A comfortable, clear and unobtrusive full-face scuba mask can be the difference between an amazing dive and a decent one. Full-face masks are often very high end and are rarely used by anyone other than professional or commercial divers. If you are in the market for a full-face mask, you are going to want something that suits you perfectly with little to no drawbacks. Understanding the differences between masks, and knowing how those differences can affect your dive, can make your choice easier, and help provide you with peace of mind in your purchase.
Step 1
Set a hard limit for your budget. Full-face masks can run well over $1,000 as of 2010 so unless you are a professional diver who dives every other weekend, you're probably going to be looking at models lower than the best on the market. Write down your hard limit number and keep it in your mind as a "no matter what" ceiling while shopping.
Step 2
You'll find that the two most noticeable factors when wearing a mask underwater are comfort and how easy or hard it is to breathe. Place the mask over your face and get a feel for it. Check if the silicone skirt pinches your skin in any areas, suctions in the right places and doesn't push against any of your facial features. If possible, have someone assist you in making sure all of the straps and buckles are fitted at the right tightness.
Step 3
Many stores have freshwater pools or demo areas where you can test masks before purchasing. Try more than one mask when you demo them. The only way you're going to know if one is better than the other is if you try them both. Feel the weight of each unit to make sure it isn't weighing your head down and tiring your neck out.
Step 4
Test your peripheral vision with, and without the mask on. Have someone hold up a certain number of fingers while standing to the side of you. This will help you determine the mask vision and clarity. If the mask comes with LED lights to help you see, go into a dark area and test their effectiveness.
Step 5
Check the communication device compatibility. Many divers wear communication devices so they can talk to others when underwater. Check to see how easily the device mounts and how close the receiver is to your mouth. If you are also in the market for a communication device, test the clarity, distance and sound quality with someone else in the store.
Step 6
Learn the location of the surface air valve. Full-face masks differ from their partial-face counterparts in that you have no way of just spitting out your breathing apparatus to get air above water. Test how easy it is to turn open the valve. Also check where the purge valve is in case water leaks into your mask.
Tips and Warnings
- Be realistic with your final decision. While some masks may sport nifty sounding features, think about whether you will actually be using those features underwater. You may wind up saving yourself several hundred dollars by just being honest with yourself in the store.
- Once you dive with a mask, most stores will not allow you to return them. Be very patience throughout your decision making process.
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