The diving mask is an essential piece for our dives, since it allows us to see underwater. Beginning divers usually buy two things when they start diving: the computer and the mask. The diving mask (also called diving masks) is something that you must have even if you do not dive too much, because it is perhaps the most personal and economical part of the diving equipment at the same time. A good diving mask should offer you a great field of vision underwater, be comfortable and not have leaks that cause us to enter water. In this case, the most expensive does not mean that it is the best. There are cheap masks that will last us for years and will adapt perfectly to our dives, although we can also opt for superior models with a different design.
Mask fit: Fit is one of the most important points when buying a scuba mask. We must make sure that the mask fits well on our face so that no water enters during our dives. It is important to choose a mask of a volume or size suitable for our face, in the characteristics of each model the volume is indicated and for what type of face each of the diving masks is recommended.
Volume or size: The “volume” of a diving mask refers to the size of its internal space. The amount of air in a mask determines how difficult it will be to empty it. Many divers prefer a low internal volume design because it is easy to empty the water during the dive. The crystals in the mask should not press on the nose or forehead. The internal pressure of the mask will increase once we dive in and can cause headaches or sinus pressure.
Skirt of the masks. Diving masks have a different colored silicone skirt. In this case, color is essential for diving as it directly affects underwater vision.
Transparent skirt: A transparent skirt lets in more light, offering peripheral vision and a feeling of spaciousness while diving.
Black / dark skirt: In contrast, the black skirt lets in less light making the light and dark contrast more suitable for underwater viewing.
Colored skirt: Solid colors like pink, yellow or red block light and prevent the feeling of claustrophobia. In addition, the bright colors often make it easier to identify the diver while diving.
Crystals: Diving masks can have two crystals or a glass that joins both sides. A fundamental point is that the crystals are made of tempered glass, since they have greater resistance and hardness against scratches, preventing them from scratching to the minimum.
Types of diving masks
- Frameless diving masks are compact and lightweight by having the skirt attached directly to the glass.
- Diving masks with two glasses are usually less compact and larger than those with a single glass. However, these masks usually offer better lower vision thanks to the inverted teardrop lenses, which give us between 15 and 30% more visual field depending on the model.
- Diving masks with an expanded field of vision are those that have teardrop-shaped lenses and increase the lower field of vision during dives.
- We can say that professional diving masks are those that have higher quality and resistance materials. The best diving masks usually have reinforcements to prevent them from breaking and adapt perfectly to the face of the diver and usually have a price above € 50.
- Diving goggles without a nose are not used for scuba diving, but for swimming or snorkeling. These models lack silicone coverage on the nose, so we can blow air through the nostrils without problem. Why do we need diving goggles with a cover on the nose? As we descend, the pressure increases and the coverage of the nose of our diving mask allows us to continue filling the entire volume of the goggles with air, thus avoiding excess pressure in our eyes. Diving several meters with a mask without a nose can cause serious damage to the eyes, which is why they are prohibited for freediving or scuba diving. They are also used for snorkeling, as they are a solution for those who breathe air through their nose and fog up the diving mask.
- Diving mask with tube. Those who prefer snorkeling over scuba diving, or just love exploring coves and observing marine life from the surface, should buy snorkel masks. These snorkel masks come with a tube as a pack, which has a cheaper price than comparing it separately.
In our online store we also have snorkel masks available!
A regular snorkel kit consists of a loose mask and a snorkel tube. The snorkel mask has everything built in. The air you breathe is drawn in through a separate middle channel. The air that is exhaled passes through the side channels outwards. This has the advantage that you can breathe easily through the nose (or mouth) and the mouth does not come into contact with sea water. With a regular snorkel gear that happens and breathes through the mouth which is unpleasant for some. An additional advantage is that this circulation system prevents the mask from being covered. Finally, the underwater vision is very great, up to 180 degrees (this is also the case with some loose masks).
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