Black vs. clear silicone mask

[psychocabbage]

I use the Tusa Visulator (M-14) and love it. Its clear but I dont have any glare. I dont like the black ones just because I think clear looks cooler than the black. I guess, looking in the mirror, I like to see the silicone around my face sealed perfectly..

 

[Doc Harry]

The most important reason to wear a black mask is to look cool.

I just wear sunglasses.

 

[John_B]

Sas, try a slapstrap instead of the "standard" straps and buckles.

Oh, and (stating the obvious) avoid underwater collisions!

 

[Sas]

Sas, try a slapstrap instead of the "standard" straps and buckles.

Oh, and (stating the obvious) avoid underwater collisions!

What is a slapstrap? I had a neoprene cover on my strap, is that what you mean?

Hard to avoid collisions when they come from directly above But I do try

 

[John_B]

A "proper slapstrap" has velcro-style end tabs that loop through and attach to the inside of the actual strap. There are also neoprene mask strap covers (good for longer hair) but they just go over "standard" straps with a buckle that clamps down on the rubber mask strap.

The gray (grey?) tabs in this picture show how a real slapstrap works:

RE: Underwater collisions from above... Been there, done that! Remember to dive defensively!

 

[Gombessa]

Put more simply, a real slapstrap completely replaces the silicone strap that comes with your mask, the idea being that the silicone strap can tear apart and cause you to lose your mask. Either thin nylon webbing or long velcro tabs are sewn onto the neoprene pad and are slotted through the mask as a standard strap would.

There are also neoprene covers that look just like slap straps, but these are hollow sleeves that simply slip over the original silicone mask strap. The neoprene cover makes it easier to put the mask on and off since it doesn't catch against hair or hood, and may be easier for some to manage because it benefits from the elasticity of the underlying silicone strap, but it doesn't address the "silicone straps can tear" issue.

 

[Sas]

I have not had a problem with my strap at all, just a buckle, which broke so that the strap couldn't be attached. I am not sure a slapstrap would have been useful in this situation but I see its benefits in general. Haven't seen the slapstrap on sale locally before (just might not have noticed), but will keep an eye out, cheers