For many reasons, the prescription diving mask is a must-have equipment in your diving kit. Aside from giving you a clearer vision of the interesting underwater aquatic life, you must also see hand signals and read gauges every time you dive. These specialized prescription masks can offer you precisely that.
Diving masks are designed using higher-quality materials like shatterproof glass and silicone. These masks are made explicitly for scuba diving alone. Silicone has better pliability than rubber while forming a better face seal. Diving masks undergo rigorous testing to ensure they function correctly under pressure, even at depth.
But remember that prescription diving masks are not made equal. That’s why knowing what and how to choose one is essential. Before you set foot in a local dive store, take note of the following factors so that you will pick the correct mask right from the get-go.
Price
Prescription dive masks come in a wide range of prices to cater to all budgets. They often cost anywhere from $50 to more than $1,000, like full-face dive masks. But avoiding getting the cheapest mask on the market is recommended.
You also have to remember that the price tag isn’t and shouldn’t always be the number one factor when looking for a mask for diving.
If price is a significant concern, you might want to get a second-hand mask from the local dive shop and test it first. It may also help to know the products other divers recommend or have already tried using so that you can choose the correct mask with a valid price tag.
Fit
So if price isn’t the number one factor, what is it? It’s the fit of the prescription diving mask, of course! How the mask fits is undoubtedly the most essential factor to consider. A perfectly fit mask will ensure that water doesn’t enter the mask while guaranteeing a comfortable dive without needing to clear your mask constantly.
Since every person is different and unique, there is also a wide range of masks available to choose from that can cater to different head sizes, nose shapes, and face shapes. The nose pocket or nose enclosure is the first thing to consider as far as the fit of the mask is concerned.
Divers can easily pinch their noses and equalize when the nose pocket is flexible. Meanwhile, the correct shape will ensure no water enters your mask below the nose. It’s also essential to save divers from unnecessary panic since they might still be uncomfortable with the feeling of water around their noses.
Once again, try and put on several masks to find the ideal fit.
Skirt Colour
The mask skirt is the silicone part surrounding the lenses that seal the face of the diver. These skirts often come in white, black, or transparent colors, each of which has benefits.
More light enters the mask if it features a transparent mask skirt. On the other hand, black mask skirts lessen the glare and eliminate distractions from light patterns or surrounding movements. Another benefit of black mask skirts is that they don’t get dirty, making them look better for longer than their white or clear counterparts. Although white masks are less common, they appear great in underwater photography.
Number of Lenses
A prescription diving mask can have multiple, two, or single lenses. These are available in frameless and framed masks alike.
A single-lens diving mask offers a broad unobstructed view and retains binocular vision to assist with depth perception. These masks are perfect for divers who need a wide view while allowing them divers to pinch their noses easily to equalize. Frameless and framed versions are both available.
Single-lens frameless dive masks are low volume, meaning that the lens is nearer the eyes with less air required to clear the mask while underwater. These masks also offer a better field of view, folding flat to ensure easy packing and storage.
Two lens masks are also low-volume and are typically made with tear-shaped lenses. The lenses offer a broad view across the section of the primary lens with a downward view perfect for gear visibility. Since these masks are low volume, less air is required to equalize and clear the mask.
Finally, multiple lens masks feature small lenses around their side aside from the primary lens. These masks have the most expansive field of view, providing better light entry. Divers suffering from claustrophobia might want to consider using these masks.
Full-face diving masks are also a great choice, although only professional divers use them most of the time.
Straps
You might want to consider getting a neoprene mask strap with Velcro fasteners. It’s easy to use these straps, which are comfortable and prevent hair entanglement and pulling.
Volume
It’s great if you can choose a low-volume mask to allow easy mask equalizing and clearing.
You can find different types of low-volume masks in the market to find the right one for you and your needs.
Divers Who Wear Eyeglasses
A two-lens mask is recommended for divers who should wear corrective lenses. These masks are customizable with prescription lenses. Most manufacturers provide premade corrective lenses.
Diving with Mustache
It shouldn’t be an issue when shopping for a well-fitting prescription diving mask if you have a mustache. Divers with a mustache might want to choose a well-fitting mask like other divers would.
However, they must take additional precautions before diving to ensure the mask doesn’t leak. Shaving the part below the nose or covering the mask skirt with silicone grease on the area where it touches the mustache can help guarantee a proper mask seal.
Mustache divers prefer low-profile masks that feature soft silicone skirts. They can also consider a full-face prescription diving mask if they have the budget, although it’s not always necessary.
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