How to choose your diving mask?

2022-02-15 - Home

The mask is the tool that allows people to immerse himself in the underwater world to explore the depths while protecting his eyes from external aggression and providing him with a clear vision of his environment.

Diving masks differ according to the model. When choosing your diving mask, you should check that the characteristics correspond to your needs, your level of practice and your face. But don't worry, we will guide you step by step!

In this article we will use several technical terms to describe the different parts of the mask. Here is a short summary shema for everyone:

The mask, as you will have understood, is the essential element for any diver, but the diversity of the models makes this choice difficult, then we are going to give you some advice to find the right mask for you.

The first thing to do is to check that it is well adapted to your morphology, it is a fundamental point. To do this, there is only one solution: you have to try it on. To test both adherence and comfort, apply the mask to your face without using the strap to hold it in place, being careful not to let any hair slip inside. Then breathe in through your nose: if the mask fits, it should hold itself like a suction cup and only come off when you breathe out.

Several other criteria should be taken into account when choosing a diving mask :

The glass

First of all, it is the distance between the glass surface and the eye that determines the field of vision: the shorter the space, the wider the vision.

Type of mask

There are two types of masks, each with its own characteristics. Single-lens and double-lens masks.

Single-glass masks, or also known as large air volume masks, often provide a clearer and wider field of vision with increased brightness.

Single-glass masks, or also known as large air volume masks, often provide a clearer and wider field of vision with increased brightness.

Small air volume masks (bi-lens): These have a smaller internal volume and facilitate the balancing manoeuvre through the nose. Some of the bi-lens masks can be fitted with dioptric correctors for those who need glasses.

The strap

The textile strap avoids hair entanglement and will be appreciated by children and people with long hair.

If the mask is worn over a hood or diving bonnet, the silicone strap is the right choice. All modern straps are wide, double and provide a secure hold on the mask throughout the dive.

Some straps have micrometrically adjustable buckles that allow for an optimal fit of your mask for your comfort.

CAUTION: The strap is there to hold you in place, you must not tighten it too much or you will have a suction cup effect when you go down deep, which can cause facial injuries.

The skirt

Prefer a silicone skirt. They can be black, tinted or transparent. While a transparent skirt gives the impression of a wider field of vision, it also lets the sun's rays through, which can be unsettling or embarrassing.

While the technical characteristics of the mask influence its choice, other parameters must be integrated. Comfort, particularly at the bridge of the nose, where the mask will press with pressure, or its design.

Now you are ready to find the mask that suits you! Hope to see you underwater !