Buying A Mask Can Be An Eye Opening Experience

The Right Fit
Fit is critical to your comfort underwater. No matter how cool or expensive the mask, if it leaks it's not worth the money. Since every face is shaped differently, only you can accurately test the fit of your mask at your favorite dive source. So here are some tips for finding the correct fit.

• Before going To The Dive Shop be sure and try to recreate your personal diving conditions as closely as possible.
• If you normally have you hair in a ponytail , wear it that way to test the fit of a new mask.
• If you normally dive with a hood and gloves bring them along, too.
• Be sure and bring your regulator with you as well. We know it sounds crazy but it will change the shape of your face when it is in your mouth. You'll need it to ensure a proper fit.
• Dry Fit. Once you are ready to test a mask, put your regulator in your mouth, look up, and then place the mask into position. Be sure to either remove the straps beforehand or fold them out of the way. Be sure that the mask touches everywhere on your face. Pay close attention to the temples, the area between your nose and corners of the mouth. Also check the fit of the mask with your hood, if you wear one.
• Sniff Test. With your regulator in your mouth, set the mask on your face with the strap off and out of the way. Gently inhale in the mask. No need to suck hard. The mask should stick. Remember that facial hair, such as a mustache will play a factor in a proper fit.
• Nose Test. If you wear gloves when diving, put them on. With the mask on and your regulator in your mouth, you should be able to easily reach around the regulator and pinch your nostrils. Also, make sure the fit under the nose is not too tight.
• Snorkel Check. Make sure you can attach the snorkel to the mask strap. Some straps may be too wide or narrow. A figure eight keeper will probably solve the problem. Also, the straps should adjust easily and not press down on your ears.

Mask Features
Masks come with a variety of features, but here is what most divers need to look for:

• Low Volume. A low volume mask is easier to clear should water enter and aids in equalizing your ears. These sort of masks have less drag in the water. A low volume mask typically measures about 4.5 inches or less between the temples.
• Peripheral View. Being able to see through the sides of your mask is essential. When trying on a mask, check your ability to see side to side.
• Downward View. Your regulator and BC often limits your ability to bend your head to look down. You'll have to be able to look down to see your console, BC pockets, and such things. Square shaped masks are better for downward views.
• Upward View. A good upward view will help you see where you're going.
• Corrective Lenses. Choose a two or four window mask for corrective lenses. Most lens companies offer standard corrective lenses in one diopter or half-diopter increments now a days so you can be sure to see clearly as you dive.

Defogging
Getting rid of a foggy mask is pretty simple and is quick. Here�s how:

• Clean the lenses. Often time a dirty lenses is the cause of most fog problems. You can use Soft Scrub or toothpaste to clear things up right away.
• Use a standard defog solution. Be sure to follow the manufacturer�s directions.
• a simple trick of keeping your mask immersed in water during your surface intervals will help the lenses not to fog during your next dive.
• A small amount of water inside your mask when your lenses start to fog will allow you to just tilt your head slightly to rinse off the fog.