If you want to explore deeper waters you need one thing, which is good clear vision. Choosing a good quality diving mask is central to an excellent marine experience. A diving mask is designed specifically for deep diving as opposed to snorkeling. The material used in a diving mask is of higher strength and quality than that of snorkeling. Therefore it’s unsafe to use a snorkeling mask for deep diving as it may break and cause a great deal of discomfort. The diving mask can also be converted to a corrective dive mask with Optic kit. You easily cut and stick the Optic kit to the inside of the mask hence you will be able to see clearly. Optic kit acts as corrective lenses for you mask and just like with your glasses, you can focus clearly every time you dive.
Like what has been highlighted, you need to choose a good quality mask, whether you are diving or snorkeling. A good quality corrective diving mask should have good quality glass. This is usually tempered glass so that if it breaks it shatters instead of hurting you. The rest of the mask is usually made of silicone and other composites that can easily withstand the pressures of the deep.
A diving mask has a nose-cover for pressure equalization when you are going down in the water. However sometimes water accumulates at the bottom of the nose and there are techniques used to force that water out. The same applies when there is fogging of the mask but a good mask should not easily fog up. You cannot use swimming goggles for diving because they don’t cover the nose, thus causing discomfort when water gets in your nose. This can also hinder good visibility and also cause disorientation while diving.
One of the most important requirements before you use a diving mask is to ensure that it fits properly. It should fit snugly but not too tight because you experience discomfort and even cause leakages. The straps should not kink which may also prevent formation of a water tight seal. It’s normal sometimes for a little water to enter the mask as long as it doesn’t affect function. One rule of thumb is to make sure the mask fits perfectly before you buy it. People have different facial contours so there is no one-size-fits-all mask. Ensure that the skirt of the mask wraps around your face without leaving any gaps. An easy way to do this is to inhale while the mask is on your face with no straps fastened. It should be held in place without any air being sucked in from outside. That tells you it makes a perfect seal when straps are applied. Good fit and good comfort come first before you look at the price. In addition, make sure there are no annoying blind spots which may affect your diving experience.
If you are a beginner it’s best to choose a clear diving mask as it allows more light in, hence you see more clearly. Professional divers especially photographers may opt for a darker diving mask as it reduces glare. There are many masks on the market to choose from but you are safer sticking to these basic principles. It’s important to be safe when underwater and a clear diving mask is the best option for you unless you are highly experienced. This is also important if you want diving goggles with prescription lenses.
If you wear prescription glasses, you can easily incorporate corrective lenses to fit the lenses on your diving mask. Optic kit was designed to address that as it matches the optic power of your prescription glasses. After attaching Optic kit to your diving mask you now have a prescription dive mask. Wearing eyeglasses should not be a hindrance to your diving expedition as you are now able to turn any diving or snorkeling eyewear to a corrective dive mask.
Usually, the manufacturer gives you instruction on how to maintain your diving mask but there are basic principles. It’s important to apply a defog agent to the lens of your mask before you dive. This prevents fogging up of the lens which affects hand-eye coordination and spoils the diving experience. Some diving masks come with an anti-fog film which prevents fogging so any pretreatment is unnecessary.
If it’s not there you want to apply toothpaste to your diving mask then rinse with hot water. You repeat the process twice and make sure you apply it on the inside of the mask lens and the outside. Any toothpaste will do the job and the abrasive properties remove a layer which makes the diving mask prone to fogging. However, you still have to use the de-fog spray before you dive. Pre-treat your diving masks with toothpaste before you use them unless the manufacturer tells you that there is an anti-fog film. Remember this is a once-off procedure.
Bugs can feast on silicone so make sure you keep your diving mask in its original plastic container. The same applies to exposing your diving mask to the blazing sun. All that damage results in loss of integrity of your corrective dive mask and it becomes unsafe underwater. You shouldn’t fumble with the straps before you dive. Make sure you know how they are adjusted so that you can set up quickly your diving gear.
The market is flooded with diving masks of different sizes and colors. As long as you have good fit, good comfort and a nose cover you can easily select the best mask. There are 3 different types to choose from and these are described below.
Good comfort because you are going to be spending some time underwater and you don’t to cut your dive short.
The diving mask has to create a good seal before you dive as any leakages will definitely spoil the diving experience.
Make sure there is easy pressure equalization feature in the diving mask.
If you are using a snorkel make sure everything fits perfectly before purchase
A diving mask can be used for snorkeling but a mask designed for snorkeling cannot withstand the pressures involved in diving. Consequently it can fail while you are under water resulting in you cutting short your dive.
If you wear prescription glasses, you can convert any diving mask into corrective dive mask by using Optic kit as the corrective lens. It’s impossible to scuba dive with glasses or go snorkeling with glasses. Instructions on how to apply are described in this page or this video.
Once you do all that you can enjoy deep diving comfortably and stay underwater for maximum period. Happy diving!