Buying the Right Scuba Diving Masks
Scuba diving masks are sometimes referred to as scuba diving goggles, which is considered incorrect because goggles are mostly used for swimming, flying and other working applications for eye protection. The scuba diving mask does more than this and this will be much clearer later. When you intend to purchase a scuba diving mask, you might get overwhelmed with the many brands that you might encounter and the many options at your disposal.
In order to be sure to make the best decision as you choose a scuba diving masks, there are a couple of fundamental factors that you should consider. It will mostly come down to your personal preferences and shape of your face, but you should always ensure you get the best quality. Here are a couple of factors to take into account when buying a good scuba diving mask.
scuba diving
Comfort and Fit of the Mask
A scuba diving mask that does not fit your face correctly and comfortably is more likely to work against you while you are under water, creating a big challenge for you. To overcome this, the diving masks are made in a wide variety, ranging from small to big sizes so as to cater for the needs of the wide variety of scuba divers. To determine if a scuba diving mask fits correctly, place the snorkel or regulator inside your mouth. Now, put the mask on your face without pulling the strap around your head.
Breath in through your nose and hold breath for a while. Stop holding the mask and let go. If it still stays on your face, it is a good fit. If not, you will have to look for another one. Facial hair may affect the seal that is created by the mask. To overcome this you may have to apply a small amount of silicone compound to the facial hair before trying to fit the scuba diving mask.
Visibility
scuba diving mask
This is very important as you choose your scuba diving mask. If you suffer from mild near or far-sightedness, you may not be in need of corrective vision options available. This is because objects that are under water tend to appear approximately 33% larger and 25% closer than they actually are. However if your sight suffers from far more than mild near or far-sightedness, you will have to consider taking corrective options. Scuba diving masks come in a wide variety of lens options ranging from single lens to six-lens designs.
Despite the number of lens you need, do not purchase diving masks if their lenses are cloudy. This is mainly because visual flaws and impairments tend to be magnified when one is under water. As you try to determine the number of lenses you need, take into account the profile of the mask. The higher the profile of the mask, the more likely it is to allow a large amount of water in case of flooding. A lower profile mask is likely to clear faster than a high profile one because it has less space for the water to be cleared.
Safety of the Diving Masks
When standards glass is used to make the diving masks, there is a very high possibility for the of the glass shattering into razor sharp shards that are very hazardous to your eyes. Tempered glass on the other hand is much more resistant to scratches and has a less likelihood to break under water. This is because high of the impurities present in it. Another advantage is that when it breaks, it shatters into granular chunks rather than jagged shards.
Difference between Swimming Goggles and Scuba Diving Masks
In the definition of the two terms lies the first difference. The swimming goggles are referred to as large spectacles equipped with special rims to prevent injury to the eyes from water whereas a scuba diving mask are defined as an item of diving equipment that allows scuba divers to see clearly under water. This shows a difference in the primary purpose of the two. Another difference is that swimming goggles seal against only the inner and outer parts of the eye sockets while the scuba diving mask includes the wearer’s nose.
Scuba divers are subject to a lot of pressure as they go deeper and the masks which keep the nose enclosed help equalize the pressure as the divers can add more air into the mask. Swimmers on the other hand do not experience this because they tend to stay closer to the water surface and lift their faces out of the water so as to get a breath of air. This means swimming goggles cannot be used in scuba diving.
Example of Good Scuba Diving Masks
- Outad Diving Mask
The outad diving mask is a good option because of its high quality features. It has standard tempered glass that are essentially there for the wearer’s safety. It has a design that includes a soft skirt and strap that fits on a wide variety of faces and at the same time creating a water tight seal. It also comes with a built-in camera mount to enable the wearer to shoot videos. It is flexible as it can also be used for swimming.
- Speedo Adult Recreation Dive Mask
This product is ergonomic as it offers high quality dive mask for an affordable price. It has 100% silicon skirt that ensures comfort as the wearer puts it on and at the same time providing a water tight seal. It has its own trademark Speed fit that works to ensure that to make it easier for the wearer to make quick adjustments. It also has an exclusive Speedo Anti Fog Max coating that gives great clarity under and above water.
