Over the holidays I made a trip back the states and visited my local dive shop to pick up some new gear. The reason I choose to purchase gear in the states versus here in Japan is because of the difference in cost. Scuba gear can cost twice as much here in Japan versus the same equipment in the US. My main purpose for visiting the dive shop was to pick up a new dive mask.

I hae a couple of masks here with me, but neither of them really fit the way a mask should fit. I have a very narrow face, o most masks either fit the inner seal or the outer seal only. I wanted to find a mask that would fit both.

The mask I finally ended p choosing was the Mares X-Vision Liquid Skin. I had an original Mares X-Vision about 5 years ago, but it was had dissappeared from my dive bag after returning from a trip. The good news is that the Liquid Skin is even better.

The liquid skin is basically the same design as the original x-vision, though I think it is slighly more narrow. the biggest difference is that the silicone is much much softer. It also seems to feel a little lighter than the original. The straps, which are attached diretly to the skirt, have been redesigned to remove the button that was previously there. As I haven’t used it too much, I am not sure I like the redesign, but it seems to work.

As with the original X-Vision the view is great, but the fit is even better. I never really felt that the original silicone masks were rigid, but after wearing this mask, I an honestly say they are. If you are looking for a new mask, this would be a good choice.

Benefits

• Lightweight
• Super soft skirt for great fit
• Good range of view

Negatives

• Price-almost $100
• Limited colors

Other helpful links:

Choosing a scuba mask

Here is a cool website located on the BBC that allows you to control a video camera to look at reef sharks, fur seals, divers and more.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/oceans/360/reefsharks/

Getting closer to winter and feeling that the scuba season is starting to come to an end. Looking for a remote location to get away from it all? According to Your Dream Island The below islands are the top 5 islands rated overall for various activities, beaches, culture, lodging, and scenery. Note that many of these islands are not necessarily rated as scuba Islands, though a number of them actually are.

1. Bali Island
2. Kauai Island
3. Maui Island
4. Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
5. Mount Desert Island, Maine

You can find the rest of the list containing all 20 islands (a number which are noted for great scuba diving) at yourdreamisland.com.