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

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

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

I recently came across a great site called Scubish.com. The neat thing about the site is it contains an online manual covering all the basics of scuba diving. Everything from the basic gear to the physics and principles of diving. The best part is it’s totally free. They also have a forum with quite a few members and buddy finder.

Scuba diving requires quite a bit of gear, and the most important of all is your diving mask. This single piece of equipment can literally make the difference between a great dive or spending all your time exhaling water. The same thing goes for snorkeling masks. So how do you choose a good mask without testing it in the water? I have listed below the techniques I have used to literally help hundreds, maybe thousands of people find the right scuba mask.

Types of scuba masks

There are basically two types of scuba masks, a single lens mask and a two lens mask. Each has it’s own benefit.

Two lens mask

A two lens mask allows the mask to sit closer to your face, allowing for a lower volume. This means less effort to equalize and also makes it easier to clear water from the mask. Since the lens sits closer to your face, you will also generally have better peripheral vision. Depending on your face shape, some people may notice the center piece.

Single Lens Mask

The advantage of a single lens mask is that you have one unobstructed vision. As they tend to be larger, they are generally the preferred choice for anyone who may feel a little claustrophobic. Since the overall volume is larger, single lens masks do take more effort to clear.

The materials

Any quality mask should be made of crystalline silicone. Almost all masks from any major manufacturer now use this type of silicone. It should feel very soft and flexible. Lower quality masks (such as those sold at sports stores, Walmart, target, etc) generally use a vinyl silicone that is not nearly as durable or as flexible. You can generally recognize vinyl silicone by its lack of clearness. These type of mask should not be used for scuba diving as the frames can crack under pressure.

How to fit the mask

1. Set the mask on your face (without using the strap).
2. Gently inhale into the mask until it sucks onto your face (you should not have to use any force to push the mask onto your face).
3. The mask should stay on your face with the initial suction you created. If you have to continuously inhale then there is not a good seal and the mask does not fit well.
4. Most masks have an inner and outer seal. Look into a mirror to make sure that both of these seals are sitting firmly against your face.
5. Make sure that there is nothing uncomfortable about the mask. If it bothers you now, it will be amplified when you dive.
6. Now that you have the mask on, look around and check your vision.

The Price

In general, a good scuba mask should cost around $40-$80. There are masks that go above this, but in most cases the difference in performance does not warrant the difference in price. If you find a mask below this price, then make sure you are getting a good deal, and not just a lower quality mask.

Take your time

Be sure to try on several masks. The more you try on the more you will start to figure out what you like and don’t like. Be sure to take you time with each mask. Make sure that it feels very comfortable and fits your face well. Since the mask will be your most important piece of gear, don’t purchase one unless you can first try it on.

If you have any questions, leave a comment and I will be glad to help.