How To Choose A Diving Mask For Scuba Diving

Source: DHgate, Tag: Outdoor Sports

A good diving mask is an essential item to make your scuba diving experience safe and enjoyable. This guide will show you how to choose one.

Scuba diving is an exhilarating experience that enables you to explore the depths of the ocean. There are several things that a diving mask should have that you must look out for when choosing diving goggles. This guide will show you how to choose one.
You should select a diving scuba mask that is clear and made from tempered glass, a type of glass that, when broken, breaks into blunt small pieces rather than sharp shards. This is of course an essential safety precaution. Tempered glass is also necessary for pressured environments such as underwater. Tempered glasses also use various technologies to ensure you see clearly through your diving goggles ensuring your scuba dive is safe without obscuring the beauty of sea life.
The frame of your diving goggles is what holds the lenses in place. Some frameless diving goggles will be moulded into the material of the skirt (see below). These are great scuba diving goggles for backpackers as they can be folded into any hiking bag. However, a framed pair of scuba diving goggles are usually better when broken as you only have to replace the broken parts whereas if frameless goggles break you will usually have to buy a replacement mask.??
The skirt of the diving goggles forms a seal against your face. These are usually made of silicone and can often be hypoallergenic ensuring that your scuba dive experience does not cause rashes or skin irritation. A well-fitting pair of diving goggles will dramatically improve your scuba dive and the good fit is largely dependent on the suction offered by the silicon skirt. These skirts are now standard features in most diving masks and it is usually a good idea not to buy one without them. A double-sealed skirt will be an even better choice as they make leakage even less likely to occur.

The last major feature of a scuba diving google is the straps and buckles which are often made of silicon also. They can either be built into the skirt or attached to the frame.
Now you know the main features of a diving mask, how should this knowledge inform you about which diving goggles to buy? Your scuba diving goggles should have the above features at a minimum but there are also additional features you might want to consider. A low-volume diving mask will usually mean less air inside the mask and this usually means that there will be less compression of the mask onto your face. The fact that low-volume diving goggles will also sit closer to your face will also give you a wider field of vision during your scuba dive.
The colour of your scuba diving goggles and the skirt does not just make a superficial difference to your scuba dive but can also affect your vision. A clear skirt and diving goggle will let more light in than a darker coloured one. Some lenses of your diving goggles will also be coloured with a tint to prevent UV rays however, they can be more challenging to see other divers when underwater and may therefore be unsuitable to uninitiated divers who are learning from others.

Last and not least any diving goggles worth their salt should fit you well. A poorly fitting pair of scuba diving glasses will detract from your enjoyment of scuba diving. Ones that are too tight will cause severe discomfort whereas loose diving goggles may fall off during your scuba dive. Sizes range from S-XL and some are designed specifically for men, women and children. The most reliable way of ensuring they fit is to try them on rather than reading the size label.
To summarise you should always have safety, comfort and clarity at the forefront of your mind when buying your diving goggles. Your scuba dive is an adventure and you must have the right equipment to maximize your enjoyment of it. Scuba diving is growing in popularity and thankfully there are many manufacturers of diving goggles that understand the demands of the activity.
DHgate offers a wide range of high-quality diving goggles. Browse our range of diving masks HERE
Do scuba divers wear masks?
Some scuba divers opt to wear a diving mask that covers the entire face, rather than just the nose and mouth. These masks are usually one unit and as such do not require the wearer to hold the mouthpiece in place.
How do I know if my scuba mask fits?
It should be secure and not loose enough for it to fall off when you dive, but it should not compress onto your skin and uncomfortable to wear. Pay attention to different sizing options and adjust the strap until it fits well and is comfortable.
Why does my dive mask leak?
Loose-fitting masks that do not have a silicone skirt are prone to leakage as they do not seal onto your skin as easily. Even with a silicon skirt, beards or fringes can prevent the mask from sealing. Equally, an old mask may need replacing as the skirt becomes less effective over time.
How do you measure your face for a scuba mask?
Measure the length of your face from the tip of the nose to your chin. Sizes usually range from S-XL. If your face is less than 12 cm go for an S/M size. If above 12 cm you should choose L/Xl.

What should I look for in a diving mask?
You should look for a silicone skirt and one that is hypoallergenic for those with sensitive skin. Tempered glass faceplate or lenses are also recommended as they form blunt granules instead of shards if they crack. They should also fit well and be comfortable.
Is there a difference between scuba and snorkel masks?
Scuba masks are designed for diving and allow you to go deep underwater while a snorkel mask is designed for shallow exploration of the water and the surface.