Scuba Diving – Are those “special” Scuba Diving masks a waste of money?

I was doing some research to find out what is new on the market of scuba diving masks and I found some interesting offerings:

HydroOptix LLC a company based in Culver City, California developed an innovative product line, the HydroOptix Diving Masks. According to their web site their masks offer panoramic views allowing the scuba diver 350% more “visual space” than using conventional flat scuba diving masks. Their lenses technology provides true distance, size and shape under the water. As you may be aware when using traditional flat scuba diving masks underwater you will see things closer and larger.

Ocean Reef Masks manufactured by Ocean Reef Inc., headquartered in Genova, Italy. These masks, in my opinion, are the best products for serious scuba divers right now. The best example that shows all the technology developed by Ocean Reef in one single product is the Neptune Space Raptor. This is a nitrox compatible scuba diving mask that can also be used with conventional air. This model comes with an integrated regulator and offers an excellent visual field. According to the manufacturer web site this product is made of premium grade silicone rubber and a durable scratch resistant visor. In a past post I mentioned their underwater communication system; I am sure these gadgets will take your diving experience to the next level.

For me, the perfect product will be a combination of these two technologies the “true vision” lenses offered by HydroOptix used in the Neptune Space Raptor scuba diving mask!

To answer my own question (Are those “special” Scuba Diving masks a waste of money?): I don’t think so. I think that as scuba divers, we should take advantage of the developments in products and technologies to improve and enhance our underwater experience.

All the brands, names and images used for this article are the property of their respective owners.

Scuba Diving - UNDERWATER TALKING

A quick update on my latest post related to scuba diving with hammerhead sharks at Cocos Island (Coco Island, Costa Rica). This video will give any diver a good idea on what to expect to see during the immersion. Don't be scared by the number, because during day hours it is very common to see schools of sharks formed by more than one hundred sharks. Enjoy!

I don't know if you notice the underwater communication equipment that these divers are using. I know they are professional divers and underwater video makers (probably using expensive underwater communications equipment), but my point here is that these devices are very useful in any situation.

Ocean Technology Systems (OTS) offers a product for sport divers called Buddy Phone®, the technical name of these devices is 'Ultrasonic Transceivers' or 'Underwater Communications Equipment'; another option is the one produced by Divelink. In my humble opinion Ocean Reef offers the best of the best, the Neptune Space product line...dream equipment not for the average sport diver.

How to choose your scuba gear wisely…

Buying your first scuba diving gear is the key indicator that you are decided to jump to the water. You need to organize your shopping wisely, it’s better to first start with the basic stuff, and then, if you really (…but really, really) like this sport, you can buy the rest of the equipment.

Basic Equipment: Mask, Snorkel, Fins, and Wetsuit.

MASK: Your scuba mask is an important piece of equipment because it provides you a great view to the vast underwater world. Whether you buy a mask for snorkeling or diving, here is what you need to know before you purchase your next mask. Scuba masks come in an endless choice of style and color, but there are many things to consider when purchasing a scuba mask, including: field of vision, a high-grade silicone skirt for a lasting and comfortable seal, comfortable nose pocket and a high-grade, flexible silicone strap and strap fasteners. A high quality scuba mask and its proper care will ensure that it will last for years.

Features

Shape: Every face is different and not every scuba mask fits every face. You should try on a variety of scuba masks, of different shapes and sizes; to ensure the scuba mask you purchase fits you properly and will be comfortable for long scuba dives. The shape of the scuba mask and the silicone skirt on the mask must conform to the shape of your face to provide you with a comfortable fit. Ensuring the silicone skirt is a high-grade, flexible silicone can help to ensure the scuba mask conforms to the shape of your face and the long life of your scuba mask.

Nose pockets: The nose pocket protects and cushions your nose, helps to keep your scuba mask from fogging during a dive and helps you to maintain equalization. Ensure the size and shape of your nose pocket is comfortable; not too tight and not too large. This will improve not only the comfort of your scuba mask, but your ability to purge your mask efficiently. The nose pocket allows you to equalize the air pressure in your mask as you go deeper.

Volume: A low volume mask is easier to clear and aids in equalizing your ears. These masks also cause less drag. A low volume mask measures about 4.5 inches or less between the temples.

View area: Scuba masks are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes each offering a varying field of vision. The two most common styles of scuba masks offer either a 3-pane or a 4-pane lens. The 3-pane lens offers a single front lens with left and right side windows. A 4-pane scuba mask separates the front lens into two pieces and includes the left and right side windows.

Straps: Scuba mask straps are available in a single strap or a double strap design. The single strap should wrap around the centre of the back of your head. The benefit of the double strap is that you can position the top strap on the upper part of your head and the bottom strap on the lower part of your head to offer extra stability and comfort. Most scuba mask’s straps are rubber or silicone and fasten with a post-hole belt enclosure. Newer scuba masks offer a slide-lock type enclosure, which allows you to adjust the scuba mask quickly and easily when wearing the mask.

Which mask do I need to buy?

A good signal you have chosen the right scuba mask for your face is when the mask stays on your face comfortably without using the straps to hold it in place. You should try this simple test with each scuba mask you try on for the first time:

• Place the scuba mask over your eyes and mouth ensuring the mask is in the correct position.
• Take a quick, light breath in through your nose and immediately start to breathe through your mouth as if you are scuba diving. This will create a slight suction between the scuba mask and your face. The scuba mask should stay on your face. If you must push the scuba mask against your face, or inhale repeatedly to help the mask stay on your face, the mask is not a good fit.
• Keep the scuba mask on your face for approximately one minute. This will help you to determine how tight the seal is and how comfortable the mask is on your face.
• Exhale gently through your nose to release the seal on your scuba mask and remove the mask from your face.

Brands

Some of the brands of Scuba masks you should look: Mares, Oceanic, Seavision, Apollo, XS Scuba, Sherwood Scuba, Poseidon, Zeagle, Max, H2Odyssey, Genesis, Dacor, Odyssey, Cressi-sub, OMS, Tusa, 1st Diving, Aqua-lung, Aqua-sphere, U.S. Divers, Blue Reef, Aeris, Cayman, Genesis, Techni-sub, ScubaPro, Sporasub, Ocean Reef, Evo, Nova.