When it comes to buying your first set of scuba diving equipment is very important that you take the time to discover what is the most important things to consider when looking at each and every piece of equipment. Never rush out an just pick out the first scuba diving mask that you see at the first dive shop you walk into.
There many things that you should be considering when it comes to buying a good scuba diving mask. Below we put together a good short list and included an explanation of each of the five things that we would recommend that you do in order to find a really good scuba diving mask at the store.
Top 5 things to consider when choosing your first scuba diving mask
The right fit of your scuba diving mask
First and foremost you need to be sure that you have the right fit for your face. A good fit means that it seals completely all around your face and does not let any air in while you are testing them out in the store. You see if the air cannot get in while you are testing the fit, that means when you are in the water and diving the water cannot get in around the skirting. The skirting material should be made of some type of silicone which will help to maintain a good seal.
Mask skirt comfort
Since the mask is supposed to fit snugly like a second skin around the mask area, you need to be sure that it is comfortable against your skin. Remember that you will be wearing the making for long periods of time and while you are in the water is not the best time to discover that the mask is really not all that comfortable. Be sure that you test the seal in the store by gently sucking with the mask on, it should collapse the mask against your face without allow air to seep in around mask.
The color of the scuba diving mask skirting
The color of the mask skirting is important for a couple of reasons. The biggest reason is the amount of light that is allowed to come in around mask lens can affect your view. A clear or opaque color skirting will allow the most amount of light versus a black or darker color skirting that will actually block any extra light from getting in which could increase the feeling of claustrophobia. Be sure that you get the right color that fits you best.
Good field of view
Being able to see as much as possible out of the front of the mask is very important. This means being able to maximize your vision from side to side and up and down will help serve you best when you are in the water. Seeing downward is really important when you are trying to see your diving equipment. Having a good field of view will also help to eliminate an possible claustrophobic feel.
High or low mask volume
The volume of the mask refers to how much air space that is between the lens of the mask and your face. If you want to get the maximimum view out of your mask that you want to be sure you choose a mask that has a higher volume level. If you want to lower the amount of light then you would look for one that has a lower volume level.
Single or multi-lens
The last thing you need to consider is the total number of glass lenses that your mask has. You find a scuba diving mask with one big, single pane of glass, two single panes separated by a bridge around your nose piece. Three lenses consist of a large single front pane and one side panel on each side. The four lens mask has two front panels in the front and one panel on each side.
Here is a good article from PADI that may interest you Beginners Guide to Buying a Mask
Where to get your first scuba gear ?
We hope those tips will help you in the process of choosing your next scuba diving mask. If you have questions, please send us a message here and if you decide to come to Costa Rica, please visit us. We have great diving experiences for you.
