| When it comes to snorkeling equipment, the
mask is the centerpiece of the collection. A proper mask serves
as the window between a snorkeler and the world beneath the
water. Without a mask in place to serve as a lens, divers would
have significantly reduced vision and distorted perspective.
For this reason, when choosing a mask, a snorkeler should pick
one that provides a clear, unobstructed view and does not limit
peripheral vision. Some masks include side windows, to allow
for wider vision, while others simply widen the front lens.
Tinted glass should be avoided.
The next step in
finding a proper mask is to ensure that it fits with your face,
that it creates a reliable seal, and that it will not leak
during a long dive. |
|
Testing a mask for
leaks can start when you first pick up the mask. First, note the
materials and design of the mask. Masks should have a stiff body to
ensure a snug fit and a soft flexible skirt where the mask presses
against your face. Next, test the fit of the mask against your face.
Does it fit snugly or does it pinch or feel loose? A good test to see
whether a mask is a good fit is to hold the mask up to your face with
the strap hanging loose. Once you push the mask gently onto your face
you should be able to keep the mask on simply by inhaling slowly. The
air pressure within the mask should keep it firmly secure. If you have
to breathe in forcefully to keep a mask on it is a sign of a bad fit.
Next, tighten the straps somewhat and get a feel for the mask when it is
fixed in place. Sometimes a mask will seal tighter with a looser strap,
sometimes with a tighter strap, but avoid the temptation to over tighten
a mask to try and eliminate leaks. A snorkeling mask strap is used
mainly to keep the mask from slipping off the face. The real seal is
provided by water pressure. Also, because a diver’s mouth is a
different shape when they have a snorkel in it a diver should try on
their mask while wearing the snorkel in order to get a feel for the
entire system. Because you will also expect to be making various small
head movements, try turning your heat and looking around through the
mask to make sure you have the range of motion.
It
is impossible to know whether or not a mask will leak until you actually
go for a dive, but using a mask out in a swimming pool is a good way to
see if it will leak. Sometimes even a small tub of water can give you a
sense of a mask’s seal or potential for leaks. Often, an improperly
fitting mask will allow a certain amount of water to trickle in. This
inflow, though often very small, can eventually build up to a
considerable amount of water during a longer dive and must be removed.
A purge valve, a built in feature on some masks, allows a diver to do
that by breathing out through the nose, but all snorkelers should learn
to clear out their masks with or without a purge valve.
Finally, masks exist for snorkelers of all shapes and sizes including
masks specifically for women and children. Divers who wear glasses can
find masks with built-in prescription lenses, or can have special lenses
fit into a mask. Some divers prefer to wear contact lenses while
diving, but these may get lost if a diver loses their mask while
underwater. Whatever your needs, chances are there is a mask out there
that is right for you.
Good mask vs. cheap mask:
Materials are often a good indication of the quality of a snorkel mask.
Most good masks are made out of silicone, which resists deterioration
better than basic rubber. Any metal parts of a mask should be made from
a non-corrosive metal, like stainless steel. Masks can be either
transparent or opaque, but many divers prefer plain black masks because
they reduce glare in darker waters. The lens of a mask should be made
from tempered glass, which is more durable and resistant to pressure
than normal glass. Masks can either be made from a single piece of
glass or two pieces separated at the nose. Others have side windows
that give a wider viewing angle. Whichever style, a mask should have a
wide perspective and should not cut off too much peripheral vision.
Straps should be easily adjustable and not fixed to the skirt.
Many expensive masks will offer double seals along the bottom portion of
the mask. These can help stop small leaks from occurring. Other
masks come with built-in purge valves to help expel water build-up from
the inside of the mask. These small one-way valves are generally
located above the nose. To use them, simply breathe out gently and
steadily through the nose. The buildup of air will force excess water
out the valve. Purge valves are not a necessary mask feature, however,
as snorkelers should know how to clear their mask of water even without
a valve.
Finally, there are several indications of a poor-quality or cheap mask
that a snorkeler should avoid. Masks which use a plastic lens should be
avoided, as plastic has a tendency to fog during a dive and can scratch
easily, obstructing a diver’s vision. Similarly, goggles, which cover
only the eyes, can distort vision unless they are perfectly aligned.
Also, because they do not cover the nose, goggles have no way to
equalize pressure between the two eyepieces, which can become a factor
during deeper dives.
As
with any piece of equipment, no matter how good the materials and
manufacturing quality, unless it fits comfortably it is not a good
choice. Be sure to test and try out your mask and other snorkeling
equipment before you take it out, to ensure a good fit and a good time.
Pricing: Low end masks
sell for $15 or $20, while top of the line masks approach $80 or even
$100. For the casual snorkeler, a quality mask that will last should run
you around $35-$45.
