The mask is an essential part of scuba gear. Since the invention of the underwater breathing apparatus in the early 1940s, scuba diving technology has continued to progress.
Types
Old school scuba diving masks commonly featured a single circular lens that covered your eyes and nose. Newer models of scuba masks feature two separate lenses as well as a special nose pocket. According to Dick's Sporting Goods, the best scuba masks have a lens constructed out of tempered glass. The tempered glass helps to prevent the mask from fogging up during diving maneuvers. Avoid scuba masks with a plastic lens because they might distort your vision.
Fit
Most scuba mask companies offer small, medium and large models. Place the mask up to your face to perform a few basic fitting tests. According to the website Scuba Diving Smiles, the skirt of the mask should fit snugly against your skin to prevent leaks. Inhale through your nose to create a vacuum effect within the mask. The best scuba masks should tighten around your face during the inhalation test.
Features
The best scuba diving masks feature elastic straps that allow you to adjust the fit. An important feature of the scuba mask, known as the purge valve, enables you to release trapped water by exhaling through your nose. According to Scuba Diving Magazine, top of the line masks feature a special component known as the ear pod. The ear pods help to reduce the likelihood of an infection by inhibiting the amount of water that flows into your ears. The ear pods also aid in the equalization process during deep water dives.
Materials
Top-of-the-line masks feature a pliable silicone skirt that prevents irritation to your skin. The best scuba masks feature a frame made from an aluminum alloy. The hard metallic construction prevents the mask from deteriorating over time. The buckles of the scuba mask often have a hard plastic construction that helps to cut down on the overall weight.
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