New Mask Purchase Input?

[troyce1]

[h=1]I am looking at getting a new mask. I have a n Aqualung I bought 5 years ago, I don't think the make it anymore. It fit great when I got it, but it seems to leak when diving, but not so much snorkeling. A DM on a trip in Nov. said the rubber under my nose was too close to my nose and I should wear it further down. That does fix it, but during my dive it seems to ride up my face... which is not uncomfortable, but it does start to leak.

I was looking at the mask below, and wondering if anyone had any input on them? I know masks are all about individual fit, but figured I would ask about input regarding the below choices

Dive Rite ES145 Frameless Mask - $29 - A frameless mask would seem difficult to purge during a dive?[/h][h=1]Cressi Big Eyes Black Skirt Mask - $34[/h][h=1]Cressi Focus Mask - $27[/h][h=1]Cressi Sky Mask - $20[/h]

 

[covediver]

while I am not a fan of spending a lot of money on on equipment for the sake of saying a diver uses the best equipment, I have found in masks that the higher priced masks tend to be made from higher grade silicone, are more flexible, and less likeyly to leak. I had a non-descript sporting good store mask (US Divers) that I used for pool sessions and lap swimming. it had a silicone skirt and worked fine. must have cost me all of 18 bucks at a big box sporting goods store. the masks I use for diving are a bit more expensive and seal much better than the less expensive masks i use in the pool. i have recently purchased seavenger masks and found them to be a nice trade between cost and quality, but you cant beat my oceanic shadow or atomic frameless for fit and comfort. i dont find framelss masks to be difficult to purge. the less the leak the less you have to purge. that is why fit is so important.

 

[troyce1]

It's hard for me to drop alot of money on a mask right now, just because A) I already have a mask B) it may just be user error that is causing the leaks....

So I figured I would order 1 or 2 of the above and see which fit best out of the water and return the other.

Both the Cressi Big Eyes Black Skirt Mask and Cressi Focus Mask had alot of good reviews and ratings , so I figured on the low end of the price range it was a safer bet.

Have you had experience with either?

 

[Rhone Man]

Atomic Aquatics Frameless Mask - always a popular choice on SB.

Atomic Aquatics Frameless Mask, Regular Fit

 

[Paladin]

I have several different masks of different designs and this one is may favorite of all of them:

Snorkel-Mart | Snorkel Gear | Snorkeling Equipment | Snorkeling Combos |

The silicone skirt is soft and comfortable and molds easily to the face.

 

[troyce1]

What makes the Atomic Frameless so popular ?

 

[mizelissa]

I've been looking for a new mask too and after reading everyone's comments, I want to go to my LDS and try out the Cressi Focus. My face is narrow and some of the reviews said it was good for smaller faces like mine. Also nice that I can get it with the optical lenses so I can see underwater haha! The frameless looks like a nice one too but a little spendy for my mask budget.

 

[lucca brassi]

SCUBAPRO frameless , BARE frameless , HALCYON frameless

 

[buddhasummer]

What makes the Atomic Frameless so popular ?

For me because its the only mask Ive ever owned that fits properly (MED fit). I also like frameless masks.

 

[Brewone0to]

Personally I would avoid any mask with a purge in it.
They tend to fail and leak causing premature replacement.

Lowered volume and increased vision field of view.
Color corrective coatings are another nice option.

For those people who wear corrective eye wear, there are
models available that can be ordered with prescription lenses.

Ignore any opinions you read and decide on what works best for you.
Most importantly find a comfortable mask that seals well.