Choosing the right diving mask makes for perfect diving; having the right diving mask gives you a joyful diving experience. You can see clearly, the mask does not fog up, and most importantly of all, it does not leak. You are not spending your time clearing a partially flooded mask, pulling straps tighter, or wondering what you have done to deserve this awful mask that is continuously leaking.
Knowing how to choose the right diving mask is key. Getting it right the first time will give you years of fun, trouble-free diving with a mask that you look forward to using underwater and not one that you dread getting anywhere near your face.
Diving Mask Fit is Key to Success
When it comes to choosing a diving mask, the fit is king. If your mask does not fit properly, you will end up hating it regardless of all its fancy features or that it cost a king's ransom and is the latest must-have trending mask in the diving community. If a mask does not fit, don't buy it, you will regret it. When it comes to choosing your next diving mask, the absolute first thing you should look for is a proper fit. Make a shortlist of masks that fit before you move on to other criteria in selecting the right mask for you.
Fortunately, making sure a mask fits you is relatively easy. A quick couple of tests, and you will know whether any mask is a good fit or should be discarded as unsuitable. The first thing you need to know is that the mask strap is surplus to requirement when it comes to fit. A well-fitted mask will stay on your face and not flood underwater. The pressure will simply keep it in place. The mask strap is only there to stop the mask from moving side to side or falling off if the seal between your face and the mask is broken.
If you are a little surprised by this, try it out at your next pool session, or ask your local instructor or divemaster. For a dive professional (especially those based in tropical locations), carrying on the dive with a broken strap either because theirs broke or a guest's and they swapped masks is not uncommon.
To make sure your mask fits, grab the front of your mask, then place the strap over the front of the glass and your hand. Place the mask on your face as if you're putting it on, but do not pull the strap over your head. Inhale gently through your nose. You should feel the mask "suck" onto your face as a vacuum is created. Hold your breath, and remove the hand holding the mask; it should not fall away. If the vacuum holds, it means the seal between your skin and the mask skirt is perfect, and the mask fits you. If the mask falls or you are unable to create a vacuum, then the mask does not fit, and you will never be able to create a proper seal.
Keep in mind is if you are a man with a beard or mustache, it may be impossible to do this test. You may end up finding it very difficult to find a mask that seals properly to your face. Whether you decide to live with a leaky mask or decide to shave, it is ultimately your choice!
Lens Quality & Shape
Two important factors when choosing the right diving mask are the lens's quality and shape of the mask. First, some masks have two lenses, while some have a single glass plate. If you need glasses and will be looking to replace your lenses with prescription lenses, it is much easier and cheaper to do so with a mask with two lenses instead of a single plate.
The quality of your lenses is crucial; while some cheaper masks will feature poor quality glass lenses or even, in some cases, plastic, these will prove problematic over time. Aside from being prone to easily breaking, poor-quality glass or plastic lenses tend to fog up easily and are quite challenging to keep fog-free. Always opt for a mask with the highest quality lenses you can find, and if you prefer, you can choose one with built-in anti-fogging technology.
Clear Vs. Black Skirt
Choosing a diving mask with a clear or black skirt is a matter of personal choice to a large degree. Ultimately which one is the right one for you will depend on the type of diving or snorkeling you are doing.
Many underwater photographers prefer to use a black skirted mask since it reduces light interference with their field of vision and allows them to focus on their viewfinders or screens. On the other hand, clear skirted masks are popular amongst snorkellers and those diving in tropical waters since it gives you a greater field of vision, allowing you to spot that elusive dolphin as it tries to sneak by beside you.
You can read our extensive list of pros and cons of clear vs. black skirted diving masks to decide which is best for your diving mask.
Mask Volume
A diving mask with a low internal volume is easier to clear since you only have to displace a small amount of water. While choosing a mask with a low volume is crucial when freediving, since you have a finite amount of air (one lungful), you can breathe and replenish the air in your lungs when scuba diving or snorkeling, and so the minimal volume is of less importance.
That being said, when you compare the volume of your lungs vs. a diving mask, you should not take more than one breath to clear your diving mask. Choose a mask with the lowest possible volume as long as it also meets all your other requirements in an ideal world.
Looks are Important Too
The final consideration is the aesthetics of your mask. While choosing a diving mask is definitely a case of function over form, nobody wants to be stuck with an ugly mask on their face. Once you have got a few masks that tick all the boxes in terms of functionality, you can now choose a diving mask that you find attractive and are happy to be seen wearing in public!
Diving Mask Cost
As with everything in life, cost plays a part in choosing the right diving mask. When you think about how impactful a diving mask will be on your scuba diving experience, say, compared to purchasing a BCD. You should prioritize resources for buying the right diving mask that is perfect for you. Invest in your diving mask and purchase the highest quality mask you can afford; it will transform your diving experience.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right diving mask can make all the difference to your diving adventure. Choose wisely, and you will have hours of fun underwater in a mask that fits you like a glove and never leaks. Just remember, like any other piece of scuba gear, your mask needs to be maintained to stay in pristine shape. So remember to rinse it in freshwater after every dive and keep it in its box when not diving to protect it against breakage. Finally, getting it right the first time, you will enjoy many years of diving and snorkeling with your mask, and it will become your favorite piece of dive kit!
