Buying the best scuba mask online. I'm new.

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Hey.

I just did an introduction post about how new I am to all this diving as an old friend is into wreck diving.

He doesn't know yet that I want to join but I wanna get some practice in and not be a burden.

I've been looking around at diving masks and it seems Low Panoramic are most comfortable and light.

I stumbled across this list: Top 5 Best Low Panoramic Diving Mask ? BestFiveReviewed Reviews & Ratings

Plus this list: Gear / Accessories | Scuba Diving

I'm wondering what advice you guys can give.

I've considered the AquaLung mythos based on the review. http://www.bestfivereviewed.com/aqualung-mythos/

Does anyone own one or can give me more insight?

Thanks
 
Agreed. I am an avid online shopper, but the one thing you can't really do online is the mask, unless the store has a great return policy.

Faces are so many different shapes. You have to try them on to find one that fits. Price doesn't matter either. You may find the cheapest mask in the shop fits you best. As long as it's a scuba mask then it is good.

I think I have 5 or 6 masks now trying to find the best fit.

---------- Post added August 8th, 2013 at 12:02 PM ----------

Look at the Cons for the Mythos - You will see what we are talking about. I think the low profile masks are even harder to find the right fit because they are trying to sit closer to the face.

I ended up settling on the hollis m1 mask for my face shape and it still isnt perfect
 
This is kind of like asking "which shoes will be best for me?" No one can tell you.

How to buy the mask? You should go to a shop or buy from an online retailer with a great exchange policy like Amazon.
Fit is most important... You may have to try a couple of masks on to see what works. It would be best to try them out in a pool. Cant do that online unless you are going to order several, return what you dont like, and have a pool. A dive shop may have a pool and let you use it to try a couple masks.

How do you try them on without a pool? Put the mask on your face and inhale through the nose. Mask should stay stuck to your face (make sure there is no hair in the lining).

Avoid Gimmicks. You will have a good mask a long time. Look for good straps. These will eventually break and have to be replaced. Does the mask you are holding have a weird strap mechanism?

Before Zappos.com came around I wouldn’t have thought about buying shoes online. I occasionally consider it but I still buy shoes in person. Masks are kind of like that.

TLDR: You can buy online but local shop is where you want to get a mask. Avoid gimmicks.

My opinion is that this is the best mask ever made. but there are tons out there similar in design.
 
Masks and fins must be bought in person, IMHO. Once you find a mask that fits (I've been through 15 or 20), you can buy as many as you want online, but not the first one.
 
There are many things I would cheerfully buy on-line; a mask is not one of them.

Go to a brick-and-mortar dive shop and try them on until you find one that fits, then, buy it from them. Yes, the cost will be more than on-line; you'll be paying for the privilege of having many different masks to try on, and touch, and feel, and see how it fits your unique face.

All the best, James
 
Hey.

I just did an introduction post about how new I am to all this diving as an old friend is into wreck diving.

He doesn't know yet that I want to join but I wanna get some practice in and not be a burden.

I've been looking around at diving masks and it seems Low Panoramic are most comfortable and light.

I stumbled across this list: Top 5 Best Low Panoramic Diving Mask ? BestFiveReviewed Reviews & Ratings

Plus this list: Gear / Accessories | Scuba Diving

I'm wondering what advice you guys can give.

I've considered the AquaLung mythos based on the review. http://www.bestfivereviewed.com/aqualung-mythos/

Does anyone own one or can give me more insight?

Thanks

Personally, I would never buy something like a mask online unless it was a product that I had in the past or was otherwise very familiar with; say, if I were replacing an old worn unit with the same model, or something of that nature. At the very least you would want to get fitted in person, or better yet try it out in the pool. How a particular piece of equipment is going to fit and/or perform is often difficult to judge until you actually use it real world. I can't even count the number of masks I have been though over the years.

Generally speaking, masks come it two basic constructs: Framed and Frameless. My personal preference is for the fameless models as they have a lower internal volume and thusly are easier to clear and sit closer to the face, are lighter, offer a lower profile, and usually provide for better viewing. My current favorite is the Scubapro Solo frameless.

Hope this helps, and best of luck in your search!
 
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I agree with James. Don't be a slime ball and try on a mask then get it online.

The quest for the "perfect" mask never ends. Back in the 70's Zonker of Doonesbury fame, was seeking the perfect tan. Never got there, but didn't stop trying.
 
Oh so that's why I'm having to ask on this forum.

I must find a diving place with a pool to test. I'm guessing this is best if I'm going to spend for quality.

Lots of useful info from you guys.
 

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