfortable mask to dive in. I also have low volume newer masks but I guess some just feel. Right. And yes I know it's another possible failure point but so far so good

@jayt1077 4 жыл бұрын

I've seen newer masks that have purge valves, though they are less common.

@doubs6767 Жыл бұрын

What are your thoughts on the full face scuba masks? They seem to be getting more popular.

@yrbonusshorts1404 3 жыл бұрын

Bought one for my open water couldn’t equalize this was about a year ago haven’t done a dive since I am going in may to go in the keys but I need a new mask so basically my first is this one I just bought the tusa peragon

@Kirbythediver 4 жыл бұрын

Scubapro frameless is pretty META

@echoxu4897 4 жыл бұрын

what about nearsighted people? should we get prescription lenses?

@98976h Жыл бұрын

what about fogging?not a word about it and it is so important.

@cokezero6759 4 жыл бұрын

What is your opinion on full face mask?

@ckgonzales6743 2 жыл бұрын

We are planning to go snorkeling on our trip to Maui. I'm an adult woman with a small face. I think I'm going to get the Cressi F1 mini, but wondered if I should go with an adult or youth sized snorkel? Also, do you recommend a solid or clear mask? Thanks!

@DiversReady 2 жыл бұрын

the only way to figure out which mask works best for you is to try it on.

@ronferrari4182 Жыл бұрын

What is the best full face mask to buy

@kotro88 4 жыл бұрын

Hi, James! Curious about the "old school" design masks, such as the Aqualung Atlantis. What are your thoughts? I bought one because I like my current mask, but it is slightly leakey and I'm looking for a replacement. I bought the Atlantis to try it out and have yet to get in the water with it. I realize they are very high volume, relatively speaking, but it seems the visibility of it might be a good trade off.....assuming it works out. Any experiences with one or one similar?

@DiversReady 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Kotro88, I have dived an Atlantis, just for fun once. It was weird! Very heavy on the face compared to a modern designed mask and I couldn't get a good seal, but maybe that was just my face. I have some Aqualung Mask reviews scheduled for Scuba Diver Magazine's channel in December. Keep an eye out for those! Dive safe, James

@kotro88 4 жыл бұрын

@@DiversReady Thanks for the reply. I have "one of those faces" that can be hard to fit. It's probably due to my rugged good looks and perfect bone structure. Haha! I'll give it a go in the water and see how it goes. I know air force special ops guys use the Atlantis, but they do a lot of surface swimming. I was wondering why they chose it and hope it's because it's a good fit for most people, has good visibility, etc. Thanks again!

@2000SkyView 2 жыл бұрын

Does the dive shop clean the mask between customers?

@SiteReader 3 жыл бұрын

Good tips here. But the first 2 minutes and the last 1 minute could be edited out. If you don't have time to waste, start at 2:00.

@c.patricksadowski9959 4 жыл бұрын

Good review. I just found your channel. New subscriber here. What do you think about the Tusa Pragon? Worth the money?

@DiversReady 4 жыл бұрын

Hi C. Patrick. Thanks for joining our little scuba community here on KZfaq! I have not dived the TUSA Pragon personally, but I do like TUSA masks very much. I had and dived a Tusa Visio for years... great mask for guiding divers. I hope that helps! Dive safe. James

@c.patricksadowski9959 4 жыл бұрын

Divers Ready if you can get your hands on the Paragon, that would be a cool review. Being at the high end of the Spectrum, would appreciate a good, impartial review, before sinking $200 USD on a mask. I bought the Synergy Twin for $140.00, and no matter what I do, I get water in my mask. About to throw it out ... I’ve looked at the Mares X-Vision Ultra Liquid Skin as a possibility as well. Keep up the good work. Stay safe as well.

@semp56 4 жыл бұрын

I’m an AI. Have had trouble in the past with masks fitting properly. Do about 5 dives and my face is yelling at me. My mask volume is too low and the skirt compresses against against my large forehead. I haven’t tried Scubapro masks. Do you have a recommendation for those with large foreheads that need a larger profile without a frame in black?